Customer Reviews

Night Crossing

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the true story of one of the greatest escapes of the 20th century! The year is 1979. The Strelzyk and Wetzel families desperately want to leave Communist-controlled East Germany so they decide to build a huge hot-air balloon to carry them over to West Germany. Not only is it risky relying on a balloon to carry two families, they also have to avoid East German police. This is a well-crafted Disney film that the whole family will enjoy. The cast includes John Hurt, Jane Alexander, and a then-unknown Beau Bridges. Although I'm very happy to own this on dvd, this is a bare-bones dvd as far as special features go. At least the sound quality is better than my old vhs copy. Still, this is a very important and inspiring story that everyone should know about and I highly recommend this movie to people of all ages.

This is one of the most suspenseful films ever made, even more so because it is a true story. I was back in the small town when the two families were preparing the balloon. Some of my friends in Poessneck knew them. The film actually captures the run down town, the anguish of the people living there and the absolute terror of the wall. This is one film everyone who loves freedom should see.

Its hard not to be captivated by this enthralling true story of two family's desperate attempt to escape from east germany. The pacing is perfect, the finale will have you holding your breath. Jerry Goldsmiths score superb. Both John Hurt and Jane Alexander are brilliant. If you are a disney fan and were around in the early 80's and you never caught this film then now is your chance. Released in 1982, a very different film by the disney studios this is a truly remarkable picture. The studio experimented during this period with movies that would broaden the studio's horizon a little. TEX and Tron were released the same year. Night Crossing somehow didnt garner that much attention at the time, although it was favorably reviewed. Thankyou buena vista for taking it of the shelf, this is a perfect family film.

I remember when Night Crossing was first released in the theaters. It was a pleasant surprise from Disney Studios. What especially appeals to me about this movie is the fact that in the face of defeat and what seemed to be a hopeless situation, two families refused to give up, and with great determination and courage accomplished the impossible. I never forgot this movie and have long awaited its release on DVD. It is a welcome addition to my library.

Watch this film with your child or grandchild and be prepared to answer questions about this historical time period. My children enjoyed this film years ago and it is now a pleasure to share it with my grandkids. Plenty of action and suspense to keep their interest and I always watch it with them the first time or two, to help them understand what is happening and why.

I am just soooo grateful and thankful to have found this DVD as we used to watch this with our children and it's a wonderful true story. With much appreciation, Karon

Wondrful movie of a daring escape from East Germany. True story. Very engrossing. Worth the watch.

What a power movie. For anyone who doubts the great and valuable freedom we have the USA, this is a must see. For me it is one of the stories which epitomizes why a democracy is worth every effort to protect.

I loved this movie it was full of excitment, suspence and when I first saw it I couldn't believe how terrific it was to see the famlies escape. I knew the story becaues I had heard if it before but to actually see them go across the boarder at MIDNIGHT and with guards and watchtowers everywere that was truly a amazing. I enjoyed this movie alot and I hope you will to.

Night Crossing is one of my all time favorite movies. I used to show it to my 5th grade class every year to stimulate their appreciation of freedom. I was thrilled to be able to get a DVD version to replace my old VCR copy. Thank you so much.