Windtalkers Blu-ray Review

Windtalkers receives an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.41:1 from MVD Marquee Collection, utilizing BD-50s for both the Theatrical and Director's Cut representations. The improvements are notable compared to the original MGM release, addressing past concerns. The new transfer provides enhanced clarity and detail levels, overcoming the previous slightly soft and smeary appearance. Despite John Woo’s dynamic camera movements, details remain well above average throughout. The Theatrical Version looks particularly sharp, while the Director's Cut, slightly darker overall, shows a coarser grain field at times, likely due to less optimal elements used during assembly—visible roughness appears intermittently (see screenshots 18 and 19).

Despite a slightly dated master apparent in long shots where resolution dips, close-ups deliver impressive detail, capturing facial expressions, sweat, and blood with precision. Exteriors with thick foliage around soldiers display tall grass and trees adeptly. The encoding manages grain well without compression loss, maintaining image integrity. Additionally, the transfer maintains a subtly washed-out aesthetic to lend an aged look without overwhelming colors. Greens and explosion oranges pop vividly, and flesh tones appear natural. Black levels offer solid density, enhancing the overall stability of imagery, while high contrast naturally complements bright action scenes, imbuing Windtalkers with appealing depth and visual richness.

The audio presentation for the Blu Ray release of "Windtalkers" demonstrates a combination of compelling auditory elements, though not without its minor limitations. The Theatrical Cut benefits from English audio options in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0, alongside Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 and French LPCM 2.0 tracks. The Director's Cut, while unfortunately lacking a lossless surround track, offers English Dolby Digital 5.1 and LPCM 2.0, along with a French Dolby Digital 5.1 track. One standout remains the film’s original DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which continues to impress with its dynamic range and immersive quality. The score by James Horner shines with both elegiac and vigorous orchestral cues, complemented by evocative ethnic instruments that receive ample support from the spacious DTS-HD Master Audio soundscape. Action sequences are particularly impressive, delivering robust surround activity and impactful LFE, despite some minor labeling inaccuracies by MVD.

However, the release is not without its drawbacks. While the DTS-HD mix retains its precise directionality and spatial accuracy—providing front-to-back tracking and encompassing environmental sounds—the low-end support is somewhat lacking. The mortar fire and explosions in the battle scenes do not achieve the full visceral impact one might expect, with blasts failing to deliver room-shaking intensity. Consequently, the lack of deep bass may leave the viewer desiring more substantial auditory force during these high-intensity moments. Nevertheless, the audio track's precision in rendering bullets whizzing through the soundstage and the immersion created by soldiers' shouts and ambient wildlife soundscapes solidify "Windtalkers’" sonic credibility overall.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track on the Director's Cut, despite its inherent limitations, provides a satisfying auditory experience with higher amplitude and significant punch, particularly compared to the accompanying French track. Although it cannot match the clarity and depth of the DTS-HD Master Audio, it remains a notable inclusion that enhances the Director’s Cut efficacy.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Windtalkers" are both comprehensive and engaging, providing a robust array of supplemental content that delves deep into the history and making of the film. There are three insightful audio commentaries, one featuring director John Woo and producer Terence Chang, another with actors Christian Slater and Nicolas Cage, and a third with real-life Navajo Code Talker Albert Smith and actor Roger Willie. The "Fly on the Set Scene Diaries" offer intimate behind-the-scenes footage of key action sequences, while "Actors' Bootcamp" reveals the rigorous training the cast underwent. The disc also boasts historical featurettes, trailers, and a detailed look at the film's evocative score.

