Product Details

• Directors: Peter Schnall
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: National Geographic Video
• DVD Release Date: August 12, 2003
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00009Q4XU
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #110,595 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The world's most exclusive airplane, a combination of a luxury hotel and a super-secret military command post, is profiled in this documentary produced by National Geographic. The history of presidential flight, from its beginnings with President Roosevelt making a secret wartime flight in 1943, is covered, and particular attention is appropriately given to the historic flight that returned President Kennedy's body to Washington after his assassination. Filmed in the closing months of the Clinton administration, the film features the preparation for a presidential trip, which includes close involvement of the military and antiterrorist specialists of the U.S. Secret Service. The makers of this highly informative film were given unprecedented access to Air Force One, and the footage of the presidential 747 is spectacular. --Robert J. McNamara

Product Description

National Geographic takes you on an exclusive tour inside Air Force One, part luxury hotel, part super-secret military command post. From its beginnings with President Roosevelt making a secret wartime flight in 1943 - to the historic flight that returned President Kennedy's body to Washington after his assassination - to the closing months of the Clinton administration, Air Force One takes you through the history of the world's most powerful plane. Features exclusive interviews with Presidents George W. Bush, William Jefferson Clinton, George H. W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Documentary with exciting details!! July 12, 2001

By "salwete20"

Format:VHS Tape

'National Geographic - Air Force One' is a wonderful documentary that lets you see all the inside information of Air Force One. The film shows you how the Presidential Plane has changed over the years from FDR to George W. Bush! The viewer is told about how the plane is maintained and what the crew does to make it fit for the President! You get chills just seeing the greatness of the most technologically advanced plane in the world! Also included in this documentary are interviews with former President's talking about their experiences onboard Air Force One. This is a must see for everyone that is informational as well as exciting!

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best inside look at Air Force One October 26, 2002

By David Kraut

Format:VHS Tape

This video is up to date and shows you Air Force One like never before. I am a TV news photographer and have covered Air Force One many times. This was a great way to see what goes on inside and behind the scenes. Great job National Geographic!!

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Flying White House. December 28, 2001

By "masonx"

Format:VHS Tape

During President Clintons state visit to NZ last year nothing seemed to define the imperial US presidency more than his arrival in his personal jet-a modified boeing 747 no less.
It was not so much the plane itself, grand as it was but also the preceding paraphenalia of accompanying aircraft bearing personal security and bulletproof limousines. The entire apparatus of presidential security was on the move. For every visible SS agent their were 4 in the background. Waiting and watching....for anything.
Even The Queen is now relegated by her own government to the first class cabins of british airways, alas. Not to mention the mothballing of her private yacht. It says a lot for a nations head of state in what conveyance they choose to travel the globe.

I was impressed with the dedication and professionalism of the crew designated to work in AF1-although a certain servility is required their downright obsequiousness seemed to be a job requirement. From the captain even to the lowliest steward, to be seen and not heard. Do not speak unless spoken to. To some a reminder of the Nixon years.
The obligatory escorted tour through a plane only a few are priveleged to see up close-the plush carpets the spacious interiors and conference rooms and secretarial offices echoed a businesslike atmosphere, and everywhere the presidential seal as if anyone would forget who the main passenger was. If it lacked the luxurious interiors and gold fittings of the Sultan of Brunei's own 747 no-one noticed. Besides such extravagance would seem garish and gaudy. The might of the US industrial military complex was enough to offset any hint of that.
The brief history of previous presidential aircraft did seem to concentrate of the Kennedy years more so than those preceding and following, otherwise it was informative-showing us old newsreels of Eisenhower and Truman and even FDR's one overseas trip during the war-to Casablanca. The triumphant times-Nixons 1974 trip to China and the sad times.The familiar picture of LBJ taking the oath in the cabin of AF1-Jacqui and Lady bird beside him that sad day in Dallas so many years ago.

Finally we must spare a thought for Bill Clinton, now a private citizen who out of all the perks of office must have enjoyed this one the most, as any political leader would have. During his eventful 8 years in office the president seemed to be constantly filmed arriving somewhere in presidential state-stepping of alone as protocol dictated- with the familiar blue fusilage behind him like some imperial backdrop. I now sympathise with his current circumstances-Poor Bill travelling 1st class on a commercial airliner just isnt the same.