DVD Corner

Warfare Blu-ray Review

“Warfare” is a realistic war film.

Set during the 2006 Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, 2025’s “Warfare” is a true story based war film written and directed by Alex Garland and ex-Navy SEAL Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza. The story centers around Navy SEAL platoon Alpha One as they take over a family home and provide overwatch for a mission. The mission goes south when insurgents launch an attack on the home, essentially trapping the platoon in place. Alpha One tries to get reinforcements to evacuate them safely, but the situation is complicated by the level of activity. To make matters worse, members of Alpha One (including Elliott and Sam) become severely injured and are in need of medical treatment. Will the platoon make it out alive?

Raw, intense, authentic, mortifying- any number of adjectives can be used to describe A24’s “Warfare.” This is a war film that is more about the brutal sensory experience of being in combat as opposed to it focusing on story, events, politics, or characters. It’s a simple, concise and deeply effective piece that shows the horrors of combat without it ever feeling exploitive. Alex Garland (best known for “Civil War” and “Ex Machina”) and Ray Mendoza really put the viewer right in the action by making it seem as if you are right there in this violent, claustrophobic and chaotic situation. 

Even though “Warfare” may not offer deep characterization, it’s very much a band of brothers type of tale that focuses on a group of Navy SEALs trying to survive and work together to get out of this ordeal. Interestingly, writer/director Ray Mendoza is a character himself here as the story is based off of his own personal experiences. Mendoza does not play himself though as D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai was cast in his place. Viewers will definitely recognize a lot of familiar faces here with young stars like Joseph Quinn, Charles Melton, Will Poulter and Michael Gandolfini having significant roles. Nobody particularly stands out as it’s a tight-knit ensemble affair (as it should be). 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.00:1 1080p. How does it look? The hi-def print is so pristine that it feels like you are right there in the movie. Note: This title is also available on 4K.  

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? This is an immersive and loud Atmos track. The firefights are especially impactful.

Extras:
* 6 postcards
* Commentary by Alex Garland, Ray Mendoza and military consultant Brian Philpot.
* “Courage Under Fire: The Making Of Warfare”- A 28 ½ minute featurette that features cast and crew interviews, discussions about the real life events, training, and the authenticity of the project, behind-the-scenes stories, set footage, and more. 

July 16, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | A24, Alex Garland, Joseph Quinn, War Film, Warfare Blu-ray Review