Apocalypse '45 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Apocalypse '45 Blu-ray Movie Review

 Apocalypse ’45 is an outstanding documentary featuring classic World War II footage. Executive produced by Clark Bunting (Frozen Planet, Man on Wire), Nancy Daniels (Why We Hate, All the President’s Men Revisited), Dave Harding (Cave of Forgotten Dreams, Encounters at the End of the World), and Howard Swartz (A Perfect Planet, The Mating Game), Apocalypse ’45 delves in to the devastating effects of war. Produced by Peter Hankoff (The Cold Blue, Anne Frank’s Holocaust) and Elisabeth Hartjens (Ford at Pearl, The Cold Blue), Apocalypse ’45 showcases rare and little-seen footage, newly restored.

The turmoil of war was devastating to so many individuals in World War II. As Apocalypse ’45 recounts the stories of American pilots and servicemen fighting in the war, the tale explores the devastation of war with a previously unheard account from 24 men who were a part of the events of WWII. The veterans of the war recount their experiences overseas and the roles they played in the war – from dropping bombs on villages to gunning down other pilots.

As the Apocalypse ‘45 documentary explores the trauma and horror of this war generation, Apocalypse ’45 also explores the devasting events of the nuclear bombing in Hiroshima, Japan and the countless citizens lives lost – and the survivors of the nuclear damage (with skin burns and body dysmorphia). Exploring both the impact on the veterans as well as on the ordinary citizens impacted by war, the documentary highlights the impact of world war and the effects on us all. Highlighting the American generational fighters, Apocalypse ’45 is a tribute to bravery as well as a reminder of the horrors of the war and the dangers war poses to humanity.

The Apocalypse ’45 documentary showcases some outstanding WWII era footage as restored by Ernest R. Savage III (The Cold Blue), who also handled colorist duties on some of the black and white footage transformed in to color. The results are breathtaking and dramatic. Some of the footage is deeply horrifying, with the aerial footage of bombs being dropped overwhelming. The footage helps to showcase the horrors of war and the futility of some of the processes – with bombs dropped on civilians.

Edited by Paul Marengo (The Cold Blue, Ford at Pearl), Apocalypse ’45 has an exceptional pace and a sense of cohesion as a documentary. Much of this is attributable to the editing by Marengo. This documentary experience is one that will leave viewers feeling overwhelmed at times but it also showcases the bravery of men fighting in war.

The score composed by Mark Leggett (Anne Frank’s Holocaust, Ford at Pearl) is one of the highlights of the film. The music is beautiful and haunting. The score is a great accompaniment to the visuals in the documentary. Composer Leggett enhanced the film and made it more invigorating with a strong score.

Directed by Erik Nelson (The Cold Blue, JFK: The Final Hours), Apocalypse ’45 highlights the heroism of those who served during WWII while also showcasing the tragedy and horrific aftermath of war. The most haunting images are those of survivors of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima – with their bodies disfigured with body dysmorphia. This was for the lucky ones – those who still had bodies remaining afterwards. Hiroshima is only one part of the documentary, though. Apocalypse ’45 recounts stories of heroic acts and tales of courage – but at the heart of the documentary, it reflects the damage war does to everyone. Damage that time cannot always heal.

Apocalypse '45 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Apocalypse '45 is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The presentation features newly restored footage. The footage is presented in either black and white or in color (with the colorizations by Ernest R. Savage III). The footage is impressively restored and this is one of the highlights of the film. The documentary showcases footage in varying degrees of quality. On the whole, it was surprising how well restored and preserved the footage is. Kino Lorber capably presents Apocalypse '45 with a quality encode.

Apocalypse '45 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo. Regardless of which option is selected, audiences will be impressed with the lossless audio encoding. The surround sound track is exceptional and utilizes the rear channels for the aerial footage in a compelling way. The score is also well reproduced and integrated in to the sound mix.

Apocalypse '45 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Ford at Pearl (HD, 23:01) – a brand new featurette created for the release and containing color footage directed by legendary filmmaker John Ford of Pearl Harbor in 1942.

To the Shores of Iwo Jima (HD, 20:10) – Oscar Nominated 1945 Documentary, newly restored at 6.5K, presented in color, featuring both 5.1 surround sound and stereo audio sound mixes).

The Last Bomb (HD, 36:12) – Oscar Nominated 1945 Short Documentary, newly restored in 6.5K, color feature presentation, includes both 5.1 surround sound and stereo audio sound mixes.

Restoration Comparison (HD, 10:58)

Alternate Credit Roll (HD, 3:44)

Apocalypse '45 Trailer (HD, 2:52)

The Cold Blue Trailer (HD, 1:40)

Apocalypse '45 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Apocalypse '45 is a thought-provoking and rewarding documentary. The film doesn't shy away from both exploring the heroism of those who served during WWII and the horrific aftermath of war. An outstanding documentary and one that is well worth exploring.

The documentary would be worth considering showing to students in high school or college as part of the curriculum – with a discussion afterwards. Those with an interest in history and accounts of WWII will find Apocalypse '45 to be well worth seeing. The Blu-ray release has a superb restoration. Highly recommended.