Product Details

• Actors: Tom Selleck
• Directors: Greg MacGillivray
• Writers: Jack Stephens
• Producers: Greg MacGillivray, Alec Lorimore
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Image Entertainment
• VHS Release Date: June 27, 2000
• Run Time: 40 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6305774668
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #328,257 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Fly with the U.S. Navy's elite Blue Angels demonstration squadron in the breathtaking video The Magic of Flight, which explains the basic principles of what enables airplanes (and birds) to fly, what creates lift, how planes maneuver, how planes land again. Going back to the Wright Brothers' experiments at Kitty Hawk, the documentary explores how the intrepid bicycle makers ruminated on the elements of flight for many an hour before even attempting to assemble their first aircraft. The Blue Angels put into action the discoveries made by the Wright Brothers, as they make their selections, train, and perform.

Pilots push their high-performance fighter planes through difficult but graceful maneuvers for amazed air-show audiences, demonstrating where the state of the art really lies for 21st-century flying. For all the skills of the pilots, however, the most astonishing part of the video would have to be the camera work, with cameras mounted on the planes' bellies, noses, and cockpits to give an up-close view of what the machines are really capable of. Planes fly arm's length apart during maneuvers where the slightest misstep would mean certain catastrophe. The Magic of Flight does indeed go a long way toward capturing the wonder of flying, with spectacular camera work, editing, and production. --Jerry Renshaw

Product Description

The Magic of Flight (39 min.) takes you on a technological thrill ride faster, higher, and wilder than modern science or even your imagination! Relive the historical first flight of the Wright Brothers in 1903, then soar with the world-famous Blue Angels as they defy the laws of gravity with their most breathtaking maneuvers. Narrated by Tom Selleck, "The Magic of Flight" highlights and salutes a variety of modern aircraft, the people who fly them, and the human potential of training and performance. Ever wonder "how did they do that?" "The Making of 'The Magic of Flight'" (42 min.) puts you behind the camera and provides further insights into the world of aviation and the techniques used to get some of the most amazing airborne footage ever captured on film. Shot using high-definition cameras, "The Making of 'The Magic of Flight'" captures the enthusiasm and excitement of the crew who made this groundbreaking film.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Experience, August 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Magic of Flight (Large Format) (DVD)

Wow! Widescreen TV is a viewing bonus. The photography on this DVD is amazing. Angles from IMAX cameras mounted on the Blue Angels planes as they fly. You see just how close to each other these people fly. Watch the main feature; then watch the "making of"; then watch the main feature again with a whole new perspective.

Unfortunately, even with a widescreen TV, it's not the same experience as being in an IMAX theater with a 60' screen -- you don't get the feeling of being in the pilot's seat, like you do at IMAX. But a great experience nonetheless.

The other great thing from this IMAX film is the pilots truly convey their joy of flying. Blue Angels, stunt pilots & pilots taking off / landing on aircraft carriers; you can feel their passion for what they do.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a joy ride!, April 30, 2003

By 

Paul H. (Michigan) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Magic of Flight (Large Format) (DVD)

Sit back and enjoy this joy ride from the Wright brothers to the Blue Angels. The video footage is breathtaking. Of course, it isn't as good as on a real IMAX screen but you certainly can't do better on your home screen. Tom Selleck's narration is easy to listen to and soothing, in stark contrast to the excitement you'll feel watching the in-flight footage. This is entertaining, educational and just plain (plane!) fun.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, makes you feel like you're flying!, December 1, 2004

By 

Kelly L. Botelho (Assonet, Ma.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Magic of Flight (Large Format) (DVD)

I got this for my 4 year old son's birthday last year because he has a fascination with air planes. Let's just say everyone in the house loves it when it comes on. We have a large screen TV and it makes you feel like you are really there! The sounds are colors are vivid. This is a wonderful dvd to pull out on those rainy/snowy days. No matter how many times we have watched it, it still holds our attention.