Tora! Tora! Tora!

Amazon.com

"Sir, there's a large formation of planes coming in from the north, 140 miles, 3 degrees east." "Yeah? Don't worry about it." This is just one of the many mishaps chronicled in Tora! Tora! Tora! The epic film shows the bombing of Pearl Harbor from both sides in the historic first American-Japanese coproduction: American director Richard Fleischer oversaw the complicated production (the Japanese sequences were directed by Toshio Masuda and Kinji Fukasaku, after Akira Kurosawa withdrew from the film), wrestling a sprawling story with dozens of characters into a manageable, fairly easy-to-follow film. The first half maps out the collapse of diplomacy between the nations and the military blunders that left naval and air forces sitting ducks for the impending attack, while the second half is an amazing re-creation of the devastating battle. While Tora! Tora! Tora! lacks the strong central characters that anchor the best war movies, the real star of the film is the climactic 30-minute battle, a massive feat of cinematic engineering that expertly conveys the surprise, the chaos, and the immense destruction of the only attack by a foreign power on American soil since the Revolutionary War. The special effects won a well-deserved Oscar, but the film was shut out of every other category by, ironically, the other epic war picture of the year, Patton. --Sean Axmaker

Description

"Tora! Tora! Tora!" is the Japanese signal to attack - and the movie meticulously recreates the attack on Pearl Harbor and the events leading up to it. Opening scenes contrast the American and Japanese positions. Japanese imperialists decide to stage the attack. Top U.S. brass ignore it's possibility. Intercepted Japanese messages warn of it - but never reach F.D.R.'s desk. Radar warnings are disregarded. Even the entrapment of a Japanese submarine in Pearl Harbor before the attack goes unreported. Ultimately the Day of Infamy arrives - in the most spectacular, gut-wrenching cavalcade of action-packed footage ever. You'll see moments of unsurpassed spectacle and heroism: U.S. fighters trying to take off and being hit as they taxi; men blasted from the decks of torpedoed ships while trying to rescue buddies; savage aerial dogfights pitting lone American fliers against squadrons of Imperial war planes. It's the most dazzling recreation of America's darkest day - and some of her finest hours.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best war movies ever..........2007-09-08

Far as I'm concerned, this is one of the best war movies ever...they avoided unnecessary romance, kept the characters in balance (i.e. no one "john wayne" hero, but a realistic cast).

The movie correctly shows the surprise attack in terms of American naivete' and leadership blunders rather than as a conspiracy by the Roosevelt administration to get America into the war. This probably bugs conspiracy theorists, but thats fine by me...

There was very good attention to detail in many aspects of the movie. The Zeros are believable, and the scene where they take off at dawn is wonderful, right down to the sunrise and the smoke pot at the end of the carrier deck. I also noticed at the scene early on where Yamamoto boards the ship, there is a detachment of Japanese "marines" as honor guard, in slightly different uniforms from the Navy men, as they would indeed have been. Don't know if it actually happened that way, but the effect is believable.
Theres a couple of scenes where the torpedo bombers (Jap) in the distance have a pilot but the other 2 crewmen appear to be missing - but you have to look to notice.
The effects are EXCELLENT, esp. considering this was a 1970 film....
Army Air Corps aviators Taylor and Welch were portrayed, but were a bit goofy acting. Maybe thats to be expected, as young military pilots are wont to be!
The scene where the band starts playing right as the attack commences is almost funny - the conductor has them playing fast halfway through it as though he wants to finish before they bolt away...kinda humorous:)

This is so much better than the movie "Midway" and "Pearl Harbor" with their romances and dramas, theres really no comparison. Those two were terrible in comparison. Midway especially had a lot of over-acting.

The Japanese actors playing Yamamoto and Nagumo were especially credible. So were Bratton and Kramer. The true inter-service rivalry between the Army and Navy intelligence and de-coding teams was not heavily emphasized, but it does not take away from the movie.

I highly recommend this flick - its one of the better war movies of all time in my opinion.

The Consequences of Complacency.......2007-08-31

A brilliant telling of the mistakes made by the U.S.A., which lead to the disaster of Pearl Harbor, in December 1941. The story is all the more powerful, as all of the primary roles are played by great character actors, not big name stars. You see all of those familiar faces, who are usually seen in supporting roles, but now have center stage, making the story much more real.

TORA! TORA! TORA!.......2007-06-08

Very good story about what happened to Pearl Harbor. It surprised me about Japan what they did attacked beautiful land of Pearl Harbor during WW11. I like to watch it again more times as I want learned more about WW11.

