2008 was a strong year for Tom Cruise as he had a scene-stealing role in Tropic Thunder that showcased his surprising comedic chop and also starred in the World War II thriller Valkyrie. Directed by Bryan Singer, the film was co-written by Christopher McQuarrie and kicked off the talented writer-director’s stellar working relationship with Cruise, which has led to some of the best action films ever made. Now, a new Valkyrie Blu-ray has been released. Is it worth picking up if you have any previous releases? Sadly, not really, but it still can serve a purpose.
“‘Tom Cruise gives one of the best performances of his career’ (Jeffrey Lyons, NBC/Reel Talk) in this action-packed film from the director of The Usual Suspects and X-Men. Based on the incredible true story of Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Cruise) and his ingenious assassination plot targeting Adolf Hitler, this engrossing thriller reenacts the daring operation to eliminate one of the most evil tyrants the world has ever known. Co-starring Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Terence Stamp, and Eddie Izzard, Valkyrie delivers gripping suspense and pulse-pounding excitement from start to finish,” says the official description.
As for the actual film, Valkyrie is one of Singer’s better movies. Cruise, who looks startlingly like the man he plays — Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, gives a strong performance and plays well off of Kenneth Branagh, Terence Stamp, and Bill Nighy. Surprisingly thoughtful and an entertaining watch, it’s all the more refreshing given how one-note many blockbusters are now. This WWII film doesn’t quite make it into the best of the category, but it’s a great watch from beginning to end, and nobody keeps your attention quite like Cruise.
Sadly, the new Valkyrie Blu-ray release doesn’t feature any special features. This is a shame since the previous special edition had two great commentary tracks, an entertaining and informative documentary on the real-life events that inspired the film, and a good making-of featurette. This makes this Blu-ray a budget release that is good if you just want the movie, but completionists will not want to seek it out.
Valkyrie Blu-ray Review: Final Verdict
The new Valkyrie Blu-ray is a good budget-priced way to enjoy the underrated Tom Cruise movie. However, the lack of special features gives it limited appeal as you don’t get The Valkyrie Legacy documentary or the informative commentary tracks. However, if you’re just looking for the film, then this bare-bones release will serve its purpose for sure.
Disclosure: ComingSoon received product from the distributor for our Valkyrie Blu-ray review.
