Paths of Glory (1957) | Blu-ray Review | Criterion Collection
By thisguyoverhere | October 26, 2010
Spine #538
Cast: Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, George Macready
Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
Written by: Stanley Kubrick, Calder Willingham, and Jim Thompson
Genre: Drama, War
Rating:
Video: 1/2
Audio:
Extras: 1/2
Value:
Review:
Video: 1/2
There is a lot to boast about here. There are a lot of textures in this film: the authentic World War I costumes, the gritty battlefield, the vast spaciousness of the headquarters, and every detail is breathtakingly preserved. There doesn’t seem to be an ounce of scratching, debris, or jitter in the picture, with only a little inherent blur occurring on the edge of wide-angle shots. Criterion presents Paths of Glory in its original 1:66:1 aspect ratio, for about as high of a grade as one could possibly hope for.
Presented in 1.66:1
Audio:
The monaural audio track here is a dream come true. This is the clearest audio on a catalogue release I’ve come across in a long while. Not only is there no hiss, hum, or crackle, but it almost seems as if the dialogue and sound design were recorded with the most modern technology. That’s not to imply that it sounds digitally enhanced in any way, it’s just as clear and crisp as can be. This is a prime example of the best that monaural can provide: simple, comprehensible, and immersive sonic experience.
Uncompressed Monaural Soundtrack
Extras: 1/2
These extras center entirely around singular interviews with producers and people close to Kubrick. While the information they provide is certainly interesting, I can’t help but wish there was an analytical visual essay on Paths of Glory in regards to post-war films, or at least a supplement that gives us a comprehensive look at this film in context of Kubrick’s accomplished body of work.
Commentary by Critic Gary Giddins
Unlike a lot of these scholarly commentaries, it feels as if Gary Giddens is actually watching the film while talking about it. His demeanor is very loose, which is a great change from the uptight commentators that usually record these. He provides great insight into the production, and impact of the choices made by the director and actors. Anyone at all interested in Kubrick will want to listen to this.
Stanley Kubrick (HD, 02:18)
This audio interview has Kubrick speaking briefly about how Paths of Glory came to be, a small bit about its reception, and mostly about how he met his wife Christiane.
Kirk Douglas (HD, 29:29)
An episode of the British television show Parkinson, which has a very extensive and entertaining interview with Kirk Douglas. Interviews just don’t exist like this much anymore. Totally worth a watch.
James B. Harris (HD, 21:09)
This interview with producer James B. Harris divulged quite a lot of information on the making of Paths of Glory, as well as how Kubrick creative process. Very comprehensive.
Christiane Kubrick (HD, 06:59)
Stanley Kubricks’ wife explains how they met on Paths of Glory, and how she came to be cast in one of the most memorable roles in the film. She also discusses how the final scene came to fruition.
Jan Harlan (HD, 09:08)
Producer Jan Harlan speaks of the themes in Kubrick’s work and how it applies to his film. Harlan also speaks of Kubrick the man, and takes the opportunity to debunk a few myths about the director’s coldness and persona.
Théophile Maupas (HD, 03:12)
This is a segment from a French news show which reports on a news story involving a corporal that partly influenced Paths of Glory.
Theatrical Trailer
Value:
Paths of Glory has never looked or sounded better. For anyone interested in Kubrick’s work, this is a no-brainer to pick up. Though the supplements are on the skimpy end, the audio commentary by Gary Giddins and accompanying booklet with an essay by makes this an essential purchase.
Will There Be A Double Dip?
Nope.
Worth The Upgrade?
If you are upgrading from the bare bones early DVD release, then upgrading is a no brainer. The difference between the Criterion Collection DVD and Blu-ray are negligible and do not require an upgrade except strictly for audiophiles and cinephiles looking for the absolute best in picture and sonic qualities.
