Universal Pictures
Unbroken is the true story of Louis Zamperini, Olympian and survivor of a plane crash during World War II. After surviving for 47 days adrift at sea he’s then caught by the Japanese navy and sent to a prisoner of war camp.
The film gained lots of attention the past year due to it’s director, Angelina Jolie, and some people’s perception that the film was snubbed by the Oscars (it received three nominations, all in technical categories). Upon viewing the movie, it seems less snub and more appropriate in it’s lack of recognition. While the cinematography is fantastic, and it really shines on Blu-ray, the film itself is a bit paint by numbers in its direction and approach. For a film about such an exciting life, the first third isn’t terribly interesting. Early fighter pilot scenes are aping the WWII films of the past much the way that the original Star Wars did, but less competently so. Plus the real meat of the film kicks in during the POW sequences but it takes well over an hour of it’s 2 hour 18 minute run-time to get there.
There are some very good performances and great special effects, though there is a bit of an uncanny valley effect here. Most of the larger effects shots don’t stick out as badly, but you’re definitely aware that it’s not a practical shot. Also the first third of the film reeks of Hollywood cliché and an extended flashback to Louis’ youth features some terrible child actors.
The film is now available on Blu-ray and it’s a good one to really show off your big screen TV. Every shot in the film is beautiful and the video transfer is crisp and shows a lot of texture. From flying war scenes with huge gorgeous skies to the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, the film and its Blu-ray are a feast for the eyes. I did find it lacking in sound mix department though. While it boasts Dolby Atmos 7.1 compatibility as well as 5.1 mixing, the vocals seemed drowned out by the music and sound effects throughout the film. I found myself constantly turning the volume up during any extended dialogue scenes.
The Blu-ray also contains a number of special features, much better than so many of the bare bones releases that are put out more and more frequently.
- Deleted Scenes – Several deleted/extended scenes are included, though it’s obvious why these hit the cutting room floor. There’s no meat here just fat.
- Inside Unbroken: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Film – A multi-part behind-the-scenes look at the production of the film.
- Cast and Crew Concert Featuring Miyavi – A private concert performed by a cast member/musician for the crew.
- Prison Camp Theater: Cinderella – This feature is basically just one long extended deleted scene; it’s cute but not terribly interesting.
- Louis’ Path to Forgiveness – Very interesting piece detailing the years following the events of the film.
- The Real Louis Zamperini – Interviews with the real Louis Zamperini as well as the cast and crew of the film.
A much better compliment of features than we normally get today, while a few of them are superficial, the “Inside” features are very thin on real production info and more about the cast and crew patting themselves on the back. Where the special features really shine is all the information on Zamperini’s life following the events of the film. After hearing about all of his hardships and triumphs later in life it makes you wonder if that story would have been the more compelling one to put on film.
The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD Combo package was provided to CliqueClack by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment for the purpose of review.
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