Camouflage in Film and Television

Camouflage In Film and Television

The purpose of this section is to illustrate some of the different camouflage patterns that have been invented, created, or appropriated for a specific film or television series. Some patterns have been inspired by existing or historical designs, whilst others were created specifically for the film or series.

• Where Eagles Dare (1968)

A 1968 movie starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood. It was believed for a long time that the splinter pattern worn by some of the actors in the movie was in fact a special variation of the WW2 German splinter pattern never issued during the war - but they were in fact specially made for the film. Wehrmacht-Awards Forum discussion of this pattern

Thanks to Remy Spezzano for the permission to use these photos

According to a source the above photos was in fact a pre-production jacket with colours differing from those used in the movie. Below is a photo of a copy of those used in the movie showing the colours:

• The Eagle Has Landed (1976)

A 1976 movie starring Michael Caine, Donald Sutherland, and Robert Duvall. The splinter pattern worn by the German paratroopers should be the same as that used in Where Eagles Dare.

• A Bridge Too Far (1977)

For some reason, the makers of A Bridge Too Far chose to have German SS camouflage uniforms made out of legitimate 1950s era German Army reversible "amoeba" pattern camouflage shelter material. The pattern has little relationship with any German wartime camouflage, but was perhaps cheaper or more easier to obtain at the time than reprinted fabric in an authentic pattern.

• Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

A camouflage pattern was created for the rebel forces that landed on the Moon of Endor in this film.

• Red Dawn (1984)

Movie from 1984 starring Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen. Soviet troops are attacking USA. The camouflage below was worn by the Soviet paratroopers in the movie:

Photo from www.wargearweb.org

Apparently several copies of this pattern was made, one reversing to white with a pattern of green pine leaves

• Aliens (1986)

Created for the James Cameron film "Aliens" (starring Sigourney Weaver), the camouflage pattern below was worn by the Colonial Marines. It is very reminiscent of ERDL pattern and may have been created using the same drawings.

• Street Fighter (1994)

A woodland style camouflage created for the 1994 Jean-Claude Van Damme film.

• Children of Men (2006)

A digital camouflage design was created specifically for this film.

• Fringe (TV series - 2008-2013)

The Fox TV series "Fringe" occasionally featured a commercially available "urban digital" camouflage pattern in its episodes.

• Avatar (2009)

2009 movie directed by James Cameron.

• G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra (2009)

Featured this camouflage pattern with GI Joe logo incorporated into the design.