The Green Berets Blu-Ray Review – Win Yours Here

The politically-charged Vietnam War film The Green Berets caused a critical firestorm when it was released, but it has maintained a fanbase for more than forty years now, and you can now update your collection with the Blu-Ray release.

The story of the film (starring John Wayne, Jim Hutton, David Jannsen, Bruce Cabot, Jack Soo, George Takei, and many more) is already so well-known it's hardly worth reiterating. Green Berets go on a couple of missions in Vietnam, and a reporter has his perspective adjusted. Unapologetically pro-America, the film was (at least to some degree) unfairly raked over the coals when it came out, often criticized solely on the basis of differing viewpoint. Roger Ebert rather famously (at least by now) gave the film zero stars (not a common event), but goes on to criticize the film in a way that doesn't particularly necessitate seeing it, and doesn't distinguish it from other war films (even Vietnam war films) except insofar as political leaning.

At any rate, the film is certainly heavy on the pro-war sentiment, and paints with very few colors, which may alienate a lot of potential audience members, but plenty of people have also found something to enjoy.

In many ways a throwback to earlier filmmaking, with heroes, explosions, killing bad guys, and lots of testosterone everywhere, it also hopes to have some sort of statement via the "education" of the reporter, and his realization that he may have talking about things he didn't understand, but it's a somewhat odd play.

Though this is not a massive undertaking type release, with remastering and piles of bonuses, the film looks great delivered in 1080p Blu-Ray. Unfortunately, the only special feature (apart from the theatrical trailer, which is kind of cool) is a vintage Making Of featurette. It's about 8 minutes long and provides some behind-the-scenes footage, which is pretty interesting, but certainly leaves you wanting more.

Own it on Blu-Ray today!

Leave a comment below and include the word, "Win," and you are automatically entered to get your very own copy of the Blu-Ray release. U.S. only. Winner will be randomly selected on Feb. 24th.

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About Marc Eastman

Marc Eastman is the owner and operator of Are You Screening? and has been writing film reviews for over a decade, and several branches of the internet's film review world have seen his name. His reviews have brought him personal praise from the director of a major motion picture, and have been used as required reading in a course at a major University. These priceless rewards, along with just bags of cash, keep him from straying from freelance writing. He is also a member of The Broadcast Film Critics Association and The Broadcast Television Journalists Association.

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