Clint Eastwood Collection: Where Eagles Dare

Amazon.com

Scorned by reviewers when it came out, this concentrated dose of commando death-dealing to legions of Nazi machine-gun fodder has acquired a cult over the years. In 1968 Clint Eastwood was just getting used to the notion that he might be a world-class movie star; Richard Burton, whose image had been shaped equally by classical theater training and his headline-making romance with Elizabeth Taylor, was eager to try on the action ethos Eastwood was already nudging toward caricature. Alistair MacLean's novel The Guns of Navarone had inspired the film that started the '60s vogue for World War II military capers, so he was prevailed on to write the screenplay (his first). The central location, an impregnable Alpine stronghold locked in ice and snow, is surpassing cool, but the plot and action are ultra-mechanical, and the switcheroo gamesmanship of just who is the undercover double (triple?) agent on the mission becomes aggressively silly. --Richard T. Jameson

Description

Commandos, posing as German soldiers, parachute into a city to rescue a supposed allied general from a Nazi hideaway fortress that can only be reached by cable car.

Customer Reviews:

THE Quintessential War Action/Adventure Picture!!!.......2007-09-09

Year of Release: 1968
Writer: Alistair MacLean
Director: Brian Hutton
Country: UK/USA
Runtime: 2 hours 34 minutes

THE PLOT: Richard Burton leads a group of UK paratroopers to a German castle lair high in the Alps. Along for the ride is Clint Eastwood, who plays the sole American agent of the operation. Their initial mission is (seemingly) to rescue a captured American general.

WHAT WORKS: The opening credit sequence features the paratrooper's plane flying over the incredibly scenic Alps with Ron Goodwin's magnificent score blaring. This is undoubtedly THE best film opening in the entire history of cinema. It's so emotionally stirring it'll give ya friggin' goosebumps. Name your all-time favorite film opening (e.g. "Conan the Barbarian," "Apocalypse Now," "The Last Valley," etc.) "Where Eagles Dare" is BETTER or, at least, just as outstanding in its own unique way. Goodwin's composition is one of the greatest musical pieces I've ever had the pleasure to hear; it's absolutely exhilarating!

Richard Burton is ultra-charismatic as the quick-witting, utterly confident leader of the operation. This is a leader amongst leaders, pure and simple. Eastwood's Lt. Shaffer sort of just tags along beside or behind him the whole film. In other words, as great as Eastwood is, Burton blows him out of the water in this film (at least).

The picture features a seemingly never-ending slew of highlights: mysterious deaths, romantic rendezvous, remote military outposts, German pub scenes, beautiful women, castles, intense combat, cable car fights, chases, escapes, plot surprises and then... well, let's just say it's not over till it's over.

The scenic Austrian and Barvarian locations are breathtaking.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: Some understandably criticize how unbelievably Burton's team mows down scores of Krauts. While this is a valid criticism, and I myself wish the film were more realistic in this respect, allow me to point out that the action is highly believable for the first TWO HOURS (unlike, say, "Rambo II" and "III" which are unbelievable from start to finish and therefore cannot be taken seriously at all). It's not until the group escapes the castle that they become nigh invincible. Because the first two hours are so captivating and generally realistic the viewer is completely CAUGHT UP in the story & mission and WANTS the team to successfully escape and obliterate the enemy. In other words, the story is so skillfully presented that the viewer is absolutely rooting for the protagonists at the 2-hour point, even to the point that s/he willingly and joyfully suspends disbelief and accepts the implausibilities. In fact, while watching the film you'll be convinced that their escape IS plausible. It's not until afterward that you start to realize that it's a bit of a British fantasy picture.

Another criticism is that the film is needlessly brutal, like when Eastwood slits the helicopter pilot's throat or when Burton kicks the man off the cable car. Sorry, but this is WAR and Smith (Burton) & Shaffer (Eastwood) were picked for the operation precisely because they are professional killing machines. It's not that they revel in what they do, it's simply their job, their purpose, and they perform it in a heartless, matter of fact manner. They have no choice.

I had two cavils with the story: Since the cable car room at the castle is the ONLY WAY in or out, why is it not more heavily guarded? Also, when the group is preparing to leave via the cable car, why do the Germans use sledge hammers to break down the door to the room (which naturally takes TOO LONG)? Why don't they just blow open the door?

BOTTOM LINE: "Where Eagles Dare" is EXHILARATING cinema at its finest. Certainly one of the BEST action/adventure films ever made. Actually, it's WAY more than a mindless (and boring) action flick; there's some great dialogue-driven, character-defining material here and the plot surprises will keep your head spinning.

