Von Ryan's Express Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Von Ryan's Express" is a mixed bag, particularly when considering its video quality. Shot predominantly with the Panavision system and some scenes in Fox's native CinemaScope, the film's 2.35:1 image is notably grainy. This pervasive analog film noise impacts the overall clarity, making fine details seem generally fuzzy and undefined, although there are moments where they almost impress. Notably, there's no presence of blatant digital noise reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement, which might appeal to purists. The color reproduction fares relatively better, showcasing a warm and rich palette with balanced skin tones and good contrast, though the day-for-night shots falter with crushed shadow details that make them look suboptimal.

On the source print front, there is visible wear and tear in the form of white specks and abrasions throughout several scenes. Additionally, chroma and compression noise occasionally intermingle with the natural film grain, reminding viewers that more could have been achieved in cleanup and restoration. While fans familiar with the DVD version will observe a noticeable improvement, it's not a drastic enhancement, implying that further efforts could have propelled "Von Ryan's Express" closer to pristine condition.

Fox’s Blu-ray release of "Von Ryan's Express" offers a reworked audio experience, transitioning from the original monoaural mix to a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Though this update promises a richer soundscape, the rear speakers are rarely engaged, leaving a subtle and quiet bleeding of sound from the front channels into the surround aspect. Purists will appreciate the absence of exaggerated sound effects, but the decision to produce a 5.1 mix may seem superfluous given its minimal impact. However, the mix delivers acceptable sound quality for a mid-1960s war movie, with moments of muffled or peaky audio in the prison camp scenes. Jerry Goldsmith’s classic score shines through with martial rhythms and acute instrumentation, maintaining its historical significance and richness.

Dialogue in the upgraded mix is consistently clear and clean, which enhances the overall viewing experience. The 5.1 mix does extend the sound field slightly, contributing occasional atmospheric fill from the rear channels, but it stops short of immersive. While it does lend an increased clarity to the soundtrack, don't expect a fully dynamic surround environment. The inclusion of multiple dubbing and subtitle options further adds to the disc’s accessibility. Though the Blu-ray package doesn't achieve perfection, particularly in maximizing multi-channel capabilities, it respects the original audio's integrity while providing a modest upgrade in terms of clarity and depth.

The Blu-ray release of "Von Ryan's Express" offers a comprehensive set of extras that delves deeply into the film’s production and its broader historical context. The features include detailed commentaries from film historians and WWII experts, providing rich insight into both the technical aspects and thematic underpinnings of the film. Particularly noteworthy is the isolated score track with commentary from Jon Burlingame, Lem Dobbs, and Nick Redman, which highlights Jerry Goldsmith's significant contribution to the film's ambiance. The supplements also feature discussions on the evolution of war films, transitioning from patriotic depictions to more nuanced portrayals post-WWII. These extras make this Blu-ray a valuable resource for enthusiasts of historical cinema and film music.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score Track: Commentary by Jon Burlingame, Lem Dobbs, and Nick Redman.

• Reliving the Adventure of Von Ryan's Express: WWII experts and film historians discuss the making of the film.

• Hollywood and Its War Films: Discussion on the shift in war film narratives post-WWII.

• The Music of Von Ryan's Express: Focus on Jerry Goldsmith's score.

• Bringing Movies to Life: The Legacy of Jerry Goldsmith: Appreciation of Goldsmith's career.

• Trailers: Original promotional material.

• TV Spots: Short promotional clips.

Mark Robson's adept direction in Von Ryan's Express propels this 1965 WWII adventure film into the annals of classic war cinema. Von Ryan's Express commands attention as a thrilling cinematic experience starring Frank Sinatra as Colonel Joseph L. Ryan, an American P-38 pilot shot down and captured behind enemy lines in German-occupied Italy in 1943. The movie initially navigates familiar thematic territories seen in other P.O.W. classics like The Great Escape and The Train, but asserts its own identity through robust storytelling and large-scale action set pieces meticulously shot on location in Italy. This ambitious production decision paid off, facilitating a narrative brimming with tension and deeply layered moral complexities.

Sinatra's portrayal of Ryan is compelling, exemplified by his strategic, cool-headed approach to leadership within the confines of a tyrannically managed prison camp. The interplay between Ryan and Major Eric Fincham, played with palpable disdain by Trevor Howard, adds depth to the narrative, showcasing differing ideological stances on wartime ethics. Particularly striking is the scene where Ryan undermines Fincham's escape plans to negotiate better conditions for the prisoners, illustrating the morally ambiguous battlefield of wartime decisions. This theme recurs notably when Ryan is faced with ethically fraught choices during their escape attempt, underlining the inherent tensions of war.

The nail-biting second act transitions into a taut action thriller aboard a commandeered Nazi train as Ryan and his men deceive their way towards the Swiss border. This segment combines nail-biting suspense with intricate plotting and well-orchestrated action sequences, creating an exciting locomotive-based chase that grips audiences until its bittersweet conclusion. With Panavision enhancing the cinematic spectacle over Fox's usual CinemaScope, Sinatra's signature charisma anchors the film, imbuing it with a distinctive 'men-on-a-mission' vibe that resonates through the final frames.

The Blu-ray release of "Von Ryan's Express" delivers a faithful rendition of the classic WWII film, albeit with some notable caveats. The movie itself, headlined by Frank Sinatra, is a solid entry in the war film genre, showcasing a tense and well-scripted narrative supported by Sinatra's effortlessly cool performance. While it may not reach the stature of contemporaries like "The Great Escape" or "The Dirty Dozen," it remains an engaging and enjoyable watch.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation does not impress as much as some recent high-definition remasters. The source material is visibly speckled and grainy, detracting from the overall visual quality. This lack of refinement is particularly noticeable when compared with pristine releases such as the recent remaster of "Patton." However, when measured against previous DVD editions, there is a discernible improvement in image clarity and color accuracy.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray of "Von Ryan's Express" offers a competent upgrade for fans of the film, despite its visual imperfections. It's certainly recommended for those who enjoy classic war movies and can appreciate the film’s intrinsic qualities beyond its technical flaws. While it might not be a standout in terms of audiovisual excellence, it offers a modestly improved viewing experience at a reasonable price point. Set your expectations accordingly, and you will find this disc to be a worthwhile addition to your collection.