The Guns of Navarone [Blu-ray] [1961] [Region Free]

The film is still being bought and reviewed for the last 60 years by an audience that increases every year, and is available in numerous formats and editions such is its appeal. This review is based on the 2 disc Special Edition which has the remastered film on disc 1, superb picture that was technically so difficult to update but has been completed beautifully with a very good sound track.I'm minded to say that Columbia have, with foresight, preserved the master of the film for future issue in whatever new system that will be invented that will replace the present DVD / BluRay that we buy and play.For pure action the film ranks alongside 'Where Eagles Dare' and 'The Wild Geese' which are the perfect examples of war films that are unashamedly 'war films' --- nothing PC here, the Germans are the bad guys even resorting to torture and there isn't a 'good German' in sight to balance racial profiles (did I really say that?). And the most offensive word used in the film is 'bloody', though that was dubbed by Richard Harris to 'ruddy' for showing in some areas of the country ---- PC has always been with us !The plot is simple : a group of the 'good guys & gals' (Brits, Yanks, Greeks) assemble to knock out some impregnable heavy guns that threaten British troops being evacuated by ship which are within range of the formidable guns. The Germans begin tracking the commando group, because there is a traitor leaking information, and the action is pacey and hot all the way.Iconic performances from Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony Quinn, with equally memorable but lesser roles from the great Stanley Baker, Irene Papas, Gia Scala and James Darren. The whole ensemble always stick in my mind along with the unforgettable plot and chain of events with each actor specific to every scene --- it's one of those films that leaps out of your memory once you start watching.The beauty of the film is complimented by one of the greatest and moving scores to a film, that composed by Dimitri Tiomkin. Stirring and soothing in turn and as unforgettable as the music from 'The Magnificent Seven'. 'The Big Country', '633 Squadron' to name a few that come to mind.This Special Edition is available in almost every country in the world in the native language of that country with exactly the same contents. Except this version has English subtitles and language, 2 hours & 30 minutes duration.There are more extras on disc 2 than extras that come with a Datsun. Enjoy the film for what it is, unashamedly entertaining.

I was surprised by 263 "reviews" but soon realised Amazon have put all releases, video/DVD/BluRay together, not helping choices. I was also surprised at how few reviews made any mention of the quality. Not everyone needs to of course, but I do find "great/wonderful/bought for my granny" less than helpful. So...This review is for the 2-Disc Special DVD. 2.35 ratio (black bars top and bottom) good, if not quite perfect, transfer, good colour and sound.,plus optional English Subtitles. That's Disc One. Disc 2 has a lot of extras, the music/behind the scenes,/ commentaries etc. But I am not an "extras" person and full details are here on the Amazon website. The film is a roistering "Boy's Own Paper" adventure with, for the time, excellent SFX (tho perhaps viewed today, not so good, but I thought they were splendid), a good script/plot and a strong cast. It is perhaps a bit too long (2 1/2 hours), but it moves along at a fair old pace directed by J. Lee Thompson. It is, I think, still a classic and a must for the star's fans and lovers of good adventure stories.

Astonishing how time creates highly exaggerated recollections of films that deeply impressed one as a teenager, but on second viewing as a 67 year old, leave one sightly baffled and asking oneself:" Did I really feel that this film was that good???!"Anyway, on watching it for a second time, much of the spectacular hype that surrounded its first showing was probably due to the special effects and star studded cast. Generally then, this movie is by the standards of the time - early 1960s - quite ambitious and reasonably well scripted, in fact some scenes are a bit too intense and melodramatic. David Niven and Gregory Peck make the most of their characters: Peck playing a controlled though slightly morally tormented commander and Niven following in his wake, only occasionally expressing his disapproval of Gregory Peck's decisions.The two Anthonys - Quinn and Quayle - give strong and enjoyable performances and James Robertson Justice is OK albeit bit too casual as the overall boss of the operation.The female leads are somewhat flat and one has little sympathy or interest in the fate of the deeply tormented resistance fighter turned traitor, who's end is almost a relief - not only for those in the cast!Admittedly, the special effects were nothing "special" and were about as sophisticated as the early Thunderbirds TV puppets series. But, it's not a bad film - just don't expect to be gripping your seat or worrying about comfort breaks.