Murphy's War Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Murphy's War," provided by Arrow Video with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, delivers a distinctive visual experience that embraces both the strengths and challenges of its source material. Originating from a master supplied by Paramount Pictures, this release showcases the skillful cinematography of Douglas Slocombe. The transfer handles natural film grain adeptly, maintaining organic texture throughout. The color grading diverges from the Indicator release, leaning towards a purplish-blue hue with a subtly darker tone which many viewers may find enhances the atmospheric richness, particularly in jungle scenes where green tones appear more authentic. Despite some vintage flaws, such as noticeable seams in rear-projection shots, the Blu-ray upholds excellent detail integrity across varied elements.

Photographed on 35 mm Eastmancolor film using anamorphic Panavision lenses, the film’s visuals excel in clarity and contrast, especially during sunlit jungle sequences. The color palette spans vivid greens and browns of tropical settings, vibrant reds of bird flocks, and dynamic shifts from grey to deep blue river reflections. Facial and surface details are meticulously rendered; O'Toole and Noiret's facial features and behavioral nuances are vividly captured, emphasizing their sweat-drenched portrayals amidst the heat. The presentation faithfully reproduces the intense cinematographic vision, with O'Toole’s striking blue eyes being notably highlighted against his tanned visage. Overall, while the Blu-ray edition bears some inherited cinematic limitations, it offers viewers an enhanced and immersive visual presentation of the film.

"Murphy's War" offers a compelling auditory experience with its LPCM Mono track, preserving the film's authentic soundscape. The audio presentation effectively captures the dynamic range of sound from seaplane sequences that produce deep, rumbling effects, complemented by moments of soaring musical interludes by composers John Barry and Ken Thorne. This combination provides an engaging backdrop that enhances the film's adventurous tone. Notably, the track handles explosions and gunfire adeptly, delivering bursts of lower frequency energy that add to the action's intensity.

Dialogue clarity is generally maintained throughout the film, although some variations in comprehensibility are attributed to Peter O'Toole's deliberate accent choices for his character, lending an authentically Irish flare that sometimes shifts his usual precise diction. While this adds depth to the character's portrayal, viewers may find occasional lines challenging to comprehend, a matter addressed in supplementary materials. Thankfully, optional English subtitles are available to ensure full narrative access without impacting the overall viewing experience.

Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray effectively complements the visual storytelling by maintaining high fidelity in dialogue and sound effects while providing the necessary subtleties in score and ambient sounds — crucial elements which contribute to a fulfilling listening experience for the audience. This technical combination of robust sound effects and clear dialogue renderings makes the auditory component of "Murphy's War" an immersive and technically sound offering.

Arrow's Blu Ray release of "Murphy's War" offers a compelling collection of extras that provide deep insights into the film's production and context. David Cairns' "Running Out of War" delivers a perceptive visual essay, highlighting the novel's adaptation process, Paramount Pictures' stature, and Peter Yates' directorial influence following hits like "Bullitt." The documentary emphasizes the film's unique financial structuring and location challenges, such as shifting from Jamaica to Venezuela. The archival pieces, "A Great Adventure" and "Dougie, Chic and Me," offer firsthand accounts from John Glen and Robin Vidgeon on their contributions and experiences. Additionally, Sheldon Hall’s "One Man Army" interview enriches understanding with a critical perspective. These extras collectively explore thematic elements, directorial choices, and industry impacts, expanding viewer appreciation beyond the central narrative.

Extras included in this disc:

• Running Out of War: A visual essay by David Cairns.
• A Great Adventure: Archival interview with John Glen.
• Dougie, Chic and Me: Archival interview with Robin Vidgeon.
• One Man Army: Archival interview with Sheldon Hall.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional trailer for the film.
• Image Gallery: A selection of production images.

"Murphy's War" is a compelling cinematic endeavor that showcases Peter O'Toole in yet another eccentric role, emblematic of his illustrious career. O'Toole's portrayal is intense and layered, though his choice of a thick brogue can occasionally obfuscate his dialogue. The film draws striking parallels to classics like "The African Queen," featuring O'Toole as Murphy, a hard-bitten survivor intent on revenge against a lurking German U-boat, echoing tales of obsession akin to Moby Dick. The narrative unfolds with Murphy recovering under the care of Dr. Hayden, played by Siân Phillips, whose performance offers a rich counterbalance with more screen time than their previous collaborations.

Despite its intriguing premise, "Murphy's War" involves itself in production complexities and narrative choices that may seem reminiscent of other war-driven narratives. The film diverges from Max Catto’s original novel, as explored in the supplementary materials, repositioning the setting to Venezuela and introducing an indeterminate seafaring adversary. While this provides a novel geographic flavor, it raises questions about historical plausibility.

The film finds its dramatic tension in the interactions between Murphy and Dr. Hayden, blending moments of humanity amidst its brewing chaos. The character of Luis Brezan, portrayed by Philippe Noiret, adds depth to the ensemble as he assists in Murphy's vengeful quest. Despite its derivative elements, the movie is enriched by O'Toole's riveting presence and benefits from robust supplemental content that offers insights into its tumultuous production. This Blu-ray release underscores the film’s evocative atmosphere and complex characterizations, appealing to those who appreciate storied performances and World War II drama with a touch of personal vendetta.

"Murphy's War" presents a unique exploration of vengeance in the waning days of World War II. The film's narrative follows Murphy, the titular character played by Peter O'Toole, who becomes consumed with avenging the destruction of his crew by a German submarine. The film effectively portrays Murphy's isolated battle, supported by a doctor and a barge owner, infusing the character with a complex blend of bravado and obsession. While the story provides compelling action sequences, it doesn't quite reach the impactful storytelling of other classic World War II films like "The Bridge on the River Kwai" or "The Great Escape."

Technically, the Blu-ray release offers solid merits, reflecting the film's intriguing visuals and sound design, which enhance the tense atmosphere. Supplements included in the package provide meaningful insights into the film's more bizarre elements, enriching the viewer's understanding and appreciation. However, it's important to note that some technical elements could benefit from subtle improvements.

In summary, "Murphy's War" is a recommended viewing for those interested in a war film that uniquely blends action with psychological depth. Although it may not achieve the same level of acclaim as some monumental World War II movies, it stands out for its introspective take on the futility and obsession of personal vendettas during wartime. With solid technical execution and meaningful supplementary content, it remains a worthwhile addition to any cinephile’s collection.