Director Tavernier gives us another character study here, this time in a World War I setting. As in his other films such as Round Midnight, the film surrounds its main character with many supporting ones and gets fine performances all around. I have this movie on both VHS & DVD, so you know I like it. The DVD presents superior picture quality, crucial because much of the film's action takes place in darkness or dimly lit circumstances. The day time battle sequences are excellent. This film's visceral impact will be greatly diminished on a pan-and-scan version of the DVD which should be avoided.