Flying Leathernecks Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Flying Leathernecks" by the Warner Archive Collection offers a breathtaking video presentation, resulting from a meticulous 4K restoration of the original Technicolor film. Presented in its theatrical 1.37:1 aspect ratio, this transfer captures stunningly clear images with outstanding clarity and depth. Utilizing the AVC codec on a BD-50 disc, with an impressive bitrate of 34995 kbps, the color reproduction is remarkably vivid, showcasing perfect contrast and vibrant colors, such as the striking yellow, red, and magenta elements that pop against the frame. Despite occasional distractions from the painted backdrops and more grainy 16mm archival footage from the Pacific, these elements are endearingly authentic. The real World War II footage is noticeably softer but is seamlessly interwoven within the film’s tapestry.

Every detail from the locales shot in Camp Pendleton and El Toro Marine Base comes alive with such fidelity that even medium shots reveal embroidered name tags on soldiers' uniforms. Close-ups further emphasize this detail by highlighting facial textures and intricate features like beads of sweat. The mastering of Technicolor here is pivotal; it accentuates not only the deep black levels but also the subtle tonality of skin tones across various lighting conditions. Even when the narrative pacing falters, the visual splendor continues to engage viewers, making it an indispensable collection piece for war film aficionados and restoration enthusiasts alike.

While there may be a discrepancy in color saturation in select final scenes, these are minor when considering the overall transfer quality. The archive's combination of authentic wartime footage and studio-shot sequences vividly illustrates a film-like texture that stays true to its original cinematic presentation. This Blu-ray iteration ensures that "Flying Leathernecks" remains a visual marvel, capturing the essence of classic Technicolor while delivering a crisp and absorbing viewing experience.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Flying Leathernecks" offers a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono (1883 kbps, 24-bit) track that impresses with its clarity and range for a film of its era. Notably, the monaural mix effectively balances dialogue, sound effects, and Roy Webb's robust musical score. Dialogue is clear and easily comprehensible, while the mix maintains a crisp quality throughout, free from age-related artifacts like hiss or pop. The strategic integration of the Marine Hymn variations underscores its intended patriotic tones, making Webb’s score a cornerstone of the auditory experience.

This DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track excels in rendering sound effects typical of war scenes, such as explosions and aircraft engines. These effects are delivered with excellent fidelity, betraying no distortion across the diverse dynamic range. The sound design nearly delivers a stereophonic effect during intense aerial sequences, adding depth to the historical combat portrayed on screen. While some minor surface noise is detectable during quieter moments, it is subtle enough to scarcely detract from the overall auditory immersion. Optional English SDH subtitles are available, providing excellent support for dialogue comprehension.

Overall, this presentation is a technical success in preserving and enhancing the original 1951 soundscape with modern clarity. Though it may not offer the visceral impact of more contemporary audio mixes, it robustly complements the visual experience and authentically brings to life the film's wartime atmosphere.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Flying Leathernecks" are limited but offer a brief glimpse into the film's promotional history. The inclusion of a two-minute reissue theatrical trailer demonstrates the historical efforts in marketing this classic war film, although it is important to note that the trailer remains unrestored and appears upconverted to 1080p. Commentary suggests that while the visual quality has room for improvement, the significance lies in the marketing narrative it presents, albeit with some questionable claims by the narrator that overstate the film’s appeal as a leading love story of its time.

Extras included in this disc:

• Reissue Trailer: A historical marketing piece from RKO for "The Flying Leathernecks," presenting an upconverted image with an overstated promotional narrative.

"Flying Leathernecks" showcases a World War II Marine fighter squadron led by Major Daniel Kirby (John Wayne) and Captain Carl 'Grif' Griffin (Robert Ryan), who grapple with divergent leadership styles and the grim realities of war. The narrative's core tension revolves around Kirby's stringent discipline contrasted with Grif's compassionate approach, which endears him to the squad but often clashes with the unforgiving demands of aerial combat. Despite its formulaic storytelling, the film is buoyed by an evocative portrayal of wartime camaraderie within squadron VMF-247.

Directed by Nicholas Ray under the considerable influence of Howard Hughes, the film incorporates genuine WWII military footage, elevating its immersive and authentic depiction of air skirmishes. Although the script falls short in developing secondary characters, it compensates with electrifying aerial sequences augmented by William E. Snyder's striking Technicolor cinematography. The inclusion of real combat footage infuses the film with a raw dimension absent in its contemporaries, providing a visceral depiction of battle.

While credited to Ray, the film lacks his characteristic directorial imprint, leaning more towards Hughes' propensities for aviation exploits than the depth of character exploration seen in Ray's other works. Wayne delivers a typically robust performance, albeit one-dimensional, while Ryan's nuanced portrayal as Grif adds complexity to their on-screen dynamic. Supporting roles, including Don Taylor and Jay C. Flippen, lend competent assistance, though ultimately "Flying Leathernecks" thrives more on its technical achievements and high-octane action sequences than on its narrative depth and character study.

"Flying Leathernecks" offers a captivating WWII narrative with strong performances by John Wayne and Robert Ryan. Wayne embodies the resolute commander with his typical steadfastness, while Ryan delivers a more subtle and nuanced portrayal. The central tension between their characters enriches the film's exploration of military hierarchy and personal conviction. The film is bolstered by Nicholas Ray's robust directing, which blends dramatic storytelling with thrilling aerial combat sequences.

The Blu-ray release stands out for its exceptional technical presentation. Warner Archive's 4K restoration from the original Technicolor camera negative results in stunning color fidelity and clarity, significantly enhancing the viewers' experience. The image transfer is nearly immaculate, with vibrant hues and detailed visuals that bring the WWII era to life. The sound quality, delivered in solid mono, complements the visual fidelity, offering an auditory experience that does justice to the historical backdrop and intense action sequences.

In summary, "Flying Leathernecks" transcends traditional war movie themes through remarkable direction and craftsmanship. While its propaganda undertones may not align with Ray’s vision, the film remains engrossing due to its high-caliber acting and groundbreaking use of color footage. This Blu-ray release is highly recommended for enthusiasts of classic war films, as well as admirers of Wayne and Ryan. The meticulous restoration makes it a desirable addition to any collection, ensuring both historical and cinematic appreciation.