The Purple Plain Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 1.66:1 aspect ratio presentation of "The Purple Plain" Blu-ray reveals both strengths and weaknesses inherent to the age of the source material. The image showcases adequate detail, capturing facial features and production designs with a satisfactory level of clarity. Fine film grain has been preserved, contributing to a richly detailed presentation. However, the transfer is undermined by consistent speckling, scratches, and occasional severe damage points, which can be distracting, especially in darker scenes.

Color reproduction is generally stable, showing a preference for warmer earth tones, while primary colors maintain a natural appearance without becoming overly stylized. Skin tones and costuming appear comfortable and lifelike, though there is some noticeable fading. The overall brightness of the presentation offers passable delineation, ensuring that textures and locations retain a reasonable depth. Despite these visual strengths, the evident wear and tear on the source print highlights the need for a modest restoration effort to enhance viewing quality better.

The audio presentation of "The Purple Plain" utilizes a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix, which presents a mixed listening experience. The track noticeably lacks depth and volume, often requiring viewers to significantly increase their volume settings to achieve acceptable playback. Dialogue is managed adequately when considering the film's age, though it lacks the clarity found in more contemporary soundtracks. The score, while appropriately atmospheric, tends to be somewhat subdued. Despite these shortcomings, the mix does effectively heighten dramatic extremes and maintains reasonable intelligibility throughout.

Sound effects are a notable aspect of this audio track, with elements like bombs and nightmare sequences introducing necessary chaos to the narrative, though they can be volatile. Despite the generally low level of hiss and minimal age-related anomalies, the track could benefit from an updated restoration to enhance its overall clarity and dynamics. Action sequences stand out as a strength of this mix, delivering intensity without sacrificing stability or requiring additional adjustments once the volume is set appropriately.

The Blu Ray release of "The Purple Plain" offers a satisfactory array of extras, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of the film. Unfortunately, there is no dedicated supplementary material directly related to "The Purple Plain" itself, which is a missed opportunity for fans seeking in-depth insights or historical context. Instead, the disc includes trailers for a selection of other films, providing a brief but engaging look at similar era-specific cinematic offerings. The trailers are all presented in high definition, ensuring a visually crisp and clear experience that complements the primary feature. This collection of trailers serves as both a nostalgic nod to past cinema and an interesting comparison to the primary movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• 'The Wonderful Country' Trailer: A high definition trailer for "The Wonderful Country."
• 'On The Beach' Trailer/Premier: Includes both trailer and premiere footage.
• 'Billy Two Hats' Trailer: High definition trailer for "Billy Two Hats."

"The Purple Plain" is a compelling film from 1954 that stands out not just as a war movie but as an intense psychological drama. Directed by Robert Parrish and starring Gregory Peck, the film adeptly navigates the emotional landscape of a fighter pilot, Bill Forrester, who is plagued by a deep personal loss and a desire for death. Peck’s portrayal is marked by a quiet intensity, showing a man wresting with inner turmoil while inadvertently being perceived as fearless by his peers. The character's arc from a death-seeking aviator to someone slowly rediscovering the value of life through the character Anna (Win Min Than) forms the core of the narrative.

Though set against the backdrop of WWII, the film diverts from conventional war cinema to focus on themes of love, survival, and redemption. Acts of heroism are deeply intertwined with Forrester’s struggle to find meaning amidst his grief-suffused existence. The notable air disasters and crash landings serve to propel the survival story, highlighting the transformation of Forrester’s character. The screenplay, adapted from H.E. Bates’ novel, provides depth to this journey, making it more of a character study than a straightforward war action film.

Gregory Peck’s performance is paramount, showcasing his ability to shift effortlessly from portraying a detached, almost reckless persona to revealing a vulnerable side yearning for hope. Director Robert Parrish effectively balances the budding romance with Anna by allowing it to simmer naturally without veering into melodrama. Additionally, the film’s latter section, involving survival in the Burmese desert after a crash landing, further draws audiences into Forrester's redemption and ultimate will to live. While action sequences are present, they are not the focal point; instead, the film thrives on its character-driven narrative and emotional gravitas, making it a fine piece for those interested in profound character dramas paralleled with subtle wartime elements.

Review of "The Purple Plain" Blu-ray:

"The Purple Plain" stands out as a poignant exploration of a man grappling with grief set against the backdrop of WWII. Gregory Peck delivers an exceptional performance, guiding viewers through a narrative that oscillates between profound emotional introspection and nerve-wracking survival. The film's initial act delves deeply into the protagonist's psyche, capturing the rawness of his despair and his gradual journey towards finding a purpose. This emotional groundwork sets the stage for the latter half, which transitions into a visceral survival story, pitting the characters against harsh natural elements and wartime adversities. While this shift in tone sacrifices some intimacy, the core pathos remains, providing a gripping portrait of mismanaged grief and soulful restoration.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "The Purple Plain" presents a mixed bag in terms of technical quality. The image transfer reveals some shortcomings, with the source print showing noticeable wear and lacking the clarity one might expect from a high-definition release. That said, once the audio volume is appropriately adjusted, the DTS track performs adequately, conveying the film's atmospheric score and dialogues effectively. However, it's disappointing to note the absence of substantive special features, with only trailers for other films included. This omission detracts from the overall value, particularly for collectors seeking a comprehensive edition with insightful extras.

In conclusion, "The Purple Plain" delivers a compelling survival thriller anchored by Gregory Peck's nuanced portrayal of a man rediscovering his will to live. Despite the Blu-ray release's technical and supplemental shortcomings, the film itself is remarkably engaging and worth watching. The exploration of grief and resilience makes it a fascinating addition to any WWII cinema collection, ideally experienced despite its few flaws in presentation.