U-571 Blu-ray Review

U-571

Blu-ray Review
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Released: August 26, 2008

U-571 was a huge hit when it was first released, focusing on the time when World War II was raging on, and the fight was on against the Nazis.  The film may not be historically accurate, but it is certainly action-packed and very intense.  The film has hit the Blu-ray format courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

During World War II, the war on the seas has gotten quite intense.  A German U-boat is heavily damaged, and an SOS signal is sent out for help.  The only issue for the Germans though is that the signal was picked up by the Allies.

Seeking an opportunity to figure out how the Germans are communicating, a group led by Lt. Andrew Tyler (Matthew McConaughey) has to pretend to be Nazis, infiltrate the German U-boat, and steal the secret decoding device.

This is an extremely dangerous and top secret mission, as they are being sent in to get the goods, blow the U-boat up, and get the heck out of there.

The only issue is that Lt. Tyler is not all that willing, as he was just set to go on 48-hour leave when the U.S. Navy came calling.

Again, this is not the most historically accurate movie ever made, but this is Hollywood, and that’s not what the goal is.  The main focus of the story if that you have Lt. Andrew Tyler going in with his crew into a very horrific situation, which could cost them the war and their lives.

The film features a great cast, with an awesome performance from Harvey Keitel.  Director Jonathan Mostow also did a great job, as did Sam Montgomery and David Ayer, who did the screenplay.  Everything is put together in such a way that you have your clear heroes, clear villains, and a whole lot in-between with plenty of action and suspense.  This is one intense movie!

The video quality for the Blu-ray release is top-notch, presented in 2.35:1 aspect ratio in 1080p.  This is one extremely sharp Blu-ray transfer, as the video quality has seen a huge upgrade from the past DVD releases.

The real highlight for the transfer for me is just how clear the Blu-ray version is.  The transfer is so clear and crisp that many of the scenes almost have a 3D effect to them.  The images have a great deal of pop, with great black levels, flesh-tones, etc.

The audio is equally as impressive in this release, as it is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1.  The audio mix does a great job of really setting a fantastic atmosphere for the film.  The musical score mixed with the dialogue and sound effects will really engross you in everything gong on.  Fantastic stuff that will have your home theater rocking!

In regards to extras, the Blu-ray release gets a respectable array of stuff for fans of the film.

The special features start off with an audio commentary from director Jonathan Mostow, who does a great job of giving insight into how the film was made, his thoughts on the story, etc.

You also get a nice picture-in-picture track called U-Control, which allows you to basically load up featurettes while you are watching the film.  Some of these added featurettes are really put together well, and add a whole new dimension as to how you can watch the film.

U-571 is a very enjoyable war movie with plenty of action and suspense.  With the exciting story and great cast, you will be on the edge of your seat from start to finish.  It is never dull, never laid back, and certainly never quiet.  For fans who want some action, U-571 on Blu-ray is not one to skip out on!

Film: 8.5  A very intense and action-packed film that will have you on the edge of your seat!  A great war-movie!

Video: 9.0 The video quality is about as impressive as you can get on Blu-ray, awesome.

Audio: 9.2 The audio is even better than the video transfer, extremely clear and crisp.  A great atmosphere throughout.

Extras: 8.0 The U-Control extra is well-done with some great featurettes, while the audio commentary gives great insight from the director.

Final Score: 8.5

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