DVD Review: Taps 25th Anniversary Special Edition

With the war in Iraq fresh on most peoples’ minds, 20th Century Fox’s timely release of the 25th anniversary edition of TAPS could not have been better. Originally released in 1981, TAPS’ message on the true meaning of honor and war is just as poignant today as it was twenty-five years ago.

The movie opens with the commencement ceremony for seniors at the Bunker Hill Military Academy. As is tradition at the school, the names of former students who were killed in action are read aloud. This is the firs introduction of George C. Scott’s character, General Harlan Bache the academy’s commander/ Bache is a tough yet honorable man revered by his students, and above all else in love with being a soldier.

Among the students participating in the ceremony is Brian Moreland. He has earned the honor of becoming Cadet Major; a rank second only to general Bache. He is invited to have dinner with the old General where he sips brandy and is regaled with stories about honor. Moreland takes every one of the General’s words about glory, battles, and honor to heart, and this sets the stage for what is to come.

It is quickly learned that after 141 years the Bunker Hill Military Academy will be closing its doors. In a year’s time the academy will be demolished and replaced with condominiums. It is during the graduation speech Bache implores his students to preserve the academy so it is never forgotten. The General’s words unwittingly are taken to heart by several students in attendance.

This sets the stage for one of the best scenes between the two Oscar winners Hutton and Scott. Hutton’s character Moreland goes to his mentor Bache looking for answers to which the old General has none. Instead Bache promises he will not let anything separate him from the boys he sees as his troops, this only intensifies Moreland’s belief in Bache and his beliefs in the General’s ideals.