The Battle of Britain Blu-ray Review

MGM's release of "Battle of Britain" on Blu-ray presents the film in a 1080p/MPEG-2 encoding with an aspect ratio of 2.3:1, promising a visual experience that, while not devoid of issues, manages to capture a pleasing and natural representation of this nearly four-decade-old film. The print used is largely free from any major physical blemishes such as scratches or significant dirt, securing a quite commendable level of fineness in detail, especially noticeable in both the minutiae of indoor settings and the broad expansiveness of outdoor scenes. The color presentation maintains a level of authenticity, eschewing pumped-up colors for a more natural palette that echoes the visuals of the 1960s cinema, with fleshtones appearing particularly well-rendered. Despite the film grain appearing somewhat coarse, it does not detract from the overall experience, preserving the filmic texture without veering into excessive digital manipulation.

However, the transfer is not without its problems. Variations in picture quality are evident, particularly noticeable around opening titles and during scenes with subtitles, suggesting a reliance on dupes rather than the original negative in these instances. This fluctuation extends to occasional print wavering and contrast irregularities, although black levels remain mostly stable throughout. There's also an issue with edge enhancement, which, although intending to improve sharpness, introduces noticeable artifacts that could distract the viewer. Despite these inconsistencies, the vibrant aerial sequences stand out, showcasing an impressive depth that sometimes highlights the limitations of the visual effects of the era.

In summary, MGM's effort on the Blu-ray delivery of "The Battle of Britain" garners appreciation for its attempts at presenting a natural and detailed visual experience. While it suffers from some technical issues such as edge enhancement and resolution drops in places, these do not significantly mar the overall enjoyment of the film. The balance between maintaining a filmic essence and navigating the challenges of age and technology results in a commendably authentic viewing experience that respects the original material. MGM’s dedication to quality is evident, though there is room for improvement in consistency and digital restoration techniques.

The audio presentation of "The Battle of Britain" on Blu-Ray brings to its audience an interesting array of options, primarily leaning towards vintage audio enthusiasts with its inclusion of three distinct English-language tracks: DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1 Surround (48kHz/16-bit), a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround encoded with Sir William Walton's score (448kbps), and the original mono mix (192kbps). The divergence between these options starkly underscores the technological evolution in audio capturing and rendering. The DTS-MA track, sourced from likely 70mm prints, delivers the most expansive soundscape, making astute use of stereo effects and music mix despite the mono dialog. This selection starkly contrasts with the Dolby Digital track, where everything, barring Walton's score, is bundled into the center channel, resulting in a significantly diminished auditory impact.

Despite its age, the soundtrack manages to impress with an analog warmth and natural, albeit limited, sound dynamics. Dialogue is discernibly clear but occasionally exhibits a roughness. Sound effects, particularly in regards to aircraft engines and battlefield clamors, present a remarkable authenticity that somewhat alleviates the flattened dynamic range and subdued bass commonly found in modern soundtracks. However, it’s the DTS track that truly elevates the immersion, spatially dispersing sound elements across the room that adeptly mimic the chaotic beauty of aerial warfare.

The orchestral score, benefiting immensely from the higher bitrate of the DTS track, resonates with a warmth and fullness unexpected from a markedly smaller ensemble. Despite some instrumental placements feeling exaggerated, they stop short of fragmenting the soundscape. Nonetheless, limitations remain across all tracks - a compressed high end and a general lack of discrete surround effects point to the inevitable concessions made due to the original recording's age. The auditory experience of "Battle of Britain" on Blu Ray, while commendable for its authenticity and historical fidelity, candidly falls short of today's high-fidelity standards.

The Blu-Ray release of "The Battle of Britain" leaves enthusiasts and collectors alike in a peculiar bind, as it comes starkly devoid of any additional content or special features. This absence extends to even the most rudimentary of extras, failing to include what one might consider standard, such as a theatrical trailer. This surprising omission is especially disheartening for such a historically significant film, leaving one to ponder the missed opportunity for in-depth documentaries, director's commentary, or behind-the-scenes footage that could have enriched the viewing experience by providing context and insights into the making of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• There are no extras included on this disc.

The Battle of Britain," produced in 1969, epitomizes the era's predilection for blending high-octane action with historical events, despite its narrative shortcomings. Critics have consistently highlighted the movie's failure to deliver a cohesive plot, emphasizing that the script stumbles in its attempt to bind awe-inspiring aerial sequences with the human elements and intricacies of wartime Britain. The film portrays a scattered series of events, from intense air combats to the more mundane moments of pilots awaiting orders, and attempts to inject drama through a clunky romantic subplot between Christopher Plummer and Susannah York, which unfortunately fails to resonate. The lackluster characterization and narrative coherence are apparent, making it a spectacle that struggles to find its soul amid the noise of battle.

Despite these criticisms, "The Battle of Britain" is lauded for its technical achievements and meticulous detail in recreating the historic conflict that took place over England and the English Channel in 1940. With a production budget that was lavish for its time, the film employed an impressive fleet of period aircraft, thanks to the effort of producers Harry Saltzman and S. Benjamin Fisz and the expertise of Group Captain Hamish Mahaddie. This not only added authenticity but helped preserve these iconic planes. Its visual effects, including vintage aerial photography, matte paintings, and miniatures, though now somewhat dated, remain a testament to the filmmakers' ambition to capture the scale and ferocity of the aerial dogfights that were central to this key WWII battle.

Ultimately, "The Battle of Britain" remains a significant cinematic endeavor for its audacious portrayal of one of WWII's pivotal moments. While it may falter in its narrative delivery and character development, its commitment to visual authenticity and the depiction of the strategic importance of the Battle of Britain within the larger context of the war cannot be overlooked. The film serves as both a homage and a historical document, capturing the courage and sacrifice of those involved in the conflict. Despite its imperfections, it is this earnest attempt to immortalize "The Battle of Britain" that secures its place in the annals of war cinema.

The Battle of Britain" on Blu-ray provides a viewing experience that, while flawed in narrative coherence and character development, delivers admirably in terms of spectacle and technical quality. The film, despite its historical significance and grand scale, suffers from performances that can best be described as stiff and unconvincing, alongside a script that struggles to weave its historical facts into a compelling storyline. However, the visual prowess of the film is undeniable. Enhanced by the Blu-ray's excellent audio and video quality, scenes of aerial combat and the detailed recreation of a pivotal moment in history are brought vividly to life, serving as the film's main draw.

However, potential buyers should temper their expectations when it comes to additional content. The Blu-ray release is notably sparse on extras, lacking the kind of supplementary materials that often add substantial value for enthusiasts and collectors alike. This omission is felt all the more keenly given the disc's relatively steep list price of $40, making it a difficult recommendation for all but the most fervent fans of the genre or subject matter. Despite these drawbacks, the release does manage to capture the sheer scale and intensity of air battles with a level of crispness and immersion that only high-definition can provide.

In conclusion, "The Battle of Britain" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag. While it excels in delivering visually stunning depictions of air warfare enhanced by solid audiovisual quality, it falls short in narrative engagement and character development. The lack of extras at a premium price point further complicates its value proposition. Yet, for those with a keen interest in World War II or aerial combat visuals, it may still warrant consideration as a niche addition to their collection. Expect to be entertained by the spectacle, but look elsewhere for depth and supplementary insights into this pivotal historical event.