Earthquake made in 1974, was one of the biggest films of 1975 in both America and Britain. Years later it is still very entertaining but is it a classic? Earthquake is full of lousy dialogue and bizairre casting decisions. Ava Gardner plays Lorne Greens daughter, despite a real life age difference of around seven years! There is some very weak acting, especially from Ava Gardner but this DVD print improves on the awful pan and scan video print from 1986. As for the special effects, they are still quite chilling and should be taken in the context of the time. The production design is good too while John Williams contributes a slightly off beat score. William's 1970s work was superior to his pompous and overblown soundtracks for Spielberg in the 1990s. Like most 1970s disaster epics the film takes time to get going but its harsh and cynical with none of the happy endings which featured in the 1990s. Overall, a fine classic film.