All Quiet on the Western Front [Blu-ray]

This is a review of the June 2023 All Region Blu-ray, from Altitude Film Distribution. The film, in 2.39:1 and 1080p, with German dialogue in Dolby Atmos DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio, has superbly clear English subtitles. The quality of the product is outstandingly good.As major film fans, we have great respect for both the original 1930 film version of Remarque’s powerful anti-War book from 1929, and for the 1979 remake. Both films have much to recommend them, although Remarque was German, and the 2 films were respectively, American and a British-American co-production. So we were eager to see the 2022 German remake, this time made in German, with German actors.It is worth saying, front and centre, that a film such as this seems suddenly, and alarmingly, exceptionally relevant and apposite again, as Russia seeks to grind Ukraine into submission, and War again stalks the fields and streets of a major European country.The film has received major ‘official’ plaudits from the OSCARs, BAFTAs and within Germany itself, becoming one of only a tiny handful of foreign language films to receive 4 OSCARs ~ there are only 3 others to have done so. It won 7 BAFTAs (including Best Film) of 14 nominations. It has also been praised by critics, internationally. However, it has also been severely criticised, and it is clear, even here on Amazon, that unexpectedly, the film has become a ‘Marmite’ film, with its detractors, as well as admirers.The criticism of the film centres around whether it closely follows the text of Remarque’s book. I have not read it, but I understand that the earlier films were closer to his actual storyline. This version adds a parallel story, not told in the book, of how the signing of the armistice is pursued in the final days of the War, and of the total French intransigence about any concessions. The inclusion of this additional strand within the film is quite effective, as it underlines the yawning gap between the desperate experiences of the soldiers at the front, and their political masters living in luxury. However, more controversially perhaps, the portrayal here is quite politically loaded. Firstly, the negotiations are shown as pretty exclusively between Germany and France. The other major participant at Compiègne, Britain, is written out. The other fascinating aspect is that the draconian French terms for the peace are generally acknowledged to be one of the major triggers for the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany.A view is expressed that this addition, plus the omission of a storyline from the book (a brief return on leave by Paul, the lead character, pointing up the gulf in attitude with those ‘back home’) undermines this film’s anti-War message. Personally, if you consider this film in isolation, rather than contrasting it scene for scene, it takes a fiercely anti-War position. The battle scenes, from the outset to the conclusion, are amongst the most visceral and immediate of any available. The shockingly primitive conditions, with troops not even fed properly; the emotional attachment of soldiers to their comrades; the mental toll on the men; the immediate upending of any preconception of heroism amongst recruits; all are writ large.On its own terms, this film cries out against War. The exquisite photography: of the beauty of peaceful countryside; of appalling carnage during hostilities; of endless young German and French dead; is powerful stuff. So, does it work? Yes. Is it as good as it’s predecessors? Probably, in it’s own way. A new, modern, film about the desperate need to ensure peace MUST be timely. So, my assessment is 5 Stars, for a film that sets out to deliver a message, and largely, does so.

Very harrowing film about the real brutality of war and how the battle trauma effects the ordinary soldier. The generals and politicians that control the wars still dine in the best restaurants and are surrounded in all creature comforts.I chose to watch it in its original German with English subtitles selected but the subtitles were few and far between which made following the storyline difficult. Pretty long film as well, not sure I've the stomach twitch it again but in English.

Powerful film, extremely well made and visual images are convincing. It is very different to 1917, a film it has been compared with. This is the German Army in 1918, on the brink of defeat and that situation is clearly depicted. The film diverges from the original novel by showing the wider political context.

Both horrific and beautiful, this record of the way life and death in the WW1 trenches has been astonishingly visualised by the actors and director. The key characters are believable and sympathetically portrayed by actors who appear to match the age of the characters they're playing. The technical quality of the production is well up to the best 21st century standards. Surely the best "German" war movie since "Das Boot" (director's cut); In my opinion, surpassing even that very high standard.I watched the movie with its native German dialogue and English subtitles but there are many languages available in both dubbing and subtitles. A slight flaw is that there are a few short scenes which have spoken French without subtitling but these do not spoil the overall effect.

Superbly made, hard hitting film at last available in English languageWhat a film, superb acting & production...

Well made 21st century update on previously titled films of same name , show's the real story of war not the previous "mish mashed"stories we would see with a winner at the end ,you don't have to be a Warfilm fan to enjoy this movie.

THE ONLY ONE OUTSTANDING ITEM..

5 star*****