Very Important Aspect-ratio!

This comedy-thriller gives an unexpectedly authentic look to a German prisoner of war camp, suggesting a practical knowledge of the subject from some of those involved in the making of the film.

I remember seeing this film on TV as a kid, and enjoying it immensely. Recently, it cropped up on UK's Channel Four, and it was still just as entertaining and oddly touching.

James Robertson Justice gives a great performance as the grouchy, but underneath it all, sensitive boffin, and it's a real treat to see the young Eric Sykes, Stanley Baxter and Leslie Phillips all relishing their work. Wonderful support also in the always solid and dependable forms of John Le Mesurier and Richard Watiss. Many other familiar faces from films of the era add to the overall success of this movie.

The UK DVD release does not quite measure up.
Its good to have the chapter headings, and the photo gallery is a very nice bonus, too. Another surprise was the inclusion of a trailer.
Unfortunately the main feature is presented in a horrible cropped down TV screen sized version, which looks cramped and ill-composed.
Guess what? The trailer for the film is presented in it's original (Letterbox) aspect ratio! Compare scenes from the film to the trailer to see what we're missing...

Fortunately, the picture and sound on the disc is generally very good.
It's just a shame the usually excellent Network Video didn't follow Carlton's example set with the Carry On films and present this little gem of a film as originally shot.
A missed opportunity.