The Dirty Dozen

While its status as the ultimate Sunday afternoon “dad movie” for the boomer generation is firmly established, The Dirty Dozen (1967) isn’t the stodgy WW2 reenactment contemporary viewers might expect. In fact, director Robert Aldrich’s film is an unexpected template for “slobs vs snobs” comedies like Animal House, Stripes and Caddyshack, pitting its condemned cadre of unwashed commandos against the uppity West Point elites and turning the idea military discipline into a class war punchline.

An establishment rebel himself, Major John Reisman (Lee Marvin) is tasked with raiding a heavily guarded villa behind Nazi lines and taking out the high command with extreme prejudice. Trouble is, his “soldiers” are a handful of misfit prisoners facing extended prison time or the death sentence unless they cooperate. Bucking the system – and the odds – Reisman must whip his recruits into shape for the mission…and hope they don’t put a bullet in his head before they get there.

Leaning into the anti-authoritarian protests against the Vietnam War and military discipline, The Dirty Dozen makes heroes out of all its colorful non-conformists. And the cast is simply killer: Charles Bronoan, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland, Jim Brown, Ernest Borgnine and John Cassavetes make sure there’s never a dull scene in the entire 2 ½ hours. There’s a bit of the leftover ‘60s cutesiness from time to time (the score by future Brady Bunch composer De Vol is a big culprit), but Aldrich keeps the picture moving like a first-class drill instructor. And when the final assault begins, the wisecracks give way to a brutally effective payoff.

Arrow’s new 4K edition gives the film a fresh restoration from the original camera negative, with Dolby Vision and a choice of mono, 5.1, or the newly restored 70mm mix - which really provides some “oomph.” Visually it’s a treat to see this one get some spit-n-polish, with the nighttime raid in particular looking better than ever.

The two-disc set also includes a Blu-ray plus commentary, archival interviews, featurettes, The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission - the feature-length TV sequel - and tons of other surprises. Add a booklet and reversible sleeve, and there’s plenty here for anyone who’s spent the last fifty years wondering what the hell watch watching for four hours every Sunday.