The Colditz Story Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Colditz Story" by Film Movement Classics showcases an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio. Leveraging a digital restoration with a StudioCanal masthead, this presentation aligns closely with previous reviews by Dr. Svet Atanasov, who underscores the fidelity of detail and overall visual appeal. Key areas like the roughhewn walls of the castle and the fabrics on the characters' sweaters exhibit commendable detail, although the film occasionally appears slightly dark. Gray scale modulation and contrast are robust, providing a solid and immersive viewing experience. Minor age-related wear is discernible but does not detract significantly from the quality.

The video restoration includes a comparative feature showcasing pre- and post-restoration samples which highlights improvements in detail and clarity, despite some print damage present in pre-restored images. While the new scan introduces constrained grain reduction, this leads to a buzzing grain effect and some compression challenges. Notably, dust particles during scenes such as the tunnel collapse create severe banding issues. The sharpening process induces small halos around high contrast edges, which is typical of such interventions. Yet, in tight close-ups where digital meddling is minimal, fine details remain pronounced. Vertical scratches appear but are not overly disruptive for a film from 1955. Deep black levels coupled with strong contrast ensure a rich gray scale that effectively conveys dark, subterranean scenes and candlelit interiors.

The audio presentation of "The Colditz Story" on Blu-ray features an expressive LPCM 2.0 mono track that successfully conveys the essence of this vintage war film. Despite a slightly boxy sound in the upper registers, Francis Chagrin's occasionally bombastic score is delivered with notable clarity. Dialogue is consistently clean and clear throughout, ensuring listeners can follow the narrative without distraction. The score, while vintage, showcases deep lows that achieve surprising fidelity for its age, though treble stability is modest, reflecting the source material's limitations.

Sound effects, such as the reverberation of occasional explosions or other incidental noises, contribute effectively to the atmosphere, enhancing the overall immersion. Minimal static and an isolated pop indicate a well-preserved and expertly remastered audio track. However, during scenes depicting gathered crowds speaking simultaneously, there's a tendency for the audio to become somewhat muddled, though this does not detract significantly from the overall precision and comprehensibility of the track.

Overall, while there are minor imperfections typical of older recordings, the LPCM 2.0 mono track is robust and engaging, providing a satisfying auditory experience that respects the historical context of "The Colditz Story."

The Blu-ray release of "The Colditz Story" includes a rich selection of extras that provide both historical context and technical insights into the film’s restoration process. "Colditz Revealed" is an engaging 53-minute documentary that delves into the real Colditz prisoner of war camp, incorporating compelling interviews with veterans and snippets from the film. The "Restoration Comparison" feature offers a clear visual demonstration of the film's restoration, using before-and-after views to highlight the improvements. Additionally, purchasers of "Their Finest Hour: 5 British WWII Classics" can enjoy an insert booklet with essays on all five films in the set and access the "About Film Movement" option from the main menu for additional text and a trailer about the distributor.

Extras included in this disc:

• Colditz Revealed: A documentary about the real Colditz POW camp featuring interviews with veterans.
• Restoration Comparison: Visual before-and-after views of the film's restoration.
• Insert Booklet: Essays on all five films in "Their Finest Hour: 5 British WWII Classics."
• About Film Movement: Text and trailer about the distributor.

"The Colditz Story," directed by Guy Hamilton and based on Pat Reid's memoirs, offers a fascinating depiction of the infamous German POW camp, Colditz Castle, during World War II. The film highlights the varied escape attempts by Allied officers, predominantly British, who were considered incorrigible by their German captors. Reid's gentlemanly demeanor, portrayed by John Mills, contrasts with the rugged individualism seen in later war films like "The Great Escape," which also shares thematic similarities. The ensemble cast, including Lionel Jeffries and Ian Carmichael, brings energy and nuanced emotion to their performances, reflecting a mix of defiance and camaraderie among the prisoners.

The film, released in 1955, captures a post-war celebratory tone, underscored by moments of gallows humor and witty British sarcasm. The camp's guards, especially Denis Shaw's portrayal of Priem, come across as somewhat caricatured, providing a stark juxtaposition to the clever and resilient POWs. This representation subtly mocks wartime German ideals, portraying the prisoners’ everyday lives with a blend of humor and resilience that slightly diminishes the dire realities of solitary confinement and escapee executions.

While "The Colditz Story" might lack the grandiose drama of other POW films like "The Great Escape" or "Bridge on the River Kwai," its approach effectively instills a sense of unity and heroism among the prisoners. The strategic planning and eventual escapes add an adrenaline rush to the narrative. Ultimately, the film serves as a historical artifact from a safe distance, celebrating wartime courage and ingenuity while fostering positive post-war reflections.

The Colditz Story is a well-done representation of post-WWII POW narratives with a unique blend of British gallows humor, deftly employed to soften the harrowing experiences of life under German imprisonment. Although it may not ascend to the iconic status of films such as The Great Escape or Stalag 17, it remains an enjoyable view with a few memorable scenes that provide significant engagement for the audience. The film's climax is particularly compelling, delivering a well-executed and exciting resolution.

The Blu-ray release displays solid technical merits. The video transfer is handled with care, retaining the film's original grain structure and providing a sharp, detailed picture that retains the authentic wartime feel. The audio track is clear and balanced, preserving the dialogue and musical score effectively. It's clear that meticulous efforts were made to maintain the highest quality possible within the constraints of the original material.

In addition to the film, the disc includes an enlightening documentary that adds valuable context and depth, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Anyone seeking insight into this unique historical period will find the additional content both informative and intriguing.

The Colditz Story isn't quite in the same league as The Great Escape, or other POW classics like Stalag 17, but if accepted on its own perhaps arguably somewhat slighter merits, it's often very enjoyable, with a couple of standout sequences. The Brits may simply be too (outwardly) polite about the whole situation for things to ever really build to a dramatic catharsis, but the film's climax is quite exciting. Technical merits are generally solid, and the documentary included very interesting. Recommended.