Saving Private Ryan World War II Collection - The Memorable TV DVD Review

Based on the real life story of Fritz Niland, Saving Private Ryan sees Captain John Miller (Hanks) taking his squad on a dangerous mission to save one man – Private James Ryan (Damon), the rest of his brothers having already been killed in action, surrounded by impossible odds, deep within enemy lines and faced with the harsh realities of war Millers men strive to bring their man home.

SO IS IT ANY GOOD?

Tying in with the 60th anniversary of D-Day and released on remembrance day this sumptuously mounted 4 disc set (the movie is also available in a 2 disc edition) is a real visual feast choc full of extras and even includes a handsome keepsake book full of photos and info, the movie and its bonus features take up the first two discs but discs three and four feature two feature length documentaries, the first PRICE FOR PEACE (also put together by Spielberg) is a compelling look at world war II’s Pacific Theatre of Operations starting with Pearl Harbour and finishing with the American occupation of Japan in 1945. Originally seen on the NBC network this also features an introduction from Spielberg, a commentary from Hugh Ambrose, a short film about the National D-Day Museum and a feature about the use of dogs during WWII.

The fourth disc SHOOTING WAR is another TV production, hosted by Tom Hanks, taking an indepth look at the role of combat photographer.

Saving Private Ryan itself of course still hold you in its spell, especially for the horrific opening half an hour and still has the power to move you in its later sections.

ANY SPECIAL FEATURES?

There are stacks of extras for the movie on the second disc in the quartet starting with an introduction from Spielberg; Looking into The Past is a feature on the research carried out for the movie; Miller and his Platoon focuses on the cast and their roles; Boot Camp is a look at the real life boot camp endured by the cast; Making Saving Private Ryan is a making of feature; Re-Creating Omaha Beach looks at this key event; Editing, Music and Sound features conversations with some of the crew; Parting Words features Spielberg and Hanks on their personal memories of the movie.