Rating: 
Summary: Spectacular Aerial Sequences
Review: The BATTLE OF BRITAIN is a superb movie made even better by its recent release as a very affordable DVD. For the first time since its release the film can be viewed in wide screen format. I have previously reviewed the VHS version. In short, the DVD is packed with international stars, vintage aircraft (albeit, the German aircraft courtesy of the Spanish Air Force), and a great soundtrack. The DVD release has a much sharper image than the original VHS version. The picture is very crisp and the colors that much more brilliant. The one liberty that was taken with the film was the change in the end credits soundtrack. The original film, VHS copy, and television versions are slightly different. The DVD release has been subtitled differently. In addition, the soundtrack at the conclusion of the film as been replaced -- as has some of the data appearing at the end credits. All in all the only improvemet to this movie would have been if the romantic scenes between Susannah York and Christopher Plummer had been cut from the film. A classic war movie is no place for a love story. In addition to the movie, the DVD also offers one version of the the movie trailer. I was a bit disappointed that the DVD did not include any footage devoted to the making of the film. Indeed, footage of helicopters dropping scale models of aircraft can occasionally be seen on AMC. Still, you can't beat the price for this 1969 classic.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT AERIAL COMBAT
Review: Hitler's plan was to pummel England from the air and then easily invade and occupy her land. BATTLE OF BRITAIN is a superb, action-filled recreation of the Royal Air Force's response to the superior in numbers Nazi Luftwaffa assault. Made in 1969 without CGI effects, the battle action is believable. But it's the extensive aerial footage and heart-stopping dog fights that make this film one to own. The amazing cast features Michael Caine, Trevor Howard, Robert Shaw, and Sir Lawrence Olivier among many others major British stars. This fine widescreen transfer is rich in details and dry Brit humor. Right is might. Recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Fine DVD of a Finest Hour
Review: Battle of Britain tells an important story and tells it well. The events the film portrays were genuinely crucial, for if Britain had been defeated in 1940, the world would now be a very different place. The film sets the scene for the conflict by emphasising how after the fall of France, Britain was alone with only the RAF to defend it. It depicts the German pilots as arrogant and over confident, strutting around France eager to start hunting. This is contrasted with the British who recognize that they are up against it. Air Chief Marshall Dowding (Lawrence Olivier) is quiet, determined and realistic. The film suggests that this difference in attitude had as much an effect on the outcome of the fight as technology, skill and tactics. The cast is full of star names, some of them appearing only for a minute or two. At times this can be a bit distracting as a star actor is glimpsed only to disappear again. However, Christopher Plummer, Michael Caine, Ian McShane and Robert Shaw are given enough time to develop their characters and show their acting ability. The viewer comes to care about their fate as individuals, even as their stories are played out against events of great magnitude. The film does well in showing that those fighting for the RAF were not only members of the British upper class. Moreover it shows that many other nations contributed pilots. There is a wonderful scene showing how members of the Polish Air Force, who had escaped to Britain, forced their way into the fight because the British were initially unsure of their ability. At the end of the film there is a role call and a long list of countries which contributed pilots to the battle. It becomes clear then, that the Battle of Britain was not just Britain's finest hour, but the free world's finest hour also. Battle of Britain is justly famous for its aerial combat sequences. These are superb. They are played out against stirring music and the sounds of orders. These flying sequences are very realistic and exciting. The formations of aircraft have a certain beauty as they swoop and dive, but the film shows that air combat was a serious business and is not scared to depict the carnage, the blood and the flames. This film really must be seen in full widescreen. The DVD does not disappoint. The film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 with the image enhanced for widescreen TVs. The print is very good with only a few minor nicks and scratches. The sound quality is fine. The only extra on the DVD is a trailer, but it is a good one and runs longer than usual at around four minutes. Altogether this is a fine DVD which should appeal to anyone who enjoys films about WWII.
Rating:
Summary: Battle My [end], this is War!