This is THE Pearl Harbor movie... .......2007-05-29

This is the definitive Pearl Harbor movie. It often is unfairly compared to 2001's "Pearl Harbor," but in truth the two are almost in separate genres. Unlike the latter movie, which was basically "Titanic" with the Japanese attack thrown in the middle, this one was very thoroughly researched and carefully written to be as true to history as possible. It is probably as accurate as a film about the Pearl Harbor attack and the events leading up to it will ever be. However, the people who will truly enjoy this film are not the Sunday matinee crowd, but rather history enthusiasts, war movie buffs, and those who are eager to learn about the attack and don't mind sitting through a rather long movie that's not particularly exciting (unless you're enthralled by diplomats talking and admirals planning) except during its final minutes.

Approaching its 40th anniversary, this movie is from another era; it was made at a time when good performances, historical accuracy, and attention to detail were more important than fast pacing, superstar cast members, and spectacular effects (though the effects in this film were top-notch for the time, and still hold up). There are no big-name actors in it, even at the time it was made. There are no soap-opera love triangles, pointless action sequences, or unnecessary dramatic moments. There's no filler, here, folks. Tora! Tora! Tora! moves along at a deliberate--though not slow--pace, and each aspect of the history leading up to the attack is covered such that a viewer who is paying attention should have no trouble knowing what is going on and who the key players are. The caveat is that, unless you are familiar with the related history, you HAVE to pay attention, or you will miss important plot points.

Those who have an interest in war history, especially WWII history, should thoroughly enjoy it; however, it provides no gimmicks to make it more accessible to those with a merely passing interest in the film's subject matter. This is no summer blockbuster popcorn flick. It's a serious look at the motives behind the attack, and a thoughtful analysis of what allowed the attack to succeed. If you want lots of big explosions and Hollywood drama, you might be better off sticking to the 2001 film. For history buffs, though, this is the only way to go.

Tora! Tora! Tora! - Gordon Prange & Ladislas Farago at their Best!.......2007-03-19

The first time I saw Tora! Tora! Tora! was on the big screen at Naval Hospital, San Diego. I liked it so much I saw it three nights in a row. Some years later, I purchased the VHS video tape the day of its release. I have two DVD versions of Tora! Tora! Tora! as well as two VHS versions of the movie. I've also watched the Japanese version (with English subtitles). Tora! Tora! Tora! is a great film but it should not be taken as the ultimate "truth" about Pearl Harbor and how America got into World War II.

Tora! Tora! Tora! used an American director for the American sequences, and two Japanese directors (the first was fired) for the filming of the Japanese sequences. Much of the original Japanese crew was let go when the first Japanese director was fired (for being way over budget and for producing only 600 feet of film, as I recall).

This is a truly excellent movie that men and women can both watch and enjoy.

Beware, however, the scenes showing the "12 Apositles" who were "allowed access" to `Magic'(decrypted Japanese diplomatic and consular intercepts). The actual number of Americans with access to Magic was well over 100. And the President's name was NEVER taken off what the movie calls "the Ultra List." (FDR didn't actually read all the daily diplomatic intercepts, of which the Army and Navy had just over 8,000 in 1941 alone. Instead, he read daily summaries of the intercepts. The same applies to most of the senior officers in the War and Navy Departments.)

Alwin D. Kramer, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, and Colonel Rufus Sumnter Bratton, U.S. Army, both worked in different offices rather than in a combined Army-Navy office shown in the movie. Both men were attached to the Far Eastern Sections of their respective intelligence departments (Office of Naval Intelligence with Kramer; Military Intelligence Division (for Bratton).) Bratton was officer in charge of the Far Eastern Section of MID. Kramer was head of OP-20-GZ (translation section in the Office of Naval Communications, OP-20), but he was actually on OP-16's (Office of Naval Intelligence's) payroll. Tora! Tora! Tora! gives Bratton's middle initial as "G", but that is in error. His middle name was Sumnter, as stated above.

"Magic" (again, intercepted foreign diplomatic and consular messages) was critical to what the U.S. (and British) Governments knew of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's diplomatic efforts. Although the National Security Agency still denies this, we also had a product called Ultra as relates to Japan. These were intercepted, decoded and translated Japanese naval and military intercepts. Ultra played a major part in our victory over the Combined Fleet in the Battle of Midway, fought 4 to 6 June 1942.

Tora! Tora! Tora! is, as I said, an excellent movie. It's full of suspense and it is very well acted by both the Americans and the Japanese. It presents a fair few of both the American and Japanese perspectives that helped lead to "Pearl Harbor" and U.S. entry into the Second World War.

