Victory Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Victory" on Blu-ray by Warner Archive Collection is a standout achievement, showcasing a high level of fidelity to the film's original 35mm photochemical source. The 1080p transfer, derived from a recent 2K scan of the interpositive, offers impressive image detail and textures, with a pleasing amount of natural film grain. The color palette is true to the film’s narrative, with earth tones dominating the prison camp settings. However, the more colorful third act provides a striking visual contrast, featuring vibrant reds and deep greens, particularly evident in the football team's uniforms and the stadium field.

Flesh tones are consistently natural throughout, with shadow detail and contrast levels remaining stable, contributing to an overall depth that is particularly notable under optimal lighting conditions. The high bitrate encoding and extensive manual cleanup result in a pristine picture quality that is relatively free of artifacts. While the colors are accurate, they are not overly saturated, aligning with the film's 35mm aesthetic. This new Blu-ray release significantly elevates the viewing experience from previous DVD editions, making it a must-have for both dedicated fans and new viewers alike.

The audio presentation of "Victory" on Blu-ray is delivered in DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio, showcasing a highly impressive and forceful presence with excellent channel separation. The dialogue is mixed well, often clear and comprehensible, though regional dialects benefit from the optional English subtitles. The track manages to deliver a subdued yet effective audio experience during the film's initial half, with the climactic soccer game injecting vibrant life through the dynamic sounds of the roaring crowd, an enthusiastic marching band, the play-by-play announcer, and immersive on-field action. Additionally, Bill Conti's invigorating score is rendered boldly and dynamically, adding a significant layer of excitement without overshadowing other elements.

Overall, the audio mix maintains a clean and natural tonal quality. Noteworthy are the few instances of minor distortion during intense stadium scenes; however, these do little to detract from the overall listening experience. There is an absence of noise or analog defects in the source recordings. It should be noted that while the optional English subtitles are beneficial for understanding regional accents, they are poorly formatted in ALL CAPS but remain free from sync issues. This well-balanced lossless track successfully complements the film with deep and forceful audio attributes that enhance both dialogue clarity and musical fidelity.

The Blu-ray release of "Victory" offers a concise selection of supplementary materials that, while modest in quantity, provide valuable context and nostalgia for fans. The theatrical trailer, which has transitioned from the previous DVD’s full frame to anamorphic widescreen, stands out as an effective piece of vintage marketing. Though simple in structure, these extras contribute to the film’s historical perspective and add a layer of appreciation for the cinematic landscape of the time.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: A nostalgic and informative overview that enhances the film’s context, now available in anamorphic widescreen.

John Huston's "Victory" intriguingly blends the genres of war drama and sports film to create an unconventional narrative. Leaning on elements from "The Great Escape" and "Rocky," the movie offers a compelling story set during World War II, centered on POWs who form a soccer team to play against the German national team. Key characters include Captain John Colby (Michael Caine), a former pro footballer turned POW; Robert Hatch (Sylvester Stallone), an American prisoner; and Luis Fernandez (Pelé), whose athletic prowess provides memorable on-field moments. The film succeeds in creating tension between dual narratives of sportsmanship and escape, even though its pacing issues sometimes detract from the climactic impact.

Victory's strength lies in its memorable cast and the authenticity they bring to their roles. Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone, and Pelé deliver performances that elevate the film despite plot clichés. The climactic soccer match is well-shot and engaging, with Pelé's soccer skills adding excitement and credibility. Bill Conti’s score underscores the film’s high points with brassy fanfare, enhancing its dramatic moments. However, the film suffers from uneven pacing which impacts the importance of both the training sequences and the escape plan, potentially diminishing the stakes of its story arcs.

Overall, "Victory" offers an intriguing, if not wholly cohesive, cinematic experience. Its blend of war drama and sports film creates a unique setting that showcases unforgettable performances and intense moments. The exceptional cinematography during the soccer matches, combined with Conti’s evocative score and a reputable cast, make it a worthwhile watch for fans of this genre fusion. However, its inconsistent pacing and narrative focus might leave some viewers wanting more cohesion and intensity.

Victory, directed by John Huston, endeavors to capture the exhilarating essence of films like Rocky and The Great Escape but struggles to reach those cinematic heights. Despite its shortcomings, the movie manages to emerge as an acceptable sports drama, thanks to a dedicated cast and a storyline that achieves coherence, particularly during its climactic sequences. Its nostalgic value undoubtedly adds to its appeal for those who remember it fondly from its original release. Warner Archive's Blu-ray presentation is commendable, featuring an impressive 1080p transfer that breathes new life into the visuals and a robust lossless audio mix that enhances the overall viewing experience.

In a technical sense, the Blu-ray surpasses previous releases, particularly with the inclusion of an anamorphic widescreen trailer—a notable upgrade from the old 1.33:1 aspect ratio format. Some might bemoan the absence of production notes and the film's full-frame version, both of which were present in the DVD release, but these omissions do not significantly detract from the package's overall value. The improved video clarity and richer audio quality undoubtedly make this Blu-ray edition superior to its predecessors.

Ultimately, while Victory does not attain the iconic status of its inspirations, it succeeds well enough in its own right. The Blu-ray release by Warner Archive stands out with significant technical improvements that make it a worthwhile acquisition for devoted fans of the film and ensemble cast. However, potential new viewers might want to approach this purchase more cautiously.