Is Paris Burning? (1966) Blu-ray Review

There have been many films made about the resistance to Hitler and the Nazis over the years. Some are epic some are less than spectacular. But one thing is for sure, we as film fans never seem to tire from watching the history of the nazis.

In 1966 acclaimed filmmaker René Clément (Forbidden Games, The Day and the Hour, Rider on the Rain) made a near 3-hour epic entitled "Is Paris Buring?" featuring an all-star cast. 

Now the good folks at Kino Lorber under the division KL Studio Classics are releasing this film on Blu-ray featuring a newly digitally restored version of this film in 4K from Paramount Pictures.

In August of 1944 as World War II is nearing an end, Gen. Dietrich von Choltitz (Gert Fröbe, Goldfinger) is given orders to burn down Paris if it becomes clear the Allies are going to invade, or if he cannot maintain control of the city. General Choltitz ignores his orders, giving rise to hope in the city and enraging the Germans. Paris freedom fighters decide to mount a resistance with some unexpected help.

"Is Paris Buring?" is an award nominated dramatic film. The powerful script was written by Gore Vital and Francis Ford Coppola and masterfully directed by René Clément. The film has a simply amazing cast including, Charles Boyer, Leslie Caron, Kirk Douglas, Glenn Ford, Orson Wells, Anthony Perkins, Robert Stack and Jean-Pierre Cassel just to name a few.

The film has been transferred in 1080p in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. There are three audio tracks to choose from a 5.1 Surround Sound, a lossless 2.0 Stereo both in English and a Lossless 2.0 Mono French Audio. There are also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. 

The film has been digitally restored in 4K scan from the 35mm Original Camera Negative by Paramount Pictures in Association with American Zoetrope and Francis Ford Coppola. What a restoration it is. The picture is crisp and clean with no signs of damage and the audio is clear as a bell.

A beautifully restored version of this film is not all that is included on this Blu-ray. Kino Lorber added a brand-new audio commentary by Film Historians Daniel Kremer and Howard S. Berger. They delve deep into this film. Lots of information in this commentary. A recommended listen! There are also 3 trailers included, The Day and The Hour, The Train and The Great Escape.

If you are looking for a historical drama about the nazis. I think you should try "Is Paris Burning?" And if you want the best-looking version to experience this film, this new Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber is the perfect way to do it. It looks and sounds amazing.

If you would like to add Is Paris Buring to your Blu-ray collection head over to Amazon and order your copy today.


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) the Blu-ray Is Paris Burning receives....