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MacArthur
Universal // PG // October 30, 2001
List Price: $24.98 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
While I doubt that "MacArthur" will rank highly on my list of favorite films in the war genre, the stellar performance of Greory Peck really does make this particular film worth watching. Peck plays the title character, whose life and career are given the focus of this biopic. Covering the General's career in WWII from 1942-1921, this is an impressive picture with remarkable production values and a very good screenplay.
Considered one of the most intelligent and tough millitary commanders of his time, MacArthur's highs and lows are chronicled in this film, as the general was often running up against higher officers and the government officials who were watching over his every movement, win and loss as he ventures throughout the Pacific.
Peck really delivers a standout performance. Certainly, an agressive and reportedly egotistical figure like MacArthur could have brought out an over-the-top and loud performance in a different actor. Peck is able to provide a subtle and controlled effort that pushes the emotion at the appropriate time and often magnificently portrays a proud and somewhat flawed individual. While "MacArthur" as a film is quite an ambitious effort to cover a 10 year period, it does tend to come up short on one element - energy. While there are several interest sequences throughout the movie, they are presented in a somewhat matter-of-fact way. While certainly never dull and always engaging, "MacArthur" could occasionally have benefited from a pushing the drama and pace a little harder.
Still, an excellent biopic that's well-crafted in most regards.
The DVD
VIDEO: Universal presents "MacArthur" in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. While certainly some concerns were noticed with the effort here, there were actually some positive aspects that helped keep my opinion of the overall presentation positive. Sharpness and detail were not particularly great throughout the movie, as the film's look seems to be intentionally soft, but not to the point of extreme softness or haziness.
The element that kept my opinion of the visuals at least moderately high was the fact that the print used seemed to be largely and almost completely free of flaws. Although some shots (stock footage) did display some mild grain, these scenes were brief. A couple of specks came up, but that was about it. I saw no further signs of wear such as marks, scratches, hairs or other. Neither pixelation or edge enhancement were apparent, either.
Colors looked accurate and not faded or smeared, but did appear subdued throughout the movie. I'd certainly believe that this was a choice by the filmmakers, though. Flesh tones appeared natural, as well. Rather soft and a little bit grainy at times, "MacArthur" still looks otherwise good on this new edition from Universal.
SOUND: "MacArthur" is presented in mono audio and - hey, it's actually pretty good. While by no means up to the kind of quality of many more modern soundtracks, the quality and range of the mono presentation did somewhat surpass my expectations. While the action sequences did not pack a considerable rumble, they at least didn't sound thin or flat, either. The film's score sounded crisp and dialogue came through with fine clarity, as well.
MENUS:: While the bold cover art looks slightly better posing as the main menu, there's nothing too special about it, as some subtle animation or the score in the background would've been nice.
EXTRAS:: Pretty basic stuff - trailer, bios, recommendations. Interviews or other supplemental material would have been much appreciated.
Final Thoughts: While "MacArthur" isn't one of the best war films, the performance by Peck is excellent and certainly worthy of at least a rental viewing. Universal's DVD presents the film with decent audio/video quality, but nothing much in the way of supplements. Fans of the genre might want to take a look at both this and Universal's CE of "Midway" streeting the same week.
While I doubt that "MacArthur" will rank highly on my list of favorite films in the war genre, the stellar performance of Greory Peck really does make this particular film worth watching. Peck plays the title character, whose life and career are given the focus of this biopic. Covering the General's career in WWII from 1942-1921, this is an impressive picture with remarkable production values and a very good screenplay.
Considered one of the most intelligent and tough millitary commanders of his time, MacArthur's highs and lows are chronicled in this film, as the general was often running up against higher officers and the government officials who were watching over his every movement, win and loss as he ventures throughout the Pacific.
Peck really delivers a standout performance. Certainly, an agressive and reportedly egotistical figure like MacArthur could have brought out an over-the-top and loud performance in a different actor. Peck is able to provide a subtle and controlled effort that pushes the emotion at the appropriate time and often magnificently portrays a proud and somewhat flawed individual. While "MacArthur" as a film is quite an ambitious effort to cover a 10 year period, it does tend to come up short on one element - energy. While there are several interest sequences throughout the movie, they are presented in a somewhat matter-of-fact way. While certainly never dull and always engaging, "MacArthur" could occasionally have benefited from a pushing the drama and pace a little harder.
Still, an excellent biopic that's well-crafted in most regards.
The DVD
VIDEO: Universal presents "MacArthur" in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. While certainly some concerns were noticed with the effort here, there were actually some positive aspects that helped keep my opinion of the overall presentation positive. Sharpness and detail were not particularly great throughout the movie, as the film's look seems to be intentionally soft, but not to the point of extreme softness or haziness.
The element that kept my opinion of the visuals at least moderately high was the fact that the print used seemed to be largely and almost completely free of flaws. Although some shots (stock footage) did display some mild grain, these scenes were brief. A couple of specks came up, but that was about it. I saw no further signs of wear such as marks, scratches, hairs or other. Neither pixelation or edge enhancement were apparent, either.
Colors looked accurate and not faded or smeared, but did appear subdued throughout the movie. I'd certainly believe that this was a choice by the filmmakers, though. Flesh tones appeared natural, as well. Rather soft and a little bit grainy at times, "MacArthur" still looks otherwise good on this new edition from Universal.
SOUND: "MacArthur" is presented in mono audio and - hey, it's actually pretty good. While by no means up to the kind of quality of many more modern soundtracks, the quality and range of the mono presentation did somewhat surpass my expectations. While the action sequences did not pack a considerable rumble, they at least didn't sound thin or flat, either. The film's score sounded crisp and dialogue came through with fine clarity, as well.
MENUS:: While the bold cover art looks slightly better posing as the main menu, there's nothing too special about it, as some subtle animation or the score in the background would've been nice.
EXTRAS:: Pretty basic stuff - trailer, bios, recommendations. Interviews or other supplemental material would have been much appreciated.
Final Thoughts: While "MacArthur" isn't one of the best war films, the performance by Peck is excellent and certainly worthy of at least a rental viewing. Universal's DVD presents the film with decent audio/video quality, but nothing much in the way of supplements. Fans of the genre might want to take a look at both this and Universal's CE of "Midway" streeting the same week.
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