To The Few - A Battle Of Britain Musical Celebration DVD

Advantages: Real Aircraft, Stunning Photography
Disadvantages: Marital sub plots

...I bought this DVD some months ago mainly because the kids were doing WW2 as a project at school and I remember it being a good film of my youth. Needless to say I rediscovered the quality of the film and as a bonus the kids loved it which kept them quiet for a couple of hours. The all star cast is outshone by the quality of the aerial photography and the fast paced, all action story. The Battle of Britain is not just the story of the battle but is also a peek into the private lives of the pilots themselves reminding us all exactly what the pilots were fighting for. I have to say the side plots of marital problems lacked quality but thankfully they only took up a minor portion of the film. The real stars of the film are the (now) vintage aircraft, remembering that this is years before CGI so what you are seeing are real aeroplanes... Read review

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Advantages: Original unseen footage
Disadvantages: Poor quality production

..., rather than the West Midlands) Britannia locomotives at Liverpool Street Station, London, plus lots more, including freight only steam locomotives. I can recommend this DVD if you are a really serious steam nut. But it is let down by the production. I know that the source material used was amateur cinifilm footage, but I fear that this situation was marred by the way the material was transferred to video/DVD and the very amateurish sound quality which really doesn't enhance the enjoyment. Still, turning the sound down on the DVD player, putting a CD of your favourite music on and drinking a few bottles of something nice will perhaps help negate those niggles! For current prices, please check on Ciao... Read review

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Advantages: A good five star film
Disadvantages: none

...The Battle Of Britain is an absolute wartime classic. Even to this day, it acting, music, special effects and story are unbeaten. The film starts in France. The British are retreating to Dunkirk and a RAF tempory base is evacuated as the German offensive continues. Meanwhile, Sir Hugh Dowding (head of the RAF) advices Churchill that no more RAF forces should be sent to France as it would weaken the home defenses. With Germany in control of France and the British refusing to surrender, Adolf Hitler orders the Luftwaffe to take control of the skies in preparation of invasion. So the RAF are outnumbered and outgunned and must bare the brunt of the Luftwaffe attacks. But will the RAF be able to hold out against the Luftwaffe and prevent a German invasion of Great Britain. The story for the film of the battle of Britain is extremely well... Read review

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