The Train 1964 (Blu-ray Review)

Reviewed  by Jason Lockard

In 1964 John Frankenheimer took over the director's chair from Arthur Penn on the epic war drama The Train. He would join Burt Lancaster for the first time since their last film Birdman of Alcatraz. What emerged was an epic collaboration between director and star bringing an exciting tale to the big screen that was loosely based on real life accounts.

Many great films have been almost forgotten by film fans now. Well, Kino Lorber Studio Classics have given many of these forgotten gems Blu-ray releases and The Train is now getting it's turn to shine in High Definition.

The film takes place in Summer of 1944 in Paris. When the Allied army is closing in on taking Paris back from The Germans, German commander Colonel Franz Von Waldheim (Paul Scofield), who happens to be an art fanatic decides to steals an extensive collection of rare French paintings and loads them onto a train bound for Berlin. But Labiche (Burt Lancaster), a member of the Resistance, is not going to let this happen and is intent on stopping the train by any means necessary.

When you see lists of the best World War II films of all time. Very rarely will you ever see The Train listed. Now that is a real shame. From the direction, the acting and the score The Train hits all the right notes. It is a masterpiece of action and drama.

As for Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release the film has been transferred in widescreen format (1.66:1) in 1920x1080p. The audio is DTS-HD Master Audio. The film looks and sounds remarkable on Blu-ray. There is also English Subtitles for the deaf and heard of hearing.

Now getting The Train on stunning Blu-ray would be enough to make this a must add to any film collection. But Kino Lorber Studio Classics went above and beyond here and added some really cool bonuses. Take a look!


Special Features:

* Audio Commentary by John Frankenheimer

* NEW Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Combat Films: American Realism Author Steven Jay Rubin

* Optional Isolated Score by Maurice Jarre

* Booklet Essay by Film Historian Julie Kirgo

* TRAILERS FROM HELL with Brian Trenchard-Smith

* Limited Edition Slipcase

* Reversible Art

* Theatrical Trailer

Kino Lorber really went above and beyond with this release. Loading it with commentaries,  reversible artwork, a booklet and more. This is a very nice release for any film fan.

If you are a fan of War Dramas, Burt Lancaster of John Frankenheimer films Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of The Train would make an amazing addition to any film fans collection. Head over to Amazon.com and get your copy!


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) Kino Lorber's The Train receives...