John Schlesinger came from Britain, won Oscars and made the greatest thriller ever made THE MARATHON MAN. Off the back of that he made YANKS. He also directed a film starring Madonna. With Yanks, he was criminally overlooked. As the Second World War raged, Americans were stationed in the UK. Technical Sergeant Matt Dyson (Richard Gere) is one. He stars for the first real onscreen showing. Before Malick put him in DAYS OF HEAVEN. It is here that he tones his craft. He is sensitive and tender. Sometimes vulnerable. He falls in love with a local woman Jean Moreton (Lisa Eichhorn). She is warm, shy and Schlesinger camera absorbs this with glee. Captain John (William Devane) is another American abroad. 
Schlesinger seems more taken with his presence and rightly he is the star of the whole. Posted to oversee the troops, it makes sense he stands up. He falls for Helen (Redgrave). She of the dynasty. She is also possibly the best actor of them all (a tall order). A woman not only tender but strong. She acts with such dexterity. Her husband is at the front, fighting for the British army. Taking this all in, the film deserves to be noted for controlling all of this. Achieving the almost impossible. Stars turning out a stunning, understated film.
DUAL FORMAT SPECIAL FEATURES
- 1080p presentation (on Blu-ray) from a new high-definition transfer
- Original LPCM mono audio (on Blu-ray)
- Optional English SDH subtitles
- Archival Interview with director John Schlesinger
- Original theatrical trailer
- PLUS: A collector s booklet featuring new writing on the film, alongside rare archival imagery
