The Eagle Has Landed Blu-ray Review
Score: 71
from 3 reviewers
Review Date:
'The Eagle Has Landed' excites with tension, stellar performances, and quality Blu-ray, capturing a unique WWII narrative.
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Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 74
The Eagle Has Landed Blu-ray shines with sharp detail and natural grain, yet faces minor issues like soft scenes and faint colors. Overall, a solid presentation.
Audio: 74
The Eagle Has Landed's DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix delivers crisp dialogue, Lalo Schifrin’s lively score with dynamic range, especially in battle scenes, though bass in explosions could be fuller.
Extra: 61
Engaging retrospectives and interviews with key figures explore the filming of 'The Eagle Has Landed,' highlighting location trivia, behind-the-scenes insights, and the creative process in high definition.
Movie: 72
'The Eagle Has Landed,' a WWII film, captures a suspenseful Nazi plot to kidnap Churchill, blending historical fiction with thrilling action under John Sturges' direction.
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Video: 74
"The Eagle Has Landed," available on Blu-ray from Shout! Factory with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer and aspect ratio of 2.34:1, boasts a commendable high-definition presentation that, while not flawless, represents a significant improvement over previous releases. The video quality showcases a sharp and detailed image, particularly evident in the intricate architecture of the English village setting, where every element from pebbles on the road to the texture of bricks and even the fine threading of costumes is visible with remarkable clarity. The preservation of natural grain contributes to a filmic look, reinforcing the authenticity and period feel of the movie. However, some age-related defects such as minor flecks and occasional softness in scenes like the fog-enshrouded train yard introduction of Steiner and a boat sequence display slight but noticeable inconsistencies in visual sharpness.
Despite these minor imperfections, such as a slightly faded color palette that diminishes the vibrancy of the film’s outdoor locales and creates somewhat pallid flesh tones, the transfer manages to deliver strong contrast levels and balanced black levels. These elements ensure that both interior and exterior scenes retain much of their original detail and atmosphere, even in less than ideal lighting conditions. The strong contrast particularly enhances visibility in distance shots and contributes to a depth of image that brings out the best in this film's diverse settings. Issues like a hint of telecine wobble and occasional soft sequences do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience, underscoring the fact that while there is room for improvement, this presentation is yet the most definitive version of "The Eagle Has Landed" on home media to date.
Audio: 74
The audio presentation of "The Eagle Has Landed" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray is furnished with a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that adeptly bridges the gap between vintage fidelity and contemporary audio expectations. Despite the film's age, the audio mix delivers on many fronts, offering a listening experience that is both nuanced and robust. Dialogue throughout the film is clear and easy to follow, ensuring that no subtleties of the performance are lost. Lalo Schifrin's score, which at times mirrors the iconic tunes of 'Mission: Impossible', is presented with a clarity and warmth that adds a substantial layer of engagement to the viewing experience. Although the soundtrack's mid-range is well-balanced and detailed, it shines particularly bright during the movie's more tranquil moments and builds a suspenseful atmosphere as it progresses toward the climactic battle scenes.
The action sequences, while historically constrained by the technology of the time, manage to convey a satisfying sense of dynamism and impact. Explosions, although somewhat restrained in their low-end punch, are compensated for by the crisp and impactful sounds of gunfire, effectively immersing the viewer in the thick of battle. The stereo mix skillfully utilizes off-screen effects and precise panning to expand the soundstage, creating an impressively broad and engaging audio field that complements the on-screen action.
As the narrative escalates and reaches its zenith in the latter stages of the film, the audio mix truly comes into its own. The comprehensive range and depth emerge noticeably as gunfire, explosions, and the crescendo of Schifrin's score collaboratively envelop the viewer. This meticulously crafted audio mix does not simply rest on the laurels of its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 configuration but strides beyond, offering an auditory experience that is remarkably well-prioritized, balanced, and congruent with both the film's visual splendor and its historical context.
