Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Midway Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov December 11, 2021

Jack Smight's "Midway" (1976) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Indicator/Powerhouse Films. The supplemental features on the disc include exclusive new audio commentary by critics Steve Mitchell and Steven Jay Rubin; archival audio interview with actor Robert Wagner; vintage promotional materials; the longer TV version of the film; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-B "locked".

It is pretty difficult to write about Jack Smight’s Midway without producing all sorts of different speculations and comparing it to Roland Emerich’s recent remake. A couple of nights ago, I sat down to revisit it for the first time since the DVD era -- I did not pick up the North American Blu-ray release of Midway Universal produced in 2013 and had not seen the film in high-definition -- and almost immediately after the opening credits disappeared my mind began identifying bits of material that could have been done better. It was rather annoying because as my mind kept entertaining seemingly endless ‘what if’ scenarios eventually it became quite difficult to stay with the drama that was unfolding on the screen. On the other hand, history is a subject that I am very passionate about, so when I revisit these types of war films the problem I am describing above is always part of the viewing experience.

But earlier today, after having thought about some of the bits my mind had insisted could have been done better, I am began speculating again, only this time because I think that Smight was probably right to shoot them as he did. Indeed, one of my main criticisms has always been that Smight should have placed a much greater emphasis on the tactical game that won the Battle of Midway. To be perfectly clear, the discussions between Admiral Yamamoto (Toshiro Mifune) and his captains as well as Admiral Nimitz (Henry Fonda), Lieutenant Commander Joseph Rochefort (Hal Holbrook), and Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance (Glenn Ford) provide plenty of valuable insights on the strategic planning of the two sides, but the actual military strategizing is part of them is a bit simplistic. However, perhaps this was the only way the strategizing could have been filmed so that the film does not evolve into a dry documentary feature. In fact, I am quite certain that this must have been the reason for the introduction of Captain Matt Garth (Charlton Heston), an entirely fictional character, who faces some difficult dilemmas after his son reveals to him that he intends to marry a Japanese-American girl whose parents have been detained -- the melodrama that emerges from the father-son relationship makes the strategizing and the rest of the historical information a lot easier for the mainstream viewer to digest. (Obviously, it is not a coincidence that the Japanese characters have all of their discussions in English as well). So, all things considered, I have to concede that Smight probably did the type of compromises that were needed for the film to have to remain as historically accurate as possible while having a strong mainstream appeal.

I would like to quickly address the quality of the characterizations as well. On paper, the film benefits from a huge cast of stars that immediately raise the expectations very high, but perhaps impossibly high as well. Indeed, if you view the film for the first time, you will rightfully expect brilliant contributions from all stars, regardless of the nature of the scene they appear in. Unfortunately, there is plenty of material throughout the film where the stars quite simply do not have the type of chemistry that is needed for them to be consistently authentic. Fonda’s hospital visit, for instance, leaves the impression that he is much better off without Robert Mitchum because the latter does not actually grasp the seriousness of the incoming military conflict. Elsewhere Mifune looks oddly perplexed by the recommendations of his captains, and when he is forced for make difficult decisions with profound consequences, it feels like he is an outsider rather than the man in charge. Holbrook’s casual behavior before and after the secret Japanese communication code is cracked is more than a bit off as well. Heston is very good, but the screenplay demands that he keeps changing personalities to appear legit as a caring father and good military man. In other words, if you want to find flaws with the various characterizations, you won’t have to dig deep to uncover them.

The combat footage incorporates original and archival content that is often quite striking. The archival footage with the Japanese carriers being attacked in particular looks incredible.

Universal screened the film with its then-cutting edge Sensurround technology as well. An original Sensurround track is included on this release in addition to an original Mono track.

*This Blu-ray release of Midway also included the substantially longer U.S. TV version of the film, which premiered in 1978. This version contains exclusive footage as well as some edited footage from the Theatrical Version of the film. It is presented in two parts, as it was originally introduced.

Midway Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Midway arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Indicator/Powerhouse Films.

In the United States, Universal released Midway on Blu-ray in 2013. Unfortunately, I only have a very old DVD release of this film in my library and therefore cannot comment on how this Blu-ray release compares to the North American Blu-ray release.

