Platoon Blu-ray Review

The 1080p Blu-ray transfer of Oliver Stone's "Platoon" provides a commendable upgrade from previous formats, although it remains somewhat imperfect. The image retains authentic grain and avoids excessive noise reduction, though minor instances of DNR can be detected upon close scrutiny. This transfer holds a stable and generally clean print, with only occasional pops and scratches. Resolution and fine detail are greatly enhanced over standard definition versions, bringing out subtle facial textures, grime, and makeup effects not previously visible in VHS or LaserDisc editions. While some nighttime scenes suffer from slight black crush, the overall black levels remain appropriately inky, preserving the atmospheric tension critical to the film’s aesthetic.

Colors are primarily subdued, dominated by various greens that characterize the jungle settings and military uniforms. However, brighter hues such as reds appear in select props, adding minimal but notable vibrancy to the palette. Contrast levels are crisp and consistent, contributing to the clarity of finer details in both well-lit and dimly lit scenes. The transfer enhances visibility and delineation in low-light conditions, crucial for maintaining immersion during nighttime sequences. Despite signs of age-related softness in several scenes, the overall visual presentation retains a natural look with healthy grain structure.

This Blu-ray edition stands as the finest home video iteration of "Platoon" available to date, significantly surpassing its standard definition counterparts. While it may not achieve the pristine quality of more recent releases, it offers a satisfactory balance between filmic authenticity and modern high-definition clarity, ensuring an engaging viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Platoon's DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack is a mixed bag that struggles to deliver an immersive audio experience befitting a war film. The track exhibits fair clarity but tends to feel shallow and constrained in range. Music selections, such as "Adagio for Strings" and "Tracks of My Tears," appear subtly cramped and lack the natural stretch across the soundstage, often failing to reach expected volume levels. Jungle atmospherics like birds and insects bring some scenes to life, but heavy rains and weapons fire often come across as indistinct and lacking in power. Particularly disappointing is a scene where Chris fires at a villager's foot; the sound resembles that of a cap gun rather than a full-powered rifle. Dialogue reproduction varies throughout the film, with balanced speech for most parts but noticeable issues in specific scenes, such as the out-of-sync dialogue during a latrine-cleaning scene.

Although the soundtrack includes multiple language options—English 5.1 DTS-HD, English 4.0 Dolby Surround, Spanish, and French 5.1 Dolby Digital—the overall surround experience is weak. The lossless track lacks dynamic range and the desired impact one expects from war films. Explosions and gunfire lack depth and presence, often sounding hollow and overly subdued, which detracts from the emotional intensity of the scenes. Dynamic range and imaging remain narrow, making rifle fire sound muffled and artificial at times. Surround speakers generate some ambient noise but fail to create a fully immersive experience, leaving viewers wanting more from this Academy Award-winning film for sound design.

In summary, the DTS-HD Master Audio track for Platoon is a small upgrade from its DVD counterpart but falls short of expectations. While dialogue and general atmospherics are handled reasonably well, the track's deficiencies in dynamic range, presence, and clarity during action scenes are evident. Charlie Sheen’s voiceover occasionally dips in volume, adding to the strain. Given the film’s legacy and genre, the lackluster audio performance is a notable letdown for audiophiles seeking a more robust listening experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Platoon" boasts an extensive collection of supplemental material that thoroughly enhances its value for fans and film historians alike. The package features two compelling audio commentaries: one with Director Oliver Stone, who shares his personal Vietnam experiences and filmmaking insights, and another with Military Advisor Dale Dye, who delves into the film's authenticity and his own war memories. Notably enriching are the documentaries, especially "Flashback to Platoon," which interlaces historical context with in-depth cast and crew interviews, and "One War, Many Stories," showcasing heartfelt reactions from veterans. Additionally, various featurettes, deleted scenes with optional commentary, and promotional materials round out a highly informative and engaging extras section.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Oliver Stone: Insightful discussion on Stone’s personal Vietnam experiences and filmmaking challenges.
• Audio Commentary by Dale Dye: Detailed talk on the film’s authenticity and Dye’s Vietnam war stories.
• Deleted & Extended Scenes: Additional scenes with optional director’s commentary.
• Flashback to Platoon: Three-part documentary on the film’s historical setting, production challenges, and impact.
• One War, Many Stories: Vietnam veterans' reactions intercut with interviews with Stone.
• Preparing for 'Nam: Brief look at enlistment reasons and military training rigor.
• Caputo & the 7th Fleet: Interview with author Philip Caputo on the Saigon evacuation.
• Dye Training Method: Overview of Dale Dye’s actor preparation techniques.
• Gordon Gekko: Anecdote on naming inspiration for a Wall Street character.
• Television Spots: Three promotional TV spots.
• Platoon Theatrical Trailer: Original preview trailer.