In addition, the score and locations are breathtaking.

Lastly, if you don't get all the hoopla over Richard Burton, see this film.

A Different Take.......2007-08-28

Lots of action, great actors, a fast-moving plot -- but the real suspense-builder is the music -- the same theme building in tempo and orchestration throughout the movie -- this is one of the best action scores I've heard. Don't just watch -- listen!

Burton & Eastwood -A Dynamic Duo.......2007-08-06

Still one of the best WWII war movies of all time. They don't make them like this anymore. There aren't the calibur of actors or directors like this in Hollywood anymore.

Another great war story of old. Where Eagles Dare.......2007-08-05

Another great war story I have been looking for. Love the show and the great old actors. Again, thanks Amazon...

clint at his best...war movies as they used to be!.......2007-07-21

I have always enjoyed this movie. I have probably seen it more than a dozen times, and still keep coming back for more. THis is the way war movies were made with a passion in them, a reality feel and a storyline that would suck you in and make you believe in it's plot.
Clint is an american commando brought in on a all british mission for the sole reason that he 'IS' american and could not possibly be a traitor or a spy because he knew nothing of their organization.
they were sent in to infiltrate a fortress on a mountain and everything you could hope for in a war movie is here. the story keeps jumping around on you keeping you guessing, then back again making you laugh. the good guys are the bad guys, no wait...... they 'are' the good guys....hurray!
this movie even has a fight on top of a cable car over a mountain ravine 2 bad guys against one, the realistic looking shots are incredible. of course there is alot of good ole gunfire and explosions and all the stuff you'd expect from a good guy flick.
Clint was at his best, so young and fresh..... you want to see a good war movie, and you are a Clint Eastwood fan, then this here is a movie for your collection, it's part of mine, and that is saying something. so buy it, and enjoy!!

Average customer rating:

THE Quintessential War Action/Adventure Picture!!!
A Different Take
Burton & Eastwood -A Dynamic Duo
Another great war story of old. Where Eagles Dare
clint at his best...war movies as they used to be!

Where Eagles Dare
Starring: Richard Burton , Clint Eastwood , Mary Ure , Patrick Wymark , and Michael Hordern
Director: Brian G. Hutton
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Action & Combat | Military & War | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0007TKNME
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

THE Quintessential War Action/Adventure Picture!!!.......2007-09-09

A Different Take.......2007-08-28

Burton & Eastwood -A Dynamic Duo.......2007-08-06

Still one of the best WWII war movies of all time. They don't make them like this anymore. There aren't the calibur of actors or directors like this in Hollywood anymore.

Another great war story of old. Where Eagles Dare.......2007-08-05

Another great war story I have been looking for. Love the show and the great old actors. Again, thanks Amazon...

clint at his best...war movies as they used to be!.......2007-07-21

World War II Collection - Battlefront Europe (The Big Red One Two-Disc Special Edition / The Dirty Dozen / Battle of the Bulge / Battleground / Where Eagles Dare)

Average customer rating:

Memory Lane
WWII Collection Battle Front Europe
War Movies
GREAT ADVENTURE
Thrilling War Films

World War II Collection - Battlefront Europe (The Big Red One Two-Disc Special Edition / The Dirty Dozen / Battle of the Bulge / Battleground / Where Eagles Dare)
Starring: Wwii Collection
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

World War II | Military & War | Genres | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

Two-Disc Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

Action & Adventure | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

ASIN: B0007TKNLK
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Description

The Battle of the Bulge: Nazi Panzer forces stage a last-ditch Belgian front offensive that could turn the tide of WWII. Henry Fonda, Robert Shaw and Robert Ryan in the spectacular recreation of a crucial campaign.

Battleground: Van Johnson, Ricardo Montalban and George Murphy star in this remarkable war film, nominated for six Oscars(R) (including Best Picture) about courageous American G.I.s caught up in the battle at Bastogne.

The Big Red One Special Edition: "The real glory of war," Samuel Fuller said, "is surviving." A decorated combatant with the famed U.S. First Infantry in WWII, Fuller survived. His 1980 film version of his war experiences did not...until now. Working with 70,000 feet of vault materials and Fuller's shooting script, critic/filmmaker Richard Schickel heads a reconstruction that adds over 40 minutes and transforms a truncated but admired war film into an epic masterwork. Lee Marvin, in a richly layered performance now revealed as one of his finest, stars as the sergeant of peach-fuzzed riflemen fighting from North Africa to Normandy and across Europe. The film is the squad's combat diary, war as it's fought and sweated and bled, and, maybe, survived.

