Reviewed by Chris Eberle

Unbroken - Blu-ray Movie Review

Synopsis

Louis Zamperini is a young boy with a knack for getting into trouble. The son of Italian immigrants, he struggles to fit in. His older brother encourages him to join the high school track team and there Louis finds his true calling. He tries out for the 1936 Olympic team and wins a spot in the Berlin games where he finishes eighth in the 5000 meter event.

When World War II breaks out, Louis enlists in the Army Air Corps as a bombardier. During a rescue mission his plane crashes in the ocean leaving only him and two others as survivors. After 47 days in the open ocean they are captured by the Japanese. What follows is a series of prison camps where a sadistic commander attempts to break Zamperini’s spirit and will to survive. But he never forgets his brother’s words, “If you can take it, you can make it.”

Specifications

  • Universal
  • 2014, Color, Rated PG-13, 2 Hrs 17 mins
  • Dolby Atmos & 7.1 TrueHD, 2.40:1 Aspect Ratio
  • Starring: Jack O’Connell, Takamasa Ishihara, Domhnall Gleeson
  • Directed by Angelina Jolie

Rating

  • Entertainment:
  • Video:
  • Audio:
  • Extras:
  • Violence: Yes
  • Sex: No
  • Language: Mild

Commentary

Like all biopics, I judged the impact of Unbroken on how much I was inspired to learn more. This film definitely inspired me. The story of Louis Zamperini is an amazing one to say the least. The insight into his early life was fascinating but that part of the movie left me wanting more. What is treated with almost obsessive thoroughness is his experience as a prisoner-of-war. It occupies almost half the film and at times is difficult to watch. It’s not that the violence is over-the-top. I would say it’s handled with reasonable taste. But you know the horror of what Zamperini and his comrades felt as their will to live was tested daily.

The battle of wills between Zamperini and camp commander Watanabe is an intense one. Both men see the other as a challenge to overcome. Watanabe is frustrated to be a mere camp commander. He has visions of himself as a great leader and wants only to assert his dominance over others. Zamperini is determined to survive the camp and make it back home to his family. This final act is portrayed expertly by both actors and even though it’s hard to get through, it shows the realities of war without resorting to gratuitous blood and gore. This film is highly recommended.

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Technical

The image is reference quality in every way. Detail and focus are always sharp as a tack. Various color palettes are used during the film. Battle scenes are shown in perfectly natural tones as if they were happening in the present. Flashbacks have an appropriate warmth and patina. And the third act which takes place entirely in prison camps is presented with a grit that accentuates the edge-of-hell scenario.

Audio is also reference level, especially during the battle scenes which will test even the most formidable sub-woofers. Surround effects are stellar as well which I attribute to the Dolby Atmos mix. Even though I watched the film on a 5.1 system, the sense of immersion and of sounds occurring in 3D space was palpable.

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Extras

Bonus features total almost two hours and include a three-part making-of documentary, a 30-minute feature on the real Louis Zamperini, a short on his spiritual path, deleted scenes, an extended look at the Cinderella stage play depicted in the film and a concert video.

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