Patton Blu-ray Review

Fox's release of "Patton" on Blu-ray delivers an impressive 1080p MPEG-4 AVC video encode, demonstrating a striking leap in quality from previous DVD editions. Set in a 2.20:1 aspect ratio, the presentation captures the grand scale of the film—highlighting immense tank battles across vast landscapes. The depth of the transfer is remarkable, achieving a near three-dimensional quality, with detailed close-ups and expansive distance shots. Contrast levels are fine, although slightly wobbly at times, and blacks are deep and stable. The film's snowy sequences showcase pin-sharp borders, while blades of grass, tree branches, and grains of sand are rendered with extraordinary individuality. Military details like medals and insignia stand out vividly against a color palette that's vibrant yet naturalistic. Explosions and fires exhibit intense, retina-searing vividness.

The Blu-ray transfer is virtually devoid of print blemishes, offering an exceptionally clean, bright, and sharp image throughout. The detail is phenomenal—viewers can see every stitch on Patton's jacket and the minutest creases in his coat. Shadows, overcast skies, and low-light interiors are handled proficiently without any noticeable artifacting, crushing, or major print damage. However, there are minor drawbacks: some instances of edge enhancement are evident, and skin tones occasionally appear slightly off, especially in comparison to the otherwise immaculate color reproduction. A light application of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) smudges some intricate textures and marginally diminishes fine detail. Reds sometimes lean towards green, affecting the vibrancy of certain elements like the American flag stripes.

Despite these issues, "Patton" on Blu-ray sets a high standard for catalog releases, akin to the exceptional transfer seen in "2001: A Space Odyssey." This edition surpasses its predecessors by a considerable margin and stands out as one of the better remastered films on Blu-ray. While not entirely perfect, it remains a significant achievement in preserving and enhancing the visual experience of this historical epic.

The Blu-ray release of "Patton" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that greatly enhances the film's audio experience, albeit with some limitations. Given the film's age, the new mix offers a broader and more vibrant soundfield, lending a larger acoustic environment for the on-screen activity. The subwoofers engage effectively during shelling scenes, providing necessary oomph, while machine-gun fire and individual shots pack a significant punch. The sound of tanks and vehicles, though not entirely convincing as an armored brigade rolling into your home, still produces solid deep metallic trundling across the front speakers. The dialogue is crisp and well-distributed, with Patton's iconic speeches sounding clear and realistic. Despite occasional background hiss, the overall audio transfer is clean and impactful.

Although the rear channels activate enthusiastically during key battle sequences, they do not consistently enhance the acoustics of quieter scenes, resulting in a somewhat less immersive experience. Explosions and gunshots exhibit a tinny quality, and tank sounds lack the desired earth-grinding growl. Nevertheless, the battle scenes remain engaging with effective directionality and panning.

Jerry Goldsmith’s Oscar-nominated score is where this audio track truly shines, enveloping the listener with its powerful and balanced delivery across the channels. While the track occasionally suffers from prioritization issues, where some lines are lost in the mix and a subtle hiss appears, the score's exceptional clarity often compensates for these shortcomings. Overall, though not as dynamic or detailed as modern releases, "Patton’s" audio presentation on Blu-ray provides an above-average experience for fans and historical aficionados, successfully upgrading from its older home media versions.

The Blu-ray release of "Patton" is a commendable effort, ensuring comprehensive coverage that complements one of cinema's most celebrated war films. The extras provide substantial depth and insight into the film's production, the historical figure of General Patton, and the broader historical context. Francis Ford Coppola’s contribution, featuring both an introduction and an exhaustive commentary track, offers invaluable perspectives on scriptwriting, studio interactions, and post-production insights. The secondary disc enriches viewers' understanding with detailed documentaries, including the profoundly moving “Patton’s Ghost Corps” and the expansive “History Through the Lens: Patton, A Rebel Revisited.” Notably, the galleries and audio essays offer a unique engagement, ensuring an immersive historical exploration.