Oliver Stone’s "Platoon," a deeply personal and harrowing portrayal of the Vietnam War, makes its mark primarily through its raw authenticity and stark moral exploration. Based on Stone's own experiences as an infantryman, the film focuses on Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen), a naive college dropout who volunteers for combat. Immersed in the hellish environment of the Vietnamese jungle, Taylor encounters a conflict not just with the enemy, but within his own platoon, symbolized by the opposing moralities of Staff Sergeant Barnes (Tom Berenger) and Sergeant Elias (Willem Dafoe). This internal schism among the soldiers serves as a metaphor for the ethical and moral divide that defined much of America's perception of the war.

"Platoon" masterfully captures the visceral chaos and psychological trauma of war. Stone expertly builds his narrative, beginning with Taylor’s initial idealism and progressing through his horrifying descent as he grapples with the ugly realities of combat. Notably, the film also examines the loss of innocence and the corruption of humanity, themes that are powerfully accentuated by Charlie Sheen’s voiceover narrations. The performances are uniformly exceptional; Berenger’s chilling embodiment of desensitized aggression and Dafoe’s portrayal of enduring morality provide a compelling dichotomy that drives the thematic core of the film.

Technically, "Platoon" excels in its authentic depiction of wartime conditions without relying on exaggerated dramatics. The film employs a meticulously crafted mise-en-scène to evoke the physical and emotional toll of warfare, supported by a strong ensemble cast including Forest Whitaker, Kevin Dillon, and Johnny Depp. The use of Adagio for Strings as a recurring musical motif underscores the film’s melancholic resonance, enriching its impact as a haunting reminder of war's profound consequences. "Platoon" remains a seminal work in the war genre, lauded for its unflinching honesty and enduring emotional power.

Oliver Stone's "Platoon" is undoubtedly a seminal work in the war film genre, capturing the harrowing realities and psychological impact of the Vietnam War. The movie not only delves into the physical tribulations of combat but also poignantly explores the emotional and spiritual turmoil faced by soldiers. Anchored by Stone's unparalleled direction and supported by stellar performances, "Platoon" remains a deeply affecting and enduring masterpiece. MGM's Blu-ray edition offers a commendable video transfer that brings out the film’s raw intensity and visual detail, albeit falling short on the audio front which does not fully capture the immersive battlefield soundscape.

The Blu-ray release excels in its supplementary content, featuring a trove of behind-the-scenes looks, historical insights, and in-depth discussions that enrich the viewing experience. While the audio could benefit from a more polished mix, the overall presentation still stands as the best way to experience "Platoon" at home currently. This release effectively showcases Stone's greatest cinematic accomplishment, preserving the film's thematic core and technical precision.

In conclusion, "Platoon" on Blu-ray is highly recommended for both dedicated fans and newcomers interested in war cinema. Although not entirely perfect, the video quality and extensive bonus material make it a noteworthy addition to any collection. The flaws in audio presentation do not significantly detract from what is otherwise an essential purchase for appreciating this landmark film in high definition.