The Red Ball Express Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

The Red Ball Express Blu-ray Movie Review

War.

Lt. Chick Campbell (Jeff Chandler) and Sgt. Red Kallek (Alex Nicol) go head-to-head with each other as disagreements arise alongside an epic journey inspired by a true Red Ball Express story. Red Ball Express features a story by Marcy Klauber (Moon Over Manhattan, Girl in the Woods) and William Grady Jr. (Hollywood Story, Code Two). Produced by Aaron Rosenberg (The World in His Arms, Bend of the River), Red Ball Express featured technical advice by General Frank Ross, who was involved in the real-life Red Ball Express. The feature-film is also noteworthy for features an early performance by the great Sidney Poitier.

As the story unfolds, Red Ball Express explores the odyssey of a special platoon put in charge of delivering some much-needed supplies following a successful mission from Patton's Third Army. Exploring the adventures of the crew of this platoon, the story focuses on the interracial group of determined young men as they experience danger and romance along the road to Patton. As German Nazi's and dangerous minefields lay in their wake, can the platoon survive to reach their destination?

Aim for perfection.

Red Ball Express features strong art direction by Bernard Herzbrun (The Fighting O'Flynn, Creature from the Black Lagoon) and Richard H. Riedel (Pillow Talk, The Battle at Apache Pass). The film certainly has many sequences which are realistic and compelling to watch unfold. Given the war backdrop, the production team paid a lot of attention to detail and the results are worthwhile.

The cinematography by Maury Gertsman (Time Out of Mind, Song of the Sarong) is another impressive element of the production. The visuals strike an important key throughout. The film manages to convey the dangers of war while also finding moments of peace to highlight the characters. No matter what the scene, Gertsman conveyed the visual tone with striking authenticity.

Directed by Budd Boetticher (The Magnificent Matador, City Beneath the Sea), Red Ball Express is worthwhile. The screenplay by John Michael Hayes (Rear Window, To Catch a Thief) is one of the greatest strengths of the film and Boetticher explores the characters and their journeys with true gravitas. The editing by Edward Curtiss (Paris Calling, Come and Get It) is also quite tight. All in all, Red Ball Express is an effective war-time film that has plenty to offer audiences. Worth a look.

The Red Ball Express Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Red Ball Express is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the aspect ratio of 1.36:1 full frame. The presentation is in quite good shape overall. The transfer showcases the quality black and white cinematography and looks splendid for the most part. The print does have occasional specks and minor scratches but nothing overly detrimental to enjoying the presentation. An impressive encode by Kino.

The Red Ball Express Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release is presented in DTS HD Master Audio mono. Red Ball Express sounds quite solid. The track is clean and sharp. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. There are some rather impressive scenes in the film which showcase the sound-design well. The audio is also free from egregious issues with hiss, warps, clicks, and other audio-related detriments. An effective audio presentation.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

The Red Ball Express Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Combat Films: American Realism Author Steven Jay Rubin

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: Wake Island (SD, 2:08), Fixed Bayonets! (HD, 2:37), Time Limit (HD, 3:16), Ten Seconds to Hell (HD, 2:15), Run Silent, Run Deep (SD, 3:02), and Man in the Shadow (HD, 2:17).

The Red Ball Express Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Red Ball Express is an entertaining war film. The production merits are quite strong as well (with great visuals and production design elements). Fans of the film will want to check out the Kino Blu-ray release. Recommended.