Cross of Iron (Region B) w/SLIP

Based on the novel byWill Heinrich,Sam Peckinpahs only war film is an intense and uncompromising affair that brilliantly reflects both the futility of conflict and the directors fascination with individuals confronted by events beyond their control.

A World War II tale told from the German perspective,Cross Of Ironfollows a platoon of German soldiers in Russia when the German Wehrmacht forces had been decimated and the Germans were retreating along the Russian front. Rolf Steiner (James Coburn) is a German corporal and recipient of the Iron Cross who has grown disenchanted with Hitlers war machine. When Captain Stransky (Maximilian Schell) assumes charge, the pair are thrown into immediate conflict, the autocratic but ultimately cowardly Stransky coveting the loyalty and honour Steiner commands.

Evocatively shot byJohn Coquillon(Billy the Kid) in sombre tones to emphasise the horrors of combat, the superlative lead performances are matched byDavid WarnerandJames Masonas war-weary senior officers. Viewed as one of Peckinpahs most powerful works, its an unflinching vision of the Second World War.

Extras:

Blu-Ray Disc 1
Audio Commentary by filmmaker and film historian Mike Siegel
NEWPromoting STEINER
NEWSTEINER on the set
NEWFilming STEINER
NEWFilming STEINER pt 2
NEWSTEINER in colour

Blu-Ray Disc 2
On Location: Sam Peckinpah
On Location: James Coburn
On Location: Maximillian Schell
On Location: James Mason
On Location: David Warner
Passion and Poetry: Sam Peckinpah’s War
Kruger Kisses Kern
Vadim & Sam: Father & Son
Cutting Room Floor
Steiner in Japan: Ads filmed in 1977
Mike’s Home Movies: Steiner & Kiesel Meet Again
US/UK Trailer
German Trailer
US TV Spot