The Big Red One

Two years in the making--and 35 years in the head of writer-director Samuel Fuller--this World War II epic redefined an entire genre when it finally hit theaters in 1980. Based on Fuller's own experiences as a G.I., The Big Red One follows the First Infantry Division's excursions into North Africa and Europe--in a sense presenting the land war through the eyes of the foot soldier who has one thing on his mind: survival. Robert Carradine has a nice turn as the film's dogface narrator, and Fuller's alter ego. Mark Hamill, in his first post-Star Wars role of substance, is terrific as another one of the soldiers--so much so that his typecasting as Luke Skywalker now seems all the more regrettable. And Lee Marvin, in what is surely the best performance of his waning years as a star, plays the intrepid sergeant determined to bring his squad through, intact. While the action is intense and the Nazis make despicable villains, the film never falls back on the jingoism that typifies most war movies: Fuller wanted to tell a different kind of war story, refused to rely on facile conceits, and insisted on maintaining certain scenes, viewpoints, and characterizations, all of which put him at loggerheads with the producers, who wanted various cuts and changes. Thanks to film critic/producer Richard Schickel and a slew of technicians, this 25th anniversary set is far closer to Fuller's vision, and features approximately 50 minutes of restored footage. DVD extras on this excellent-looking double-disc edition include audio commentary by Schickel, the new documentary “The Real Glory: Reconstructing The Big Red One,” a The Men Who Made the Movies profile of Fuller, the War Department film “The Fighting First,” alternate scenes, before and after restoration comparisons, a stills gallery, and a trailer. Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)[Blu-ray Review—May 6, 2014—Warner, 113/162 min., PG/R, $19.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1980's The Big Red One features a good transfer and a DTS-HD 2.0 soundtrack. Extras are identical to the previous DVD release, including both the theatrical version and the 50-minute longer R-rated cut, audio commentary by film critic and co-producer Richard Schickel, “The Men Who Made the Movies” profile of director Samuel Fuller (55 min.), “The Real Glory: Reconstructing The Big Red One” (48 min.), deleted scenes (32 min.), a promo reel with additional footage (30 min.), the War Department film “The Fighting First” (13 min.), a “Behind-the-Scenes: Anatomy of a Scene” segment with restoration comparisons (19 min.), radio spots, and trailers. Bottom line: a restored classic makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]