Saving Private Ryan: Blu-ray (1998)

What can really be said about Saving Private Ryan at this point? Anyone with an interest in seeing it already has (likely multiple times). It's one of the best war movies of all time. Harrowingly violent, emotionally involving, superbly directed by Steven Spielberg and exceptionally acted by the entire ensemble cast, there's no denying it's lasting power and appeal. That's why the recent release of it on blu-ray is a giant occasion.

The disc does not disappoint. The video transfer is impeccable. The look of the film isn't going to blow you away with bright colors or it's a extremely accurate representation. The intended style of the video is very gritty and realistic and the transfer represents that extremely well. Colors are generally washed out, leaning toward gray's and there is a fair amount of grain present throughout the film. Detail is far more revealing than past DVD versions, with individual rubble from destructed buildings and previously unnoticeable uniform components being notable. The few times bright colors are present they stand out exceptionally well. There are a few instances in the movie when clarity is a bit soft but that is how Spielberg intended it to look. Perhaps most importantly black levels are very strong and there is no noticeable bleeding that takes place at any point.

The Audio is even better than the video. When Saving Private Ryan was released on DVD in 1999 it set a new standard for an audio track on home video. While the DTS-HD MA track included here isn't going to blow away other newer flicks available on the format it's still of reference quality. First and foremost the action scenes are entirely engrossing. Surround use is constant and low end is powerful. Directionality is always accurate and bullets whiz by at a almost non-stop pace. Dialogue can get lost a bit during the most hectic moments but that is more than likely attributed to the realistic way the movie is presented. The quieter moments of the film are just as fantastic. Here dialogue is never lost in the mix and is always extremely clear and audible. Even in the non action sequences surround use is still very heavy. There is almost always something happening in the way of atmosphere, whether it's the sound of voices being heard in camps or bullets in the background or even just the sounds of nature the viewer is always involved in the middle.

There's not enough good things to say about the movie and the blu-ray certainly does it justice. Well worth the upgrade from DVD, Saving Private Ryan is a must own disc.

Ratings:
Movie: 5/5
Blu-ray: 5/5