Patton | Blu-ray Review

When you are the only General ever feared by the Nazis in World War II you can expect to have an equally epic story to be told about you. The new re-release of George C. Scott in Patton on Blu-Ray is an appropriate step in the continuation of the story of one of America’s greatest military leaders. The film has been so influential on the culture of America that the US National Film Registry in the Library of Congress chose it for inclusion in the collection as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. The charismatic General George S. Patton, nicknamed “Blood & Guts”, was a determined leader and brilliant strategist. He sported ivory-handled six shooters, and believed he was a re-incarnated warrior in past lives. By out maneuvering Rommel in Africa and the victory on D-Day, the General continued on to sweep and dominate Europe.

In the film adaptation of the General’s life, director Franklin J. Schaffner brings to life the period during World War II when the General was at his prime. Patton won 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture. The Oscar winning screenplay was written by another icon, Francis Ford Coppola with Edmund H. North. The two based their script largely on Lalislas Farago’s Patton: Ordeal and Triumph, and Omar Bradley’s memoir A Soldier’s Story.

The opening “Pep Talk” to members of Patton’s Third Army sets the mood for the driving and intense action to follow. The opening has become one of the most recognizable scenes in cinema and still stands as one of the most memorable scenes in war films. The iconic scene was actually filmed last because George C. Scott was hesitant to include the scene for fear of the film not living up to the expectations the opening set up.

The production took place with no support from Patton’s family; however, after the release they fully embraced and supported it calling it a memorable and accurate depiction of the man.

The Disc:

20th Century Fox has created a beautiful re-release of the classic war movie. With the addition of HD the films incredible battle scenes, all filmed in live action with no CGI, you feel as if you are on the field with the great Generals of the time. The refined color and detail afforded by HD brings the viewer directly into the life of the man. The original vision of director Frank Schaeffner (Planet of the Apes), is aptly captured and displayed in the new medium. The film comes packaged in standard Blu-ray case with 2 discs. The disc seems to have corrected the picture quality issues that plagued the original 2008 home media release.

Directors Commentary
Disc one contains both the original theatrical version as well as the director commentary version with tons of insightful material from Schaeffner regarding the production highs and lows.

Maverick Military Man
With interviews from historians, fellow soldiers and Robert Patton, the grandson of George Patton, this full length documentary lends itself to a History Channel feel with great attention to detail and fact. By separating fact from legend the viewer gets an in-depth look at the man and the facts behind the script. Compelling and insightful the documentary is well worth the time.

Patton’s Ghost Corps
In 2004 producers followed up with 63 of Patton’s former soldiers for interviews regarding the man they all served and often revered. The 60 minute documentary fills in personal memory of many of the scenes the film depicts. The dramatic insight lends details and depth to the original film.

Theatrical Trailer
Relying heavily on the temperament and bravery of the man, the theatrical trailer only minimally utilizes the iconic opening scene. Distributed during the tumultuous Vietnam War era, the trailer and the film were intended to draw both anti-war and pro-war viewer into the theater.

Final Thoughts

Patton is a classic film well deserving of the dozens of awards and accolades it was presented. George C. Scott presents a believable and stunning performance in the title role. The film is a bit long, but carries the viewer well throughout the journey. The action scenes bode well, shot in true action as opposed to today’s SFX, leading the viewer directly into the battle zones. The Blu-ray version with its extensive extras makes this a grand addition to any classic or war collection. “Now, I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.” – George S. Patton