First Lieutenant Kermit A. Tyler is claimed in the movie to say, "Well, don't worry about it," when he's told of the large number of planes approaching the Opana Point Radar station from north of Oahu (flying in over Kahuku Point). Tyler himself later testified that this was his reaction to the radar report phoned to him by Privates Lockard and Elliott. Here's the rub: The USS LEXINGTON had a radar and visual sighting of two Japanese carrier aircraft approximately 400 miles north west of Oahu on Saturday afternoon, 6 December 1941. LEXINGTON's radar report was the real first sighting of some of the Japanese aircraft that took part in the raid on Pearl Harbor.

American intelligence didn't "fail" in the lead up to the events of 7 December 1941. Intelligence, however, isn't always used the way the average citizen thinks it should be used. Those in high political and military offices have many strategic and tactical matters they have to factor into the decision making process. Not the least of these was the apathy of the American people in the period leading up to the Japanese raid on our obsolete battleships at Pearl Harbor. (Our three carriers then in the Pacific, LEXINGTON, ENTERPRISE and SARATOGA were not in port on 7 Dec. 1941. "Target ship," USS UTAH, was moored at a carrier berth off Ford Island. Battleship COLORADO, that had completed an overhaul at Bremerton, Washington a month before, was still at Bremerton. WEST VIRGINIA, that was overdue for overhaul, was moored outboard at Ford Island.)

This reviewer spent a little over 13 years researching Pearl Harbor on a full time basis. He has absolutely no animus for the Japanese---nor does he hold any animus for any of the senior Americans involved with Pearl Harbor.

"Pearl Harbor" saved the world (including Japan, in my opinion) from the Nazis. At the cost of a few thousand Americans, millions of lives were spared in Europe and Asia---and, ultimately---in the U.S. as well.

Tora! Tora! Tora! is one of my ten favorite movies. I've probably watched it over 50 times in the past thirty six years or so. And I will probably watch it another fifty times or more between now and the time I storm the great beyond.

E.G. Marshall (R.S. Bratton) and Wesley Addy (A.D. Kramer) in the film both do exceptional jobs with their acting. So does every other member of the U.S. and Japanese cast, in my opinion.

Great movie---and, in my opinion, a "Must have" for every American and Japanese who appreciates the very best in direction, acting, scenery, editing, cinamatography, etc. This is also a good action film---and it is fair to both the Japanese and American perspectives.

A "Well done!" to every member of the cast and crew of Tora! Tora! Tora! and to 20th Century Fox for producing this wonderful movie!

Andrew McKane IV
Missoula, Montana

Average customer rating:

kissin cousin dvd
Wrong aspect ratio listed on amazon.

Kissin' Cousins
Starring: Elvis Presley , Arthur O'Connell , Glenda Farrell , Jack Albertson , and Pamela Austin
Director: Gene Nelson
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000QXDEF4
Release Date: 2007-08-07

Description

Man tries to convince his hillbilly cousin to allow a missile site to be build on his land.

Customer Reviews:

kissin cousin dvd.......2007-09-04

I was very impressed with the DVD which even came with a set of pixs inside :)

Wrong aspect ratio listed on amazon........2007-08-17

It is a very narrow 2.35:1 There will be black on the top and bottom of even a wide screen tv.

Average customer rating:

Hollow Man (Director's Cut) [Blu-ray]
Starring: Kevin Bacon , Josh Brolin , William Devane , Elisabeth Shue , and Kim Dickens
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000UAFDPM
Release Date: 2007-10-16

Average customer rating:

Even Steve thinks this film sucks
Old Laughs
Steve is the Best
More a tribute to 70's Steve Martin than Silvers
Must See It !

Sgt. Bilko
Starring: Steve Martin , Dan Aykroyd , Phil Hartman , Glenne Headly , and Daryl Mitchell
Director: Jonathan Lynn
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0783227353
Release Date: 1998-06-30

Customer Reviews:

Even Steve thinks this film sucks.......2007-04-02

After doing this film Steve Martin quit doing movies for a while and even turned down scripts written for him so if your a huge fan you may enjoy it, but Roxanne, LA Story, and Bowfinger are some of Steve's best works.

Old Laughs.......2007-01-11

You may have forgotten just how funny this one is. It's great for those times when you just want to smile, but aren't sure what to watch. Plus, you have the added benefit that most young people haven't seen it yet! Nothing too objectionable in it, so that's good too.

Steve is the Best.......2005-10-31

Steve Martin is simply the funniest guy in show business. A great remake of a classic. No one can play characters the way Steve can and this movie is sure to entertain one and all.

