The Dirty Dozen Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Dirty Dozen" delivers a mixed viewing experience that clearly demonstrates the limitations and challenges of transferring vintage film stocks to modern high-definition formats. With an open-matte VC-1 1080p encode, the film approximates its original 35mm 1.85:1 aspect ratio, offering more picture information by expanding image area at the top and bottom of the frame. Despite this, the transfer exhibits inconsistency in visual quality due to the condition of the original source material, with varying levels of grain, speckles, and video noise apparent throughout its runtime. Color reproduction is another area of variation; while some scenes display warm, saturated hues that enhance the visual appeal of settings and costumes, others suffer from wavering saturation and a notable decline in texture and depth. This inconsistency extends to flesh tones and black levels as well, although the latter generally maintains solidity.

Issues with optical effects, such as credits and dissolves, introduce additional challenges, leading to noticeable film grain and color wavering that detract from the overall viewing experience. The extensive use of dissolves in particular results in repeated moments of visual degradation that can disrupt immersion. Despite these drawbacks, there are moments when the film's visual transfer shines, particularly in close-up shots and scenes set at night, where detail and clarity are markedly improved over previous versions. The final act of the film demonstrates notable visual enhancement, with brighter colors and better-defined images that leverage the original stylish cinematography to good effect.

Overall, while this Blu-ray edition of "The Dirty Dozen" represents the best possible home theater presentation given the state of the original prints, it's evident that the film's age and the condition of available material limit the extent to which a truly pristine high-definition experience can be achieved. It's a significant upgrade from standard definition, showcasing moments of improved clarity and color fidelity that fans will appreciate. However, viewers should temper their expectations, acknowledging that the visual presentation is a product of its time, peppered with inherent flaws that even meticulous restoration efforts can only mitigate rather than fully overcome.

The recent Blu-ray release of "The Dirty Dozen" features a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track, which stands as both an achievement and a point of contention. The mix, a lift from the 70mm roadshow print utilized in the SD edition, offers a commendably lively soundscape for a film of its age. Voices are crisply anchored in the center, with a notable use of the frontal soundstage creating a robust stereo image. Rear channels are sufficiently active, providing a convincing layer of ambiance to the film's dynamic range, from the rumble of military vehicles to the chaos of battle scenes. However, it's Frank De Vol's score that truly benefits from the audio overhaul, boasting enhanced depth and presence through meticulous attention to bass levels, which in turn add weight to both the music and various sound effects.

Despite these strengths, the audio presentation isn't without its flaws. The lack of a lossless soundtrack option is a missed opportunity, leading to a performance that can at times feel restricted, notably in the utilization of the rear speakers. This underuse results in moments where the soundtrack feels closer to a traditional 2.0 mix, with ambient and action-oriented sounds primarily emanating from the front. Additionally, some reviewers noted moments of hissing and a dominance of the score that can overshadow other elements of the audio mix, suggesting a balance that leans too heavily towards music at the expense of environmental and dialogue clarity.

The disparity in technical execution raises mixed emotions. On one hand, the effort to refurbish an aged soundtrack with contemporary audio engineering techniques is laudable, bringing new life to the film's immersive qualities. On the other hand, inconsistencies in dynamic range, rear channel engagement, and overall balance between elements highlight limitations within this ambitious audio presentation. As such, while "The Dirty Dozen" presents a commendable audio attempt that elevates its historical soundscape, it simultaneously serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in modernizing classic film audio without sacrificing coherence or subtlety.

