Editorial Review

Demonstrations of classic military tactical procedures and excellent footage of vintage aircraft (like the rare B-36), combine here to give viewers a cold war primer on the Air Force's defense capabilities, circa 1955. Former World War II pilot James Stewart is called out of retirement to assist in the strengthening of the Strategic Air Command, the new bomber forces that are America's first line of defense against the Russian nuclear threat. Wife June Allyson sits at home and frets over her husband's devotion to duty, while Harry Morgan lends a hand on the aircraft. Through Stewart, director Anthony Mann takes us on an ersatz tour of the elite Air Force operations that safeguarded America at the time. Unless you're interested in the aircraft of the day or stateside propaganda techniques during the cold war, Read more

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Reviews (36)

When the Air Force takes command -
This is high octane, pure entertainment with a wonderful cast including Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson.It also has the best footage of the Convair B-36 Peacemaker ever put into the movie theater.Frank Lovejoy does a great job, but is not quite as imposing as General Curtis E. LeMay - the person his character is, no doubt, emulating.There's a message to this motion picture in terms of the quality of the people required to put up with the very difficult positions within the fledgling Strategic Air Command.It was hard work to make things happen and this picture is dedicated to the character and dedication of those individuals who protected this country during the Cold War.This film would be a wonderful co-feature to "A Gathering of Eagles" with Rock Hudson and Mary Peach.They're portrayed roughly eight to ten years apart in the history of SAC.Each time I see the extradordinarily long take-off footage of the B-36, I get a little misty-eyed.I remember watching the last B-36 as it made a low-level departure from Loring Air Force Base, Maine.And, like in the movie, the venetian blinds shuddered as did most of the other structures!This would be wonderful in a DVD format.

Scotty watches the skies from a B36
I like The Strategic Air Command from a few angles. The plot was simple enough, a $70,000 per year baseball player (James Stewart) with "a few good years of playing left" goes resentfully back into the air force through a general call up of men in his age group. The Strategic Air Command has a desperate need for "experienced hands". His wife (June Allyson) at first is happy to go along with this "as long as we are together".
1955 Period Feature of SAC
Veteran World War II pilot and professional baseball player "Dutch" Holland (Jimmy Stewart) is recalled to active duty with SAC-Strategic Air Command.The cold war is heating up and Dutch uproots his newlywed wife Sally (June Allyson) from their glamorous lifestyle to one of long hours and dangerous training missions.After over 20 months on active duty, SAC and Dutch's loyalty begin to severely strain their marriage.
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Reviews (12)

Most Memorable Films
I gave this film 5 stars and perhaps I did over-rate it. But not by that much if one takes into consideration how much staying-power a film can have. This poignant drama of war and love still resonates with me years later as one of the finest Vietnam era films ever made. As others have noted, this movie is long...long overdue to be put out on a dvd. Com'on Hollywood...Get on the stick!

Purple Hearts
This was a great flick. Why don't they make this on DVD?? Who would one call to get the ball rolling?
Relevant Even Today
While this pic is set during the VietNam war, it is still very relevant today with what is going on in the world. I feel it is an accurate depiction of the horrors of war, the lonliness of the soldiers and nurses and the compassion of the military personnel. Ken Wahl and Cheryl Ladd are excellent as the leads and your heart aches for them when they are apart and then finally reunited. The reunion never fails to bring tears to my eyes. This should be seen by all. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

One of the very best films about the Civil War, this instant classic from 1989 is also one of the few films to depict the participation of African American soldiers in Civil War combat. Based in part on the books Read more

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Reviews (320)

