Written by THE WILD GEESE Behind The Movie Action
Tony Earnshaw talks about writing FIFTY MEN IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW: A 316pp Full-Colour Hardbound Book on the Making of THE WILD GEESE. Insider details about how the stunts were performed, who was the first talent onboard, how Roger Moore and Richard Burton worked together and so much more. Interviewed by Andrew Staton. The book was created to coincide with the launch of the ultimate collector’s edition of The WILD GEESE.
What is the new release
The film, starring Richard Burton, Roger Moore, and Richard Harris, is being re-released by Severin Films in a newly restored 4K version.
The “Ultimate Collector’s Edition” (UHD/Blu-ray/CD) arrives December 2025. It includes a 4K scan from the original camera negative, HDR presentation, a lot of extras: commentaries (both new and archival), interviews, a vintage trailer, behind-the-scenes featurettes, a CD of the original soundtrack, and a 316-page hardback book with essays, script extracts, archival photos, lobby cards, etc.
There is also a regular Blu-ray version, released 8 December 2025.
This release isn’t a trivial reissue — it’s a full restoration and comprehensive package aimed at fans and collectors.
What works — why it’s worth revisiting
Improved picture & fidelity: The 4K scan from the original camera negative gives the 1978 film a visual sharpness, contrast and colour depth.
Strong core film — cast & drama holds up: Even 45 + years later, there’s still power in its cast performances. Burton conveys understated authority in his role as mercenary Colonel Faulkner, Harris brings emotional depth as a man fighting for his son’s future, Moore is the hard bitten wisecracker.
Tight, engaging story + classic ’70s action flavour: The film’s mercenary-rescue plot is straightforward and pacy: parachute-insertion, prison break, escape under fire — with betrayals and moral ambiguity along the way.
Great extras and historical/context value: Added value beyond just the movie — documentaries, commentaries (with actual production figures; the producer, second-unit director, historian), archival newsreels, soundtrack, and making-of book. It gives a richer appreciation of the film’s production history, the era it came from, and its legacy.
In sum — for fans of the film, or of classic ’70s-era action/adventure/camaraderie flicks — this new release offers a way to enjoy it in the best possible quality, with plenty of contextual enrichment.
Hardy Krüger (A Bridge Too Far) and Stewart Granger (King Solomon’s Mines) co-star in this explosive action classic produced by Euan Lloyd (The Final Option) and directed by Andrew V. McLaglen (The Devil’s Brigade) from a screenplay by two-time Oscar® nominee Reginald Rose (12 Angry Men).
Review
Proper 70s action adventure all based on real people and events.
Get it on Amazon here; The WILD GEESE Limited Collector’s Edition
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‘THEY DON’T MAKE ‘EM LIKE THIS ANYMORE…
A classic slice of ‘70s action adventure with a cast of UK movie legends, memorable dialogue and impressive action scenes. Burton is superb’
The Spinning Image
‘GRITTY, EXCITING AND SUPERB…
In the best stiff-upper-lip tradition of great British war movies
and one of the best British films of its era’
Cinema Retro
The release features a stunning array of Extras;
THE WILD GEESE Limited Edition UHD / BD / CD Special Features:
3-DISC LIMITED EDITION (UHD / BD / CD):
EXCLUSIVE: FIFTY MEN IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW: A 316pp Full-Colour Hardbound Book on the Making of THE WILD GEESE by Tony Earnshaw
EXCLUSIVE: CD Original Soundtrack of THE WILD GEESE by Roy Budd
EXCLUSIVE: 6 x Original UK Lobby Card Reproductions DISC 1 (UHD):
NEW! Audio Commentary with action film experts, Mike Leeder and Arne Venema *
NEW! Audio Commentary with assembly editor John Grover and Film Academic and South African Historian Calum Waddell *
Archival Audio Commentary with producer Euan Lloyd, star Roger Moore, second unit director John Glen, Moderated by filmmaker Jonathan Sothcott *
Theatrical Trailer * DISC 2 (Blu-ray):
NEW! Jesse, Take Point! – Interview with actor John Kani (Sgt. Jesse Blake)
NEW! Wild Child – Interview with actor Paul Spurrier (Emile Janders)
NEW! Wild Goose Chase – Interview with 2nd unit director / editor John Glen
NEW! Flight of Fancy – Interview with sound editor Colin Miller
The Wild Geese Director – Interview with director Andrew V. McLaglen
The Mercenary – Interview with military advisor Mike Hoare
The Last of the Gentleman Producers – Documentary on producer Euan Lloyd featuring Euan Lloyd, Roger Moore, Joan Armatrading, Ingrid Pitt & more
The Flight of the Wild Geese – Vintage Featurette
THE WILD GEESE Royal Charity Premiere Newsreel DISC 3 (CD): THE WILD GEESE Original Soundtrack
Get it on Amazon here; The WILD GEESE
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