"The Longest Day" is one of the greatest war films of all time, and one of my personal favorites! Produced and directed by Darryl F. Zanuck, it was originally made to save the Twentieth Century-Fox studio from the financial ravages of the over-budget "Cleopatra," which was being shot at the same time. "The Longest Day" set a standard of excellence in war films that is unsurpassed even now, thirty-eight years after its theatrical release. It remains one of the most popular and successful war movies of all time.

This is the story of D-Day, June 6, 1944. Based on Cornelius Ryan's book of the same name, the film accurately chronicles the strategy, tactics, frustrations, triumphs, and failures of both the Allied and German sides on the day that marked the turning point of World War II in Europe. There are excellent performances all around by a star-studded international cast headed by John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Richard Burton, (a young) Sean Connery, Robert Ryan, and Eddie Albert. Occasional snippets of silliness rear their head throughout the movie, but are not distracting. Filmed in black-and-white, "The Longest Day" has a documentary flavor and a wonderfully authentic feel that made it a film to view and savor time and time again. Highly recommended.

I've been a fan of this classic war movie since I was a kid, about the time it came out. I remember being mesmerized by it in a downtown theater when I was just 12 or 13. My butt didn't budge for like three hours. Talk about a killer cast and epic point of view. But I would make this caveat about this DVD edition: The transfer is pretty mediocre. A somewhat muddy transfer that doesn't do the film justice. I want a sharper, crisper picture. I would hold out for the Blu Ray rather than buy this DVD edition; it's gotta be better. P.S. Well, I did pick up the Blu Ray, and I can tell you it's worlds better. Incredibly crisp and beautifully textured. Only caveat is that the highlights are sometimes blown out. Still, a huge improvement and the version to get.

I'm a real WWII buff. I couldn't believe it when I went looking in our DVD cabinet for this movie and realized, although I've seen it many times, I didn't own it.

It works perfectly

Greatest war movie ever, in my opinion. Cast cannot be beat. Biggest stars of the time are in this movie. Watch it at least twice a year.

Went to the drive in in "62" and watched it with my dad when I was 5.. The more I learned of WWII the more I like watching it. I have watched it multiple and times and to see the different leaders in the conflict is super. Saving Private Ryan may have a more graphic depiction but this shows more background to the event. Also the great actors WOW

My Brother and I watched this movie several time as kids. It's a classic. Lots of great stars in this movie. Great acting. It gives a great overall view of what it must have been like that day.

This is a realistic portrayal of the D-Day landings by 1960 standards. It may be disappointing for some who want to see the
"gore" of more recent movies, but because it is based on the book "The Longest Day ", which was compiled by hundreds of interviews by those who actually took part in the landings, it is reasonably accurate. It also shows the German actions as well, including a portrayal of the approach of the Allied ships coming into view, which was quite chilling.

Great movie. A classic. Not as graphic as Saving Private Ryan, but a great historical tale well done. Should be in every cinephile's collection.