I finally saw the complete movie on DVD (I had seen part of it once on cable some years ago). I will agree with and not expound further on many of the other comments already posted; the picture is good, the sound not so, and the acting mixed. I will, however, put in a plug for the truly great 1968 Russian version of the film. The sound is almost as bad as the Vidor film (USSR sound recording in 68 was not much better than Italy in 56)but visually there is no comparison. Bonderchuk had the full cooperation of the Soviet government, and most scenes were filmed in actual locations. The cast is unequaled in size (I forget how many 100,000 were used in the battle scenes). The acting (the original Russian, not the wooden English dubbed voices) is superior, and the casting is arguably more authentic. I will also indicate that the "standard" edited version (as offered on the Kultur label) is disappointing (not widescreen, and available only in an abridged, dubbed, version - although the sound may be slightly better). Try to find the "international" version which is uncut and offers over a dozen dubbing/subtitle options. It is a full 8 hours and ships on 5 DVDs. Although not currently available, there was a miniseries made (I believe by BBC) that featured Anthony Hopkins as Pierre. What it lacks in scope it definitely makes up for in acting and thoroughness of treatment. I am anxiously awaiting it's DVD release...
Review of War and Peace