More a tribute to 70's Steve Martin than Silvers.......2005-06-17

Though based on the famous character in Phil Silver's famous oldie TV show, the new "Sergeant Bilko" is less an homage to that show than it is to the classic Steve Martin of his 1970's days. Though this Bilko (again a shifty and tireless grafter, the evil face of non-coms everywhere) is very much the opportunist that Silvers' character was (he runs the base casino), as shy of risk as Silvers was (the unit's mobilization orders for Desert Storm mysteriously disappeared) and manages to get caught in his own dealings as Silvers had (Bilko botches the fixing of an Army boxing match, unwittingly tricking each boxer to think he's the one who's supposed to take a fall) the screwball zaniness is very much out of Steve Martin's SNL days.

The script has Bilko's unit charged with testing a brand new army weapon - a "hovertank" that is soon to be cancelled because, among other things, it simply doesn't work. That the hovertank's end will spell doom for his own cozy position doesn't seem to bother Bilko, mostly because he lives day-to-day. Things change when the officer charged with evaluating the hovertank turns out to be the fearsome Major Thorn (Phil Hartman). Years earlier, Bilko unwittingly made an enemy of Thorn by accidentally implicating him in one of his bitched schemes. Now a major, Thorne isn't simply content enough to eliminate the Hovertank, but must now axe Bilko as well. They say that desperate times reveal the man, and Bilko is now revealed to be the spineless weasel his troops have come to love. Martin plays Bilko like a character from one of his old SNL skits. It's sort of fun to watch the guy work on material we haven't seen since his more sedate days playing less zany funnymen ("LA Story", "Roxanne") and more mature dramatic roles ("The Spanish Prisoner", "Grand Canyon" and that update of "Silas Marner"). It's light and breezy and you'll probably forget most of the gags, and the script under-uses most of the supporting cast (especially the now late-great Phil Hartman as Bilko's evil nemesis), but it's still fun.

Must See It !.......2005-05-30

Be cautious of anybody who doesn't adore this movie. This a theatrical tour de force as well as comic genius and the pinnacle of entertainment in our society. Many centuries from now, when most things are long forgotten, new civilizations will be entertained by this rendition of Sgt Bilko. This movie is the ONLY one you need in your DVD collection. If I say anymore, i am going to have go to watch this masterpiece of comic insight and genius

Average customer rating:

St. Peter
excellent movie!
pagan catholic propaganda movie
Great Movie...
Saint Peter with Omar Shariff

St. Peter
Starring: Omar Sharif , Daniele Pecci , Flavio Insinna , Claudia Koll , and Lina Sastri
Director: Giulio Base
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
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ASIN: B000M9BPG2
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Description

As a dedicated follower of Christ, Peter spreads the message of the Christians across the land, often staying only one step ahead of those determined to persecute him. As the tension between the Christians and the Romans grows, blood runs in the streets and the apostles lose St. Paul to crucifixion. On the road to Damascus Peter comes face-to-face with a stranger who shows him the only way - he must put himself on the cross in order to bring peace to Rome.

Customer Reviews:

St. Peter.......2007-08-27

A simple to understand story of St. Peter. Omar Sharif truly played the part as no other could.

excellent movie!.......2007-08-22

I really enjoyed this movie! It's a must see for anyone who
enjoys biblical stories come alive!
Omar Sharif was excellent!

pagan catholic propaganda movie.......2007-08-11

This DVD is blasphemous and includes much paganism from the start. It is an obvious attempt to proclaim that peter was the first pope.

I cannot believe how many people believe this movie followed the bible. The first 1/2 hour loosely followed the bible but included much paganism. The rest of the movie was unbiblical and made peter out to be holier than anyone else and is an attempt to get people to believe he was the first pope. The entire movie was totally pagan / catholic. This movie is blasphemous and should not be watched by anyone. It is sad how many people think it was a good movie and claim it follows the bible.

If you are a TRUE Christian, this movie is very pagan and blasphemous. For those who are pagans/ catholics, you will probably like the movie as it feeds your pagan beliefs.

If there was an option for no stars, I would have given this movie no stars.

Great Movie..........2007-05-30

Up there with "Jesus of Nazareth" but beginning with the death of Jesus.

Much better than "Acts of the Apostles" which is word for word of Acts with Mr. James Brolin Streisand.

Much of it is not in the bible but what you've heard about the history of the early Church.