Extra: 61
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray extras of "The Eagle Has Landed" provide a comprehensive and engaging look behind the scenes of this classic film, catering to both new fans and longtime admirers. Highlighting the technical and location-centric approach, these extras delve into the intricate process of adapting a best-selling novel to the screen, featuring in-depth interviews with key figures like Tom Mankiewicz and John Sturges, and exploring the charming locale of Mapledurham which played a pivotal role in the film's production. Insights from Michael Caine and Donald Sutherland add personal textures to the technical discourse, while vintage on-location footage and interviews capture the spirit of the film's creation. This collection is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship involved in bringing "The Eagle Has Landed" to life, offering a unique perspective on the movie's enduring legacy.
Extras included in this disc:
- The Eagle Has Landed Revisited: Invading Mapledurham: Explores the filming village with interviews from residents and crew.
- Tom Mankiewicz: Looking Back: A nostalgic remembrance by the screenwriter.
- ATV Today on Location: A vintage featurette detailing the filming in Mapledurham.
- Film Night Location Report: Includes interviews with John Sturges and Michael Caine.
- On Location in Norfolk: Behind-the-scenes featurette with John Sturges.
- On Location Interviews: Extensive interviews with Caine, Sutherland, and Sturges.
- Theatrical Trailer: The original cinematic trailer for the film.
Movie: 72
"The Eagle Has Landed," as showcased in its striking 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation, remains an intriguing piece of cinema that weaves an unlikely wartime narrative with a palpable sense of tension and historical whimsy. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Jack Higgins, the film delves into the audaciously improbable mission of a German plot to kidnap Winston Churchill—a premise that, while fanciful, is rendered with a degree of plausibility and suspense that keeps viewers engaged. Under the adept direction of John Sturges, in what would become his cinematic swan song, the movie benefits from his experienced hand at crafting action-packed narratives with emotional depth, showcased against the beautiful, tranquil backdrop of the English countryside that is juxtaposed dramatically against the ensuing conflict.
The film's stellar cast, including Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, and Donald Sutherland, brings to life the complex characters entangled in this high-stakes game of espionage and resistance. Caine's portrayal of Oberst Kurt Steiner stands out as a decorated yet disillusioned officer whose loyalties are tested by the mission's ethical implications. Sutherland's Liam Devlin adds layers of conflict and humanity, bridging ideological divides with personal relationships that question the binary notions of friend and foe. The narrative smartly intersperses action with moments of introspection, challenging audiences to reconsider their allegiances and sympathies as the plot unfolds.
Technical aspects of the film, particularly its use of actual WWII footage and meticulous attention to period detail, augment its immersive quality. Moreover, the screenplay effectively balances historical liberties with dramatic necessities, creating a wartime thriller that is not only about the event it seeks to depict but also about examining the broader themes of honor, sacrifice, and the futility of war. While "The Eagle Has Landed" might occasionally stretch credulity, its remarkable cast, directorial finesse, and gripping narrative ensure its place as a memorable, albeit unconventional, entry in the World War II film genre.
Total: 71
"The Eagle Has Landed," meticulously directed by John Sturges in his final oeuvre, emerges as an intriguing war thriller that skillfully intertwines the narratives of a covert Nazi operation set against the serene backdrop of the English countryside, transforming into a tense and thrilling spectacle. The 4K UHD Blu-ray amplifies this cinematic experience, presenting an outstanding video and audio quality that breathes new life into the performances of Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, and Donald Sutherland. Despite a slow start, the narrative quickly accelerates, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps viewers engaged through its somewhat extended runtime. Supplementing this are a collection of vintage featurettes and interviews that offer a deeper dive into the movie's making and its historical context.
The technical presentation of this Blu-ray edition has been particularly commended, with Shout Factory’s video transfer receiving praise for its clarity and fidelity to the original filmic texture. While not the extended cut previously released in the UK, this edition's audio quality does not disappoint, ensuring that the thrilling score and nuanced performances are delivered with great dynamism. The inclusion of extras such as behind-the-scenes looks and “then and now” comparisons of the filming locations enrich the overall package, offering fans and newcomers alike a comprehensive insight into the film's production.
