The Great Escape 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The Great Escape" makes a grand entrance into the 4K UHD Blu-ray realm with its presentation meticulously encoded in HEVC/H.265 and flaunting an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. This release by Kino Lorber showcases the film's stellar 4K restoration, previously celebrated in Criterion's Blu-ray version. It’s crucial for enthusiasts to note that this edition comes exclusively as a 4K release, omitting the inclusion of a standard Blu-ray copy.

Upon viewing, one cannot help but notice the remarkable upgrade in visual fidelity, accentuated by the original film's characteristic density fluctuations—a hallmark of its early '60s cinematography. This results in what might be perceived as softness in a standard 1080p resolution now being revealed as an authentic, dynamic variation inherent to 35mm film. The improvement is not uniformly distributed across all scenes, with certain dark or nighttime footage demonstrating these organic shifts more evidently. However, the visual density and color balance throughout are praiseworthy, showcasing an impressive level of detail and fluidity that native 4K resolution brings to the fore, even without HDR enhancement. The presentation is free from any stability issues or age-related flaws and is devoid of encoding anomalies.

Viewers considering an upgrade from the previously available Blu-ray version of the 4K restoration will find compelling reasons to do so. The transition from upscaled Blu-ray to native 4K not only enhances the visual quality but also potentially accentuates these improvements on larger screens, offering a cinematic experience closer to the original intention. This release, being region-free, further broadens its accessibility to fans worldwide, affirming its essential status in the collections of cinephiles and enthusiasts of classic cinema.

The audio presentation of "The Great Escape" on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers viewers a choice between two distinct tracks: the English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono and the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, both at 48kHz, 24-bit quality. This dual offering caters to purists who prefer the original monaural presentation, as well as those seeking a more immersive auditory experience with the 5.1 surround sound. Accompanying these tracks, optional English SDH subtitles are made available, thoughtfully integrated within the image frame to aid understanding without detracting from the visual experience.

Delving into the specifics of these tracks, it's noteworthy that the 5.1 surround sound option was crafted by Chace Audio in Hollywood, California, back in 2002. This mix has been commended for its dynamic range, which markedly elevates the audio quality of the film's more action-packed scenes. The clarity is reported to be superior, possibly attributed to the more expansive sound design that a 5.1 channel setup offers. Not only does this envelop viewers in a more engaging auditory envelope, but it also enhances certain aspects of the movie that may not shine as brightly in mono.

Despite personal preferences for the traditional mono track, testing out the 5.1 surround sound setup reveals no technical faults, suggesting a seamless and high-quality listening experience. Both audio options reflect a high standard of auditory fidelity, catering to diverse audience tastes without compromising on the integrity of the original soundscape. This attention to detail in audio presentation ensures that fans of "The Great Escape" can enjoy this cinematic classic with sound quality that meets or exceeds contemporary expectations.

The extra presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Great Escape" offers a comprehensive and deeply engaging suite of content that enriches the viewing experience considerably. Through two distinct audio commentaries, enthusiasts receive a wide array of insights—from heartfelt recollections by the film’s admirers Steve Mitchel and Steven Jay Rubin, to an invaluable archival conversation featuring John Sturges and key cast and crew members. This blend of personal passion and behind-the-scenes knowledge sets a high bar. Further, the inclusion of various documentaries and interviews adds significant value, offering perspectives on both the cinematic portrayal and the historical reality of the escape. The archival materials, including the touching homage to the real Virgil Hilts and additional interviews extending the narrative of the escape's planning and execution, provide depth and context that fans of history and cinema alike will appreciate.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary One: An engaging new commentary by filmmaker/critic Steve Mitchel and author/critic Steven Jay Rubin.
• Audio Commentary Two: A historical treasure featuring director John Sturges among others, hosted by Jay Rubin.
• Return to The Great Escape: A look at the production history including vintage interviews.
• The Great Escape: Heroes Underground: Narrated by Burt Reynolds, delves into the actual event behind the film.
• Bringing Fact to Fiction: Focused insight on adapting reality to screen.
• Preparations for Freedom: Details the extensive preparations for the escape.
• The Flight to Freedom: Concise exploration of the escape sequence.
• A Standing Ovation: A brief reflection on the film’s impact.
• The Real Virgil Hilts: A Man Called Jones: An intimate look at the inspiration behind McQueen's character.
• Great Escape: The Untold Story: An in-depth documentary on the escape with survivor interviews.
• Great Escape: The Untold Story - Additional Interviews: Bonus interviews providing more insights.
• Trailer: A remastered version of the original film trailer.