45 Times and Counting
It is not a mistake: I have seen this movie so many times that I can only estimate the number of times I have seen it. One may ask if it has even started to lose some of its charm. Short answer: no. It is still a great and moving story now, even after 45-odd viewings.
Moving performances
Neither Mr. Broderick nor Mr. Washington have been favorites of mine in the past but I must give them their due in their performances in Glory. Both gave stunning and moving performances. The visuals that made you feel like you were there were astounding as well.Mr. Broderick does a wonderful job of portraying a character who is sometimes self-righteous and self-seeking and at other times inspiring and self-abasing. Mr. Washington provides the angry man to bring out the more sedate and clear-thinking Morgan Freeman character.All come together in common bond that builds in fighting together for a common cause.It is a somewhat one-sided and shallow portrayal of the war's causes that may not go over well with the lovers of history.But, the coming-of-age band-of-brothers mood of the film is moving and enjoyable all the same. No matter which side you may favor in that conflict (if either), you will still find yourself cheering with the rest, "Give-em Hell 54th!"

INSPIRATIONAL MASTERPIECE
Flawless movie making at its best! Patriotic and powerful telling of the true beginning-of-the-end for the Confederacy. Ex-slaves and free blacks alike, finally aloud to defend their dignity, were the final blow to the Southern bondage of an entire race of human beings history tells us. The Truth based story of the Massachusetts 54th. Only the beginning of black heroics during the Civil War.
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Reviews (12)

very moving film
This movie is very inspiring."The Dawn Patrol," is very war related, as it takes place during the war and the patrol's of the flying aces dropping bombs and fighting the Germans.Errol Flynn is the very heroic flyer and loves his country and honors his duty in the service.It's really inspiring, especially his relationship between his good friend in the movie and in real life David Nivan they are true friends, their friendship is broken up for awhile by something Errol has to do it being his job and duty.It's a real moving film at the same time, inspiring, patriotic , truthful and sad.It shows what being in the air patrol during the war really was like a very true and relastic account of it. A very moving film.I think it was really well done, especially the flying scenes.

Grim WW1 based anti-war flick
Errol Flynn, Basil Rathbone and David Niven star in the sobering 1938 film "The Dawn Patrol" which undoubtedly served as the model for the WW2 classic "Twelve O'Clock High".They are all members of the 59th fighter squadron of the Royal Flying Corps based in France in 1915.A somber Basil Rathbone playing Major Brand is the squadron leader.Day after day he depressingly orders his pilots on dangerous missions which create a high mortality rate.Ace pilot Capt. Courtney played by Flynn and his able wingman Lt. Scott played by Niven continously marshal replacement pilots with little combat experience into the skies to face almost certain death.Flynn despises Rathbone for the missions of death he orders them on.
In DVD?
THE best WWI flying movie ever made period.When can we get it in DVD? ... Read more

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Reviews (59)

In short
This is simply the best motion picture I have ever seen. A beautiful and intelligent triology that will stay with you. Years ago, during it's first week on Swedish cinemas, I saw it twice. Since then I've seen it a few times more.

Dark, intriguing and "in your face" film...I want a DVD version!
Saw this film years ago in Sweden (without English subtitles). Despite not understanding most of the dialogues, the images were stark enough to remind you the realities of life in other countries outside the comforts of your home.Definitely a film that should go out on DVD and something I'd spend my money on!

Great film about a great tragedy
In watching this movie you can understand the Balkan conflict better than if you readfive books on the subject. It is about the power of war crushing the innocence of love. good acting all around and wonderful cinematography. We need a DVD relase of this one! those reading this review please tell amazon you want a DVD version, as more and more people switch exclusively to DVD it would be a shame of if this gem were forgotten. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

The dazzling Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, brought to lush life by the director of the original stage version, Joshua Logan. Set on a remote island during the Second World War, Read more

