The Wild Geese (1978) – Severin Films 4K UHD Review

There’s something deeply 1970s about The Wild Geese. Not just in its cast of weathered screen icons, its fondness for oversized action, or its light peppering of slurs but in its unapologetic confidence that audiences will simply accept the premise and come along for the ride. Mercenaries parachuting into an unnamed African nation to rescue a deposed leader? No problem. Questionable politics? Best not think too hard about it. Explosions, camaraderie and Roy Budd’s swelling score will do the heavy lifting.

Originally released in 1978 and directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, The Wild Geese sits comfortably alongside films like Where Eagles Dare and The Guns of Navarone just with a rougher edge and a much more cynical worldview. Now, with Severin Films’ lavish 4K UHD restoration, the film has been given its most comprehensive and technically impressive home presentation to date.

At its core, The Wild Geese is a “men on a mission” movie powered almost entirely by its cast. Richard Burton leads as Col. Faulkner, a weary mercenary pulled back into action for one last job. He’s joined by Roger Moore, Richard Harris and Hardy Krüger, each bringing their own brand of star persona to characters that are sketched broadly but played with conviction.

The plot is simple, bordering on absurd: a private military unit is hired to extract a political prisoner from a fictional African state, only to discover they’ve been double crossed by the very people who hired them. The film’s a fantastic boys own adventure parade of parachute drops, jungle skirmishes and doomed heroics.

What keeps it engaging is the sense of camaraderie between the characters. These are men who know exactly how expendable they are, and the film leans heavily into themes of loyalty and professionalism, even when the moral ground beneath them is shaky. There’s an attempt at social commentary, particularly around racial solidarity but it’s handled with all the subtlety you’d expect from a late ’70s action movie. It’s well meaning in places, uncomfortable in others, and unmistakably of its time. The action is plentiful and often impressively staged, with the famous parachute sequence remaining a standout. John Glen’s editing keeps things punchy, and Roy Budd’s score adds a layer of tragic grandeur that elevates even the film’s pulpiest moments.

Severin’s new 4K restoration, scanned from the original camera negative, is a significant upgrade over previous home video releases. Grain is present and filmic throughout, with a natural texture that never feels scrubbed or overly processed. Detail is markedly improved, particularly in closeups, where facial lines, fabric textures and environmental grit finally come into sharp focus.

Colours lean slightly earthy and muted which is appropriate for the setting, but benefit from improved depth. Flesh tones are more consistent, skies have greater nuance, and nighttime sequences retain shadow detail without the murk.

Audio is clean, with Roy Budd’s score given room to breathe. Dialogue is clear, gunfire has weight, and the overall mix feels well balanced. It’s faithful to the film’s original presentation while offering enough clarity to satisfy modern home cinema setups.

Special Features & Packaging

This is where Severin’s release really distinguishes itself. The 4K UHD comes loaded with hours of newly produced and archival extras, including interviews with cast, crew and historians that place the film firmly within its historical and political context. The inclusion of multiple commentary tracks adds welcome depth, particularly for viewers interested in the mechanics of late’70s action filmmaking. For me, the content of these is priceless, however you may find yourself turning the volume up to be able to hear them.

The Collector’s Edition goes even further, bundling a substantial hardbound book FIFTY MEN IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW, written by my friend Tony Earnshaw on the making of the film, a soundtrack CD featuring Roy Budd’s score, and reproduction lobby cards. It’s an indulgent package, but one that feels earned given the film’s cult status and complicated legacy.

Importantly, the supplements don’t shy away from the more problematic aspects of the production including its South African shoot during apartheid offering context rather than glossing over uncomfortable truths.

The Wild Geese remains a flawed but compelling relic of a very specific cinematic era. Its politics are muddled, its tone uneven, and its worldview frequently outdated, yet its commitment to old school spectacle and character driven action makes it endlessly watchable.

Severin Films’ 4K UHD release doesn’t just polish the film; it reframes it, presenting The Wild Geese as both an entertaining action movie and a historical artefact worth examining. For fans of classic war adventures, ensemble action films or boutique physical media releases, this is an easy recommendation.