Saint Peter with Omar Shariff.......2007-05-22

One of the best movies about The Bible New Testament and for all Christians who want to understand to what happen after The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ this is a must own movie

Average customer rating:

A politically charged story told as a romance (one of the best romances out there these days)
Absolutly Brilliant Documentary
Soldier's Girl
A sad but triumphant story
Absolutely Amazing

Soldier's Girl
Starring: Troy Garity , Lee Pace , Andre Braugher , Shawn Hatosy , and Philip Eddolls
Director: Frank Pierson
Manufacturer: Showtime Ent.
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ASIN: B0000JD29M
Release Date: 2004-01-27

Amazon.com

Cable networks like Showtime are diving into risky material that mainstream movie-makers shy away from--and Soldier's Girl demonstrates the payoff of such risks. Barry Winchell (Troy Garity, Barbershop), new to an infantry base in Tennessee, gets taken to a nightclub for drag performers by an obnoxious fellow soldier, Fisher (Shawn Hatosy, Outside Providence). There he meets Calpernia (Lee Pace), a transgendered performer, and feels an immediate attraction. But as Winchell's relationship with Calpernia develops, his relationship with the repressed Fisher grows dangerous to his career in the military--and possibly to his life. Based on a true story, Soldier's Girl tackles its delicate subject matter directly but respectfully, with compassion and intelligence. Garity, Pace, and Hatosy all turn in compelling, complex performances, steering clear of stereotypes. Director Frank Pierson (screenwriter of Dog Day Afternoon) skillfully avoids easy answers or obvious solutions and was deservedly nominated for an Emmy as a result. --Bret Fetzer

Description

The true story of Soldier's Girl, which takes place in Fort Campbell, KY, tells the heart-wrenching story of the life and tragic death of soldier Barry Winchell. His love for Calpernia Addams, a beautiful transgendered nightclub performer was misunderstood by fellow soldiers and eventually leads to his brutal death. The outstanding performances by Lee Pace and Troy Garity will draw you into this emotional and powerful film.

Customer Reviews:

A politically charged story told as a romance (one of the best romances out there these days).......2007-06-18

Soldier's Girl, based on a true story, is one of the most compelling love stories ever portrayed on the big screen. It is the story of an Army infantry soldier who falls for a transgendered performer at a drag club. Barry Winchell is forced near Calpernia by circumstance, and is surprised by his own interest in and desire for her.

The unlikely romance is beset by tensions originating from Winchell's obsessive-compulsive, Ritalin-addicted barracks roommate. The roommate, Justin Fisher, is the one who dared Winchell to talk to Calpernia in the first place. He's a lonely, conflicted redneck who is searching for friends while alienating nearly everyone around him. Soldier's Girl is as much the story of Winchell and Calpernia as it is that of Fisher's explosive temper and confusion about the world.

Winchell is a simple, courteous man who wants to succeed in the Army, keep the peace, and protect is right to a private life. He's Fisher's only true friend, even as Fisher needles the company to create trouble for his friend. Winchell's desire for a career in the Army is at odds with his "deviant lifestyle"--and Fisher has prompted a company sergeant to launch an off-the-record investigation to root out out the "homosexual" hiding in their midst.

The love story is Calpernia's first relationship with a man as a woman, so she's doing as much soul searching as her Army boyfriend, who much reconcile his love with the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy of the US military. (Calpernia herself was enlisted in the Navy at one point, right out of high school.) The behind-the-scenes interviews and documentary about the real life Barry Winchell enhance the presentation of this politically charged romance. The movie makers elected to portray a political drama as a love story. to point out the consequences of military policy in a subtle manner, and allow the viewer to draw his or her own conclusions.

Absolutly Brilliant Documentary.......2007-05-12

Simply one of the most heartbreaking storys to hit the Transgendered world. Everyone who played in this movie was absolutly brilliant with their roles. You could sense that the actors actually felt in their hearts as if they themselves lived the lives of their character. The interviews are as interesting as the movie. Calpernia Adams is the one of my most admired women on the planet. Her strengths and support to both men and women brings out the passion of her incredable journey in making this world a better place.

Soldier's Girl.......2007-05-06

The movie started out slow. The charters played there parts every well. I also liked the music that was played during the movie. It was tromatic off and on threw out the movie. It was a excellent movie!

A sad but triumphant story.......2007-03-31

This true love story of Calpernia Adams and her boyfriend, is very moving. This movie clearly presents the discrimination,harrassments and consequences of being transgender in a small non-accepting town. Lee Pace provides a very convincing portrayal of Calpernia and Troy Garrity delivers very good as her boyfriend. In the end it shows Calpernia's resolution to move forward in life.

Absolutely Amazing.......2007-01-20

heartfelt, crying, love.

I LOVE this movie, def worth the money, amazing period.

Average customer rating:

One of the best war movies ever...
The Consequences of Complacency
TORA! TORA! TORA!
This is THE Pearl Harbor movie...
Tora! Tora! Tora! - Gordon Prange & Ladislas Farago at their Best!

