Flying Tigers is a well made war drama featuring some well done, for its time, special effects, to go along with strong performances by John Wayne and John Carroll. Unfortunately the Blu-ray release from Olive Films, while featuring respectable audio and video transfers, neglects any bonus features so the bang for the buck is not there, though if you are a fan of the movie, or war films in general, it might be worth the price.
Flying Tigers
(1942)
Genre(s): War, Drama
Olive Films | NR – 102 min. – $29.95 | May 13, 2014
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MOVIE INFO: Directed by: David Miller Writer(s): Kenneth Gamet and Barry Trivers (screenplay), Kenneth Gamet (original story) Cast: John Wayne, John Carroll, Anna LeeDISC INFO: Features: None Number of Discs: 1Audio: English (DTS-HD MA 1.0) Video: 1080p/Full Frame 1.37 Subtitles: None Disc Size: 20.6 GB Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Region(s): A |
PLOT SUMMARY
Prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor a small and daring bond of American mercenaries soared into battle against Japan in defense of China’s freedom. The ‘Flying Tigers’ were heroic adventurers and America’s hottest ace pilots. Possessing unmatched skill and bravery, Captain Jim Gordon (JOHN WAYNE), was the Tigers’ leader and top gun. Gordon faces a battle on and off the ground when his good friend and ace pilot, Woody Jason (JOHN CARROLL) is suspected of recklessly and selfishly endangering the lives of his fellow pilots. Gordon’s fight to retain his respect for Woody while maintaining the solidarity of his pilots is an explosive battle of courage and heroism that lights up the sky with action.
Directed by the great and underrated David Miller (Lonely Are the Brave) with a rousing score by Victor Young (My Favorite Spy), Flying Tigers was also nominated for three Academy Awards in 1942 for Music, Sound Recording and Special Effects.
SPECIAL FEATURES – 0/5
Like with other Olive Films releases, no features were included.
VIDEO – 4.0/5
Flying Tigers arrives on Blu-ray presented with a 1.37 full frame aspect ratio and a nice 1080p high-definition transfer. The black and white picture is stark showing off a certain crispness and detail levels. Though it does look like the transfer was well done, there are some noticeable dust marks and scratches so it’s hardly perfect, but well done enough and will never look better.
AUDIO – 4.0/5
The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track is decent if not basic. Dialogue levels do sound good and pretty clear with the audio spread across the front and center channels and although obviously it’s not a depth-filled lossless track, it does get the job done with good dialogue levels while the action elements come through nicely and without any noticeable hisses or other flaws.
OVERALL – 3.0/5
Overall, Flying Tigers is a well made war drama featuring some well done, for its time, special effects, to go along with strong performances by John Wayne and John Carroll. Unfortunately the Blu-ray release from Olive Films, while featuring respectable audio and video transfers, neglects any bonus features so the bang for the buck is not there, though if you are a fan of the movie, or war films in general, it might be worth the price.
Published: 05/01/2014