In conclusion, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Eagle Has Landed" offers a stellar home viewing experience that both respects and rejuvenates the original film. It strikes an excellent balance between technical prowess in audio-visual presentation and supplementary content that deepens appreciation for the film. Recommended for aficionados of classic war movies and those seeking a nuanced, thrilling portrayal of an unconventional WWII story, this edition underscores why the film deserves recognition beyond its underrated status.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 70
From a damage perspective, the elements used for this transfer are in more than adequate shape, with relatively few issues to report, and then only very minor ones like occasional flecks and the like....
Audio: 80
The Eagle Has Landed features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that boasts excellent fidelity, delivering both dialogue and Lalo Schifrin's exciting (if occasionally Mission: Impossible- esque sounding)...
Extras: 60
On Location Interviews (1080i; 25:53) is a great compendium of vintage interviews with Caine, Sutherland and Sturges....
Movie: 80
While the basic premise of the film is at the very least far fetched, Mankiewicz's screenplay makes it all seem rather improbably possible (to coin a phrase), and Sturges directs with his customary flair...
Total: 80
The Eagle Has Landed takes a while to set its pieces in motion and its players in place, but once everything has shifted to the sylvan English countryside, things get very tense and very exciting in a...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
Every pebble on the road, brick on the wall, and stone in the old church is plainly visible, while the faces of the cast reveal each wrinkle and we can clearly see the texture and threading in the costumes....
Audio: 80
Imaging delivers a broad soundfield with surprisingly excellent off-screen effects and panning, and the music of Lalo Schifrin displays a good deal of warmth and fidelity....
Extras: 20
On Location Interviews (1080i/60, 26 min) — The most substantial featurette of the entire package is another set of interviews with Caine, Sutherland, and Sturges on shooting locations, characters, the...
Movie: 80
They are not exactly a group of convicts and troublemakers as in Aldrich's classic, but similarly, they're a troop conflicted about the war, thought of as an embarrassment to the uniform, with the stakes...
Total: 60
Brimming with stirring performances by Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, and Donald Sutherland, 'The Eagle Has Landed' is an excellent war thriller that imagines a Nazi perspective on a covert operation for...
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 80
Unless this film is given a top tier restoration like The Wizard of Oz, this will probably be the best it’s going to look and I can live with it as it is still a far cry better than previous releases....
Audio: 70
For most of the movie, the mix is fairly low key but towards the end of the film it comes to life when the battle begins....
Extras: 70
In fact, he starts off this talk saying that he probably got the job because of his work on the Bond movies and the producers and the studio thought he would be a good fit for adapting the novel that the...
Movie: 60
It’s a rare film that tries to make you root for the Nazis and one that makes the American soldiers look incompetent and even lets some of the guilty parties escape....
Total: 70
This new Blu-ray isn’t the extended cut that came out in the UK awhile back, but Shout Factory did a nice job with the video transfer and the audio quality is pretty good too....
Director: John Sturges
Actors: Michael Caine, Donald Sutherland, Robert Duvall
PlotIn the midst of World War II, a bold scheme is conceived by the Nazis to turn the tide of the war in their favor. Colonel Max Radl, a German officer, comes across the audacious plan proposed by a disgraced war hero and sees an opportunity to regain his standing. The mission, codenamed "Eagle," involves kidnapping or assassinating the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Radl meticulously sets the plan in motion, selecting a team of commandos led by the skilled Irishman Liam Devlin and the experienced German paratrooper Kurt Steiner. Their objective is to infiltrate a small English village, where intelligence suggests Churchill will be staying. The operation hinges on the element of surprise and the commando team's ability to blend into the local population.
As the team lands in England and begins to integrate themselves into the village community, they encounter unforeseen challenges and resistance. Among the villagers, suspicions arise, and loyalties are tested, leading to a complex weave of alliances and opposition. Meanwhile, the commandos must navigate their personal conflicts and the moral dilemmas of war, all while maintaining their cover and pushing forward with their mission. The plot thickens as they draw closer to their target, facing both the operational hurdles of such a daring mission and the unpredictable human elements that could spell their success or doom.
Writers: Tom Mankiewicz, Jack Higgins
Release Date: 25 Dec 1976
Runtime: 123 min
Rating: PG
Country: United Kingdom
Language: Finnish, English, German, Polish