Fixed Bayonets! Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Fixed Bayonets!" on Blu-ray is commendably impressive, benefiting from a brand-new 4K restoration. The AVC encoded image in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio often delivers a refreshed and visually engaging experience. There’s a noticeable depth in the details, particularly in the soldiers' faces and the intricate textures of the environment. The film’s grain structure is finely preserved, devoid of any overzealous application of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), ensuring a genuine filmic quality. While delineation remains clean and unobtrusive throughout most of the feature, a significant drop in quality is observed during the final moments of the movie, where posturization mars the soldiers’ march towards the camera.

The resulting transfer from this 4K restoration has rendered the film looking remarkably fresh, akin to having been shot recently. Fine film grain serves as an appropriate canvas for revealing exceptional detail levels without resorting to any obvious noise reduction techniques. The intricacies are especially pronounced in facial features, demonstrating superb grey scale handling. This preservation prevents any loss of shadow details against the snowy backdrop, allowing every character to remain distinctly visible. Moreover, black levels prove rich and inky, steering clear of any crush, while the contrast is well-balanced, avoiding instances of blooming or blown-out highlights. Instances of damage or imperfections in the source print are virtually nonexistent, although a few fleeting shots exhibit slight softness—likely intrinsic to the original production rather than flaws from the restoration.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix for "Fixed Bayonets!" exhibits varying audio performance characteristics that require careful management during viewing. Although the mix is generally clear, users may need to increase the volume substantially to balance out the levels. During playback, dialogue exchanges often come across softly, contrasting with the elevated war elements and musical scoring. This discrepancy necessitates a degree of manual adjustment to maintain intelligibility and preserve the integrity of the performances. Despite these challenges, the music and sound effects are presented with acceptable integrity, maintaining their instrumentation and snap, although there is a faint but not overpowering hiss throughout.

On the other hand, when considering the distinctions and tonal shifts of the film, the English DTS-HD MA 2.0 track performs impressively. It manages quiet conversational moments and sudden explosions with equal skill, delivering clean and clear dialogue without audibility issues. However, some internal monologue segments may appear slightly soft, although they typically do not require level adjustments. The sound mix effectively accommodates the rapid shifts from calm, quiet scenes to loud, intense battle sequences without introducing distortion or other anomalies. The absence of hiss, pop, or dropouts further contributes to the ageless quality of the audio track, making it a commendable presentation overall.

The Blu-ray release of "Fixed Bayonets!" offers an engaging and informative set of extras. The commentary track features film historian Michael Schlesinger, joined by Samuel Fuller's wife, Christa Lang Fuller, and daughter, Samantha Fuller. This commentary is more focused on Fuller's life and career while also providing insights into the film's production history and his collaboration with actor Gene Evans. In addition to the commentary, the disc includes a selection of trailers, enhancing the overall viewing experience for film historians and enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Film historian Michael Schlesinger with Christa Lang Fuller and Samantha Fuller.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer for "Fixed Bayonets!".
• 'Ambush Bay' Trailer: Advertisement trailer for another classic film.
• 'The Secret Invasion' Trailer: Promotion for another film project.
• 'The Enemy Below' Trailer: Promotional trailer for a related war film.

Samuel Fuller's "Fixed Bayonets!" stands as an intricate war drama that delves deeply into the psychological and emotional battles faced by American soldiers during the Korean War. The film transitions from the broader expanse of warfare to an intensely personal narrative that captures the innate struggles of the characters. Winter’s cold plays a significant role, adding another layer of adversity to the intense emotional and physical challenges faced by the soldiers. This nuanced direction enhances the story's authenticity and deepens its impact, melding suspense-filled enemy encounters with a vivid exploration of wartime duty and personal courage.

The narrative revolves around a company of 48 men tasked with holding off advancing Chinese forces to facilitate the retreat of an entire division, a strategic move that underscores the heavy cost of war. With gripping performances, particularly from Richard Basehart as Cpl. Denno—who wrestles with the moral complexities of taking a life—the film portrays a realistic depiction of heroism under fire. The character dynamics, especially between Denno, Sgt. Lonergan (Michael O'Shea), and Sgt. Rock (Gene Evans), underscore varied manifestations of bravery and leadership, epitomizing Fuller’s deft character development.

"Fixed Bayonets!" employs an almost theatrical setting, confined largely to snow-covered terrains, which further accentuates the tension among the soldiers. This environment, coupled with Fuller's handling of suspense and moral quandaries, engenders a gripping human drama that transcends typical war narratives. The story’s focus on Denno’s evolving sense of duty and his eventual stint in command challenges viewers to ponder their reactions in such harrowing circumstances. It combines thrilling battle sequences with profound introspection, making "Fixed Bayonets!" a compelling study in wartime humanity and a standout within Fuller's oeuvre.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Fixed Bayonets!" provides an immersive look into Samuel Fuller's gripping wartime narrative. The film, set in the Korean War, diverges from traditional war epics by focusing on the mental battles of soldiers faced with leadership and survival. With minimalistic but effective action scenes, the film's strength lies in its portrayal of the psychological duress experienced by individuals under pressure. Fuller's direction emphasizes intimate character development, drawing viewers into the subtleties of fear, courage, and the heavy responsibility of command.

The Blu-ray transfer is impressive, boasting a pristine visual presentation that faithfully conveys the stark, atmospheric cinematography. The audio track is robust, delivering dialogue and sound effects with clarity and depth, enhancing the film's tension-filled sequences. This release also includes valuable extras, such as a thoroughly engaging commentary track that offers deeper insights into the film's production and thematic elements, along with a collection of trailers that provide additional context and appreciation for Fuller's work.

In conclusion, "Fixed Bayonets!" is an exceptional war film that deviates from conventional portrayals of heroism, opting instead for a nuanced exploration of human endurance and leadership amidst conflict. The superb Blu-ray package from Kino Lorber ensures that both longtime fans and newcomers can fully appreciate this classic. The disc's top-tier transfer and insightful special features make it a highly recommended addition to any film enthusiast's collection.