Tora! Tora! Tora!
Starring: Martin Balsam , Sô Yamamura , Joseph Cotten , Tatsuya Mihashi , and E.G. Marshall
Director: Toshio Masuda , Richard Fleischer , and Kinji Fukasaku
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000059HAI
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

One of the best war movies ever..........2007-09-08

The Consequences of Complacency.......2007-08-31

TORA! TORA! TORA!.......2007-06-08

This is THE Pearl Harbor movie... .......2007-05-29

Tora! Tora! Tora! - Gordon Prange & Ladislas Farago at their Best!.......2007-03-19

Average customer rating:

don't bother with this one
american top guns
A great program, polluted with some annoying editing
The story is good but the editing is bahhh.
A Great Inspiring Video Worth Your Money

American Fighter Pilot
Starring: Todd Giggy , Mike Love (III) , Marcus Gregory , Chris Penn , and Regina Pope
Manufacturer: Hanover House
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ASIN: B0007XG4D2
Release Date: 2005-09-15

Amazon.com

Top Gun gets the reality-TV treatment in American Fighter Pilot, a riveting seven-hour TV series that grants an all-access pass to the Air Force's most elite pilot training program. Produced immediately following the terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Center on 9/11/01, this is a serious examination of Air Force culture and the profound responsibility of warriors-in-training. The glory and glamour of being an F-15 "Eagle Driver" is presented as a noble privilege, in addition to the sheer adrenaline rush of piloting the Air Force's most versatile jet-fighter killing machine. Coproduced by Top Gun director Tony Scott and his director brother Ridley, and created with intelligent focus by Jesse Negron, AFP follows every stage of a pilot's rigorous 110-day training course at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, where "Top Gun" hopefuls endure an intense regimen of academics, flight simulation, two-man flights with intensely critical trainers, solo flight tests, basic fighter maneuvers, weapons deployment, dogfight combat scenarios and, ultimately, the selection of a "Top Gun" pilot in each graduating class.

There's plenty of high drama and male bonding to accompany AFP's wall-to-wall soundtrack. Most of the series' appeal comes from its focus on three well-chosen pilots-in-training: A promising Top-Gun candidate with prior experience as a B1 Bomber pilot; a devout Christian and expectant first-time father; and a hot-shot maverick who learns there's more to being a fighter-ace than living the Tom Cruise lifestyle. Their different personalities give the series a perfect blend of style and substance, and the constant threat of failure gives each of them added depth and conviction that anyone can relate to. These are proud, respectable young men who are living their dream, but AFP never forgets the higher purpose to which they've been called. A basic "making-of" featurette shows how the series' amazing in-flight footage was achieved. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Complete Season One Set -- contains 7 hours of programming, plus bonus materials including "the making of" documentary, interviews with Tony Scott, Jesse Negron and Leon Malas, additional footage, effects and animation and much more!

Customer Reviews:

don't bother with this one.......2007-05-28

american fighter pilot , I might have watched it on free to air tv but don't bother buying it's a disapointment , I guess I hoped for more or some , actual inside plane footage , not just a Big Brother show that happened to include pilots ,

american top guns.......2007-05-13

Great documentary if you like fighter jets and what it takes to get there then this series is well worth it

A great program, polluted with some annoying editing.......2007-04-29

I originally found out about this program when viewing a Google Video trailer for a documentary that used to be called "Eagle Drivers". The trailer included various briefing shots, small insights about life in a squadron, and some vary nice aerial and flightline footage. I was thrilled that someone was going to release a documentary that actually went into some detail about the training procedures and life as an aspiring military aviator instead of a dull narrative dubbed to dated, stock footage of military flying.

I did a little bit of searching and discovered that the project had turned into a "reality" TV show which was unfortunately canceled after a few episodes had aired. I wasn't able to find any more footage online than just the trailer, and I was very intrigued to check out the show. I found it here and was a little put-off by some of the reviews, but I decided to take the plunge.

It is a 3 DVD set and spans 7 one-hour episodes an an hour-long interview. The show follows 3 Lieutenants who are beginning training at Tyndall AFB in Panama City, FL to fly and fight in the F-15C. A big part of what drew me to the program is how much I like that plane. 2 of the pilots, Todd Giggy and Marcus Gregory, are straight out of Undergraduate Pilot Training and only have a small amount of flying experience from the airframes there (the T-37 and T-38). The other pilot, Mike Love, has former experience as a B-1 pilot.

They are filmed during various briefings and debriefings, simulator and centrifuge training, at the squadron bar, at home with their families, and there are a lot of shots with comments and personal insights from the pilots themselves. There are also numerous commentary shots from instructors and family members of the pilots, and it is really a great way to get a personal view of what is going on.

