'Patton' gets 4-star treatment on DVD

Until just recently, I never had the pleasure of viewing "Patton." I had heard all the praise, seen clips here and there, yet in my entire WWII cinema intake I managed to overlook it somehow. I'm sure if "Old Blood and Guts" were alive today he'd kick me in the ass before handing me a cigar and calling me a son of a bitch. \nFrom the early battles against the Afrika Korps, through Italy, Normandy and Germany, Patton's entire campaign in WWII is the backdrop for this massive picture. It showcases his distinct humor, stern leadership, arrogance towards the British, paranoia towards the Russians and even the General's personal beliefs in reincarnation as if he was fighting in wars during the beginning of civilization. \nWritten in part by Francis Ford Coppola ("The Godfather"), he provides a commentary track and introduction to the film that is rich in honesty and anecdotal passages -- something more commentary tracks should contain. There is nothing I find more enjoyable than someone's interesting and/or humorous reminiscences about filmmaking. \nAside from the usual trailers and photo galleries, three vastly different documentaries are located on the second disc. The first, "History Through the Lens: Patton -- A Rebel Revisited," is a solid 90-minute feature discussing how "Patton" so faithfully chronicles its subject. "The Making of Patton" rounds up all those who worked on the film in celebration and tribute to its director, Franklin J. Schaffner, whose most famous work next to "Patton" would be cult-classic "Planet of the Apes." \nThe third documentary is the one that startled me. "Patton's Ghost Corps" is an unexpected 45-minute experience. Compiling interviews with over 60 living WWII veterans, a story is weaved together by men who Patton had forsaken at the time of the Battle of the Bulge. While "Patton" often mentions those who loathed the General's methods, these men provide tales ranging from faint praise to absolute condemnation.\nWith a modest $15 price tag, not only will you be treated to a piece of cinematic history, you'll also get a full history course thanks to superior extras.