Courage Under Fire is the critically acclaimed story of military commander Nathaniel Serling (Washington) who is suffering the after-effects of a deadly battlefield error that he was responsible for ordering. He is then given the task of reviewing the efforts of a female helicoptor pilot (Ryan) who is being considered for the posthumous award of the Congressional Medal Of Honor--the first woman to be so honored. Killed in the line of duty during a rescue mission in the Desert Storm conflict, Captain Karen Walden's actions during the battle are seen, curiously, in completely opposite ways by those who witnessed her actions. Was she a hero or a coward? And does the fact that she is female play any part in the way the "eyewitness" stories are slanted?
Special features include commentary with Director Edward Zwick, a trivia track, the trailer, the D-BOX® Motion Code™ integration option, and additional trailers.
While the source can look dated, with slightly muted hues and soft fine details, the 1.85:1 Blu-ray Disc picture does have sold blacks with good shadow delineation. Contrast is well rendered, and the image has an acceptable level of depth. Minor edge enhancement is noticeable. (Danny Richelieu)
The lossless DTS-HD™ Master Audio 5.1-channel soundtrack is also dated, with an edgy, digital harshness to the dialogue and occasional distortion in the louder effects. The mix is exciting though, which keeps the story moving along well. (Danny Richelieu)