Battleground Blu-ray Review

The Warner Archive Collection's presentation of "Battleground" on Blu-ray features a meticulously restored 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer that demonstrates their dedication to preserving classic films. Despite the original camera negative being lost in a 1978 fire, a second-generation fine-grain safety master was scanned at 4K to extract every possible detail. The restoration process, which took over a year, delivers an extraordinarily clear and finely detailed image. Snowflakes, pine needles, and the grizzled features of the soldiers are rendered with remarkable precision. The contrast and black levels are superb, achieving an impressive depth and scale while retaining the natural film grain, although slightly coarser due to source limitations.

This transfer excellently honors Paul C. Vogel's Oscar-winning black-and-white cinematography. The AVC codec at an average bitrate of 34.99 Mbps ensures vibrant visuals even in this historically grim setting. Blacks are lush, whites prevent snowscapes from blooming, and the gray scale variance captures a full range of nuances. Noise and digital anomalies are minimal, preserving the film's original texture without resorting to filtering or noise reduction. The resulting image is devoid of nicks, lines, or scratches thanks to extensive digital repair efforts.

Close-up shots reveal the intricate details of the soldiers' careworn faces and the dirt and grime from their arduous conditions. The pervasive fog and falling snow are also exceptionally defined, lending an almost tangible immediacy to the war-torn environment. Archival combat footage inserts are notable for their softness, highlighting the sharpness of the primary restored content. Overall, despite the film's age and compromised source elements, this Blu-ray release offers a pristine visual experience that rivals modern restorations, masking Battleground's age remarkably well.

The audio presentation of "Battleground" on Blu-ray offers a meticulously restored DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, derived from the film's original safety track positive. MGM's early preservation efforts in the 1960s have ensured a high-quality source free from age-related imperfections such as pops, clicks, and hiss. Though the dynamic range is somewhat constrained by the original material, it effectively conveys the intense sonic elements of wartime, including aircraft, artillery fire, and continuous gunfire, without distortion.

The soundtrack is clean and free from background noise, providing exceptional clarity for dialogue. The integration of subtle environmental sounds, such as wind and the crunching of boots in snow, enhances the immersive experience. Lennie Hayton’s limited but impactful score is reproduced with robust fullness, setting the tone at crucial moments. This seamless audio track captures the essence of the film's war scenes, delivering an engaging and evocative auditory experience that complements the visual narrative effectively.

The Blu-ray extras for "Battleground" have been remastered in 1080p, presenting a valuable and engaging assortment of features. These include timeless, humorous shorts like Tex Avery's "Little Rural Riding Hood" and the comedic Pete Smith Specialty series entry "Let's Cogitate." The set also adds the film's theatrical trailer, which provides behind-the-scenes glimpses and notable dialogue. The inclusion of these extras ported over from Warner's 2004 DVD enhances their accessibility in high definition and maintains the nostalgic charm that fans of classic cinema will appreciate.

Extras included in this disc:

Little Rural Riding Hood: This 1949 MGM cartoon is Tex Avery's take on the classic fairy tale, featuring a wolf more amorous than hungry.

Let's Cogitate: A 1948 short in the Pete Smith Specialty series with comic sketches on various amusing questions.

Theatrical Trailer: Includes behind-the-scenes shots of the cast and crew and showcases memorable dialogue exchanges.

"Battleground" offers a stark yet intimate portrayal of the Battle of the Bulge, deviating from the glossy narratives of its era to embrace a more grounded and gritty realism. Producer Dore Schary’s determination to create a film that honored the true sacrifices of World War II soldiers resulted in both critical acclaim and commercial success for MGM. Directed by William A. Wellman, the film eschews overt propaganda, focusing instead on the day-to-day struggles of a small group of soldiers, capturing their angst and perseverance amidst relentless combat conditions. The film’s script, penned by combat veteran Robert Pirosh, earned an Academy Award, as did Paul Vogel’s cinematography, both praised for their vivid depiction of the harsh wintry battlefield and the soldiers' unyielding spirit.

Set against the backdrop of the infamous Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, “Battleground” conveys the harrowing experience of the 101st Airborne Division, famously nicknamed the "Battered Bastards of Bastogne." Isolated in Bastogne, Belgium, surrounded by Nazi forces, and besieged by unrelenting fog that hindered critical air support, these men faced dwindling supplies and freezing temperatures. Utilizing minimalistic settings to simulate the Ardennes forest, Wellman achieves a potent sense of claustrophobia and immediacy. The film's ability to communicate the weariness and camaraderie of its characters—played superbly by Van Johnson, James Whitmore, John Hodiak, and Ricardo Montalban—ensures viewers experience both the tedium and terror of war.

"Battleground" succeeds in its meticulous attention to realism, reflected in sharp character portrayals and an unembellished treatment of war’s brutality. Key scenes illustrate the soldiers’ mundane tasks juxtaposed with sudden bursts of violence, reinforcing the constant tension of their ordeal. The film balances this with moments of dark humor and poignant reflections on home, making it a compelling account of World War II’s final stages. By focusing on the individual soldier’s perspective rather than grand battle strategies, "Battleground" remains a pivotal work that effectively encapsulates the human cost of war.

“Battleground” is a remarkable entry in the pantheon of World War II cinema, eschewing relentless action for a detailed and authentic depiction of a soldier's daily struggles and the camaraderie that binds a unit together. This film, boasting an ensemble cast including Van Johnson, John Hodiak, and James Whitmore, along with the deft direction of William A. Wellman, offers a gritty, realistic portrayal of wartime experiences. Warner Archive does justice to this classic with excellent video and audio transfers, ensuring that the meticulous craftsmanship of the film is preserved for modern audiences. The inclusion of vintage supplements further enriches the viewing experience.

One of the film’s most poignant moments occurs not amidst gunfire, but during a chaplain’s sermon grappling with the profound question of necessity and sacrifice. This scene elegantly cuts through the confusion and encapsulates the film’s central message about unity and purpose during turbulent times. Seventy years on, "Battleground" still resonates, providing clarity and reminding us of an era when Americans came together to face formidable challenges.

The Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of “Battleground” continues its tradition of delivering superb renditions of classic films. Available on platforms such as Amazon and the Warner Archive website, this edition is a must-own for film aficionados and history enthusiasts alike. The blend of exceptional acting, realistic storytelling, and high-quality production makes “Battleground” not just a war film, but a timeless human story of resilience and unity. Highly recommended.