John Sturges' cinematic classic, "The Great Escape" (1963), has been meticulously restored and presented in 4K UHD Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, offering an unparalleled viewing experience of this legendary film. The remastered version shines with a pristine quality that breathes new life into the vivid storytelling and magnificent landscapes, enhanced by Daniel L. Fapp's outstanding cinematography and Elmer Bernstein’s Oscar-winning score. This release is bolstered by compelling supplemental features including new audio commentary and archival materials, making it a comprehensive package for enthusiasts of this iconic movie. Insightfully, the film is region-free, supplemented with optional English SDH subtitles, catering to a diverse audience base.

The film’s narrative, derived from an original script by James Clavell and W.R. Burnett and based on Paul Brickhill's novel, recounts the daring escape of Allied officers from a Luftwaffe-operated camp in Sagan, Poland. Despite some critics pointing out its deviations from historical accuracy, labeling it a fanciful portrayal more akin to a cinematic fairy tale than a war documentary, "The Great Escape" remains a compelling saga of resilience and camaraderie. The ensemble cast, led by Richard Attenborough and Steve McQueen, showcases a harmonious blend of British and American talents, transcending individual egos to capture the collective spirit and ingenious escape plans of the prisoners.

However, it's not without its criticisms—particularly regarding its tonal inconsistencies and portrayal of the camp's overseers as overly naive. These elements have led some to view portions of the film as leaning more towards period comedy than serious war narrative. Despite these critiques, the final act of the movie remains gripping, featuring iconic sequences such as McQueen's motorcycle escape which, while enhancing its legacy as a Hollywood classic, also underscores the film’s departure from strict historical authenticity. This release serves not just as a tribute to the technical and artistic achievements of Sturges and his team but also as an artifact of its time, reflecting the blending of factual base with creative liberty typical of its era.

The Great Escape" has long been held in high esteem as a classic war film, offering audiences a blend of suspense, drama, and action. However, it's imperative to approach this cinematic piece with the understanding that it operates more as a compelling narrative than a strict historical recount. While the film boasts remarkable performances and memorable action sequences, it arguably romanticizes the reality of wartime imprisonment. Critics and viewers seeking a historically accurate portrayal of life in German war camps may find the narrative's liberties detract from its authenticity. For a more factual representation of such experiences, films like Lajos Koltai's "Fateless" and Hardy Martins' "As Far as My Feet Will Carry Me" are recommended alternatives that do not shy away from the grim truths of such dire circumstances.

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Great Escape" presents an outstanding opportunity to experience this revered film with an enhanced visual and auditory presentation. The recent 4K restoration, previously introduced by the Criterion Collection on Blu-ray, is leveraged to its fullest, delivering substantial improvements over earlier releases. Viewers who prioritize high-definition quality in their cinematic experiences will find the upgrade to this version rewarding. This release is not just an appeal to aficionados of war films but also to enthusiasts of cinema who appreciate the finesse of restoration bringing classic films back to life in unparalleled clarity.

In conclusion, while "The Great Escape" might tread lightly on the complexities and brutal realities of war, its cinematic virtues remain undeniable. The Kino Lorber 4K UHD Blu-ray edition enhances these virtues, providing viewers with a visually striking version of this classic narrative. The upgrade is indeed worthwhile, offering a blend of historical adventure and technical excellence that comes highly recommended for collectors and new viewers alike, ensuring that the film continues to captivate audiences for years to come.