This was such a powerful movie because of the historical references in pop culture.

Namely, the 1812 Overture. This work by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was made to commemorate the unsuccessful French invasion into Russia and the subsequent devastating withdrawal of Napoleon’s Grande Armée. The actual composition has no connection with the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom but is commonly used as patriotic music in pop culture.

If I remember correctly, this 1812 event as the major turning point of the Napoleonic Wars.

I recall from my high school days learning that there the portion of the Overture we hear in the movie is the representing marching armies and the victories of the French army that is 15:00 minutes into the actual orchestral work. Noticably, the movie repeats this theme rather than the following diminuendo that represents a retreat. We hear the full orchestra’s cannon and the marching theme and if you listen, God Save the Tsar. This was edited out of a lot of the versions of the Overture due to political differences.

I have always enjoyed proper pop culture usage of this beautiful orchestral work. I recall firstly it’s usage in Risk 2 for the computer (HUGE Risk fan here). Caddyshack using it in the ending scene, Farscape’s John whistling it in a 4th season ep, John Keating whistling it in the Dead Poet’s Society (a personal favorite).

Needless to say, upon release, this DVD will hold a special spot on my shelf.