The Dirty Dozen: Twelve jailbirds will earn their freedom...if they survive a suicide mission against the Nazi brass. Tough-as-nails Lee Marvin leads a nothing-to-lose convict squad of Charles Bronson, Jim Brown, John Cassavetes, Trini Lopez, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland, Clint Walker and more in the all-time action trendsetter. Where Eagles

Dare: The mission is clear. Get in. Get the general. Get out. Commandos charged with freeing a U.S. general from an Alpine fortress should also be told to trust nothing - including the search-and-rescue orders just issued. Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood go Where Eagles Dare in this twisty World War II thriller written by action master Alistair MacLean (The Guns of Navarone, Ice Station Zebra) and directed by Brian G. Hutton (Kelly's Heroes). Known for fiery dramatic roles, Burton ventures into the realm of movie pyrotechnics with dynamic efficiency. And Eastwood's cool-fire presence heightens one searing action sequence after another. The film became Eastwood's then-largest hit and its studio's #1 moneymaker of the year.

Customer Reviews:

Memory Lane.......2007-07-27

This box is worth the money just for Where Eagles Dare and The Dirty Dozen. Being a WWII Tank fanatic spoilt the other movies for me, trying to pass off an Israeli tank as a Tiger, no no no. Other wise a good buy.

WWII Collection Battle Front Europe.......2007-05-18

5 of my favorite WWII movies in one package. Super!

War Movies.......2006-11-11

Three of this collection are movies I have wanted for many years, and to get them in one collection is my reason for acquiring the set. Battleground is the story of a small group of doughboys stuck in the Argonne, basically surrounded by Germans, and their fight for survival. Where Eagles Dare is about a group of highly trained soldiers trying to destroy a fortress in the Alps controlled by the Germans; however, a mole and high ranking officer overseeing the operation want the group to fail. The Dirty Dozen is a war classic about criminals given a respite to carry out a basically suicide mission against a host of high ranking German officers

GREAT ADVENTURE .......2006-08-04

I have watched a lot of WWII DVDs and found that these movies while hollywoodized to an extent are pretty accurate. These movies will entertain you completely!!! This is a great group of war films and I enjoyed each and every one of them thouroughly!!! Cant beat the price either!!

Thrilling War Films.......2006-07-26

I recently purchased this DVD European War collection and I'm enjoying these wonderful war films at a price that's so affordable it must be seen to believe. This World War II DVD Collection-European Warfare includes 5 outstanding War epics that were received by the movie-going public as fascinating with a great story line and many action-packed scenes that most critics moved to give these films a thumbs up. It's difficult to point out which film ranks the best. You can choose any 5 exciting war epics, my favorites "The Dirty Dozen" and "Where Eagles Dare" were given 3-1/2 - 4 Stars. The picture transfer on all 5 are crisp and clear and the sound is remarkably full-bodied stereo. Five stars for a great collection of War films that can be watched over and over again.

Average customer rating:

Based On One Of My Favorite Novels; But the Book Is Better.

Where Eagles Dare [Region 2]
Starring: Richard Burton , Clint Eastwood , Mary Ure , Patrick Wymark , and Michael Hordern
Director: Brian G. Hutton
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Clint Eastwood Collection: Where Eagles Dare

ASIN: B0000BK6LS

Customer Reviews:

Based On One Of My Favorite Novels; But the Book Is Better........2006-12-04

Allistair MacLean is my favorite novelist (okay, Randy Singer and Frank Peretti are in the picture), and "Where Eagles Dare" is my favorite of his novels. This version is fairly faithful to the book, but it's lacking something.

Richard Burton did an excellent job, but Clint Eastwood's role here is not one of his most memorable. In fact, the character in the book is given more comic relief than he is in the movie.

The movie does not seem as exciting as the book. The final line of the movie is not as funny or fulfilling as the one in the book (both are delivered by Eastwood's character).

I enjoy the story enough I'm giving it four stars, but I would recommend the book instead.

{4 War Movie Set} Commandos (1968) / Eagles Attack At Dawn (1970) / Hitler's SS: Portrait of Evil (1985) / Go for Broke (1951)

Average customer rating:

{4 War Movie Set} Commandos (1968) / Eagles Attack At Dawn (1970) / Hitler's SS: Portrait of Evil (1985) / Go for Broke (1951)

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
Product Features:

Digitally Remastered For Superior Picture Quality
Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound
INTERACTIVE MENUS
scene selections
CHAPTER STOPS

ASIN: B000HA3GAY

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