The Great Escape NOW available on Blu-ray

When it comes to Hollywood legends, one name stands among the honored, and Steve McQueen is surely one of them. The Action-Packed Adventure Classic Breaks Out onto Blu-ray. Now available from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is one of McQueen’s all time classics, THE GREAT ESCAPE. Based on a true story, THE GREAT ESCAPE is “a motion picture that entertains, captivates, thrills and stirs” (Variety). In 1943, the Germans opened a maximum security prison-of-war camp, designed to hold even the craftiest escape artists. By doing so, they unwittingly assembled the finest escape team in military history – brilliantly portrayed by Steve McQueen, James Garner, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn- who worked on what became the largest prison breakout ever attempted. Click ahead for my review and breakdown of the 3 hours of awesome bonus features that is sure to please any fan of the late-great Steve McQueen…

I have been a Steve McQueen fan for many years and I find that THE GREAT ESCAPE to be one of his best films. So, naturally, I was very excited when I learned that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced the 50th Anniversary Blu-ray of this beloved, classic film. Well, I’m here to tell you that I’m happy with their efforts!

About the Movie:  Based on a true story, THE GREAT ESCAPE is “a motion picture that entertains, captivates, thrills and stirs” (Variety). In 1943, the Germans opened a maximum security prison-of-war camp, designed to hold even the craftiest escape artists. By doing so, they unwittingly assembled the finest escape team in military history – brilliantly portrayed by Steve McQueen, James Garner, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn- who worked on what became the largest prison breakout ever attempted.

PICTURE: Using an all-new high-definition transfer struck from a 4K master, THE GREAT ESCAPE is, well…great on Blu-ray! However, not perfect, as sometimes the colors seem a tad uneven or washed out, I’m still satisfied and honored to add this title to my collection. And if you are a big McQueen fan like myself, you shouldn’t hesitate to pick this baby up, in fact, it was released last week, so you should already have it playing on your hi-def television right now!

SOUND:  The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound really impressed me and my sound system with deep bass extension, crisp, clear center channel dialogue, and some nice stereo separation. Elmer Bernstein’s memorable score has never sounded better…I think my heart skipped a beat when I heard it escaping through my speakers and into my joyful ears…

BLU-RAY FEATURES:   (Loaded with over three hours of special features including Commentary with Director Sturges and crew, Documentaries, Trailers, Featurettes, and Bonus Materials al mostly pulled from the 2004 DVD)

● Audio Commentary by Director John Sturges, Cast & Crew

● The Great Escape: Bringing Fact to Fiction

● The Great Escape: Preparations for Freedom

● The Great Escape: The Flight to Freedom

● The Great Escape: A Standing Ovation

● The Great Escape: The Untold Story

● The Great Escape: The Untold Story – Additional Interviews

● A Real Virgil Hilts: A Man Called Jones

● Return to The Great Escape

● Original Theatrical Trailer
FINAL THOUGHTS:  THE GREAT ESCAPE is a Blu-ray treat for classic film fans…and should even make a few new fans along the way. Pick it up over at AMAZON.com today…

The Great Escape

The Great Escape NOW available on Blu-ray