Customer Reviews

Titanic: Disaster in the Atlantic/The Titanic Chronicles

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

 

 

Although I am not anything like any expert on the sinking of the Titanic, nor do I think the ongoing obsession with this tragic event to be at all seemly or even appropriate, it seems to me that if you are interested in vicariously experiencing what it must have been like to those unfortunate to be on board, you will probably like this vintage classic. I myself purchased it as an addition to my collection of Madeleine Carroll films, since early British films of this great star are not easy to come by. At any rate, I was not disappointed. Within the limitations of the technical capabilities of the time, I felt the film did a wonderful job of conveying all the drama and pathos that must have taken place on that fateful night. The acting was first rate with a top flight cast. The contrasting mood immediately before and after the full import of what happened became known to the passengers was stark. No computerized gimmickry or overblown and exaggerated romantic passion to obscure the real meaning of what was taking place--the visual expressions of the doomed passengers were enough to impart the sense of what was to come. Pictures over words, the great accomplishment of the Silent era, was effectively exploited. It is probably true that the film's somewhat slow pacing may deter modern day viewers raised on fast-food computer games and Headline News, but for anyone interested in experiencing a sort of time capsule-like glimpse of the most "celebrated"--if that's the right word--disaster of all time, this film is for you.

Unlike the Cameron's love story this is an history buff's film. It seems honest and pure to its time. It's closer to the feel of A Night to Remember than Cameron's last film. The accompanied documentary was a very nice surprise. I found it very informative and well worth the watch but I also had fun hearing each actor playing different parts than I have seen them in the other Titanic programs.

Titanic Disaster in the Atlantic, had nothing whatsoever to do with the TITANIC. It bore a minute resemblance to the story in the sense that a passenger liner sank in the Atlantic, there the similarity ends. David McCallum looked decidedly uncomfortable introducing this, which I can only describe as drivel. The TITANIC Chronicles however was mildly entertaining in the sense that it contained eye witness accounts of the disaster. In my opinion the saving grace of this DVD.

I know that since the movie is over 75 years old, it wouldn't be the best. But little to nothing has been retouched and you can tell it is 75 years old. Some scenes such as the sinking scence are so dark, all you see is a black screen. It was a total waste of money. I think it would have been much better if they would have spent the time to clean up the frames of the movie. I'd like to know what they mean by "digitally mastered". If you want a good viewable version of the disaster, buy A Night To Remember!!!