6.3 | / 10 |
Users | ![]() | 0.0 |
Reviewer | ![]() | 3.0 |
Overall | ![]() | 3.0 |
Cold War drama about two gung-ho border commanders (Roy Scheider, Jurgen Prochnow) who carry out their own private war against each other on the German - Czechoslovakia border.
Starring: Roy Scheider, Jürgen Prochnow, Tim Reid (I), Lara Harris, Harry Dean StantonThriller | Uncertain |
Drama | Uncertain |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 16-bit)
None
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | ![]() | 2.5 |
Video | ![]() | 3.0 |
Audio | ![]() | 4.0 |
Extras | ![]() | 1.0 |
Overall | ![]() | 3.0 |
Adapted from a novel by Stephen Peters (who co-scripts with Kenneth Ross), 1990’s “The Fourth War” asks a provocative question: what do Cold War commanders do when their era is over and their service is no longer required? Directed by John Frankenheimer, “The Fourth War” works to build a thriller on faded memories, exploring a rusting war machine that’s threatening to make American Col. Jack Knowles (Roy Scheider) and Russian Col. Valachex (Jurgen Prochnow) obsolete. A fantastic premise is handled unevenly by the production, which never decides if the central conflict is a source of suspense or dark comedy.
Age is apparent with the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation, which doesn't look fresh and inviting. Colors are generally muted, lacking snap as military hues and locations are explored, while skintones are on the bloodless side, missing natural appeal. Detail isn't strong, only really emerging through close-ups of scowling faces and war machines, with distances left passable, but never remarkable. Delineation is only adequate, with a few evening excursions failing to bring out frame information. Source encounters speckling and scratching, and mild banding is detected.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix handles the blunt soundscape of "The Fourth War" well, and while a larger sense of expanse to accompany the remote locations is missing, the basics are covered. Dialogue exchanges are clear and direct, though they are challenged by recording limitations, with the production insisting that conversations take place on loud vehicles and deep, tiled hallways. Scoring is era-specific thin but identifiable, supporting when intended. Atmospherics aren't profound, but the wintry setting is understood, while more obvious sound effects such as gunfire and explosions lack heaviness.
"The Fourth War" has a host of problems, but it never gives up. Frankenheimer is committed to the story and he delivers meaty work, but the tale eventually falls apart as it works to achieve a level of complication that motivates a showdown finale. However, by the time the grand climax arrives, "The Fourth War" is out of tricks, limping to a foregone conclusion.
2014
Nobody Runs Forever
1968
1967
1967-1968
2013
2017
2023
1968
1965
2010
1982
2021
2022
1984
1947
1997
1965
2014
1961
1977