365 High-Def Days of Oscar: Day 101
Release Year: 1989
Oscar Wins:
Best Supporting Actor
Best Cinematography
Best Sound
Oscar Nominations:
Best Editing
Best Art Direction
THE PLOT THUS FAR
Robert Gould Shaw leads the US Civil War’s first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices of both his own Union army and the Confederates.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Glory” deserves credit for shining the light on one of the most overlooked chapters in American history. While thousands of white men died for the Union in fruitless charges from Fredericksburg to Shiloh, white leaders throughout the North were reluctant to arm blacks, for a variety of reasons – they couldn’t fight, they would incite the border states to leave the Union, white soldiers wouldn’t allow it – but finally, it occurred. The 54th Massachusetts was not the first black regiment raised, nor was it the first to see combat in the Civil War – but it was arguably the most important. After its attack on Fort Wagner, even the most bigoted white politicians had to admit that blacks were just as good as whites. By war’s end over 100,000 blacks were in uniform, and black troops of the Union XXV Corps were the first to enter Richmond after its fall to Union forces in April 1865. This is movie is a perfect tribute to the men of the 54th, and to every black soldier who overcame the odds to prove themselves worthy.
“Glory” has many highs and lows and you have these foreboding feelings in the pit of your stomach when Shaw volunteers his men for basically, a suicide mission to Fort Wagner. You know that these men you have watched from the beginning and have rooted for will die and it is hard to watch when it happens. The scene that particularly upsets me is when these brave, courageous soldiers are dead, they are just chucked into a mass grave and the most moving scene for me is when the dead bodies of Trip and Shaw are thrown together in the mass grave.
The Blu-Ray comes with commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes and interactive map. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track feels soft at points, but kicks in when needed. The 1080p transfer is pretty sharp, but I found a few points of softness. Still, it’ll pack a punch in your home theater. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!
