DARK BLUE WORLD

“DARK BLUE WORLD”, is an epic-like romance/war film, sounding on paper, a lot like “PEARL HARBOR”.  Two best friends, both fighter pilots, during WW2, fall in love with the same woman.  Instead of Americans, they’re Czechoslovakian.  Instead of fighting the Japanese, they’re fighting the Nazis. Because this is a modestly budgeted film rather than the
grandiose and bloated production that “PEARL HARBOR” was, its restraint makes the film more realistic and entertaining.  Where “DARK BLUE WORLD” falls short, however, is in the love triangle elements.  Just as with “ENEMY AT
THE GATES”, it makes no sense why love triangles need to be in a war film wherein the ongoing drama is gripping enough!

The cinematography to this film is outstanding!  The air battle sequences, while obviously more modestly-budgeted than the ones in “PEARL HARBOR”, are every bit as riveting to watch. The direction is tighter than Michael Bays’ but even at two hours, there are scenes, mostly the romantic ones, which slow the film down, almost to a halt!

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is flawless!  There is stunning detail in every single scene. Colors are solid and typically vibrant.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout.  Contrast offers deep blacks and grays.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound is more restrained than the typical WW2 film,  but the battle sequences come to life with full surround involvement.  The dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.

Director Jan Sevarek and producer Eric Abraham provide a commentary track. While not “fun”, it focuses on the historical background and production details, in a passionate manner, certain to please fans of the film.

A “Making of” featurette is also offered, providing interviews with cast & crew alike, and explanations surrounding some of the film’s more elaborate effects.

There is also a short documentary comparing before/after effects sequences. While it looks good, it offers no commentary, which is sorely missed, to further explain the effects themselves.  Theatrical trailers for this, Divided We Fall, “From Here to Eternity” and “Black Hawk Down” are included.