Murphys War (1971) Arrow Video Blu-ray Review

There have been many films in cinema history that took place during World War II. We have seen such amazing films as The Bridge on the River Kwai, Stalag 17, Judgment at Nuremberg, The Best Years of our Lives, The Great Escape and Schindler's List. 

In 1971 actor legendary Peter O’Toole (Lawrence of Arabia, The Stunt Man) joined forces with director Peter Yates (Bullitt, The Friends of Eddie Coyle) to make the dramatic Murphy's War, a film about the absurdity of war.

During the last days of WWII, the merchant ship ‘Mount Kyle’ is sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Venezuela and the sailors machine-gunned in the water. Only Murphy (O’Toole) survives, making his way to shore where he is nursed to health by Dr. Hayden (Sian Phillips), a pacifist Quaker who runs a missionary settlement near the mouth of the Orinoco River. When Murphy discovers that the U-boat is now hiding further up the river using the jungle for cover, he becomes obsessed with retribution and begins a one-man war to sink the German U-boat, no matter the cost.

Murphy's War is a gripping and memorable World War II adventure, but not your typical one. While set during World War II, the film is more of a revenge movie. Now Peter O'Toole is tremendous as Murphy in this film. I found it kind of interesting to note Peter O'Toole was in World War I film Lawrance of Arabia and in World War II film Murphy's War! In addition to O'Toole's fine performance is the amazing supporting that includes, Siân Phillips (I, Claudius), Philippe Noiret (La Grande Bouffe, Cinema Paradiso) and Horst Janson (Captain Kronos – Vampire Hunter, Shout at the Devil). 

Murphy's Law is not Peter O'Toole's best film, far from it! But it is an entertaining film. It is also interesting to note that during its theatrical release Murphy's War was not very warmly received by critics and audiences. But over the years it has gotten more of the love it richly deserves. The screenplay was adapted masterfully from the 1969 novel of the same name written by Max Catto.

Murphy's War has presented in 1080p and presented in 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The audio is the original lossless audio English PCM 1.0 Mono. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. 

Watching Murphy's War on this Blu-ray is a pleasure! The colors are absolutely stunning. The picture is crisp and clean with no signs of damage to this print. The audio is as clear as a bell! Arrow Video never ceases to amaze me at how great their releases look! But as we know by now Arrow Video doesn't stop at an amazing looking print. Take a look at the bonus features included on this Blu-ray!

* Running Out of War, a new visual essay by film critic David Cairns

* A Great Adventure, an archive interview with assistant director John Glen

* Dougie, Chic and Me, an archive interview with focus puller Robin Vidgeon

* One Man Army, an archive interview with film critic Sheldon Hall

* Theatrical trailer

* Image gallery

* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Peter Strain

* Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by film critic Philip Kemp

With interviews, a very cool video essay and the inclusion of the theatrical trailer. That is pretty awesome bonuses. One thing I was amazed about was there was no audio commentary. It's not a major problem, but they are normally included.   

Sometime films that have received bad reviews during their initial release are more or less forgotten through time. That is a shame! I am glad to see that Arrow Video has given Murphy's War a deluxe Blu-ray release. If you would like a copy of the Arrow Video Blu-ray of Murphy's War head over to Amazon and order your copy today!

Out of 4 Films Reels (4 Being the Best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray of Murphy's War receives....