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Reviews (75)

well worth the wait
This brand new edition of SOUTH PACIFIC is a must for all fans of the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic.Based on characters and segments from James Michener's "Tales of the South Pacific", the story takes place on the islands during the tail-end of World War II.A pretty young nurse from Arkansas, Ensign Nellie Forbush (Mitzi Gaynor), falls in love with a wealthy French plantation owner Emile de Becque (Rossano Brazzi).Their relationship is tested when she discovers that he fathered two children with a now-dead Polynesian wife, and that he is wanted for the murder of a man in France.As Nellie confronts her own fears and prejudices, the handsome Lt. Joe Cable (John Kerr) falls helplessly in love with Bali Ha'i island beauty Liat (France Nuyen).Filling out the comedy in the tale are Bloody Mary (Juanita Hall), the wheeler-dealer with a heart of pure gold; and Luther Billis (Ray Walston), the tattooed leader of the beach-bound troops.
Should be titled Terrible Pacific.
Film quality wss poor as was the editing.Would return if I could.Edited out most of Brazzis singing which is highlight of show. We had way too much of Mitzi Gaynor.

WAIT FOR THE 2 DISCS EDITION. IT IS REALLY A MASTERPICE
Thank's God I live in Europe (Portugal)and we can buy here the fantastic 2 disc version of South Pacific remasterd. It is a fantastic DVD with a quality never surpassed by any other motion picture published in DVD. The early version like Oklahoma was not very good but...we have waited and now we have the prize. A fantastic collection with two of the 4 versions of the film.
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Editorial Review

An impressively rigorous, unsentimental, and harrowing look at combat during World War II, Read more

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Reviews (900)

Curahee!
This superbly acted and directed DVD centers around the troopers of Company E (Easy), of the 506th (5 Oh 6th) Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 101st Airborne Division (Sreaming Eagles) from their training in Camp Curahee in Georgia through part of the occupation of Germany after victory in Europe.
Screw all one star reviews
this is the most fantastic WWII series ever to be filmed and put on television, there are numerous characters that everyone will love..... (George Luz is my favorite), one star reviewers, i dont care what your reviewed it for youre all idiots, Band of Brothers rules, buy it now ......................................oh and by the way 50.87 is the best price ever so dont bother shoppin around.

Can never be beaten
This Mini Series is the best series in all of history. You can watch this once an month and you will still be amazed. THe fact that all this is true shows the heroism and spirit that kept our freedoms. I would like to thank those all who served and are serving now.
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Editorial Review

Warren Beatty's lengthy 1981 drama about American Communist John Reed and his relationships with both the Russian Revolution and a writer named Louise Bryant (Diane Keaton) is a compelling piece of little-known history told in a uniquely personal way. Beatty plays Reed as he did the title gangster in Read more

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Reviews (59)

What great filmmaking is (and can be again, if you really want it)...
I love the fact that this film, one of my personal favorites and a film that made me fall in love with epics, is finally being released on DVD.I remember growing up embracing any film that was long (David Lean was also a personal favorite), and this is one that I've always loved.It's intelligent, thought provoking, well acted, directed, and just about everything else.It harks back to a time when Hollywood studios would take a chance and make an interesting, complex film.The studios should realise that you can make films like this along with your usual assembly ones.Not everything should be dumbed down to the level of horny teenage boys.This is epic moviemaking at its finest, and I'm estatic that it's finally being released on DVD.

Dull Dull Dull
I saw this in the theatre in 1981.The dog sitting outside the bedroom door was the only interesting thing about this waste of celluloid.
A Cinematic Masterpiece
Reds is a totally brilliant masterpiece of a movie.I've been waiting for it to be on DVD, so thanks Mr. Beatty for doing a great job making this movie, and for finally putting it out on DVD!
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Reviews (24)

Yeaaa! I found it!
On a June evening in 1968 I was awakened by my dad, a Marine Raider and one of the Chosen Few, at ten o'clock PM, that's 2200, to watch The DI... five hours before I was to report to the Armed Forces Induction Center, Oakland, Calif. I won't ever forget that movie session with my dad, and as one other person commented, ya never forget your DIs, mine were SSgt Gonzales, SSgt Rogers, and Cpl Sexton.
outstanding work, semper fI
All I can say is amen to the rest of the reviews on this great movie!! and Agree wholeheartly to the question raised by almost everyone, "Why hasn't this movie as well as a few others been released on DVD" I am also a marine VET, the attention to detail to this movie made so long ago "1957 I believe" is superb for the time it was released. I have a vhs copy and only wish I could get it on DVD also.

