Rating: 
Summary: The best fun war movie ever made!
Review: "The Dirty Dozen" became one of the biggest hits of 1967, placing behind only "The Graduate," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," and "Bonnie and Clyde." Its success was well-deserved and unsurprising given how enjoyable and stirring it is. Lee Marvin stars as a Major during WWII who is disliked by many of his superiors. He's assigned to lead a suicide style mission behind Nazi enemy lines. He's disinclined to do so, particularly after he meets his "troop" comprised of a dozen murderers and other criminals - the titular "dirty dozen." Despite his misgivings, Marvin eventually agrees to train and lead this rag-tag group, as a shot of redemption for all concerned.The story is constructed brilliantly, beginning with an introduction to the assignment and the dirty dozen, detailing their training, showing their first "mock" operation, and climaxing with their final mission. The cast is a superior mix of established stars and then-newcomers, including Ernest Borgnine, George Kennedy, Charles Bronson, Trini Lopez, Jim Brown, Clint Walker, Telly Savalas, and Donald Sutherland. Special cudos go to Lee Marvin, who is terrific as the renegade Major, and John Cassavetes as the rebellious Franco; Cassavetes received his first Oscar nomination for the role (he later received one for writing and one for directing his own films). Director Robert Aldrich does his best-ever work (he was nominated for best director by the Director's Guild of America), building on such earlier hits as "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" and "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte." His skillful direction manages to make us care deeply and root for a collection of violent offenders. Overall, "The Dirty Dozen" is a first-rate action movie - one of the most enjoyable ever made. Extras: Included is a fascinating short (9:15) featurette, which was made at the time of release for promotional purposes. The short film presents the actors making the film and then relaxing in "swinging" London, shopping on King's Row, and so forth. A most fascinating time capsule! The building of the chateau for the film is also detailed; it was one of the largest sets ever built for a movie and was blown up for the climatic scene.
Rating:
Summary: Rousing Crowd Pleaser
Review: "The Dirty Dozen" became one of the biggest hits of 1967, placing behind only "The Graduate," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," and "Bonnie and Clyde." Its success was well-deserved and unsurprising given how enjoyable and stirring it is. Lee Marvin stars as a Major during WWII who is disliked by many of his superiors. He's assigned to lead a suicide style mission behind Nazi enemy lines. He's disinclined to do so, particularly after he meets his "troop" comprised of a dozen murderers and other criminals - the titular "dirty dozen." Despite his misgivings, Marvin eventually agrees to train and lead this rag-tag group, as a shot of redemption for all concerned. The story is constructed brilliantly, beginning with an introduction to the assignment and the dirty dozen, detailing their training, showing their first "mock" operation, and climaxing with their final mission. The cast is a superior mix of established stars and then-newcomers, including Ernest Borgnine, George Kennedy, Charles Bronson, Trini Lopez, Jim Brown, Clint Walker, Telly Savalas, and Donald Sutherland. Special cudos go to Lee Marvin, who is terrific as the renegade Major, and John Cassavetes as the rebellious Franco; Cassavetes received his first Oscar nomination for the role (he later received one for writing and one for directing his own films). Director Robert Aldrich does his best-ever work (he was nominated for best director by the Director's Guild of America), building on such earlier hits as "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" and "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte." His skillful direction manages to make us care deeply and root for a collection of violent offenders. Overall, "The Dirty Dozen" is a first-rate action movie - one of the most enjoyable ever made. Extras: Included is a fascinating short (9:15) featurette, which was made at the time of release for promotional purposes. The short film presents the actors making the film and then relaxing in "swinging" London, shopping on King's Row, and so forth. A most fascinating time capsule! The building of the chateau for the film is also detailed; it was one of the largest sets ever built for a movie and was blown up for the climatic scene.
Rating:
Summary: Dirty Dozen Delivers
Review: "Now you've got a job to do Mr. So MOVE IT!" orders Ernest Borgnine, and that is just what Marvin does!Dirty Dozen involves behind the lines mission carried out by military prisoners(Sutherland,Cassavettes,Bronson,Savalas,Lopez,Brown,etc.)during World War II. Funniest sequence involves Donald Sutherland impersonating a General who inspects a formation of soldiers commanded by Robert Ryan's character.A must for all war film fans and Marvin fans alike.
Rating: 
Summary: A different perspective of WWII
Review: "The Dirty Dozen" offers up a gritty portrayal of the seemingly "lower echelon" soldiers of WWII. The transformation of malcontents into a deadly team is inspiring and at times comedic. From the intensity of their training to the final showdown with the Nazis (and the brutal method used to accomplish their mission), this movie delivers everything you could want in an action picture. This movie is worthy of repeat viewings (I have watched it twice since I purchased the DVD a week ago). If you enjoy a good action movie, you will love this picture.
Rating:
Summary: I only have one sentence for you-
Review: "We all get out like Halloween!"
Rating:
Summary: A movie that proves...
Review: ...that there are two types of people, those who talk (or perhaps "pontificate" is a better word) and those who deliver. I think that this film resonates more with me now than it had done previously being in the IT field and seeing non-technical ... managers who try to preach to the IT techs (grunts) who dig in and get the job done. For example, in the beginning, [people] like Robert Webber's character strut around citing rules and regulations yet probably never fired a weapon in their lives. Yet, in the end, Webber's mien turns to the congratulatory as he taps Charles Bronson's leg cast and says, "You did a fine job soldier. Hurry up and get well. We need men like you out there."(opportunism indicative of a stuffed shirt whether in the higher echelons of the military or a civilian company) Juxtapose such a character with that of Lee Marvin who did not agree with what was in his fitness report but would be reluctant to write his own as he was "better with getting results rather than embroidery." This movie is not only a tribute to the common soldier but to the common man whose experience, determination, and selflessness has always been the factors that carry the day.
