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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best copy I've seen of a classic, December 1, 2004
This review is from: The Memphis Belle (60th Anniversary Collector's Edition) (DVD)
The 1944 William Wyler film "Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress" is a classic. Featuring some of the most compelling footage of the war in the skies over Europe, this version is, by far, the best looking I've ever seen.
While the "widescreen" version loses the top and bottom to fit, I personally think the "fullscreen" version (both of which are provided) looks crisp and sharp. The chapter notes provided with the set explain that the opening graphics were not available in original form at the Archives and National Air and Space Museum, so those portions have not been restored.
And the extra bonus footage is superb. I have some of the other Aircraft Films products (the F4U and F4F disc sets) and most of it has crisp, clear footage. I, too, would love to have more sound on future releases, but having the footage, much of which I've never seen and isn't available elsewhere, is very nice.
I recommend the set highly.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Real heroes, August 23, 2005
This review is from: The Memphis Belle (60th Anniversary Collector's Edition) (DVD)
Excellent film, a must see!!!
Did a great job digitally remastering the original version, came out beautifully, the extra footage section has lots of cool stuff.
Basically a must for enthusiasts!!
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A vivid look back., November 13, 2004
This review is from: The Memphis Belle (60th Anniversary Collector's Edition) (DVD)
Those of us who weren't alive to see it for ourselves remember WWII in shades of newsreel grey. We see the heroism and sacrifice of those who fought through a glass, darkly. William Wyler's Technicolor documentary breaks that glass. In color, the airmen of the Memphis Belle are as alive and real as anyone you know. And so are the airmen who didn't make it, the ones who went spiraling out of control into a wall of flack, or were hauled from their B-17s in green wool blankets.
This edition contains two versions of the film. The first a widescreen anamorphic transfer of the Smithsonian's print. However, since the widescreen version is created by simply matting (cutting off the top and bottom) of the original Academy ratio movie, you are better off with the second version. Re-cut from digital transfers of the original 16mm footage, it keeps the whole Academy ratio image, is much sharper, and has better color. The bonus disc contains that original footage, including some that didn't make it into the film.
The Memphis Belle should be required viewing on Memorial and Veterans day.
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