Extras included in this disc:

• Code Talkers: A Secret Code of Honor: Features actual Native American windtalkers.
• American Heroes: A Tribute to Navajo Codetalkers: History with archival stills.
• The Music of Windtalkers: Focuses on the film's score.
• Trailers: Multiple trailers for "Windtalkers" and other releases.
• Actors' Bootcamp: Training regimen for cast.
• Marine March on Saipan: Behind the scenes.
• Bazooka: Behind the scenes.
• Friendly Fire: Behind the scenes.
• Village Ambush: Behind the scenes.
• Audio Commentary with John Woo and Terence Chang
• Audio Commentary with Christian Slater and Nicolas Cage
• Audio Commentary with Roger Willie and Albert Smith.

John Woo’s Windtalkers attempts to meld visceral action with a poignant historical narrative, drawing inspiration from the post-Saving Private Ryan World War II cinematic wave. The film, set in the Pacific front, strives to delve into the unique story of Navajo codetalkers but often strays into generic wartime tropes, centering heavily on Nicolas Cage’s character, Joe Enders. Cage's portrayal oscillates between intense and over-the-top, encapsulating the stereotypical hero, complete with a tragic backstory and an uncanny knack for dispatching enemies with implausible precision. Woo’s trademark flourishes, including exaggerated explosions and slow-motion sequences, sometimes detract from the narrative’s potential depth, rendering warfare disturbingly theatrical.

While the film touches upon themes of camaraderie among soldiers from diverse backgrounds, it often relegates its focal subplot—the story of Navajo codetalkers—to the background. Adam Beach’s portrayal of Ben Yahzee, a Navajo native, brings authenticity but suffers from a script that occasionally opts for superficial resolutions to complex issues. A notable instance is Noah Emmerich’s character, whose racial bigotry towards Yahzee is swiftly resolved through combat and camaraderie, an overly simplistic mitigation of deep-seated prejudice. This aspect underscores the film’s broader struggle to balance harrowing realities with mainstream appeal. The gore is abundant and often gratuitous, primarily impacting American Marines, while Japanese forces are depicted with less graphic intensity, save for close-combat encounters.

Concurrently, Windtalkers does manage to provide some insightful wartime history and a gripping if uneven narrative. Woo's presentation of intense battlefield scenes rivals those seen in Saving Private Ryan, delivering a palpable sense of urgency and chaos. This aligns well with the film's exploration of wartime sacrifices and the critical yet under-celebrated contribution of Navajo code talkers. However, the film’s tendency to revert to cliched action sequences and its uneven focus on its primary subjects ultimately dilute its potential impact, leaving viewers yearning for a deeper, more nuanced exploration.

Director John Woo’s "Windtalkers" Blu-ray release has garnered mixed reactions, with some praising its technical merits, while others criticize its handling of historical themes. Visually, the Blu-ray presentation stands out, boasting a significant improvement in picture quality. The film’s vibrant color palette and intricate details are exhibited with stunning clarity and depth. Audio performance is strong overall, though it does not feature a lossless surround audio track in the Director’s Cut, which may disappoint audiophiles expecting an immersive experience.

The narrative focuses heavily on adrenaline-fueled action sequences, typical of Woo's directorial style. Consequently, the film may fall short for viewers seeking an in-depth historical account of the Navajo code talkers. However, the dramatization of battlefield camaraderie and cultural alliances has a resonating impact, particularly in today's context of societal divisions. The supplemental materials are plentiful and include most of the previously released extras, enriching the viewer's understanding of the film’s production and historical background.

As Michael mentioned in his Windtalkers Blu-ray review, some audiences may have come to this film expecting a bit more in the code talking department, when Woo may have been more interested in providing jolts of adrenaline rather than an exhaustive history lesson. That said, the whole code talking aspect is fascinating, and the film's emphasis on partnering across cultural lines is probably only more relevant in today's increasingly tribal society. When MVD announced its expanded Blu-ray lines, including the MVD Marquee Collection, they promised to revisit titles that they deemed hadn't initially received the kind of quality releases that may have been deserved. While there are still things to nitpick about this release, there's little doubt that technical merits are improved overall, even if the Director's Cut wasn't granted lossless surround audio. MVD has also provided most of the previously available supplements. Recommended.