Product Details

• Actors: Peter Coyote
• Directors: Karl Sabbagh
• Producers: Karl Sabbagh
• Format: NTSC
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Pbs (Direct)
• VHS Release Date: May 9, 2000
• Run Time: 285 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004C8SC
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #115,297 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Boeing 777 is one of the newest, most technically advanced jet airliners in the world. Taking 5 years and 10,000 people to design and build, and consisting of some 4 million separate parts, it is also the most tested aircraft in aviation history. This 1995 documentary series tells in remarkable detail the story of the 777 from conception to design to its maiden commercial flight. Boeing's corporate boardrooms, design floor, and manufacturing centers are the settings for scenes a bit dry and tedious (engineers might disagree), a bit dramatic, and surprisingly emotional. Depictions of intense contract negotiations, late-night design, and business decisions underscore the enormous corporate risk involved with a new airplane design (Boeing's seventh), and the immense pride and determination of its creators. While the success of this project could ensure aviation industry dominance for years to come, its failure could mean Boeing's slipping to second place behind rival airline manufacturer Airbus. Whatever the outcome , this film series will stand as a fascinating memoir of the creation of an aviation marvel. --Ed Noble

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About The Boeing 777, November 8, 2003

By 

David Von Pein (Mooresville, Indiana; USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 21st Century Jet - Building of 777 [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This series of tapes chronicles with great detail the development, construction, marketing, first flight, and delivery of a grand technological achievement: The Boeing 777 widebodied jet airliner.

The "Triple-Seven" is the largest twin-engined aircraft ever produced, with an overall length of 209.1 feet and a wingspan measuring 199.9 feet (for the initial model built, the B777-200). The tail rises more than six stories into the sky (60.4 feet). The enormous engines, one tucked under each of the massive wings, are incredibly efficient and reliable, with very close to a Zero Per Cent failure rate to this day (and that's a TON of flight hours!). These tremendous power plants are as wide as the ENTIRE fuselage section of a Boeing 737 jetliner!

Many tidbits of interesting information (similar to what I relayed above) can be heard and seen on this set of VHS videos, along with a "live" look at the 777's maiden flight on Sunday, June 12, 1994. The aircraft's first flight shared headlines that day with another major U.S. story. The other big story that day was not nearly as celebratory as the Triple-Seven's maiden trip in Seattle. Two states south, in California, came the news, also on June 12th, that O.J. Simpson's ex-wife and friend had been murdered late that night.

United Airlines became the "launch" customer for Boeing's greatest twin-jet, first flying the big craft in revenue service in 1995. United's fleet of 777s would soon grow to more than fifty of the aircraft.

Just about anything you could want to know about this airplane is contained within this 5-part program, with interviews with several of the key developers and 777 Program management personnel. Impressive footage of the aircraft in flight (and on the ground during many tests) is also included on the videos.

For those interested, the Boeing 777 family has grown since 1994's first flight to include the B777-200ER (Extended Range), the B777-200LR (Long Range), the "stretched" B777-300 (242 feet in length!), and the newest variant in the family -- the Boeing 777-300ER.

The 777-300ER, according to Boeing's website, has a per-plane cost (as of 2002) of up to 231.5 million (U.S.) dollars, Boeing's most expensive aircraft! So, if you're thinking of picking up a couple as gifts some day, you'd better start saving a few greenbacks now. :)

The "Triple-Seven" is an incredible flying machine. And there's no better way to get up close and personal with her than to pop in this set of video tapes.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Primer for New Project Managers, December 30, 2000

By 

John "[e-mail]" (Carmel, US, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 21st Century Jet - Building of 777 [VHS] (VHS Tape)

21st Century Jet is an exciting look at the complexities of modern product development. It is highly illustrative of the very latest concepts of systems engineering, integrated product and process teaming, logistical considerations, and customer satisfaction. The documentary is applicable to virtually any category of complex systems -- from freeway overpasses, to automotive advances, to children's toys. A must-view for today's managers of engineering design efforts.