There was a lot of great aerial footage in the trailer I watched, and I saw that great aerial footage again. The only problem was that this footage was all I saw in pretty much every flying scene. It becomes increasingly obvious with each episode that they had a small amount of aerial and cockpit footage and they had to reuse it in as many different ways possible, such as reversing the image, using high-contrast filters on some shots, etc.

There are also some staged cockpit shots in which the pilot jerks the stick and throttle around, complete with exaggerated "clanging" sound effects. It was a little cheesy, but it's understandable that the camera crew probably would not be allowed to film a ton of flying footage. However, there are a lot of great shots of the flightline at Tyndall, and it's a pretty awe-inspiring sight to see the groups of planes all taxiing together at Tyndall on a sunny day.

All this talk about the footage gets me to the complaint that I'm sure you've already read about numerous times. The editing. The show is edited in the cheesy, short-attention span MTV style. Camera angles change rapidly every few seconds and random parts of dialog are emphasized with cheesy echo sounds put on the voice and a caption of the words placed on the screen. Although it is disappointing, I can understand why this editing might be necessary on the flying scenes since they apparently didn't have a lot of footage, but it gets pretty annoying after a while. Some of it seems really unnecessary though, like the captions during simulated training missions stating whether each pilot passed or not, as if the viewer really couldn't tell by watching the show.

Although all of the episodes are abundant in this cheesy style of editing, it seems to cool down a bit after the first few episodes. There's a lot less of the "emphasis on a particular phrase" thing. The thing that disappoints me the most is just that I wish they would have spent more time in each episode on each particular part and not jump around so much, but this is understandable because most average television viewers would not be looking for a very in-depth look at what goes on.

A lot of people claim the show was canceled because of its editing style, but I disagree. A majority of the "reality" shows you see on major-networks have editing just like this and they seem to do fine. I think the show was canceled because the average viewer isn't too interested in military aviation to begin with, and because there actually isn't really a ton of drama going on throughout the program (which is what most of these average viewers want). It's a real shame, but at least those of us who do care about what happened can now purchase this DVD set.

Anyway, if you can look past the editing, there is a great program here. Although it is not the most in-depth look at it you could ever get, it does put things into perspective a bit and gives you a very good idea of what the pilots have to go through and it is very entertaining. I'd highly recommend this program to anyone who is at least moderately interested in military aviation.

The story is good but the editing is bahhh........2007-04-27

I brought this together with the following:

Blue Angels: A Year In The Life
Fighter Pilot - Operation Red Flag (IMAX) (2-Disc WMVHD Edition)
The Magic of Flight (IMAX) (2-Disc WMVHD Edition) D

IMHO the editing of the video is like a movie trailer and too much gimmick. There are far too many scenes of dialoges remix and flashy replays. It slow down the rhythm of the story needlessly. To a certain point I got a little frustrated and thought I was watching a Rap /Hip Hop MTV. I did finish watching the whole video and think one can get use to the editing if one makes it through the first episode.

Apart from the bad thing mentioned, I actually enjoy the story of the three student pilots, however it was a bit too dramatic to my taste. e.g. they all face disqualification crisis in the story but all made it pass on their last try. Nice (but only okay video quality) dogfight scenes. Most are played out in external 3rd person views, just don't expect to see any great cockpit action. I get better treat from my F-16 flight sim cockpit.

All in all it may worth your money if you are really into jet fighter stuff, since there ain't much choice out there when it comes to fighter pilot documentary.

A Great Inspiring Video Worth Your Money.......2007-04-01

A great story about patriotism and overcoming obstacles to achieve your dream. A lesson more Americans need to hear today. I used to fly with this squadron in the early 90's as a geek in the back seat of the I.P.'s jet when they were teaching these students and I can tell you that this video only covers a small portion of everything these pilots have to go through. Buy this video and show it to everyone you know.

Average customer rating:

Bali Ha'i Will Call You..........................
DVD Sth Pacific
Full Screen VS Widescreen
For South Pacific Completists Only
A Wonderful Re-do

Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific
Starring: Glenn Close , Harry Connick Jr. , Rade Serbedzija , Jack Thompson , and Lori Tan Chinn
Director: Richard Pearce
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005KAQS
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Amazon.com

TV has taken up the slack in keeping the musical (dead on the big screen) in front of audiences. This 2001 adaptation of the smash 1949 Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway show, drawn from James Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning book Tales of the South Pacific, is an admirable case in point. The production was a labor of love for Glenn Close, who is clearly too old to play "cockeyed optimist" Nellie Forbush but who throws herself wholeheartedly into the role. Nellie is among the American forces waiting for World War II to arrive on an isolated Pacific island; she clicks with a mysterious French planter (Rade Sherbedgia), while a Navy officer (Harry Connick Jr.) falls under the spell of a Tonkinese girl and the tropical breezes of Bali Ha'i--that mystical place "where the sky meets the sea."

