After seeing parts of this movie but never the whole film, I decided to buy it on DVD. I bought it as part of a 'Great Films Starring Steve McQueen' box set. What an investment!
Produced in 1963, this DVD is based on a true story of a group of Allied P.O.W's who planned an escape from an 'escape proof' camp. This was the largest planned Allied escape attempt from a German POW camp.
This film features some famous names such as: Steve McQueen James Garner Charles Bronson Richard Attenborough James Donald Donald Pleasance James Coburn
The first half of the film focuses on various escape attempts made by the POWs, as well of the planning of the escape and digging the tunnels, Tom, Dick, and Harry. This half of the film is quite comedic, and the characters work well together. The second half of the film follows the escape of the prisoners, and follows their various journeys as they try and get back to Britain safely. It is much more dramatic than the first half, and is quite fast paced. There are a few moments that have you on the edge of your seat, and even after watching it dozens of times I still find as exciting as the first time I watched it! This is also the part of the film that features the famous escape scene by Steve McQueen. I always find myself hoping that he will make it over the fence and off to freedom.
Although the film is great entertainment, it also makes you think about how things were for those who got sent to POW camps during the war.
My DVD contains some special features, 'US Theatrical Trailer' and an in-depth documentary on the making of the film. These are both fairly entertaining, but not excellent.
Overall, I think that this is an excellent DVD, and I would recommend it to anyone! I've got a feeling it will be popular for years to come! The Great Escape is for life, not just for being shown at Christmas!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1954 - War - Director: Michael Anderson - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Richard Todd, Michael Redgrave, Ursula Jeans, Basil Sydney, Patrick Barr, Ernest Clark, Derek Farr, Laurence Naismith
Production Year: 1970 - War - Director: Brian G. Hutton - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Carroll O'Connor, Donald Sutherland, Don Rickles, Gavin MacLeod
Thanks for letting me know you've updated this. Re-rated for you.
Soho_Black 05.06.2007 12:04
I see you've posted this as a DVD review, but you've not mentioned the DVD. Are there any extras? If so, what are they and are they any good? If you add to this, or if you change it to be posted as a "Film Only" review, which can be done by accessing "edit review" above the review and changing the drop down menu under the "Which format are you reviewing?" question at the bottom, please let me know and I'll re-rate.
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May 31st, 2007
(Jun 5th, 2007)
helpful by (71%):
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