Twelve O'Clock High [Blu-ray] [1949]

It would be a disservice to those who have not as yet seen this film to say any more about the plot. Suffice to say that brilliant direction, great acting by everyone involved (notably by Dean Jagger who received an Academy Award for best actor in a supporting role), superb cinematography (Leon Shamroy), and haunting music (Alfred Newman) are seamlessly integrated in this analysis of effective leadership (especially decision-making) under wartime conditions. The film begins when Harvey Stovall (Jagger) makes an especially significant purchase in an antique store and then proceeds to what has by then become an abandoned air base. As we begin to hear the bombers' propellers whine as the engines roar to life, we are transported back in time. Later, as the film ends, civilian Stovall climbs back on his rented bike and departs what is again an abandoned air base. Stunning images throughout both sequences. Peck included this among his favorite films, while adding that he was especially proud of his performance as Frank Savage. When first released more than 50 years ago, it did not receive the recognition (much less the appreciation) it so obviously deserves. Whenever CEOs and other senior-level executives ask me to suggest war films which offer important lessons about leadership and management, Twelve O'Clock High is first on the list, joined by (in alphabetical order) Command Decision, The Dirty Dozen, The Enemy Below, Fort Apache, The Hunt for Red October, Paths of Glory, Pork Chop Hill, The Red Badge of Courage, They Were Expendable, and Zulu.

Fox has done a superb job in providing a repurposed lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for Twelve O'Clock High, and is to be commended for taking the time and effort to do this. That's the good news. The somewhat less good news is that Twelve O'Clock High isn't a traditional action picture, so bombastic battle sequences never fill the surrounds with explosions and penetrating gunfire. This is much more of a quiet, dialogue driven film centering on the mental states of several characters. As such, immersion is mostly limited to discrete ambient environmental effects, and though perhaps more subtle than the overwhelming sounds of battle might have been, these are placed quite artfully throughout the soundfield as the film progresses. The film in notable for having next to no underscore, but Alfred Newman's beautiful themes, heard only in the opening and closing sequences of the film, sound magnificent. There is some light hiss audible at various times throughout the film, but overall the soundtrack has weathered the ravages of time surprisingly well.

THIS IS THE PENULTIMATE FILM ON THE AFFECTS OF THE STRESSES OF WAR ON ONE OF OUR TOP BOMBER AIR GROUP COMMANDERS DURING THE AIRWAR CAMPAIGNS IN THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF WWII. A VERY REAL FILM ABOUT THE TOTAL INVOLVEMENT OF ONE HIGH COMMAND AIRCORPS GENERAL WHO CARES NOT ONLY ABOUT HIS MISSION BUT LEARNS TO CARE ABOUT HIS MEN AND THE NEED TO RE-INSTILL THE 'ESPRIT D'CORPS' IN THE MEN UNDER HIS COMMAND WHO MUST CARRY OUT THOSE MISSIONS. I CONSIDER THIS ONE OF THE BEST OF WWII MOVIES FOR ITS REALISM, ACCURACY AND ABOVE ALL IN REVEALING.... THE TRUE EMOTIONAL COSTS OF WAR, NOT JUST ON OUR RANK AND FILE BUT ON OUR COMMANDERS WHO MUST ORDER OUR BRAVE AIRMEN TO CARRY OUT THEIR ESSENTIAL MISSIONS . IF YOU ONLY HAVE ROOM FOR ONE WWII MOVIE IN YOUR LIBRARY........THIS IS THE ONE!

This is one of the classic World War II aviation films. Like another film of the same era, "Command Decision," it is set in England during the war. Frank Savage takes command of a hard-luck bomb group and teaches them how best to survive while they test the yet-unproven theory of "precision bombardment." In this day of laser-guided bombs and smart weapons, the idea of mass formations of four-engined bombers dropping "dumb" bombs to destroy a target carefully selected for strategic value (such as an airplane factory or a ball-bearing plant) is a fascinating historical contrast.

If you like war movies that shows the courage and bravery of the US Airforce this movie is for you. I watched this film with my Dad many years ago and now it again many years later and had the same trill. Great movie that reflects strengths and weaknesses of conflict. Gregory Peck performance was exceptional as other cast members. Well worth the few dollars more for Blu-ray. I recommend this movie!

I barely remember this movie while growing up. But when Best Buy was offering it for I think five dollars, I had to get. I am glad that I did. I personally don't think it's the best movie, but it is well done and is a good watch. This Blu-ray looks wonderful in black-and-white. It is 4x3. And that's not a problem, I just wanted you all to realize this. If you're a World War II fan, and you can find it for five dollars, I think you're really enjoy it.

unknown to most but the air force suffered the second most casualties after the army during WW2. More than the marines,,,more than the navy. some of the deaths were of the mind from the stress of war. this isone of the gfreat one about the war, and the toll it took on commnaders who sent men to their deaths. the other was was Command Decision with Clark Gable.

A very good movie depicting the dangers and stress of the bombing campaign. Gregory Peck gives his usual awesome performance. Highly recommended!