In many ways more satisfying than the uneven 1958 film version, this South Pacific is too casual at times, and some of the glorious songs are pared back. Don't look for Sherbedgia to belt out "Some Enchanted Evening" in the basso profundo of previous handlers of the role. His modest but not-unpleasing voice comes out in more of a seductive purr than a wall-shaking boom, which is not a bad thing. Best of all is Glenn Close, who brings a welcome gravity to the proceedings, and lustily sings the classic "A Wonderful Guy" as though she had been waiting her whole life to play the part. --Robert Horton

Description

Three-time Tony Award-winner Glenn Close and two-time Grammy Award-winner Harry Connick Jr. lead a sensational cast in an all-new version of Rodgers & Hammerstein's beloved musical SOUTH PACIFIC. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by James Michener, and featuring some of the finest music ever written for the stage ("Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," and "Younger Than Springtime"), SOUTH PACIFIC spins a romantic tale of love and loss on a tropical island naval base during the Second World War. Enjoy the fun and adventure of this breathtaking new production with a star-studded cast, timeless songs, and a story that has enchanted audiences for years.

Customer Reviews:

Bali Ha'i Will Call You.................................2007-01-17

I grew up watching the Saturday night musicals on our local PBS station when I was a child. One of my favorite musicals to watch was "South Pacific" with Mitzi Gaynor and Rozzano Brazzi.
When ABC decided to do a remake of the classic I was skeptical to watch it at first but decided to give it a shot. I was not disappointed at all!
The remake gives freshness to an old favorite. Glenn Close was impressive as Nellie Forbush. I had no idea this actress could sing as well as she does. She holds her own throughout the entire movie. Harry Connick Jr. gives an outstanding performance as Lt. Cable while Robert Pastorelli provides the needed comic relief via his character Luther Billis.
For those who enjoyed the original movie musical perhaps Bali Ha'i will call you back again to get a fresh taste of an old favorite.

DVD Sth Pacific.......2007-01-10

A wonderful movie. Glen Close & Harry Connick Jnr superb. Recommend highly to those who enjoy this music.

Full Screen VS Widescreen.......2006-10-17

I recently Purchased South Pacific with Clenn Close. Primarily for the fact that she is one of my favorite actresses. I still have never gotten over the shock of discovering she was a fantastic singer, after I saw her as Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard". I wanted to see her strut her talents in "South Pacific". I did, and she was still fantastic.
However, I was extremely disapointed that the DVD was not produced in WIDESCREEN. Especially with the great Australian tropical scenery. In the documentary, included in the Special Features, you can clearly see a Panavision Film Camera. So why deprive the Viewers.
I find that there are a number of films with the same story. For example, "Moby Dick", with gregory Peck. The Studio states that it was filmed in Widescreen, but only released in Full Screen. Who decides that? We are missing something somewhere.. Thanks

For South Pacific Completists Only.......2006-06-05

On the plus side, this movie has pretty good production values and the cinematography is more than adequate, i.e., it looks pretty good. On the other hand, the acting is pretty wooden; the singing, even Harry Connick, is completely forgettable and the big music set pieces, in particular, " There is Nothing Like a Dame" are flat, flat, flat. Annoying faults in a musical production. The biggest problem though is casting Glenn Close as Ensign Forbush...she would have been more properly cast as Nellie's mother, she's just too old for the part, and it is really distracting...don't get me wrong, I'm no spring chicken myself, but I don't pretend to be a boy band member, either....The 1958 version is far supereior, even taking into account the somewhat bizarre "single hue toning" cinematography...better yet, get a copy of the 1949 OBC recording and play it while you read Michener's book...for South Pacific completists only

A Wonderful Re-do.......2006-03-11

Having been a musical fan since my youth, I am always excited to see those fabulous old muscials redone in modern style. Just for the sake of viewing the beautiful scenery if nothing else! Glenn Close does a "ok" version of Nellie, but its Rade Serbedzija who really blew my mind! Whoever cast him really knew what they were doing. He does a marvelous job of balancing the foreigner with the lover. Harry Connick Jr also put his part above the original to me. His voice is just perfect! I have the soundtrack to this too & love it when my kids sing along with me to "Bloody Mary"! Totally worth the price for a great evening at home with the kids with a bowl of popcorn in your lap! If the hubby doesn't like it for the scenery alone, get it for when he's off bowling!

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watchable
What you don't see, can hurt you.....
Violent Horror
Good special effects, but disturbing!
A journey without return

Hollow Man
Starring: Kevin Bacon , Josh Brolin , William Devane , Elisabeth Shue , and Kim Dickens
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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