Tobruk Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

Tobruk Blu-ray Movie Review

A WWII action-adventure starring Rock Hudson

An old-school action-adventure, Tobruk is a World War II feature-film set against the backdrop of the stark outdoor desert (and much of the film was actually filmed at sand dunes across the globe). The film was produced by Gene Corman (Valley of the Redwoods, A Woman Called Goda) and has a eclectic cast including Rock Hudson and George Peppard.

Maj. Donald Craig (Rock Hudson) is a brave and bold leader taking command within the ranks of the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG). After a serious mission failure, Maj. Craig is in need of rescue. A free-spirited yet headstrong leader of the Special Identification Group (SIG) comes to his rescue: Capt. Bergman (George Peppard).

After the two unlikely comrades join forces for bigger missions (alongside the aid of Jewish fighters), a new task-force is formed to take on a perilous mission that must be accomplished against all odds. The crew must be able to ultimately destroy fuel bunkers residing in Tobruk. Can the team assembled risk everything and walk away with their heads held high?

"Are you pleased to see me?"

There are some effective aspects to the filmmaking which are worthy of discussion. For one thing, Tobruk has some creative and unique cinematography by Russell Harlan (To Kill a Mockingbird, Red River). The visuals of the film are distinctive and the outdoor photography manages to showcase some of the beauty of the desert and the lush hues of the sky above (such as scenes with a sublime golden-brown sunset in the horizon).

The production design and art direction by Henry Bumstead (Vertigo, The Sting) and Alexander Golitzen (Touch of Evil, Foreign Correspondent) make a big impression as well. The tanks and surrouding environments are detailed, realistic, and impressive for the time-period in which the production was filmed. The production seems lavishly mounted with sets that are ambitious and refined.

The original score composed by Bronislau Kaper (Mutiny on the Bounty, Lili) sets an excellent war-time tone to the storytelling but is never overbearing. The score does have some moments when it shines and adds to the action and adventure in the film-viewing experience. Kaper crafted a decent score that adds enough flavor to the filmmaking to keep audiences entertained.

Arthur Hiller (Love Story, Silver Streak) crafted the film with a unique visual approach. As director, Hiller made the WWII story more engaging through the action sequences and some unique visuals. Unfortunately, the direction alone cannot elevate the underwhelming storytelling inherent in the screenplay by Leo Gordon (The Bounty Killer, Hot Car Girl). Nor does it manage to overcome Hudson's by-the-numbers performance that is phoned-in from start to finish. A disappointing experience but one that still holds some merit, Tobruk is worth a rental.

Tobruk Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Kino Lorber, Tobruk is presented with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen. It presents the Technicolor photography and the scope of the filmmaking. The transfer itself is not anywhere near as impressive as one would hope to find. Unfortunately, the film stock appears altogether drab at times and less polished or refined than what is ideal.

Colors are often drab and less naturalistic in appearance. Skin tones are not as impressive as they could be and could have been more organic. The technicolor photography on display can be disappointing at times. The presentation looks like it could have used a thorough remaster instead of the scan used for this release. While the print itself is in excellent shape (with little to no print damage, scratches, and other distractions) the quality of the scan never manages to be better than average. Tobruk appears to utilize a dated master and the end result is underwhelming.

Tobruk Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release has received a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono sound presentation. The track has average fidelity at best and never sounds as crisp as one would hope to encounter. While the track never is muffled sounding the track is mundane throughout and is never as dynamic as it should be. The disappointing mono audio even sounds borderline lifeless at times with just a few scenes that are enveloping with regards to score implementation. While the track doesn't have any flaws with hiss, crackle, and other similar deficiencies, Tobruk simply doesn't sound spectacular and the audio track is mainly worthwhile in regards to its reproduction of dialogue.

Please Note: The release includes optional English subtitles.

Tobruk Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historians Steve Mitchell and Steven Jay Rubin

Tobruk Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:49)

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: The Secret Invasion (SD, 3:12), Ambush Bay (SD, 2:45), The Devil's Brigade (SD, 3:47), and Hornets' Nest (SD, 2:40).

Tobruk Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The WWII action-adventure of Tobruk is never quite as effective as one hopes it to be. Rock Hudson doesn't make the best lead for the story and the screenplay by Leo Gordon is never as interesting or effective as it should be (and is full of historical inaccuracy). The film has some impressive production aesthetics (from the outdoor cinematography to the lavish set designs) and is still an occasionally fun piece of entertainment worthy of seeing once. Just don't expect perfection from Tobruk. The Blu-ray release is similarly average with an underwhelming presentation. Fans might consider the release worth checking out for its modest upgrade but the release could have used a more extensive restoration effort.