Quick Links
- What Is ‘Midway‘ About?
- How ‘Midway’ 1976 Reigns Supreme
- Where ‘Midway’ 2019 Emerges Victorious?
- The Final Verdict on ‘Midway’
As a film enthusiast who has seen my fair share of war movies and appreciates both spectacle and storytelling, I must say that I find myself leaning towards the 2019 remake of “Midway.” Having grown up with the technological advancements of our time, I can’t help but be captivated by the jaw-dropping visual effects that bring the battles to life in a way the original film simply couldn’t.
In December 2024, “Midway” stood out as one of Netflix’s most-viewed war movies, leaving audiences in awe of director Roland Emmerich’s ability to create an exhilarating cinematic experience. However, it’s worth noting that this WWII epic drama is actually a remake of the 1976 film directed by Jack Smight, featuring Charlton Heston as the main lead in a large group of talented actors.
While both iterations have distinct moviemaking merits, comparing the sprawling WWII films to determine which reigns supreme may help persuade viewers unsure about watching the 2019 version. Critics may have panned both movies during their initial release, but as rousing crowdpleasers, both offer plenty of visceral aerial action and high-flying exhilaration. However, with all aspects tallied, only one Midway can declare victory.
What Is ‘Midway’ About?
In both adaptations, Midway centers around the Battle of Midway, a significant conflict that took place from June 4 to June 7, 1942 – six months following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. The 1976 portrayal kicks off in 1942, depicting U.S. B-25 bombers striking Tokyo, which provokes Admiral Yamamoto to counter with an assault on Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean. This iconic war film swiftly draws audiences into a thrilling display of battle, captivating their interest from the start.
In the revised edition, the narrative unfolds in Tokyo of 1937, where Admiral Yamamoto issues a warning to the U.S. and their allies that if their oil reserves, constituting 80% of their imports, are interfered with, he will be compelled to carry out an attack. This adaptation portrays the infamous Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, providing a more expansive view and significantly expanding the movie’s breadth and grandeur.
When the 2019 adaptation synchronizes with the timeline of the initial film, both narratives delve into the Battle of the Coral Sea, where they depict the quest for Midway Island using cryptography. While both movies share the same storyline from 1942 onwards, the original “Midway” amalgamates real-life war heroes to form composite characters. In contrast, the 2019 reboot employs the authentic names of the actual soldiers who fought in the Battle of Midway. Consequently, the remake appears more factual than the original one.
How ‘Midway’ 1976 Reigns Supreme
In 2024, the 1976 film “Midway” still shines with many qualities that remain impressive. Compared to its remake, the original stands out due to its exceptional ensemble cast headed by Charlton Heston. This cast includes legendary leading actors, character actors, and Academy Award winners such as Henry Fonda, Glenn Ford, James Coburn, Hal Holbrook, Robert Mitchum, Cliff Robertson, Pat Morita, Tom Selleck, Dabney Coleman, and numerous others.
Even though each actor had limited screentime, the impressive stardom of the cast in this version surpasses that of the remake starring Ed Skrein and Patrick Wilson. Although Woody Harrelson and Dennis Quaid deliver strong performances within a talented ensemble, it appears that more effort was invested in the visual effects compared to the actors’ compensation. In stark contrast, the original film utilized footage from other movies such as Tora! Tora! Tora!, Away All Boats, and Thirty Seconds to Tokyo to cut down on production costs, yet still managed to pay a remarkable cast, provide a human element, and create an emotionally impactful story.
In Technicolor, the 1976 film “Midway” stood out by employing a unique soundtrack technology called Sensurround. This technique amplified and intensified the loud, chaotic sounds of war, such as gunfire, explosions, tank noises, aircraft, and crashes, making them more realistic within movie theaters. In essence, the original Midway boasts superior acting and sound editing, delivering a more visceral experience, and it doesn’t waste time before throwing viewers headfirst into the heat of battle without any preamble. However, the film faced criticism for using stock action footage and, moreover, an unessential romantic subplot that left critics unimpressed.
Where ‘Midway’ 2019 Emerges Victorious?
It’s not surprising that the stunning fight sequences in Roland Emmerich’s film Midway outshine the original, given his past successes in movies like Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, 2012, and more. Instead of reusing footage from other films, as some directors might do, Emmerich meticulously recreates the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Coral Sea, showcasing them in breathtaking detail, thereby highlighting his knack for delivering action-packed spectacles.
Although the computer-generated imagery (CGI) can be debatable at times, the technological progression from 1976 to 2019 provided Emmerich with a greater scope to emphasize the visual aspects, which Jack Smight wasn’t able to do. There are more battle sequences shown, and the footage presented is more relevant, resulting in a more captivating and immersive experience compared to the original. However, the acting isn’t as convincing as the 1976 version, but the battle scenes appear more authentic and accurate.
In essence, both versions of the film “Midway” have comparable ratings from critics. However, the original film from 1976 has a higher audience rating at 71%, while the remake from 2019 boasts an impressive 92% audience approval. This suggests that due to Roland Emmerich’s stunning visuals, the remake is more widely appealing and enjoyed by a broader range of viewers.
The Final Verdict on ‘Midway’
2019’s Midway stands out as a slight winner when put against its 1976 counterpart. The original boasts a more distinguished cast and stronger performances, but it holds an edge due to Sensurround, which greatly enhanced the cinematic experience for audiences in 1976. However, the wartime romantic subplot and excessive use of stock footage weakened the overall reception of the film.
Compared to its 1976 predecessor, the 2019 version of Midway offers a deeper exploration of pre-conflict scenarios, boasts stunning visual effects that immerse viewers in the action, and doesn’t rely heavily on footage from other war films to convey its message. While the original may have had stronger performances, both movies prioritize spectacle over dramatic depth. Taking advantage of modern technology, the 2019 remake edges out the original across various aspects. Incidentally, you can stream both Midway (2019) and Midway (1976) on Netflix.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-12-08 02:02