Customer Reviews

Final Approach [VHS]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is the first all digital sound film ever made, originally developed as just a test bed for new digital sampling, editing, and ADR technologies; it developed into a psychological film with surprisingly good acting. Everything about it actually gets better and better the further in you get. By the time we're at the scenes with his wife and the bathtub, the directing of the actors is spot-on realistic. The radio chatter is probably the most authentic of its type you'll ever hear, including references to the Tonopah Test Site where stealth tests have actually taken place. There's probably more high quality SR-71 stock footage in this than any other tape you'll find. My only complaint is that some of the ADR cockpit stuff is for a pilot who obviously doesn't look like the actor. But that's something that can be overlooked on an experimental film with such a small budget. There have since been other films that have used the same general story concept, but with a different framework, including a non-scifi French film that came out the year after this one did. While some have said that one is a bit subtler, I'd still have to say Final Approach is even more of the art house picture. The recent big budget incarnations of this concept, in my opinion, have just been horrible. It's too bad this film might never get released on nonrental DVD...

Excellent -and mostly unknown- psychological movie. A wonderful tale of the deep and challenging interaction between a man who has something enormous to realise about his life, and the man who is going to help him realise it.
When released in theaters, the Final Approach was completely mis-positionned, as it was presented as a basic action / FX movie, which it is really not.

If you are looking for a Techno-Thriller, Some intense Action or something of the like then do not bother with this film. If you are looking for something cerebral, intelligent, mind bending or otherwise Unlike any other movie you have ever seen then this is it! The sound is Awesome, the low level flight scenes are incredible and the plot takes you on a ride like no other. I would be remiss if I did not say the acting was solid. Do you like a movie where the actor makes the film, not the $20 Million dollar FX, then this is it, and it also has the FX. Unfortunatly I cant say too much about the movie, That might give too much away. Just know that this is a thinking persons movie, it has very deep yet subtle hints during the course of the movie. If you cant think for yourself then keep away, you will not understand it and will not enjoy it.

Wow! What a great film. It was recommended by a friend and I have to say I was put off a bit reading the back of the video box - it made it seem like an ordinary action film. No way - the opposite - an intelligent, sometimes funny but ultimately cool film. The acting, along with the script is superb but I would say its not for everyones taste.

I first saw this movie quite sometime ago, ever since that about 93-94 ive rented it many times. I seem to catch a few it seems of subliminal hints to life. James B. Sikking is fabuloous in this role as Jason, Top Secret Air Force test pilot for a SR 71 reconnaisance jet. I simply dont understand why this isnt a DVD release yet, the sound and visuals are quite tremendous. Im dying to get this on DVD, hopefully it happens soon.

I worked on this movie and it truly was ahead of it's time. It was shot in 1991 with anamorphic (widscreen) 35mm cameras. The sound design was different than any movie up till that time and probably since, in that surround sound is almost always the 'gravy' of the audio meaning it has a part in the audio, but isn't as important. Well this movie dared to make the distinct digital surround channels as important as the front channels. The problem we ran into is 99% of the theaters couldn't handle the powerful surround channels that this movie had! They would crackle and distort. But when we found a theater that could handle the sound, wow, watch out. 90db of pure digital power especially with the afterburners in the SR-71.

Unfortunately, only a DVD with it's discrete digital channels could show you how it's supposed to really sound. I'd like to see this release in Blue-Ray or similar. Who knows, maybe this movie will have a resurgence.

It is a move that should be played in surround sound. It blew me away with it's sound and it's suprising ending. This movie has not dropped in price since it has come out. I can't wait for it to come to DVD.

This is one of the greatest films ever made. From a directing stand point, it is quite well done. The story keeps us moving through the entire film and the beautiful work with the SR-71 and intercut dream sequences is brilliant! Elizondo is great, and there are some really intense moments.

Highly recommended!

If you enjoy surrealistic, philosophical movies that keep you guessing until the very end, or if you like to see the SR-71 Blackbird in action, this may become one of your favorite films. If you are bored easily by lots of dialog and trippy, dream-like sequences, you probably won't enjoy "Final Approach."

Have the VCR hooked up to some good speakers and turn the volume all the way up. Surround sound with a subwoofer may blow you off the couch in the first few minutes.

The cinematography and special effects are outanding. The in flight footage is unreal. The acting is pretty good, and the story has some genuine depth.

Be prepared to not understand what is going on throughout most of the movie. Just pay attention and keep an open mind: the ending will explain everything.

A beginning that requires a seatbelt. You can't really experience this movie unless you have your stero connected to your TV and turned waaayyy UP. The sound design is amazing, and the visuals pleasing. The story line needs some help, but overall it's worth buying.