Run Silent, Run Deep Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		4.0

Run Silent, Run Deep Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 4, 2014

It’s the storytelling economy of 1958’s “Run Silent, Run Deep” that’s most impressive. Taking the audience into the depths of the ocean with a WWII submarine crew experiencing a crisis of leadership between haunted Commander Richardson (Clark Gable) and Lieutenant Jim Bledsoe (Burt Lancaster), the feature explores the price of obsession and the choreographed procedures of war. It’s exceptionally tight work from director Robert Wise and screenwriter John Gay, who pays attention to fiery dramatics, but remains true to naval encounters and tense relationships, allowing the audience to feel the pressure of the mission and comprehend the claustrophobia of the setting.

The paring of Gable and Lancaster is a mighty one, with the macho leading men squaring off in a battle of tightened jaws and speedy dialogue delivery (no small feat considering all the jargon stuffed into the script), portraying two capable commanders working through uneasy acts of dominance as they approach cunning Japanese forces. The ensemble is terrific (featuring Don Rickles and Jack Warden), but the stars of the show are the real draw, holding to a military subtlety while passions burn within. And what better way to test chemistry than with a tale that explores a shifting balance of power, torpedo attacks, and sacrifice. Loosely adapting a novel by Commander Edward L. Beach, Jr., Gay summons a fresh take on combative military men, directly influencing another masterful submarine picture, 1995’s “Crimson Tide.”

Run Silent, Run Deep Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.66:1 aspect ratio) presentation arrives with encouraging sharpness, with fine detail a standout element of the viewing experience. It's more than simple facial and costume textures, but touchable surfaces as well, with a crisp read of metal and glass gauges. Contrast is crisp, with breathable black levels that bring out ideal delineation. Grain is consistent and secure. No overt damage was detected, but some mild flicker appears on the left side of the frame.

Run Silent, Run Deep Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is only really hindered by persistent hiss, but it's not an overwhelming distraction. Dialogue exchanges retain their dramatic intensity, and the group dynamic is clear. Scoring is adequate, supporting when necessary, and sound effects are direct, preserving rumbly interactions with exploding ships and depth charges.

Run Silent, Run Deep Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (3:03, HD) is included.

Run Silent, Run Deep Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Wise keeps "Run Silent, Run Deep" alert with attack sequences, sold with convincing special effects that include fascinating model work. Editing is also a standout, offering precise cutting that amplifies tension and preserves realism, selling artifice with exceptional skill. The picture pays attention to combative behavior and pressures of military performance, but there are long stretches of naval strategy that also hold attention, watching the crew of the USS Nerka manage to survive sophisticated attacks and executive evasion procedures, with Wise smartly indulging the details of submarine life on occasion, allowing the viewer to become part of the action. "Run Silent, Run Deep" never lingers long enough to lose its suspenseful grip, with Lancaster and Gable providing riveting authority in a dynamic movie.