Zulu [Blu-ray] [1964][Region Free]

It’s a sad fact that many older films are shovelled onto the Blu-ray format, without a great deal of work put into improving their presentation. That’s an accusation that absolutely can’t be levelled at the outstanding transfer that Zulu has benefited from. It’s truly a template for other studios to follow, and a stunning high-definition upgrade.

It’s a superb restoration job that’s been done here, and it’s fair to suggest that Zulu has never looked better. The sheer level of detail is amazing, particularly given the age of the material, and it’s presented in an utterly pristine fashion. It’s both a delight and a surprise to see the film fare so well. The audio side of things hasn’t benefited to quite the same degree, sadly, but it copes with the demands of the film perfectly well. The visuals, however, are dazzling.

As for the movie? Zulu remains a classic. With a cast led by Michael Caine, the story centres around the seemingly impossible job of defending Rourke’s Drift in 1879. In a battle that’s stunningly brought to life, the British forces face insurmountable odds, something the film vividly gets across. It’s balanced film making too, and while it takes liberties with its recollection of history, it nonetheless sticks firmly in the mind long after the end credits have rolled. This surprisingly superb Blu-ray release is easily the best way to enjoy it, too. --Jon Foster

Narrated by Richard Burton and starring an outstanding Michael Caine in his first starring role, Zulu is a tense and dramatic war film about the Battle of Rorke's Drift in 1879--which was part of the Anglo-Zulu War in South Africa--where approximately 150 British soldiers held off 4,000 Zulu warriors. Zulu is an exceptionally well-made and beautifully shot film from 1964 that demonstrates the bravery of the British troops and also acknowledges the Zulu's bravery. The emotional score of the film was conducted by John Barry. Eleven Victoria Crosses were won in the action, the most in a single battle. Most of the characters in the movie were based on real participants of the battle.

- Michael Caine, Nigel Green, Stanley Baker, James Booth - Director: Cy Endfield