Rating:
Summary: High energy war film with action, humour & style.....
Review: A perennial favourite amongst those who like plenty of high octane action and testosterone in their war movies, Robert Aldrich's "The Dirty Dozen" is a dynamic, thrilling and sometimes humourous film. Stone faced Lee Marvin (Major Reisman)is given the unenviable task of converting 12 death row & long serving military prisoners from social misfits into highly skilled commandos...and then to lead them on an suicidal assault on a highly fortified Nazi chateau filled with high ranking officers. Amongst Marvin's convict charges is the steely and quietly spoken Joseph Wladislaw (Charles Bronson), cynical & egotistical Victor Franko (John Cassavetes in an electric performance) and relgious crank, A.J. Maggot (Telly Savalas). Assistance is given to Marvin from baby faced Richard Jaeckal as MP Sergeant Bowren...and Robert Ryan is excellent as Reisman's nemesis, the "by the book", Colonel Everett Breed. Well acted by all concerned, Aldrich handles the pace well for a long movie (150 min+) and there is no real slow patches to this marvellous adventure story. Color and sound reproduction are top quality and the overall DVD transfer is excellent. My favourite dialogue exchange : Marvin to Jaeckal : (as they are taking the "Dirty Dozen away to begin their training ) "Well, Sergeant..what do you think?" Jaeckal : (looking into the distance) "I think you'll do just fine sir". Marvin: "Don't give me that...I said what do you think" Jaeckal: (looking at a glowering Jim Brown) "I think the first chance one of those luvvers gets's, he's gonna shoot the Major right in the head..sir!" "The Dirty Dozen" is one very entertaining war film !!
Rating:
Summary: High energy war film with action, humour & style.....
Review: A perennial favourite amongst those who like plenty of high octane action and testosterone in their war movies, Robert Aldrich's "The Dirty Dozen" is a dynamic, thrilling and sometimes humourous film. Stone faced Lee Marvin (Major Reisman)is given the unenviable task of converting 12 death row & long serving military prisoners from social misfits into highly skilled commandos...and then to lead them on an suicidal assault on a highly fortified Nazi chateau filled with high ranking officers. Amongst Marvin's convict charges is the steely and quietly spoken Joseph Wladislaw (Charles Bronson), cynical & egotistical Victor Franko (John Cassavetes in an electric performance) and relgious crank, A.J. Maggot (Telly Savalas). Assistance is given to Marvin from baby faced Richard Jaeckal as MP Sergeant Bowren...and Robert Ryan is excellent as Reisman's nemesis, the "by the book", Colonel Everett Breed. Well acted by all concerned, Aldrich handles the pace well for a long movie (150 min+) and there is no real slow patches to this marvellous adventure story. Color and sound reproduction are top quality and the overall DVD transfer is excellent. My favourite dialogue exchange : Marvin to Jaeckal : (as they are taking the "Dirty Dozen away to begin their training ) "Well, Sergeant..what do you think?" Jaeckal : (looking into the distance) "I think you'll do just fine sir". Marvin: "Don't give me that...I said what do you think" Jaeckal: (looking at a glowering Jim Brown) "I think the first chance one of those luvvers gets's, he's gonna shoot the Major right in the head..sir!" "The Dirty Dozen" is one very entertaining war film !!
Rating:
Summary: A Baker's Dozen
Review: A pretty enjoyable WWII movie with a good cast. The DVD looks pretty good but, of course, is not 16:9 enhanced which could be a problem in the long run. The sound is surround and is only for the score. I have the original MGM version and I can't comment on the added interview in this edition. Comes with a short making of when it was made that is fairly entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: An Edge-Of-Your-Seat Style Of Movie
Review: Are you looking for a movie with a great plot, perfectly timed action, and superb acting and directing? Look no further. This film, set in World War II, chronicles the covert operations of a group of military convicts, and their non-convict leader behind enemy lines. It is their task to sneak in and assassinate a large group of key German officials.
The movie starts with the commander (played by Lee Marvin, in arguably his greatest role) picking out some of the best, but also some of the most expendable men in the Army. He goes to the prison and gives them a deal. If they will fight, their sentences will be dismissed and they will be free. Most of these men are awaiting execution, while others have long prison terms. His first goal is to make them ready for combat, which proves to be no easy task, as these guys, who seemingly have nothing to lose, give him a hard time. But eventually, under his command, he creates an elite team of fighters. Now, the next objective is to learn the layout of the area they are to infiltrate, which is a huge French chateau, then sneak in and attack. But will they make it? Of course I will not tell you, you will need to see the movie yourself. But what I will tell you is that this is one of those films with an all star cast and loads of edge-of-your-seat action!!! Besides Lee Marvin, you have Telly Savalas, football great Jim Brown, the late VERY great Charles Bronson, Donald Sutherland ( Sutherland fans will also love the movie Kelly's Hero's), Ernest Borgnine, Clint Walker ( who also starred in the film Night Of The Grizzly), George Kennedy (who co-starred in the hilarious Naked Gun films), and a host of others too numerous to mention. Besides Action, the film incorporates a delicious amount of drama, suspense, comedy (the war games part will give you a good laugh), Horror (when Telly Savalas goes off the deep end), and intrigue.
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