4K Review: A BRIDGE TOO FAR (1977)

I first heard the phrase ‘A Bridge Too Far’ when purchasing a copy of the follow-up title to the original Close Combat on PC. While impressed by its attention to detail and sophisticated gameplay, it proved to be ‘A Bridge Too Far’ for my patience and skill. It did however fuel my growing interest in World War II history. Twenty-five years later, I have not become the historian I sometimes imagine myself to be. Still, I have since seen the cinematic namesake of the computer game, which has dropped on 4K Ultra HD for the very first time worldwide thanks to the efforts of Imprint Films in Australia, and in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden.

Adapted to the screen by William Goldman from the book by Cornelius Ryan of the same name, A Bridge Too Far is an epic re-enactment of a failed attempt by the Western Allies to break their way into Germany through the occupied Netherlands by taking a series of bridges; all in the hope of ending the war by Christmas of 1944.

Unlike the triumphant war pictures from previous decades that often romanticised victories, A Bridge Too Far presents an epic portrayal of what was not necessarily a defeat, but a costly undertaking that remains controversial to this day. Despite the flex of military might during the film’s first act, there is a feeling of pessimism that follows our protagonists that only becomes more entrenched in the story as the film progresses. However, there is a lot cramped into the narrative to out the runtime, with the inclusion of some side characters, namely SSgt. Dohun played by James Caan, doesn’t really add anything significant to the story. Another point of contention I do have is that I think the film relies too much on the viewer being familiar with the operation. I found it difficult to find context relating to where certain groups/characters were located concerning the main objective.

I’ve got lunatics laughing at me from the woods. My original plan has been scuppered now that the jeeps haven’t arrived. My communications are completely broken down. Do you really believe any of that can be helped by a cup of tea? – Sean Connery as Major General Urquhart

Richard Attenborough brings enormous technical prowess to A Bridge Too Far as director, who has also paid much attention to detail in re-creating wartime Holland, which does feel authentic even though some of the locations are noticeably modern. I have a particular fascination with Allied and German tanks, which can sometimes be a slight hindrance when watching war movies. Naturally, I was quick to notice that West German Leopard 1 tanks were standing in for the formidable Panzers. It would be unfair to say “How dare Attenborough not try to source actual Panzers in 1976.” when most were either dismantled, consumed by nature or rusting away at the bottom of a river. Despite motorized inaccuracies, it does not in any way take away from the overall experience during the many impressive battle sequences, to say the least.

Complementing the size and scope of the film is a stacked cast of high calibre actors as our literal leading men, many of whom were at their most prominent during the 1970s, such as Gene Hackman, Robert Redford, Ryan O’Neal, Michael Caine, Sean Connery, Edward Fox, and Elliot Gould, who all delivery steadfast performances in their respective roles. Dirk Bogarde, however, once Britain’s biggest star and WWII veteran, is understated as Lt .Gen. Browning, Market Garden’s commander. While not present on the battlefield, his scenes add to the quiet anxiety felt among the Generals despite Bogarde’s restrained and dignified performance. Yet you can see the doubt and apprehension in his eyes.

SPECIAL FEATURES

DISC 1 4K UHD

Audio Commentary by screenwriter William Goldman and the main crew
Trivia Track – Alternate subtitle-track with info on the production of the film

DISC 2 BLU-RAY

Audio Commentary by screenwriter William Goldman and the main crew
Trivia Track – Alternate subtitle-track with info on the production of the film

DISC 3 BLU-RAY – BONUS FEATURES

NEW Attenborough at War – featurette with film historian/screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner (2024)
NEW Joseph E. Levine: Becoming the Showman – featurette (2024)
NEW More Than Another War Movie: Elliott Gould Builds ‘A Bridge Too Far’ – interview with actor Elliott Gould (2024)
NEW We Are the Calvary: Filming ‘A Bridge Too Far’ – interview with camera operator Peter MacDonald (2024)
NEW Behind the Lens: Remembering Geoffrey Unsworth – interview with clapper loader Tony Jackson and camera operator Peter MacDonald (2024)
NEW A Futile Mission: Scoring ‘A Bridge Too Far’ – interview with film music historian Jon Burlingame (2024)
NEW Making ‘A Bridge Too Far’ – a feature-length documentary from Simon Lewis, author of The Making of A Bridge Too Far (2024)
The Arnhem Report – A rarely-seen 1977 documentary on the making of the film (SD)
Theirs is The Glory – 1946 film about the Historic events in Arnhem (SD)
Heroes from the Sky – 2001 documentary (SD)
A Distant Battle: Memories of Operation Market Garden – 60th Anniversary featurette (SD)
Richard Attenborough: A Filmmaker Remembers – interview with director Richard Attenborough (2002)
Archival interview with director Richard Attenborough (1977)
Archival interview with actor Anthony Hopkins (1977)
Photo Gallery (1977)

In terms of special feature content, A Bridge To Far, easily surpasses Imprint’s other 4K releases for the month of December thanks to both their scope and production value. With the exception of Elliott Gould’s interview, each supplement boasts a uniform aesthetic and utilises video and movie stills to keep an entertaining pace. However, the interview subjects are far from boring, and C. Courntney Joyner will have even the most casual viewer filling their Letterboxd watchlists with Richard Attenborough’s filmography due to his enthusiasm for the actor. For those who don’t want to sift through Imprint’s equally large selection of archival featurettes, the new making-of documentary does a great job of incorporating them into an updated overview of the film’s production. However, the old 1977 documentary is still worth a watch as it offers more detail of the real Operation Market Garden and some funny clips of the cast and crew. – by Hannah Lynch

VIDEO AND AUDIO

Imprint Films has debuted a NEW Dolby Vision presentation restored from the original 35mm negative by the boutique label, and I honestly cannot fault it. Textures and the level of clarity captured from the 4K scan produce a 2.35:1 image that’s significantly clearer than the hazy and washed image seen with previous editions on DVD and Blu-ray. Colours are sometimes far too pronounced, green especially, but overall, there’s a natural appearance with no oversaturation.

I opted for DTS-HD 4.0 Surround during my viewing of the film for the slightly louder dialogue, which is ideal, but the more immersive 5.1 track provides an almost audible simulation of combat, whether it be the airdrops or Frost’s defence of Arnhem. Optional English subtitles are included.

A Bridge Too Far shows a lot of respect for history in its dramatic depiction of an ambitious operation undermined by overconfidence and a gross underestimation of enemy strength. Imprint has carried over this sentiment with their edition. Once you’ve made your way through all the bonus material, you’ll feel as if you know all there is to know about the subject. Not only is A Bridge Too Far a perfect companion piece to the more trivialized, The Longest Day, but it’s also a movie you’ll one day watch with your grandchildren and mightily bored they’ll be.

A BRIDGE TOO FAR
(1977, director: Richard Attenborough)