Review: The best movie about the Battle of Britain, and quite possibly the best air battle movie period. If you liked movies like "Sink the Bismarck", "Tora, Tora, Tora", and "Memphis Belle", you should enjoy this movie. I am waiting for a good air battle movie with P-51s. I hope someone may decide to do a movie on Major George Preddy. There is no doubt any fan of airplane movies, especially WWII planes will love this movie. Aside from the great air battles you have a fine cast that put in good performances in their time away from the battles as well as in the sky. The music is uplifting and chaotic right on cue as needed. Even when the Brits are sitting around passing the time it pulls you into their lifes. I can't wait till my DVD arrives. This is a bargain!
Rating:
Summary: A Must Own for WWII Buffs and Film Fans of All Types!
Review: Forget that it was made in 1969. Forget that the special effects are 'outdated.' Forget all that you know of really poorly made WWII movies like "Windtalkers." Instead, pull out your history books and marvel and the true story of the few brave men and women who could have very well saved the entire world from falling into Nazi hands in a few short months. No, that's not embellishment, that's the truth. Now, imagine that someone made a film about it. Imagine throwing in great stars like Michael Caine, Laurence Olivier, Michael Redgrave, and Robert Shaw (just to name a few). Imagine a vivid and dramatic retelling of the world's greatest aerial battle ever (past or present). Imagine no more. It was made already. Now, it's coming out on DVD. I only wish I could provide a more complete review, as I currently do not own the DVD, but will pick it up when it arrives. What I can tell you is, the acting is superior, the aerial photography is phenomenal (there are times you feel like you are inside either the German or British planes), and the technical aspects (cast, crew, scenery) are well-placed and well-excuted. Trust me, you will want to pick this one up, whether you are a WWII buff or just a regular film buff, this is a must own.
Rating:
Summary: Battle of Britain revisited
Review: This film is a superlative memorial to those men of both sides that participated in the epic fight over the skies of Great Briatain and the English Channel back in 1940. At the time this film was made, the producers had spent several years scouring The British Isles and the Continent for flyable aircraft that were appropriate for the period, a daunting task. That they found over 50 servicable planes to use in flying and static scenes is all the more remarkable. They were able to film on location at some of the original RAF bases with the cooperation of the Ministry of Defense. The cast is stellar, and the film's language and presentation is authentic for the period. Special effects are state of the art for the time, and are impressive in that context. I watch the film annually on the anniversary of the BOB. There used to be a gathering at the old Reggie's Pub at the Omni complex in Atlanta on the same day, and you'd meet veterans from both sides there most years. This film honors them all.
Rating:
Summary: A WWII Classic, Hands Down.
Review: First, the movie: The Battle of Britain is a triumph of late-sixties WWII filmmaking, reknowned in its day for the accuracy of its recreation of aerial battles between Heinkels, Dorniers, Stukas, Messerschmitts, Focke-Wulfs, and of course Spitfires and Hurricanes. Reknowned also for its fabulous "who's who" cast of British stars (no Commonwealth actor wanted to be left out of this one) and depiction of the British Empire's greatest modern battle. Highly recommended, without qualification. Second: this brief review has been prompted by the review immediately following. Who is this nitpicking fool? It's a movie, for god's sake, and one of the very best of its genre. These armchair warriors who obviously take a sadistic delight in identifying the arcane minutia that the filmmakers might have missed--or let go because (a) it wasn't important, and (b) wasn't worth cramming into the budget--are beyond tiresome. Jeez, pal...get a life. Nobody's impressed with your pitiful attempts to draw attention to yourself. Bottom line: Battle of Britain--great movie. Ignore all stupidly negative reviews. Buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Remember it was made in 1968 - released in 1969
Review: Executive summary - Want to see what real 1940's dogfighting was about - this is it. Special effects - Suspend belief against modern standards - but good for the time! Let us be clear - this simply doesn't stand up to modern digital special effects standards. Some model shots are excellent: Heinkel 111 being chased over wavetops, pilot dead and plowing into the beach (the model is the beach shot) and some are truly awful (the Stukas bombing an RDF station). The aircraft - especially the Spanish airforce re-painted in German colors but all flying with Merlin engines have wrong profiles. The special effects of London burning from the air - suspend your belief a moment - perspectives are wrong and the "Red Glow" - phuleeze! The apparently disjointed plot and timeline. My personal nitpick - the 1960's