Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

633 Squadron Blu-ray Movie Review

An entertaining adventure.

633 Squadron is a WWII action-adventure. The film has an outstanding number of spectacular aerial flight sequences (especially given the time-period of the production). Based on the novel by Frederick E. Smith, 633 Squadron is a thrilling adventure adapting the original work of Smith. Executive produced by Lewis J. Rachmil (Sinister Journey, The Devil's Playground), 633 Squadron is well worth seeing. Produced by Cecil F. Ford (A Shot in the Dark, The Guns of Navarone), the exciting action-packed sequences make the experience all the more memorable.

Allied troops soon learn that Nazi’s are preparing an attack on England. The Nazi forces want to destroy as much of England as possible with rockets capable of annihilation. A special mission must be led by Wing Commander Roy Grant (Cliff Robertson) and Lt. Erik Bergman (George Chakiris) to stop the monsters in the Nazi forces.

As Wing Commander Roy Grant and Lieutenant Erik Bergman enlist bombers in the Royal Air Force, the mission is to stop the Nazis by creating an avalanche in Norwegian Fjords. The avalanche is supposed to destroy the Nazi rocket plants before the giant rockets lead to the loss of countless lives in England. Can the 633 Squadron stop the Nazis from their plan?

The performances are excellent and make the film all the more entertaining and engaging to experience. Cliff Robertson is excellent in the leading role. Opposite Robertson, George Chakiris also offers up an enjoyable and invigorating performance. The actors deliver strong performances with a keen and memorable understanding of their roles. Fulfilling the parts of wing commander and lieutenant, these performers bring their best to the table.

The film has exceptional cinematography by Edward Scaife (The Dirty Dozen, Storm Over the Nile). The exquisite cinematographic effort is one of the best elements of the film. The visuals are outstanding: hypnotic, enticing, and mesmerizing. 633 Squadron is a truly beautiful looking film with great use of color.

The production design by Michael Stringer (A Shot in the Dark, Inspector Clouseau) fits the film and its storyline well. The production highlights the Norwegian Fjords as well as the environments of these bombers. The results are authentic and entertaining.

The score by Ron Goodwin (Force 10 from Navarone, The Battle of Britain) is exciting, energetic, and good old- fashioned fun. Goodwin has a blast with the original score for the film and the music is a thrilling part of the adventure. A strong effort by Goodwin and a wonderful accompaniment.

The screenplay by James Clavell (The Great Escape, The Last Valley) and Howard Koch (Casablanca, Sergeant York) is entertaining and well-written. The script has excellent dialogue and the cast of characters are well drawn out for action-adventure fare. Clavell and Koch certainly enjoy these characters and the sandbox of the production.

Directed by Walter Grauman (The Last Escape, Deal in Danger), 633 Squadron offers audiences a thrilling experience. The adventure and intrigue of the filmmaking is tense and exciting. The directing has a good pace and is well constructed. The visuals of director Grauman are top-notch and there is a lot of strong creativity on display. 633 Squadron is well worth seeing.

633 Squadron Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, 633 Squadron is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The presentation is excellent. Colors are well preserved. The transfer has a lot of great detail and the sharpness is impressive. A engaging presentation and one that has few issues with regards to scratches and dirt.

633 Squadron Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. The lossless audio does a solid job of preserving the original sound design. Dialogue remains crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The original score composed by Ron Goodwin is well reproduced. The sound mix has a good emphasis on the action scenes and is well designed.

633 Squadron Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary

633 Squadron Trailer (SD, 3:16)

Mosquito Squadron Trailer (SD, 2:41)

The Devil's Brigade Trailer (SD, 3:47)

Attack Trailer (SD, 2:31)

The Train Trailer (SD, 4:35)

Beach Red Trailer (HD, 3:08)

633 Squadron Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

633 Squadron is an entertaining and exciting action-adventure set against the backdrop of WWII. The filmmaking is strong and the production has a number of wonderful production merits. The Blu-ray release includes a worthwhile video and audio presentation. Recommended.