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 enlarge | Director: Sam Peckinpah
Actors: James Coburn, Maximilian Schell, James Mason, David Warner, Klaus Löwitsch
Studio: Henstooth Video
Category: DVD
List Price: $29.95
Buy New: $21.11
You Save: $8.84 (30%)
New (23) Used (7) from $21.11
Avg. Customer Rating:  162 reviews
Sales Rank: 30873
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dvd-video, Special Edition, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), French (Original Language), German (Original Language), Russian (Original Language)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 132
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 4.8 x 0.6
MPN: D4102D
UPC: 759731410229
EAN: 0759731410229
ASIN: B000E5N63Y
Theatrical Release Date: 1976
Release Date: April 18, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: NEW AND FACTORY SEALED - WIDESCREEN VERSION - EXCELLENT QUALITY - MUCH BETTER VERSION THAN THE OLD PAN & SCAN - EXTRA MINUTES - WAR/HISTORY/SWASHBUCKLING/AVIATION AND WESTERN FILMS ARE OUR SPECIALTY!!!
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 The Willing Flesh December 27, 2006
12 out of 14 found this review helpful
This movie is loosely based on the novel by Willie Heinrich, which is titled "The Willing Flesh". This is also the only war film that Sam Peckinpah directs. Though the movie is not true to the book, it is basically an accurate portrayal of the violence of war on the Eastern Front. The movie shows the great German Wehrmacht reeling under pressure from the bigger Russian Army as it flees the Crimea after the fall of Stalingrad. Its focus is on war and not the politics that failed and caused them. It does not even show you that the German's were the aggressors.
The Russian T-34/85 tanks, though not actually available for this battle, and the infantry weapons we see are real. And the use by the Germans of the Russian guns and the waves upon waves of Russian soldiers sent into battle are accurate depictions. The historical fighting that took place was actually an air war with the ground forces almost fighting to a standstill. But the budget of this film would not allow the true strategic focus to be shown.
Steiner, played by James Coburn, is a battle hardened survivor who is challenged by an aristocratic Prussian officer, Captain Stransky, who got himself transferred to the front from France in order to win the Iron Cross. Captain Stransky is shown as almost an outright coward, and is willing to do anything for the coveted Iron Cross. Peckinpah uses this movie to shows that war is an eternal nature of war.
The movie looks as if shot in on a large scale, even though the budget did not allow it. And we see the directors' famous violent montages and great editing. With inserted slow motions scenes cut in and multiple cameras per scene. This is a true seventies movie classic.
What price glory? November 22, 2006
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
James Coburn and Maximilian Schell star as two German soldiers from diversely contrasting backgrounds in Sam Peckinpah's brutally graphic WWII drama "Cross of Iron". Filmed in Yugoslavia, the movie depicts the 1943 Nazi retreat from the Soviet Taman peninsula during Hitler's disastrous strategic blunder, the invasion of Russia.
Coburn playing corporal and later sergeant Steiner is a disillusioned war weary veteran, highly respected by his reconnaissance platoon. Schell is a newly transfered captain who is both inexperienced and cowardly. He comes from a wealthy, aristocratic Prussian family for whom he must attain his rite of passage, the iron cross for valor. During a skirmish in which Coburn was wounded and Schell's brave underling lieutenant Meyer was killed, Schell unjustly tries to take credit for the manuever which would bestow the prized iron cross on him. Schell needs corroboration from Coburn to attain the honor. When he refuses, he is forced to explain to their superior officer colonel Brandt played by James Mason.
The fierce fighting goes on and Coburn and his platoon get stuck behind enemy lines and fail to be notified of a general retreat by the actions of Schell. Hoping to get them killed, Schell is shocked when he learns that Coburn and his platoon are attempting to work their way back across enemy lines. He orders junior officer lieutenant Triebig played by Roger Fritz to shoot Coburn and his men to preserve the secret of his devious machinations to win the undeserved medal.
Peckinpah's penchant for gory portrayals of violence is never more apparent than in "Cross of Iron". He also accurately displays the divergent mindset of the German people to the policies of Nazism in his two main characters. Also appearing in a rare English speaking role is the sensuous flame haired German actress Senta Berger, who plays a nurse and Coburn love interest as he recuperates from his wounds.
Great War Movie November 5, 2006
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
This is a great war movie. Great battle scenes. Very realistic all around. The ending is a little bizarre but a great movie anyway. It takes place on the Eastern Front after Stalingrad. I saw it on VHS so I can't speak for the quality of this DVD.
Worth it October 20, 2006
19 out of 23 found this review helpful
Everything the reviewers say is true. This is not his best film, this is not his most violent film, this is not a great war move and the acting is not going to win awards. Movies are never as good as the book and this one proves that statement. Now why would you want to buy this?
It is his only war movie, giving us a window into his thinking that you will not get anywhere else.
It is a good action move and one that will not have you checking the clock.
James Coburn is a much better actor than his carrier indicates and this is one of his few starting roles. It is also some of his better work.
It is an above average move from a great director and this is not something that will stay in print. As a Peckinpah fan, I bought this at once and enjoy it.
Bloody Sam at his best October 18, 2006
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
Produced on a modest budget in Yugoslavia in 1976, Cross of Iron starring James Coburn is a tough, hardcore movie that holds up well. Even by today's standards, the sequence with a group of Russian female soldiers is truly horrific. Fine, vintage Peckinpah.
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