THE GREATEST MILITARY MOVIE OF ALL TIME
I just like to say this is the best marine movie of all time i cant believe its not on dvd if someone knows how to get it on a dvd it would be a top seller i would buy five of them in case they stoped producing this movie again lol ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Gary Cooper plays Alvin York, the real-life country lad and sharpshooter drafted to fight during World War I but blocked from killing by his pacifist sentiments. Howard Hawks makes a rousing, heroic film out of the tale, and Cooper gives one of his best performances (for which he won an Oscar). The 1941 feature seems as much a valentine to wartime America (and a not-so-subtle piece of propaganda) as anything, with Hawks capturing splendidly shot scenes of life in York's home state of Tennessee, which in turn provide a striking contrast to the battlefield. A key scene in the film, in which York is presented with an argument in favor of killing in war, is still thought provoking. Read more

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Reviews (68)

This movie has a lot of heart
This is one of those movies that never gets old.
WHEN OSCAR MET COOPER....A TIMELESS TRIUMPH!
For those who wonder why it took so long for SERGEANT YORK to make his journey to DVD, all you have to be familiar with is how AWFUL this movie looked when TCM ran it on TV. Like so many older Warner pictures, it needed to be restored, and over and over again, the grand old studio founded by the brothers Warner is restoring is glittering gems for DVD to look and sound terrific.
Took them long enough!!!
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Reviews (20)

excellent, but do not ask for the impossible
I will try not to repeat what other reveiwers have said, so I will be short about all the qualities of this miniseries: excellent actors, engrossing storyline, excellent reconstruction of the siege as it happened.
Riveting!
Although I just viewed the abridged version, I found it highly suspenseful and riveting. Otool and Strauss were exceptional--that's what made the drama so compelling. Each man was intensely resolved to achieve his goal, and neither would surrender to the other. Also, each hero was extremely human--sensitive and thoughtful--despite the pluck and resolve each had.
Complete Masada Mini-series Available on 4 VHS!!
I bought my copy of the miniseries, MASADA. I just looked and I saw one copy from there. When I bought mine, I got it, factory sealed, from a seller called buy.com. I went to buy.com website and the movie is on back order but, hey, you've waited this long, right? I also see that www.moviesunlimited.com has it for sale; you will need: (item # 072787).I am looking to get mine put on DVD to preserve the video. I, too, remember watching it as a child and the indelible etching it left on my memory. I have watched all 394 minutes again as an adult and it is as huge and glorious as I remember it. I didn't even know an expurgated version exists - I can not imagine cutting even a minute from this perfect epic. It would be like cutting The "10 Commandments" or Homer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie    4. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

There is no more ringing title among World War II movies than Read more

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Reviews (34)

Perfect!
With the camera in the Bombadier's cockpit and this roaring
Heroic action in the Pacific theatre
'Thirty Seconds over Tokyo" directed by Mervyn LeRoy is a wartime produced tribute to the earliest air raids made into Japan in 1942, orchestrated by General Jimmy Doolittle.
SUPER MOVIE
I love this movie and we have watched it several times.BUT I WANT TO BUY IT IN DVD!!!!!
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Reviews (18)

