The Great Escape Blu-ray Review

The Great Escape arrives on Blu-ray with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and a meticulously crafted 1080p transfer, courtesy of Criterion. This release is derived from a 4K digital restoration by MGM, utilizing a 10-bit 4K resolution transfer from the original 35mm camera negative, alongside a scan from an interpositive. Due to the severely faded original Metrocolor prints, accurate color references were diligently sourced from the Academy Film Archive and acetate prints owned by prominent filmmakers Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino. The result is an impressively film-like presentation, retaining the original grain structure and offering enhanced density levels and finer fluidity, particularly noticeable on larger screens or when upscaled to 4K.

The new master demonstrates significant improvements over previous releases. Daylight scenes benefit greatly from refined visuals, offering richer density without losing the inherent softness of the original cinematography. While darker sequences exhibit better-defined nuances, occasional fluctuations due to the original light management and camera positioning persist. The color grading introduces subtle expansions in supporting nuances, maintaining an overall balance similar to earlier editions. Black levels are lush, contrast and clarity are superb, showcasing intricate details like barbed wire fences and providing a palpable sense of depth. Vibrant hues of the German landscape and blue skies are visually striking, though certain scenes retain an anemic appearance characteristic of Metrocolor prints from the era.

Despite some enduring issues like heavier grain in select sequences and minor imperfections such as visible hairs or threads in the frame, this Criterion edition stands as the finest presentation of The Great Escape to date. Dissolves remain slightly rough, but the source material is otherwise spotless. Until a potential future 4K UHD release addresses these residual problems, this Blu-ray effort is the definitive version, balancing exceptional technical quality with unavoidable limitations inherent to the original film elements.

The Blu-ray release of "The Great Escape" offers two primary audio tracks: English LPCM 1.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with optional English SDH subtitles that appear within the image frame. The original monaural track, remastered from a 35 mm magnetic source and presented in LPCM format, is a particular highlight. A thorough examination reveals it to be clean, clear, and stable with none of the age-related anomalies typically found in older films. There are no encoding issues, and the mono track offers a pure and engaging listening experience that purists will appreciate.

The presentation of the mono track in this release is exceptional. Bernstein's iconic score benefits significantly from the superior fidelity, filling the room with its identifiable themes in stunning detail. The sound effects such as motorcycle engines, typewriter tapping, crunching dirt, and gunfire are distinct and well-articulated. Dialogue remains nicely prioritized and easily comprehensible throughout. The wide dynamic scale allows all elements of the audio to breathe, offering a crisp and detailed soundscape without making one miss multi-channel audio.

In contrast, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, though previously reviewed by High-Def Digest in 2013, was not revisited for this evaluation. However, based on available details, the newly included mono track surpasses the expectations for single-channel audio. It provides a vibrant, full-bodied playback that significantly enhances the viewing experience of this classic film whilst preserving its historical integrity.

The Blu-Ray extras for "The Great Escape" present an impressive array of supplementary content that delves deeply into the production, history, and cultural impact of the film. Noteworthy are the two rich, archival audio commentaries which provide nearly six hours of in-depth analysis and reminiscences from the director, actors, and other key figures. The new featurette featuring Michael Sragow offers a critical perspective on director John Sturges' contributions and filmmaking style. Additionally, archival documentaries and interviews, such as "The Real Virgil Hilts: A Man Called Jones" and "Return to The Great Escape", furnish a comprehensive look at both the real-life events that inspired the movie and its enduring legacy. This disc’s extras are indispensable for any enthusiast of classic cinema and history buffs alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A remastered vintage trailer.
• The Great Escape: Heroes Underground: Focuses on the true events that inspired the film.
• The Real Virgil Hilts: A Man Called Jones: Examines the real pilot behind Steve McQueen's character.
• Return to The Great Escape: A retrospective look at the film's production.
• Michael Sragow: A new interview with critic Michael Sragow about John Sturges.
• Audio Commentary One: Includes insights from John Sturges and others, recorded in 1991.
• Audio Commentary Two: Hosted by Steven Jay Rubin with excerpts from a 1974 interview and other key figures.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by critic Sheila O'Malley.

"The Great Escape" (1963), directed by John Sturges and adapted from Paul Brickhill's novel, is a cornerstone of war cinema. This Blu-ray release by Criterion enhances the film's stature with a new 4K restoration. The story follows a group of Allied officers plotting a daring escape from a German POW camp. The ensemble cast, including Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, and James Garner, delivers compelling performances that anchor the film's portrayal of defiance and camaraderie. Elmer Bernstein's rousing score and Daniel L. Fapp's expansive cinematography enrich the viewing experience.

The film succeeds in building elaborate scenarios starring a motley crew of characters engaging in complex escape tactics, granting it a mix of excitement and intensity. However, some segments involving the camp guards border on comedic, reducing the intended gravity of the narrative. Despite occasional tonal shifts, the latter part of the film is gripping, highlighted by McQueen's iconic motorcycle chase. The camaraderie among the prisoners is poignantly crafted, although the film's length could benefit from tighter editing to maintain suspense throughout.

Ultimately, "The Great Escape" is an essential World War II film, capturing both the peril and ingenuity of its characters, even if it takes creative liberties with historical accuracy. The Criterion Blu-ray elevates this classic with pristine visuals and robust sound options like LPCM mono and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. With ample supplemental features and an insightful essay by Sheila O'Malley, this release offers an enriched perspective on Sturges' influential war epic.

"The Great Escape" remains a classic in the annals of war films, telling the remarkable and audacious true-story escape of POWs from a German camp during World War II. Directed by John Sturges, this film is a riveting blend of courage, ingenuity, and drama brought to life by a stellar cast. However, it should be noted that the film leans towards a more dramatized and less accurate representation of the actual conditions in German war camps.

The Criterion Blu-ray release of "The Great Escape" features a meticulous new 4K restoration, presenting a more vibrant picture quality and richer colors while retaining the inherent grain and color fading issues present in the original prints. The audio experience has been significantly improved with the inclusion of the original mono track in a lossless format, complementing the previously available multi-channel audio. This edition also boasts a variety of archival and new bonus features, including a comprehensive commentary from Criterion’s laserdisc and a new featurette, along with almost all of the supplements from the 2013 MGM Blu-ray release.

In conclusion, despite its historical embellishments, "The Great Escape" stands out as an engaging and suspenseful film that will undoubtedly captivate audiences. The Criterion Blu-ray edition is highly recommended for both newcomers and existing fans, offering the best home viewing experience to date. With its thoughtful restoration and substantial supplementary content, this release is a worthy addition to any film aficionado’s collection.