The Flight of the Phoenix Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Flight of the Phoenix," presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, showcases a 1080p transfer that pulls from a 2K digital restoration using the 35mm original camera negative. While the image is commendably clean with excellent skin tones and a reliable grain structure, the overall color grading raises concerns. The palette leans towards cooler color temperatures, desaturating the yellows, browns, and blues which underpin the film's desert setting, rendering it atypical for its scorching environment. This shift results in imagery that occasionally misrepresents the intended visual narrative, stripping away the scorching severity of the desert sun in favor of softer autumnal hues.

Despite these chromatic deviations, there are technical strengths worth noting. The grain exposure is adeptly maintained without problematic digital alterations, and image stability is exemplary throughout. Nighttime footage achieves particularly impressive black levels, making those sequences visually satisfying. Although the color grading issues detract from the authenticity of some scenes, they don't overshadow the transfer’s cleanliness and sharpness. Nonetheless, compared to a previous Region-B release, this version's color inaccuracies are distinctly less preferred, although it maintains an excellent condition free of any marks or damage.

While this Blu-ray is a Region-A locked release requiring a compatible player for access, its technical fidelity is noteworthy aside from its peculiar color treatment. The lack of problematic digital interference ensures filmic texture preservation, offering an unblemished presentation albeit with altered hues not entirely faithful to the film’s original aesthetic intentions.

The Blu-ray release of "The Flight of the Phoenix" presents an audio experience anchored in its era, expertly remastered to provide a pristine auditory presentation. The singular English LPCM 1.0 track, operating at a bitrate of 1.1 Mbps, exudes clarity and fidelity atypical of a 1960s film. The sound has been remarkably cleaned up, ensuring that no hiss, crackle, pops, or flutter disrupts the listening experience. This refined audio is complemented by optional English SDH subtitles, catering to accessibility needs.

The dialogue delivery on this Blu-ray is exquisite, showcasing meticulous attention to detail during recording. It harmoniously integrates with Frank De Vol's evocative score and carefully curated sound effects, maintaining balance and depth across the entire soundscape. The upper register shines through with a healthy vibrancy, preserving its richness even at marginally elevated volumes. This level of precision in audio fidelity is exceptional for a production of its vintage, enhancing the overall viewing experience without sacrificing its classic charm.

In summary, the LPCM 1.0 audio of "The Flight of the Phoenix" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to careful archival restoration. It offers an impressive sonic clarity that preserves the authenticity and nostalgia of the original while eliminating imperfections typical of its era. This remastered audio track is both a technical achievement and an engaging accompaniment to the visual elements of the film.

The extras for the Blu Ray of "The Flight of the Phoenix" deliver a comprehensive exploration of the film's creation and impact. Director Walter Hill and Robert Aldrich biographer Alain Silver provide valuable insights into the film's production, its stylistic nuances, and Aldrich's enduring influence on American cinema. Additionally, James Stewart biographer Donald Dewey offers a compelling analysis of Stewart's dual legacy as an esteemed actor and decorated WWII bomber pilot, highlighting how these shaped his portrayal of Frank Towns. This collection enriches the viewer’s understanding of the film by combining historical context with in-depth character analysis.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "The Flight of the Phoenix" in English.
• Walter Hill and Alain Silver: Discussion on the film's production and Aldrich's influence.
• James Maitland Stewart: The Actor and the Bomber Pilot: Exploration of Stewart’s dual career.
• Leaflet: Contains essay by critic Gina Telaroli and technical credits.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Robert Aldrich's "The Flight of the Phoenix" (1965) meticulously captures the intricate narrative and aesthetic qualities of this survival drama set in the unforgiving Sahara Desert. Despite initial box office failure, the film stands as a quintessential model of the survival genre, driven by an all-star international cast. James Stewart leads as Frank Towns, a pilot embodying an atypically gruff persona, navigating the aftermath of an emergency landing in the desert sands with his navigator Lew Moran, portrayed by Richard Attenborough. The plot thickens with Hardy Kruger's Heinrich Dorfmann proposing an audacious plan to build a new aircraft from the remnants, challenging Towns and transforming the dynamics among the distressed survivors.

Aldrich's direction methodically unfolds into three segments, each capitalizing on character development and tension. The film’s second act shines as Aldrich explores the psychological and physical stakes faced by the ensemble cast, including Peter Finch's Captain Harris and Ernest Borgnine's Trucker Cobb. The quasi-documentary style juxtaposes methodical technical processes with the emotional depth of the characters, all underscored by Lukas Heller’s screenplay, which remains faithful to Elleston Trevor’s novel while injecting palpable suspense through unpredictable setbacks and moral quandaries. Distinct visuals, coupled with effective makeup to depict harsh environmental impacts on characters, resonate authenticity.

While stylistically divergent from its 2004 remake, Aldrich's version maintains its grip with grounded realism rather than visual spectacle. The interplay between Stewart’s character and Kruger’s innovator fuels the narrative’s core tension, illustrating themes of leadership and resilience amid adversity. Aldrich superiorly stages sequences that blend studio magic with genuine narrative immersion, elevating "The Flight of the Phoenix" from a commercial misfit to a revered cinematic study in human determination and ingenuity.

The Blu-ray release of Robert Aldrich's "The Flight of the Phoenix" attempts to pay homage to the director's knack for crafting dynamic cinema. Over five decades since its initial release, the film stands as a testament to Aldrich's directorial prowess, with strong performances from its accomplished cast providing a compelling cinematic experience. However, the source material for this Blu-ray edition is derived from a recent 2K master that does not do full justice to the film’s original texture and tone. The color grading seems to alter the native identity of the classic, suggesting the restoration process fell short of its potential.

Despite these technical shortcomings, this release compensates by featuring two new exclusive programs, adding value to fans of Aldrich's work and students of classic cinema. These programs offer expanded insights into the film-making process and story behind "The Flight of the Phoenix," enhancing the overall content offering of this Blu-ray edition. The supplementary material is expertly crafted and aligns well with the integrity of the original film, providing a richer understanding of the creative effort involved in this cinematic journey.

In conclusion, while I echo the sentiments of Walter Hill and Alain Silver in asserting that Aldrich deserves a place in the Criterion Collection for his remarkable body of work, this Blu-ray release does not entirely meet those high expectations due to its questionable transfer quality. Nonetheless, the supplementary content is top-notch and enriches the package considerably. For those who appreciate Aldrich's contribution to film, this release is recommended, though it leaves room for a more faithful restoration in the future.