Zulu (DVD, 2009)

This particular 2003 DVD version (North American Format) hasn't been enhanced much, cleaned up - yes but not enhanced. Don't expect a surround system either - it's not made for that. While old, this movie is so accurate that specialists have to really search to find any flaws in the story! The acting techniques (particularly Michael Cain's) seems dated today, it is probably as close as you can get to having it broadcast live on CNN. "Zulu" is based on the real battle of Rorke's Drift in January 1879 which pitted the British Army against the Zulu impis - most of the Zulu had ancestors who'd fought the British (an interesting bit of trivia picked up in follow-on research). The British force was outnumbered 15 to 1 during the 12 hour battle - not 40 to 1 as legend likes to claim. 11 Victoria Crosses were won by the British defenders. Militaria enthusiasts generally enjoy the movie and it's a standard reference to British medal collectors - a "must have" in their collection! The only other British battle that can approximate this one is the 4 day Defense of Dawkita in 1897 which pitted a very small British colonial force against a massive Sofa army (1 to approximately 175). Unfortunately this movie has not been made.