Realistic, true-to-fact recreation of the stunning attack on Pearl Harbor as told by both the American and Japanese sides. This film chronicles the events leading up to the attack, the meticulous preparation by the Imperial Japanese Navy and the series of mistakes that left America completely unprepared for this day that would change history.

The stunning cinematography and special effects are only part of the elements that make this a true classic in the war movie category. The real feat though, is getting so many historians to actually agree on the quality of the factual recreation of the events of December 7th1941. Unlike the contemporary fluff, this film relies on the factual events and has no real need to make up fictional stories and characters to surround them. The things that happened on that day, and in the days preceding it, are more than enough to make for a story.

On top of that, the special effects of the attack would make many of today’s filmmakers jealous and are realistic without being exaggerated. The acting is superb, especially on the Japanese side of things where the sense of loyalty to the Empire and of the sacrifice of war is truly palpable in these men’s expressions. The American side is also well represented, although the viewer can feel some hamming up, more characteristic of the films of the fifties. An exciting score also sets the atmosphere, especially in the naval scenes of giant ships carrying men into battle, as does the beautiful backdrop of the Hawaiian Islands. All in all, this is a great treat for war movie buffs, history buffs and basically anyone who’s in the market for a great piece of film.

Video: Much better picture quality than your average 30-year old movie, this presentation would make even more modern films blush. Shown in anamorphic Widescreen, every inch of available space is necessary to enjoy the visuals. Great transfer and a pleasure to view.

Audio: In English 4.1 and also available in Dolby Surround, the sound is the one thing that won’t blow you away. Please note that in no way is it bad, it’s just not as amazing as the rest of the film.

Some interesting extras are available on the DVD, but will be enjoyed solely by those who have an active interest in the historical facts surrounding the raid. A commentary track is available and features Director Richard Fleischer and Japanese Film Historian Stewart Galbraith. Presented more in the style of a feature-length interview than your standard commentary, it is peppered with interesting historical anecdotes. You will also find some blurbs about the movie, which is more in line with what you’d expect.

A 20-minute documentary entitled “Pearl Harbor: Day of Infamy” is also present and features many historians and curators discussing the events of the day. Along with some pictures and live-action shots, it’s interesting to watch after the movie, you can put some faces to the characters and learn a bit more about them and the consequences of the attacks (note: while I was watching this documentary, the DVD skipped a couple of times. I’m not sure what to attribute it to. I get the feeling it was not really related to the DVD, but more to my player, but you may want to watch for that). The standard movie trailer is also on the DVD.

This is the movie to watch if you are really interested in the events surrounding the raid on Pearl Harbor rather than watching some pretty faces. No one ever accused Martin Balsam of looking like Ben Affleck, but the movie is a true achievement. The imposing Japanese Armada and the helplessness of the US against the unexpected attack are a great watch and the realism of the whole thing is an exciting feature in itself. Truly an A-class recommendation for fans of the genre.