Universal's master is clearly old and reveals obvious signs of ageing. However, even with all of the limitations and minor issues that are present on it, it still offers a pretty good upgrade in quality over the old DVD release. Delineation, clarity, and even image stability are clearly superior, though almost immediately after the opening credits disappear you will be able to tell that the film should look a lot healthier, too. Indeed, grain frequently appears uneven and occasionally a bit smeary. Sharpness levels can spike up too, though I want to make it clear that the overall appearance of the visuals remains mostly decent. Obviously, in areas where archival footage is used you should expect to see more pronounced fluctuations, but these are standard inherited limitations. Color balance is good, but if the film is properly restored in 4K saturation levels will be improved. The existing ranges of nuances will be expanded as well. In darker areas there is a bit of crush, but the existing shadow definition is usually quite good. Most highlights can be rebalanced, especially in areas with plenty of light. There are no stability issues. A few speck pop up here and there, but the master is healthy. (Note: This is a Region-B "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-B or Region-Free player in order to access its content).

Midway Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English LPCM 1.0 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The latter reproduces the original Sensurround track Universal had for the theatrical release of the film. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they appear inside the image frame.

I viewed the film with the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track which obviously does not offer any surround activity. It is most effective during the combat footage where it ramps up low frequency and basically adds up extra oomph. I am unsure how younger viewers will judge it because from time to time it alters balance in some pretty unusual ways -- or at least according to modern standards. I used the Mono track quite a bit as well. I did not detect any troubling age-related imperfections, so as far as I am concerned the two lossless tracks reproduce the original audio options for this film very well. Is there any room for improvement? Perhaps some minor cosmetic adjustments can be made in a few areas, but I don't think the end result will be drastically different.

Midway Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• TV Version - the longer TV version of Midway is presented in two parts (101 and 92 min). In English, with optional English SDH subtitles.

• Sensurround: The Sounds of Midway - in this archival featurette, composer John Williams, producer Walter Mirisch, Charlton Heston, editor Frank J. Urioste, and director Jack Smight discuss the Sensurround process and the manner in which it was utilized in Midway. In English, not subtitled. (5 min).

• The Making of Midway - this archival program takes a closer look at the production of Midway. Included in it are clips from interviews with Charlton Heston (who fought the war and had experienced its horrors), producer Water Mirisch, Jack Smight, and editor Frank J. Urioste. There are some particularly interesting comments about the additional footage that was shot for TV version of the film as well. In English, not subtitled. (39 min).

• They Were There! (1976) - this archival program introduces a few of the real American heroes that survived the battle of Midway. The program is narrated by Charlton Heston. In English, not subtitled. (7 min).

• The Guardian Interview with Robert Wagner - this archival audio interview with Robert Wagner was conducted by Joan Bakewell at the National Film Theatre in London on June 30, 1983. Robert Wagner discusses his contributions to various films, philosophy of acting, some of the famous actors and directors he worked with, etc. In English, not subtitled. (70 min).

• Super 8 Version - a standard Super 8 version of Midway. In English, with optional English subtitles. (18 min).

• Trailer and TV Spot - in English, not subtitled. (12 min).
  
  1. TV Spot One
  2. TV Spot Two
  3. TV Spot Three
  4. TV Spot Four
  5. Radio Spots

• Image Gallery - a collection of vintage promotional materials for Midway.

• The Battle of Midway - this archival documentary, photographed by the U.S. Navy in Technicolor from a 16mm original, has some incredible footage from the real battle of Midway. Portions of this footage was used in Jack Smight's film. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles. (19 min).

• Commentary - an exclusive new audio commentary recorded by critics Steve Mitchell and Steven Jay Rubin. There is some really interesting information in this commentary about the real battle of Midway, the production history of Jack Smight's film, the critical reception of the film at home and abroad, the film's box office success, the use of Sensurround, etc.

• Booklet - an illustrated booklet edition featuring a new essay by Lee Pfeiffer and Dave Worrall, archival articles on the film and the events that inspired it, an overview of critical responses, and technical credits.

• Cover - reversible cover with vintage Japanese poster art for Midway.

Midway Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Midway was a huge box office hit for Universal, which is why there is a substantially longer TV version of it as well. But how good is this film? If you want to find flaws in it and argue that it could have been done better, you won't have to dig very deep. Even if you focus only on the characterizations, you will uncover more than enough to be unhappy with. On the other hand, there is still plenty of solid acting and some absolutely breathtaking combat footage. I think that there are way too many big stars in the film that are rarely on the same page and as a result the drama isn't always as authentic as it needs to be. However, given the type of screenplay Jack Smight was handed, I very much doubt that a more modest cast would have delivered a drastically better film. Indeed, the screenplay keeps overlapping war drama and personal melodrama in a very particular manner that makes it awfully difficult for the film to have a proper identity. So, it is a decent film, but it isn't the epic war drama that was obviously conceived to be. Indicator/Powerhouse Films' release is sourced from an older but rather good master that was supplied by Universal. It offers a nice selection of exclusive new and archival bonus features as well. RECOMMENDED.