plastic bell push on a "1940 cottage". BUT! Before you see this read the history including the key tactical moments. Remember that in 1969 these were great special effects and most importantly - a huge armada of aircraft of correct vintage were found, saved, restored or stood as props. IT IS A GREAT MOVIE. Historically the timeline is correct (but it pays to understand it on the way into the movie), the key characters are portrayed by stars suspending their egos and status to the greater good) battling with their daily problem of aircraft maintenance (though there was never actually a shortage of British aircraft which were being delivered fast enough) and the real shortage - "the few" pilots on the British side - experienced leaders getting eroded by constant scrambles and dog-fights and the inexperienced replacements. And if you wondered what dogfighting was about in 1940 this is THE movie to recreate it because there were no digital effects - the pilots went up there day after day through the summer of 1968 flying dogfights behind a camera plane. They did it for real and if you freeze the frame during the "Battle in the Air" sequence it is amazing how many real planes are up there "fighting" it out again. It is a real tribute to the few, advised and orchestrated by those who were really there and survived. You think Private Ryan and Band of Brothers are good? Sure they are - but after you have suspended special effects belief BoB does a marvellous job of showing (in a 1960's way) what it was like to fight with your backs to the wall and dwindling pilot resources. Final peeve - it was the Battle of BRITAIN - but it suffers from the standard problem of all UK people being "English". Even the real Dowding wrote about the defence of "England" and it is faithfully replayed here. Watch for the racist treatment of the Polish pilots - absolutely prevalent at the time and though the intent of the portrayal at the time was not to highlight racisim - in a modern world it clearly does. Your nationality was also there but didn't get a mention (?) - well you can't fit everything in - and a roll call in the end credits tries to put it right - it wasn't just the Battle of Britian - it was also the Battle of the "over-run" and the "not yet joined in" - whether motivated by revenge or a desire for adventure - they died too - watch it for them too.
Rating:
Summary: I watched them film the Battle of Britain
Review: I watch the Battle of Britain annually to remember the feel of England and honour the heroic men and women who fought in that epic battle. As a schoolboy in Cambridge, I watched them film part of the film in the skies over my school. Duxford Aerodrome was just south of us and each day after school I watched in awe as the Spitfires, Hurricanes and Focke-Wolfes circled, dove and climbed in tight mock battles. The only difference from the film was that I could see the camera plane circling the melee. There was an airfield in my tiny village, as were old pillboxes, dispersal huts and bomb craters. I learned to drive on the old runways and thrilled to imagine what it must have been like when second war machines warmed up for their nightly takeoff. The warplanes of that era did not have mufflers. Each aero engine had a short piece of pipe coming from the exhaust and that was it! Better power output and less weight, I suppose. What we modern people fail to understand was just how noisy those airplanes were. You can get some feeling for this from the film if you turn the sound way up. Standing below in the English countryside, I was amazed at the racket of high powered engines and the constant scream of high revving propellors. By all means, watch the film. From what I have read and what I saw afterward, it appears to be pretty accurate. And yes, the radar stations and fighter control rooms are accurately shown. They make much of the danger of fire which was very real. The Spit had a 30 gallon gasoline tank right in front of the pilot. It was hard to hit, but if hit it burned up fast. The radar stations are now gone, but you can still see a real B of B airfield at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford. Ian Baines
Rating:
Summary: excellent music and battle scenes
Review: The Battle of Britain is one of the most accurate movies of WWII. Characters and battle scenes are beleivable and realistic. The music won an award. When you watch the movie, you will notice the Nazis are winning in the beginning and their music is loud and triuphant. The British, however, are struggling early on and their music is weak and shameful. As the movie goes on, the Nazis begin to lose and their music dwindles down, and the British start to win and become champions. Other reviewers say there is no plot. This is not true. If you do not figure out that the movie is about a battle that heavily impacted the war in Europe, you are not very observant. There are scenes in which Hitler are shown. Most of them are real. The movie also shows a battle in which Polish pilots are being trained to fight and fly, they spot some German planes that the British trainer doesn't. Rent this movie. It is very good, very believable, and very true to the actual battle.
| 