Extras included in this disc:

Introduction: Francis Ford Coppola provides a concise overview of his work on 'Patton,' his fallout with the studio, and production challenges. Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion by Coppola about the film's nuances and his screenplay journey. History Through the Lens: Patton, A Rebel Revisited: A comprehensive documentary exploring both the general’s real life and his portrayal in the film. Patton’s Ghost Corps: Veterans' harrowing accounts of combat under Patton’s command during WWII. The Making of Patton: A documentary detailing behind-the-scenes creation, featuring interviews with key contributors. Behind-the-Scenes Still Gallery: Photo montage with an engaging audio essay by Charles Provence. Production Still Gallery: Collection of photographs accompanied by Jerry Goldsmith’s complete musical score. Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for 'Patton'.

"Patton" is a gripping fusion of biopic, character study, and war film that offers an extraordinary portrayal of General George S. Patton, masterfully brought to life by George C. Scott. Acclaimed director Franklin J. Schaffner crafts a visceral narrative that captures the tumultuous career of the complex and controversial military figure. The film meticulously covers several pivotal WWII campaigns including the Battle of El Guettar and the campaigns in Italy, France, and Germany, showcasing both Patton’s strategic brilliance and personal downfalls. Schaffner's direction avoids unnecessary subplots, focusing sharply on Patton’s military exploits and contentious personality, thus allowing the nearly three-hour runtime to firmly hold audience attention with substantial depth and historical richness.

The performance of George C. Scott is unequivocally the film's crowning achievement; Scott doesn't just portray Patton—he embodies him. His commanding presence, seen through his incensed eyes and notoriously gravelly voice, mirrors Patton's legendary status as a relentless, egoistic warlord. His portrayal balances sharp military acumen with deep personal flaws, creating a multidimensional figure who oscillates between strategic genius and egomaniacal tactlessness. This duality injects unpredictability into the character, cementing Scott's role as one of cinema's finest ever performances.

Although the supporting cast occasionally falters with less compelling portrayals, Scott’s magnetic presence keeps the film anchored. Jerry Goldsmith's score further elevates the film, adding layers of tension and atmosphere that complement both the grandiose and intimate moments. It's important to note that "Patton" is not a conventional action-heavy war film; it is a profound character study infused with historical authenticity and cinematic prowess. The Blu-ray edition does justice to this classic with stellar detail and color quality, making it a must-have not only for fans of war films but also those appreciating landmark cinema.

Patton is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece, delivering an exceptionally engaging and historically resonant portrayal of General George S. Patton. This Blu-ray edition honors the film's enduring legacy with superbly restored video quality that sets a new benchmark for classic movie transfers. The visual experience is stunning, presenting crisp and vivid details that breathe new life into every scene, surpassing even the acclaimed restoration of 'The Searchers.' This meticulous restoration underscores the film's prowess in storytelling and filmmaking, making it an essential acquisition for historians and war film enthusiasts alike.

The audio quality, while impressive, slightly falters with a noticeable hissing sound, though it remains competent overall. Despite this minor shortcoming, the DTS-HD Master Audio track effectively complements the visual grandeur of 'Patton', ensuring a well-rounded sensory experience. Another standout feature of this Blu-ray release is its wealth of supplemental materials. Although not the most extensive collection, the quality of these extras is unparalleled, providing deep insights and enhancing the overall viewing experience. This comprehensive package underscores why 'Patton' is deemed worthy of its asking price.

Conclusion: Fox has truly outdone themselves with the Blu-ray release of Patton, offering a stellar tribute that honors one of America's great military leaders and war film classics. The amalgamation of a superior video transfer, commendable audio quality, and top-tier supplemental materials make this a must-have for any serious Blu-ray collection. Even with minor audio imperfections, this release warrants the highest recommendation and promises an enriching addition to any home video library.