Raid on Rommel Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "Raid on Rommel," presented by Kino, offers a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC high-definition transfer in the film's original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio. Despite being an older master, the transfer is relatively sharp and crisp, enhanced by a notably high bit-rate of 37.92 mbps. While the colors are somewhat muted, the film presents a decent contrast with occasional scratches and fleeting moments of dirt. Though a brand-new restoration could have elevated the visual experience, fans will appreciate the high-definition jump.

Moreover, the transfer avoids common pitfalls such as edge enhancement or DNR, maintaining robust detail and a natural grain presence. The grain varies in thickness and intensity near optical effects and scene transitions, but these are inherent issues that can't be helped. Colors, particularly yellows, come through prominently, with skin tones remaining healthy and accurate. Whites are crisp, and black levels generally achieve that deep inky quality, except for a few day-for-night scenes where detail is lacking. Age-related issues like speckling and slight scratches are minimal, ensuring an overall solid viewing experience for fans of this classic war film.

The audio presentation of "Raid on Rommel" on Blu-ray is delivered in a DTS-HD Master Audio mono track, which provides a commendable experience for a WWII film. Dialogue reproduction is notably crisp and clear, ensuring that conversation among characters remains easily intelligible throughout the movie. The mix handles various vocal ranges effectively, from the soft-spoken British soldiers to the more boisterous German characters, maintaining a balanced and coherent auditory landscape. Optional English subtitles further support accessibility and clarity for viewers.

Action sequences benefit from the robust DTS-HD MA 2.0 track, though the absence of a full 5.1 mix is mildly disappointing. While the audio lacks that extra punch or "oomph" often sought in action-heavy scenes, it compensates with adequate imaging that enriches the viewing experience during key moments. The sound effects, especially explosions and gunfire, exhibit an appreciable level of dynamism, adding depth and an enhanced low-frequency effect (LFE) in climactic scenes. Despite these strengths, the track remains free from significant audio imperfections such as warps, crackles, or hisses, ensuring a smooth performance overall.

The Extras on the Blu-Ray release of "Raid on Rommel" from Kino Lorber offer a solid assortment of materials, enhancing the viewing experience. The Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Combat Films: American Realism Author Steven Jay Rubin is informative and engaging, adding depth to the film's historical context. Additionally, the Interview with Actor Clinton Greyn provides intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, although brief, it is highly insightful. The Theatrical Trailer and trailers for other films in the distributor’s catalog provide additional historical and promotional content, broadening the overall scope of the release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Combat Films: American Realism Author Steven Jay Rubin: An informative and engaging commentary.
• Interview with Actor Clinton Greyn: Brief but offers insightful behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
• Raid on Rommel Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer.
• Selection of trailers promoting other releases from Kino Lorber: Trailers for Tobruk, The Devil’s Brigade, Hornets' Nest, Ambush Bay, and Force 10 From Navarone.

"Raid on Rommel" is an engaging World War II action film directed by Henry Hathaway, featuring Richard Burton as the lightning-smart British officer Foster. The narrative revolves around his mission to lead a group of men in an audacious raid against the German-occupied Tobruk. Along their journey, Foster and his men face a series of unexpected obstacles, testing their resilience and tactical ingenuity. The film's forte lies in its captivating action sequences, underscored by authentic production values thanks to the art direction of Henry Bumstead and Alexander Golitzen. The landscape’s portrayal and war machinery inject a noteworthy dose of realism.

Cinematographically, Earl Rath does an impressive job, effectively capturing the rugged wartime environments, making the visual journey rewarding for audiences. However, the musical score by Hal Mooney doesn't quite hit the mark, failing to elevate the film's more intense moments. The script penned by Richard M. Bluel is relatively light on character development and plot depth; nevertheless, Hathaway's direction and Gene Palmer's precise editing compensate, ensuring the film remains engaging despite its narrative shortcomings.

Though derivative of Alistair MacLean's works like "The Guns of Navarone" and "Where Eagles Dare," "Raid on Rommel" falls short in delivering a consistent tone. The interspersed comedic elements and random callbacks disrupt the flow, diluting moments of suspense and action. Despite these tonal inconsistencies, the film is still worth a watch for its adventure and action attributes. For fans of WWII genre films, it presents a modest yet enjoyable entry with enough thrills, even if it doesn't perfectly rise to the heights of its inspirations.

"Raid on Rommel" stands as an engaging action-adventure film from veteran director Henry Hathaway, known for his adept storytelling in the action and western genres. While not achieving the iconic status of films like "The Guns of Navarone," this WWII film nonetheless delivers a solid and entertaining experience. The narrative, albeit hampered by an average screenplay, captures the essence of wartime drama effectively. Hathaway's direction ensures that the film maintains a level of quality through its engaging action sequences and competent performances by the cast, who bring an appealing energy to their roles.

The Kino Lorber Studio Classics Blu-ray release presents "Raid on Rommel" with commendable A/V quality, offering a visually pleasing transfer that showcases the film’s desert landscapes and battle scenes effectively. The audio presentation is adequately robust, providing clear dialogue and impactful sound effects that enhance the viewing experience. Additionally, the Blu-ray version includes some worthwhile bonus features which add value for fans and collectors alike.

In conclusion, "Raid on Rommel" is an entertaining action-adventure. The film showcases the wartime elements with strong production merits. While not a perfect film (and one that suffers from an average screenplay), the direction is solid. The Kino Blu-ray release features a decent video-audio presentation. Worth a watch.