Patton [2 Discs] [Blu-ray/DVD] [1970]

Patton is the greatest character study of a general ever. Director Franklin J. Schaffner’s Patton (1970) is the greatest war film ever made. It takes the idea that General Patton was complex as he was raving mad with fervent energy by the end of World War II, but he also won the war for the Allied powers. Patton is patriotic in that it argues we need driven men like Patton during wartime, but it also admits he was a flawed figure. Patton is more pro-war in these aspects, while simultaneously showing the mass deaths of American troops and failing morale. George C. Scott was born to play General George S. Patton. He plays the character of General Patton with great dexterity and calculated manner. Scott is the reason to watch Patton as the entire viewing experience gets devoted to watching Scott just act. It's a nuanced character study like no other. You are fascinated by the man that was Patton. Direct in his demeanor, intense in his manners, or lack thereof, you are hypnotized by his figure. George C. Scott captures Patton’s patriotism, heroism, poeticism, glory, insanity, drive, strategy, and historical knowledge. He was truly a complex American hero. Scott plays Patton with a sense of patriotism that defines Patton. Meanwhile, Scott also portrays Patton’s erratic nature in his tendency to fly off the rail barking orders or scolding soldiers. Patton is the best war film for its use of strategy and planning ahead for victory, deep character study of General Patton, and thoughtful reflection on the costs of war. Patton was likely insane, but also a genius tactician. His guile led to many notable victories in combat that changed the tides of battle during his war. Patton even shows the dead and wounded soldiers that Scott’s portrayal acknowledges were pushed to the edge of their strength. Scott gives the performance of a lifetime displaying Patton's growing madness alongside his brazen persona that alludes to the impending violence Patton would order. Patton is brilliantly acted by George C. Scott. Patton is beautifully shot with soaring cinematography from Fred J. Koenekamp. The camera will be placed atop a car or tank, then suddenly below Patton. The camera placements choices are fascinating and always entertaining. The center framed camera shot opening Patton is genius having Patton directly address the audience with his beliefs. Francis Ford Coppola’s script directly takes quotes from the actual General Patton and finds a realistic portrayal of this icon of Americana. Jerry Goldsmith’s score is exciting and reflective with army melodies scattered throughout and darker sounds to emphasize the stranger Patton moments. You get it all with Patton! George C. Scott barks out orders, negotiates over the telephone, scans over his men like a meticulously, cruel sentry. His gaze meant you were about to be scolded or ordered and his men would listen. On the other hand, Karl Malden’s General Bradley is the voice of reason and empathy next to Scott’s relentless Patton. They play off of each other wonderfully with a kinetic energy. In short, Patton is a character study into the mind of a genius, whose driven madness lead the Allied Powers to victory due to his war service. It is worth watching for the opening monologue from George C. Scott's Patton alone.

This movie looks really well. No problems at all. I would definitely recommend.

Classic award winning movie, great look at Patton’s wartime life. My only regret is there’s no Patton peeing in the Rhine scene.

Great movie! Picture was vivid; auditory was distinctly heard. Quick shipping by Best Buy. Would shop online (Best Buy) again in the future. Satisfied!

As I get older, I am enjoying history more. I had started learning about the Civil War and my interests grew. My father was in the 3rd Armored Division during WWII but he would not talk about it much but did talk when pressed when I was younger. Today I am glad I had spent the time talking to him because I lost him 15 years ago and I would have no information about him other than the little I could get from the government. I am finding that the few WWII veterans left seem to be talking more and I have a few who have told me interesting things. I doubted the scene where Patton was directing traffic but I was talking to a friend whose father was a tank commander and he recently told him about the crazy general directing traffic so his tanks could keep moving. I had seen this at the movies when it first came out and had not seen it for years. My wife had never seen it so we picked up this movie so she could see it. She enjoyed it also.

Great movie and picture quality and sound. Story was interesting and good pacing which i bought on others reviews. No digital code which is a shame.

I saw this film years ago as a teenager. It is one of my favorite war movies. Patton was the right person, who was in the right place, at precisely the right time in history. There were many heroes in WW2, and it was a great tribute to all of them. Another of the greats.

George C. Scott is great in this movie. Shame it isn't available in 4k, as it was shot on 70mm and would look even better!