In 1977, Gregory Peck took on the role of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur in the biographical film MacArthur. Kino Lorber has now released this magnificent film on 4K and Blu-ray. For this review, we will be looking at the Blu-ray release.
Synopsis: Gregory Peck (The Big Country) stars as General Douglas MacArthur, one of the most controversial public figures of our time. In 1942, with his position in the Philippines made hopeless by Japan’s destruction of more than half the planes in his Far East Command, MacArthur leaves, pledging, “I shall return!” MacArthur does return with riveting victories in the Pacific and the deft handling of the democratization of Japan. He is also armed with Presidential aspirations. While serving in Korea in 1951, his colossal ego and insubordination result in dismissal by President Truman. MacArthur is a compelling story which explores the many facets of his ambitious character and clearly demonstrates his brilliance as a strategist, his lust for publicity and flair for dramatics.
MacArthur is one of the most underrated biographical films in history. The film is masterfully written and directed. Gregory Peck gives one of the best performances in his career. Which is saying a lot with all the great films we listed at the beginning of this review. I can't imagine anyone else playing MacArthur. But Peck was not the first choice for the role. Producers wanted Marlon Brando, John Wayne and even George C. Scott. I think the producers got it right.
MacArthur has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio track is English 5.1 surround sound. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Now this Blu-ray transfer is not just any transfer; it is a brand-new HD Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative! The picture quality of this new Blu-ray transfer is stunning, to say the least. The picture is crisp and clean. The colors are bright and vibrant and the audio is clear. The film has never looked better.
Bonus Features:
* Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Combat Films: American Realism Author Steven Jay Rubin
* Radio Spots
* Theatrical Trailer
The audio commentary is a nice bonus feature. Also the addition of a trailer and radio spots is nice, but I wish there could have been more. Interviews, retrospectives- these would have made this Blu-ray set even better.
If you love biographical films as much as I do this new Blu-ray of MacArthur is a must-own for your home video library. Head over to Kino Lorber or Amazon and you can order the Blu-ray or the deluxe 4K UltraHD/Blu-ray version of this release today.
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) the blu-ray of MacArthur receives.....
Social Plugin