Battle of the Commandos Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Battle of the Commandos," presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, provides film enthusiasts a mixed visual experience. This version utilizes a 2023 HD Master from Paramount Pictures based on a 4K scan of the original Eastman 35 mm 2-perf Cromascope (Techniscope) film. The resulting clarity and contrast significantly surpass the low-quality prints of past broadcasts, revealing many finer details such as uniform insignias and period vehicles. However, certain scenes, particularly those shot underwater, suffer from cloudiness. Night scenes lack depth, fading into blackness without retaining peripheral detail.

Unfortunately, the 4K makeover introduces notable inconsistencies. While delineation and depth are often commendable, viewers may notice fluctuations caused by aging film and surface imperfections like cuts and blemishes, which some might find intrusive. A significant issue is incorrect grading, especially concerning primary blue hues replaced by intense cyan tones. This results in jarring, neon-esque visuals comparable to problematic grading seen in other releases, such as "The Italian Job" 4K makeover. Although image stability is reliably maintained, a few uneven transitions occur. Despite these challenges, there are no visible digital corrections to compromise the film's overall presentation.

While Alejandro Ulloa's cinematography showcases carefully designed lighting and detailed shadow work that enhances the visual narrative, it is marred by variable quality control in the Blu-ray's transfer process. The audiovisual imbalance detracts from the viewing experience, despite promising sequences involving explosion effects and detailed props. This Region-A locked release requires compatible playback equipment to experience its complete content.

The audio presentation of "Battle of the Commandos" on Blu-ray is delivered via an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track with optional English SDH subtitles. This release appears to focus solely on providing a serviceable experience for English-speaking audiences through its dub track, originally created for the film's American release. Unfortunately, the results are decidedly mixed. The dialogue is generally clear but exhibits a noticeable echo, hinting at a dubbing process that perhaps intended to enhance comprehension amidst an international cast. While the actors visibly spoke in English, the audiovisual synchronization sometimes feels off, contributing to a sense of disconnection.

Despite these dialogue issues, the audio mix shines more effectively in its treatment of the film's action sequences. Sound effects such as machine gun fire, tank volleys, anti-aircraft shots, and explosions are rendered prominently, serving as a focal point of the audio track. The immersive soundscape extends to include subtler cues like ocean waves as commandos approach Normandy beach, adding a layer of atmospheric authenticity to these scenes. However, the overall impact is slightly undermined by an underlying thinness and unevenness in the audio quality. This suggests that minimal remastering effort was applied during the 4K overhaul process.

In summary, while the audio track fulfills its fundamental purpose, it does so without the depth and richness expected of modern remastering efforts. The lack of robust remastering leaves a somewhat anemic quality in dialogue and ambient sounds, contrasting with the better-executed sound effects. Although functional, enhancements could have elevated the listening experience significantly.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Battle of the Commandos" offer a rich dive into the film's production and historical context. The audio commentary by Nathaniel Thompson, Troy Howarth, and Steve Mitchell is particularly engaging, featuring discussions on director Umberto Lenzi's quick shooting schedule, his notable use of zoom shots, and the film's classification as a "macaroni war movie." The commentators analyze Jack Palance’s questionable Scottish accent and debate its authenticity. They humorously recall unauthorized filming tactics while focusing on the broader narrative of World War II adventure films popular in the 1960s. The commentary acknowledges the film's technical inaccuracies but underscores Lenzi’s knack for making European films resonate without seeming inexpensive. Furthermore, it highlights Wolfgang Preiss's dignified portrayal of a German officer and Palance's diverse acting career spanning from Italian films to classic American cinema. This insightful commentary enriches the understanding of the film’s cultural footprint.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: An engaging audio commentary by critics Nathaniel Thompson, Troy Howarth, and Steve Mitchell, discussing various aspects of the film’s production and context.

Umberto Lenzi's "Battle of the Commandos" (1969), newly released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, encapsulates the essence of Italian genre filmmaking. These films, vibrant with international appeal, adeptly mimic renowned American war movies like "The Longest Day" and "The Dirty Dozen". Lenzi’s work unabashedly embraces its copycat nature, driven by a desire to reach broader audiences and cultivate professional connections with international stars. Jack Palance headlines this ensemble, bringing a degree of gravitas to a film replete with international co-production nuances. While the plot delivers action-packed sequences bolstered by a relatively robust budget for its time, it suffers from a predictable narrative underscored by clichés common to the genre.

The film's storyline unfolds during the final stages of WWII, spotlighting Colonel Charlie McPhearson (played by Palance) as he accepts a high-stakes mission designed for vengeance against his adversary, Colonel Ackerman. Enlisting a ragtag team of convicts and outcasts, McPhearson aims to neutralize underwater mines and a critical super cannon poised against the forthcoming Allied invasion. Despite this intriguing premise, "Battle of the Commandos" suffers from choppy execution and lackluster character development, a result of the film's piecemeal script contributions from various creators, including a young Dario Argento. Lenzi's reliance on these fragmented inputs may explain the film's uneven pacing and narrative coherence.

While intended to be more than the sum of its parts, "Battle of the Commandos" fails to transcend mediocrity despite Alejandro Ulloa's commendable cinematography and Palance's on-screen charisma. The film struggles to elevate itself beyond mere homage to its inspirations such as "Where Eagles Dare" and "The Devil's Brigade", offering only intermittent sparks of creativity amidst an otherwise formulaic plot trajectory.

"Battle of the Commandos" presents itself as a tribute to classic American war cinema, driven by Umberto Lenzi's passion for Hollywood. Although the film engages in mimicry that spans several genres, its execution falls short of innovation, rendering it a derivative experience. The new Blu-ray release promises a revamped 4K restoration, yet the visual upgrade is contentious. Fans expecting a pristine cinematic reproduction might find disappointment akin to that felt with other regraded classics. The Blu-ray does not authentically capture the film's original aesthetic, detracting from its nostalgic charm.

The direction spearheaded by Lenzi prioritizes action over creativity, leaning heavily on familiar tropes rather than establishing suspense or uniqueness. This impacts the film's potential to rise above mediocrity, as opportunities for technical or narrative depth are often replaced by rote visual stimuli. Notably, Jack Palance's performance adds an unintended layer of amusement, with his exaggerated acting style injecting sporadic levity into the film’s otherwise predictable sequences. However, these moments are few and do not significantly alter the film’s overall routine structure.

In conclusion, "Battle of the Commandos" remains a war movie that struggles to carve out its own identity in a crowded genre. Despite high expectations tied to the Blu-ray's 4K restoration, the film’s presentation feels compromised. Although it offers a window into Lenzi's affection for American cinema and serves as a historical piece within his oeuvre, its execution fails to deliver a compelling, innovative viewing experience. For collectors and aficionados of Lenzi's work, this Blu-ray may serve as a cultural artifact more than a must-have item of remarkable cinematic preservation.