Battle Hymn Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Battle Hymn Blu-ray Movie Review

A first-rate drama directed by Douglas Sirk (To New Shores, All That Heaven Allows).

Battle Hymn is an inspirational drama inspired by true events. Produced by Ross Hunter (Pillow Talk, Steel Town), Battle Hymn explores the traumas of WWII and the determination of the human spirit to continue on. Starring Rock Hudson in the leading role, fans of classic cinema will want to check out this underrated gem.

Col. Dean E. Hess (Rock Hudson) was a World War II fighter pilot involved in bombing missions. Plagued with feelings of guilt after an accidental bombing of a German orphanage (in which Hess killed 37 children from the bombing), Col. Hess regrets his time spent as a bomber pilot and he ultimately decides to enter a ministry to help redeem himself for his past sins. Determined to find salvation for the orphanage bombing, Col. Hess helps to build a new orphanage to protect future children. Can Col. Hess find redemption and help right the wrongs of the war?

Rock Hudson delivers an impressive performance and manages to imbue the film with his unique charms as an actor. Hudson was a great leading-man for classic dramas and he shines in the role. Exploring the part with a fierce dedication to the performance, Hudson delivered one of his best dramatic performances in Battle Hymn. Fans of the actor won't want to miss out on this impressive performance.

The production has a number of impressive elements. The art direction by Alexander Golitzen (Foreign Correspondent, Touch of Evil) and Emrich Nicholson (City Beneath the Sea, Undercover Girl) is rather compelling and gives the film a aesthetic which fits the story well. The fighter planes and production design elements are compelling and bring to life the story. The efforts here are tremendous and well crafted.

A must-see performance by Rock Hudson.

The cinematography by Russell Metty (The Omega Man, Bringing Up Baby) adds to the style of the production. The visual style is one of the most important components to the film and it is altogether stunning. Battle Hymn is an impressively shot film and the stylistic efforts make a solid impression.

The costumes by Bill Thomas (Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Logan's Run) are also commendable. The designs fit the characters well and the time-period. There is a sense of authenticity to the designs and how the costumes fit the scenes. The costumes for Rock Hudson fit the character in both the WIII and post-WWII setting.

The music score composed by Frank Skinner (The House of the Seven Gables, Arabian Nights) also provides Battle Hymn with a impressive backdrop. The score adds a sense of excitement to the film (helping the storytelling soar). The music provides ample dramatic depth as well.

The screenplay by Charles Grayson (Double Alibi, The Mighty Treve) and Vince Evans (Chain Lightning, Conflict) is well-written and compelling. The script provides the film with some impressively realized sequences. The story finds a balance between the story and action.

Douglas Sirk (All That Heaven Allows, To New Shores) directs Battle Hymn with a sense of wonder throughout. The film has a wonderful pace and rhythm. The filmmaking is dramatic and compelling to watch unfold. Sirk brought forth a quality performance by Hudson and assembled a strong film. Edited by Russell F. Schoengarth (My Man Godfrey, The Tarnished Angels), Battle Hymn is compelling and it has thematic depth. Well worth consideration.

Battle Hymn Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Battle Hymn is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. The presentation quality is impressive throughout the entire scan. The print is in excellent shape and has almost no print wear or damage. Everything looks crisp, clear, and well-defined. There are no egregious issues with scratches, warps, or burn marks to the print. The print has been well preserved and encoded by Kino Lorber.

Battle Hymn Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio mono. The lossless audio is impressive from beginning to end. There are no egregious issues to report in regards to hiss, crackle, pops, clicks, and other audio-related detriments. The track is crisp sounding. Dialogue is easy to understand. The track succeeds at presenting the film. Though the track might lack the dynamic range of a more modern production, the audio track is nonetheless successful given the age of the source material and elements.

Optional English subtitles.

Battle Hymn Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Critic Nick Pinkerton

Battle Hymn Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:48)

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: A Farewell to Arms (SD, 2:38), The Tarnished Angels (SD, 2:41), All I Desire (SD, 1:05), and Thunder on the Hill (SD, 2:06).

Battle Hymn Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Battle Hymn is a well realized production with a must-see performance by Hollywood legend Rock Hudson. The film is directed by Douglas Sirk (All That Heaven Allows) and the results are magnificent. Exploring some of the traumas of WWII, Battle Hymn is a compelling drama with a strong narrative. The Blu-ray has an impressive video-audio presentation. Highly recommended.