The Blu-ray extra features for "The Dirty Dozen" present an extensive and engaging array of content that significantly enhances the viewing experience. The centerpiece is an insightful commentary track led by Marine Captain Dale Dye, whose expertise adds depth, although his critical take on military inaccuracies may not appeal to all. This is complemented by contributions from the original cast and crew who share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, alongside film historian David J. Skal and author E.M. Nathanson, enriching the narrative with historical context and production challenges. Noteworthy documentaries like "Armed And Deadly: The Making of The Dirty Dozen" and "The Filthy Thirteen: Real Stories From Behind The Lines" offer a compelling look at both the film's creation and the real-life inspirations behind its story. While the inclusion of the sequel "The Dirty Dozen: The Next Mission" might not meet the mark for some, its presence provides a comprehensive package. Completing this robust suite are vintage documentaries and an introduction by Ernest Borgnine, all tying back to an overarching commitment to honoring the legacy of this classic war movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary Track with Dale Dye and Cast: An insightful track featuring military advisor Dale Dye alongside original cast members, providing a wealth of anecdotes and historical context.
• Armed And Deadly: The Making of The Dirty Dozen: A 30-minute documentary that retreads many insights from the commentary in a visual format.
• The Filthy Thirteen: Real Stories From Behind The Lines: A near 50-minute deep dive into the true stories that inspired the film.
• Operation Dirty Dozen: A brief look at the making of the film from a marketing perspective.
• Marine Corps Combat Leadership Skills: A vintage recruitment ad hosted by Lee Marvin, offering unique historical insight.
• The Dirty Dozen: The Next Mission: A full-length made-for-TV sequel, adding more narrative but varying in quality.
• Introduction by Ernest Borgnine: A detailed three-minute film introduction.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material for the movie.

"The Dirty Dozen," presented in this Warner Home Video Blu-ray release, challenges traditional war film conventions with its story of morally ambiguous anti-heroes who delve into an almost impossible mission. Directed by Robert Aldrich, the movie stages Lee Marvin as Major John Reisman, tasked with molding a group of convicted criminals into a commando unit for a high-stakes pre-D-Day assault on a Nazi chateau in France. Boasting an ensemble cast including Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, and Donald Sutherland, the film thrives on the strength of its performances, portraying a compelling tale of camaraderie and redemption amidst the horrors of war. Despite its riveting action and moments of dark humor, some viewers may find its portrayal of violence and anti-establishment sentiments to provoke thought rather than traditional patriotic fervor, presenting a nuanced take on the costs of conflict.

From a technical perspective, "The Dirty Dozen" impresses with its cohesive narrative pacing and robust character development, allowing the audience to connect with each member of the titular group. The film's ability to blend tension with levity, all the while building to a climactic confrontation, showcases Aldrich's skill in balancing action-directing with storytelling. Its presentation on Blu-ray serves to enhance these elements, offering clarity that highlights both the film's cinematic scope and intricate details of setting and period authenticity. Winning an Academy Award for Best Sound Effects evidences its technical merit, further cementing its status as a classic within the war film genre.

Yet, it's the film's subversive edge that remains its most distinguishing feature. "The Dirty Dozen" does not shy away from depicting the complexities of war, challenging audiences with its depiction of flawed heroes thrust into the brutality of combat. This aspect, combined with a refusal to sanitize or romanticize the mission's grim objective, ensures the film endures as a provocative reflection on the nature of heroism and violence. This Blu-ray release not only provides an opportunity to revisit a landmark film but also encourages reflection on its enduring themes and their relevance to contemporary discussions surrounding the morality of war and redemption.

The Blu-ray release of "The Dirty Dozen" presents a significant upgrade for enthusiasts of this classic war film, bringing together a collection of features that both honor and extend the legacy of the original movie. Warner Bros has diligently ported over all the extras from the Special Edition DVD, though opinions may vary on the value of including "The Dirty Dozen: The Next Mission." The visual transfer, while exhibiting a mixed quality due to the age of the source material, nonetheless offers moments of vibrancy and detail previously unseen, marking an appreciable improvement over older versions. Audio quality, retaining the 5.1 surround sound mix from the DVD release, doesn't revolutionize the experience but enhances key scenes with better bass and more dynamic sound effects, making the action sequences more immersive than before.

As a seminal action movie with a star-studded ensemble cast, "The Dirty Dozen" retains its place in the pantheon of must-watch films, blending humor, excitement, and memorable performances. Despite some limitations in video and audio quality due to the film's age, this release stands out for its comprehensive inclusion of supplemental content, ensuring fans and new viewers alike receive a fulfilling package. The decision to upgrade from previous formats is straightforward for aficionados, offering a discernible enhancement in viewing experience, especially for those transitioning from non-anamorphic versions.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray rendition of "The Dirty Dozen" offers substantial value, balancing historical cinematic charm with the technical enhancements possible within the constraints of the original material's condition. Despite its flaws, the package's overall presentation and wealth of additional content affirm its status as a worthwhile acquisition for fans of classic war films and action movies. Priced at $28.95, it represents a compelling proposition for collectors and enthusiasts eager to experience one of the definitive guy movies in its most polished form available.