A review by Mike Shea Movie Rating: ( * * * * * ) DVD Rating: ( * · · · · )
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My first film from the Kubrick collection, I remember this movie from years and years ago. This time around I got a lot more from the movie that I did back then. Kubrick takes us into the birth and life of a soldier during Viet Nam. The first 45 minutes with the constant background noise of the foul mouthed drill instructor show how a boy is turned into a killing machine, and the rest is how a killing machine can find his humanity again. There are too many incredible visions of Kubrick to mention. Too many unforgettable lines and powerful moments. Needless to say this is a definitive Viet Nam movie with Kubricks name all over it. The DVD does hurt though. The picture is a full frame 1.33 to 1 transfer, though I ran it matted at 16x9 for my screen. While not 16x9, I wasnt too disappointed and did find myself drawn into the vision of the film. The same goes for the sound which, while only mono, still takes you in and doesnt let go. Far from a demo, or even a good DVD, but sometimes the film drives the disc. This is one of those times. Personally I had to have it, and if you are a fan of the director or the film, you may too.