Plot: What’s it about?
Private Reese (Steve McQueen) has all the traits of a natural leader, but he has a rather troubled record, so to speak. His new assignment has him to join the platoon run by Sgt. Pike (Fess Parker), whom Reese knows and there is an obvious bond between them. The bond covers both respect and rivalry, which is pretty clear from the start when they meet once again. The platoon is headed for the Siegfried Line, one of the crucial holding points for the Allied forces, which makes this a most important mission. But Reese has a strange feeling about the whole situation, which is fulfilled when Pike and most of the other platoons abandon the assignment and head off for another mission. This means a very small core of soldiers must hold fast against a wave of Nazi forces, not as simple as it sounds, to say the least. Can these few men manage to hold the Nazi soldiers off long enough to allow time for reinforcements?
In most war movies, we watch as a band of soldiers attempt to change the tide of the war, usually through one key mission, but in Hell is for Heroes, that’s not the case. Instead, we have a small team of soldiers who must simply hold their ground and remain alive, until reinforcements arrive. This adds a pretty unique perspective to war and the people in it, at least I think so. I like this movie and while it is a little slow toward the start, it soon builds up very well and in the end, it more than delivers in terms of climaxes. There’s much less real fighting than you’d expect from a war film, but there is combat and since it isn’t constant, it really stands out and is quite effective. The direction by Donald Siegel is very strong, while the black & white visuals really work to perfection here, a very wise choice indeed. Add in a cast that includes Steve McQueen, Nick Adams, Bobby Darin, and Fess Parker, and we’re talking about one hell of a war picture. Paramount has worked wonders with the transfer for this film, but made little effort in terms of supplements and with such a high suggested price, I think a rental will suffice in most cases.
This film was directed by Donald Siegel, who I think does a superb turn behind the camera here, very impressive indeed. Siegel allows the film to build at a slow pace, but when it hits the peak, you’ll know it and then some. But Siegel is always sure to never let the movie drag in the least, picking up the pace at times when needed. This is an atmosphere based war movie, which means tension is high and we’re right in the thick of it all, to be sure. I think the focus here is less on the actual battles and more on the people within it, which adds a lot of impact once the action does kick in and that’s always welcome. Other films directed by Siegel include Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Coogan’s Bluff, Escape from Alcatraz, Dirty Harry, and The Shootist. The cast includes Steve McQueen (The Blob, The Great Escape), Fess Parker (Old Yeller, The Bounty Hunter), Bobby Darin (State Fair, Pressure Point), and James Coburn (Affliction, Hudson Hawk).
Video: How does it look?
Hell is for Heroes is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This film was made in 1962, but it looks brand new here in this most impressive visual treatment. The source print is flawless, no grain, nicks, or debris in the least to be seen, unbelievable work if you ask me. This is one of the finest black & white transfers I’ve seen, including more recent ones and that’s a real accomplishment. The black levels are razor sharp and no problems surface at all, this is a reference level black & white transfer, to be sure. If you want to see just how good an older film can look, this would be the release to choose.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio is also very good, but as with all mono tracks, the experience is somewhat limited. Even so however, this mix is well made and offers fine results, one of the better mono options I’ve heard of late. The limits of mono don’t matter much here, as the film has minimal audio most of the time, which covers up those limitations. The audio might seem low in a lot of scenes, but that is to enhance the atmosphere, so no need to adjust the volume levels. Given the age and nature of this film, I am very pleased with the included track, as I think fans will be also. This disc also includes a French language option, as well as English subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