Disperse Ye Rebels!Disperse!!
This is a decent film that deserves to be re-issued on DVD.While not a big budget opus like infamous Mel Gibson's THE PATRIOT, this is a much higher quality film overall.While a bit slow in the beginning with family relationships in Lexington, the film picks up when the British at last appear on the screen!There is a nice shot of the British columm deploying impressively into line to face Captain Parker's company.The only problem here is that the British force at this point consisited of six companies of Light Infantry who jogged into town at a fast clip before forming line opposite the militia.This would have been less impressive to show, plus i guess the available re-enactors could not all be shown in Light Infantry garb.So we get the usual mix of line companies, Grenadiers and Lights all in group together!Colorful, but not accurate!
Lexington in April 1775
This film is set in 1775 Colonial Massachusetts. A peddler is stopped and searched, the British troops find a musket, powder, balls and confiscate them and the wagon (Gun Control!). The peddler stops at a local tavern to tell about this. The people have noticed an increase in British troop patrols. We then meet a family and see a portrayal of life in the 18th century as similar to today. There is a meeting among the men, they discuss the relative military strengths of the Colonial militia to the 5,000 British troops in Boston. [In fact the militia had a long military experience in colonial warfare, the British were less experienced.]
Not very impressed
Saw this this on televison.
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Reviews (9)

What airplae stuff
I thought the P-38s were great. I know the special effects were not up to current par, but the moview was made ove sixty years ago. I thought the acting was very good.

I Prefer the Remake, Which I Usually Don't!
I'm not the type of movie viewer to enjoy the remake of a film more than the orignal. But in this case, I'm going to make an exception.
The classic movie about a cracked up bomber pilot's ghost
A Guy Named Joe is THE classic movie about a cracked up WWII bomber pilot (Spencer Tracy) sent back from Heaven as a ghost to provide guidance, like a guardian angel, to a new pilot trainee who turns out to fall in love with the ghost's girlfriend (Irene Dunne).I think this is the only movie in which Spencer Tracy played opposite Irene Dunne, who was one of the classiest leading ladies of her time (The Awful Truth, Penny Serenade, Life With Father, I Remember Mama, Anna and the King of Siam, The Mudlark, etc.).
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Editorial Review

Sometimes simplicity can be heartbreaking. So it is with Read more

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Reviews (28)

The Clock (1945)
This is one of the most beautiful and heart wrenching movies ever made. You are lulled into the movie from the beginning. I saw this on Turner Classic Movies the other night and was amazed at how beautiful it is. There is no swearing in this movie, no sex, no violence, just old fashioned romance and the display of the powerful need for love in human beings. Judy Garland is a great actor and it is directed well by Vincente Minnelli. Movies today are sick, perverted and immoral and they feed the moral decay of this once great nation. The Clock is a must see movie from better more hopeful days.

Sweet Wartime Romance with a Luminous Garland in a "Musical"-Feeling Non-Musical
A sincere piece of treacle just before the end of WWII, this 1945 romantic drama features a never-lovelier Judy Garland in her only non-singing role during her golden MGM years. Even though she is a talented enough actress without having to vocalize, she is in a movie that feels like a musical in its cinematic sensibilities - swooning romanticism, quicksilver plot turns and broad stock characters. That shouldn't come as a surprise since her then-fiancé Vincente Minnelli directed and Arthur Freed produced, both much better known for their musicals of the period. Still, they have made a sweet film with worthwhile stylistic touches such as the use of long zoom shots in maneuvering through the swarming crowds in the subway and train stations and the screen panning used in showing the mini-dramas of background characters we never see again.
Let's make a stop in the War!
During a very brief withdrawal a soldier will meet,woo and wed a girl before shipping out. A romantic drama typical of that age but with a striking message beneath the script. Follow your bliss before it may be late. Judy Garland is wonderful in this movie.
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Reviews (44)

Five Stars Just Aren't Enough!
There aren't many films from any era that come close to being "perfect" (though that's not really the right word) in just about every way--probably you could count them on your fingers and have some left over.
The Way (we might like to wish)We Were
Friendly Persuasion (1956) is my favorite 1950s movie. It always reminds me of Fiddler on the Roof (1971) as both films have analogous existentialist values; questions of faith, meaning and test of personal resolve. Tevye the Milkman must face the challenge to his sense of self and traditional way of doing things, by the increasingly independent ways his three daughters go about selecting a husband. Jess Birdwell (Gary Cooper) and his family must face the challenge to their pacifist Quaker values by the personal demands of the American Civil War.