Anzio

Director Edward Dmytryk was no stranger to action-filled war dramas. Before commandeering this chronicle of the World War II battle of the same name, Dmytryk also brought to audiences the military courtroom drama The Caine Mutiny and Back to Bataan, among others. Anzio comes to DVD in both a widescreen (2.35:1) and full-frame versions. The picture for the former is excellent and sharp, nicely retaining the original compositions. The pan-and-scan version (available on the flip side of the disc) is grainy and chops off much of the screen action from the sides. The picture is also stretched at times (just observe the opening credits sequence with Robert Mitchum galloping up the steps) and is definitely inferior to the widescreen option. The disc is available in an English mono soundtrack and also in French. Multiple subtitle options are available as well. The original theatrical trailer has been included, as well as for other Columbia-TriStar Home Entertainment releases. A good disc overall.