Today, MGM Home Entertainment is releasing a 25th anniversary edition of Oliver Stone’s Platoon on Blu-ray.  Starring Charlie Sheen in a “winning” performance as a young soldier fighting in the Vietnam war and rounded out by an excellent supporting cast, the film was inspired by Stone’s own experiences in the ‘nam.  Brilliantly showing both the personal struggles and physical battles of the war, it’s hard to believe that 25 years have already passed since the original release of the film.

The deserving winner of four Academy Awards including Best Picture, Platoon is remembered for its raw and unforgettable images of Vietnam, unflinchingly showing both the brutality of war as well as the humanity and loss of innocence experienced by many of the soldiers.  There were several great films about Vietnam that came before 1986, and for many Platoon remains the benchmark for great depictions of the war on-screen.

The Blu-ray includes commentary with Stone and a military advisor, deleted/extended scenes, as well as documentaries on the preparation and creation of the Vietnam war as seen on-screen.  Also included is a DVD of the film.

Platoon is 120 minutes and rated R.

-John C.