If you want to watch the best film made about the attack on Pearl Harbor, not that overly-stylized, overly glamorized, star-studded bomb released 10 years ago, Tora! Tora! Tora! is the most realistic, true-to-fact recreation of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor as told by 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 the day that would live in infamy.
As remarkable as the special effects already were, to see the effects on Blu Ray really gives them much more detail of the gruesome event without taking away any of the authenticity the film achieved so perfectly well. From the beginning of the film when we see the Japanese having fully commited to attacking a “sleeping giant,” the mistakes and un-preparedness of the US military, through it’s climatic surprise attack sequence, Tora! Tora! Tora! is a cinematic achievement that provides a compelling storyline with effects that put to shame some of today’s films.
The stunning cinematography and special effects are only part of the reason that makes the film a true classic. Many historians have agreed on the quality of the factual re-enactments of the events leading to the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7th 1941. Tora! Tora! Tora! relies on factual events without making up fictional stories and characters to surround them. The events that occurred on that day, and in the days preceding it, are more than enough to make for a story that will certainly draw first-time viewers in.
On top of that, the special effects would make many of today’s filmmakers jealous and are realistic without being exaggerated. The acting is just superb especially on the Japanese side where we see the sense of loyalty to the Empire and of the sacrifices they will have to make. An exciting score also helps set the atmosphere of this amazing film. The imposing Japanese Armada and the helplessness of the US against the unexpected attack are great to watch and the realism of the whole thing is an exciting feature in itself. Tora! Tora! Tora! is such a great film for war movie and history buffs and comes highly recommended for fans of the genre.
DVD Bonus Features
The Blu Ray edition offers several bonus features. It offers a theatrical version, plus a Japanese extended version of the film, including commentary. Three documentaries—Day of Infamy, History vs Hollywood. Tora! Tora! Tora!: A Giant Awakens, and the AMC Backstory: Tora! Tora! Tora!, plus a behind the scenes gallery and production gallery. Also included are rare FOX Movietonews reels and the original theatrical trailer for Tora! Tora! Tora! The Blu Ray also includes a book which features never before seen images from the attack on Pearl Harbor.
"Tora! Tora! Tora!" is on sale December 6, 2011 and is rated G. War. Directed by Richard Fleischer, Toshio Masuda. Written by Larry Forrester, Hideo Oguni, Ryûzô Kikushima. Starring Jason Robards.
