Hamburger Hill

Introduction

Films made about the Vietnam War are dominated by Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket and Platoon. Hamburger Hill was released in between the last two and has been largely overlooked since then.

HAMBURGER HILL

Returning to base for some R&R after heavy fighting, members of Bravo Company pick up some FNGs (f***ing new guys) and are ordered to attack the heavily fortified Hill 937 in the Ashau Valley. The film follows the unit as they bicker, bond and discover how the war is being received back home, whilst fighting their way up Hamburger Hill.

Video

The picture quality is excellent and the action sequences are superb, well choreographed and executed, with realistic set designs, thumping explosions and special makeup effects.

Sadly, there doesn't appear to have been any restoration since the first DVD release with its slight picture wobble.

Audio

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is very clear with good use of surrounds during the combat scenes although some of the dialogue is not as distinct as it should be.

English HoH subtitles are available.

Extra Features

Trailers for The Lives of Others, 3:10 to Yuma and The War on Democracy precede the main menu but are skippable.

Hamburger Hill: The Appearance of Reality - this is a decent making of, featuring interviews with most of the principal cast and crew.

Medics in Vietnam - this talks about the importance of field medics in the Vietnam War and the esteemed position they held.

Vietnam War Timeline - from French colonialism to American withdrawal, with each date and event selectable for more information. An interesting addition, providing background to the conflict and the major events that took place.

There is also a commentary which features writer/producer Jim Carabtsos and actors Anthony Barrile, Harry O'Reilly and Daniel O'Shea. The actors talk about how they were cast and their experiences of filming with Carabtsos telling how the film went from page to screen.

Conclusion

Hamburger Hill is a fine film, showing how bloody and destructive war can be and comments subtly on the growing anti-war sentiment in America. It is not as intelligent as Platoon, nor as memorable as Full Metal Jacket, films that have always overshadowed it. However, this is not to say it's a bad film - far from it. John Irvin's direction keeps the story moving whilst allowing you to get to know and care about the characters. Ultimately though, it's a film about anonymity - I watched it twice and could only name two of the characters - even the hill is called a number based on its height.

Hamburger Hill may be on the second tier of Vietnam War films, but it's still very accomplished and authentic, written as it is by a Vietnam Veteran and this DVD is a good package, far superior to the previous R2 release.