DVD Corner

The Lost Patrol Blu-ray Review

“The Lost Patrol” never quite lives up to its potential.

Based on the novel “Patrol” by Philip MacDonald, 1934’s “The Lost Patrol” is a pre-Code WWI film adapted by Dudley Nichols and Garrett Fort. Set in 1917 in the Mesopotamia desert, the story follows a British troop that doesn’t know where they are going when the officer with orders is killed. Wandering the sand dunes in the scorching heat and in dire need of water, the troop and their horses find refuge at an oasis. Unfortunately, the relief is short lived when the troop is pinned down by unseen enemy Arab forces. 

Director John Ford is deservedly known as one of the directing greats, but even he wasn’t impervious to making films of lesser quality. “The Lost Patrol” is by no means a failure, but it’s a one-note experiment that never taps into its full potential. The narrative is strangely stiff and lacks forward movement, but perhaps the most puzzling element is that it never takes advantage of its intense and nightmarish scenario. This could have very well been an intense and psychological war thriller of a troop being picked off by the enemy which in turn has a mental toll and a tragic ending, but everything feels underplayed here. The script doesn’t explore the characters’ psyche enough and the dramatic tension should have been ratched up by Ford as the situation gets worse for the troops lost in enemy territory. It feels like the creative team frustratingly only scratches the surface.

The cast is noteworthy here with the likes of Victor McLaglen, Boris Karloff, Alan Hale, Ronald Denny, and Wallace Ford. McLagen as the Sgt. has the most to do here and really sells the role well. Karloff also impresses as a religious Private who loses his mind. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? Warner Archive continues digging into John Ford’s filmography with lesser known titles. This transfer is a bit rough around the edges and can appear overly grainy, but the restoration is still stellar.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The Mono track is a little faint and garbled in spots, but is generally decent.

Extras include 2 “Popeye” cartoons titled “Axe Me Another” and “The Man On The Flying Trapeze.”

September 30, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Boris Karloff, John Ford, The Lost Patrol Blu-ray Review, War Film, Warner Archive