Blu-ray Review: 25th Anniversary Edition of Kubrick’s ‘Full Metal Jacket’

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CHICAGO – Few directors were made for Blu-ray like Stanley Kubrick and recent editions of some of his classics, including the Criterion releases for “The Killing” and “Paths of Glory” and the stunning anniversary edition of “A Clockwork Orange” are among the best in my collection. His penultimate film, “Full Metal Jacket,” was just released in a Digibook HD edition from Warner Bros. and while it may not be one of my favorite flicks, it’s another visual masterpiece from Kubrick, which makes it a perfect fit for Blu-ray.

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-ray rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

The Blu-ray release of “Full Metal Jacket” comes with new packaging and a new disc that includes a new hour-long documentary about the making of the film called “Stanley Kubrick’s Boxes.” Other than that, it’s nearly identical to the previous Blu-ray release, including the same HD transfer. Given the increased purchase price (the previous Blu-ray is still available at half the cost), it’s hard to justify the upgrade except for the most loyal fans but if you don’t own “FMJ” on Blu-ray yet than this is the way to go. As for the movie, I still have huge problems with the second half (I think it’s the weakest and most cliched filmmaking of Kubrick’s entire career) but the first half is as startling and memorable as when it came out 25 years ago. And it always will be.

Full Metal Jacket: 25th Anniversary Edition was released on Blu-ray on August 7, 2012
Full Metal Jacket: 25th Anniversary Edition was released on Blu-ray on August 7, 2012
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Synopsis:
Stanley Kubrick’s brilliant saga about the Vietnam War explodes onto the screen in this stunningly remastered 25th Anniversary Blu-ray in premium book-style packaging. Matthew Modine (Any Given Sunday) and Vincent D’Onofrio (TV’s Law and Order: Criminal Intent) lead a superb ensemble in this gripping chronicle of U.S. Marine recruits, from their brutal experiences in basic training to the dehumanizing effects of combat. The Blu-ray book features spectacular photography, rare press materials, fascinating historical data, cast remembrances and more. Filled with nonstop action and scathing humor, Full Metal Jacket scores a cinematic direct hit.

StarClick here to buy “Full Metal Jacket”

Special Features:
o 1 Hour Documentary “Stanley Kubrick’s Boxes” — Photos From Matthew Modine’s Personal Collection
o Commentary By Adam Baldwin, Vincent D’Onofrio, R. Lee Ermey and Critic/Screenwriter Jay Cocks
o Featurette Full Metal Jacket: Between Good and Evil
o Theatrical Trailer

“Full Metal Jacket” stars Matthew Modine, Arliss Howard, Adam Baldwin, R. Lee Ermey, and Vincent D’Onofrio. It was directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in a special 25th anniversary Blu-ray edition on August 7, 2012.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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