Rating: 
Summary: One of My All Time Favorites
Review: "The Great Locomotive Chase" was one of my favorite movies when I was little, and it still is today. This movie is about a true story about the event in the Civil War. If it weren't for Disney's movie, I would not know about The Great Locomotive Chase. Information is hard to find. That is why this movie is so great, for in almost all phases, it is accurate.
The actors so a great job too. Fess Parker and Jeffrey Hunter do wonderful portrayals, but so do all the actors in this movie. The chase scenes are also wonderfully done as the character William Fuller goes from foot, to a pushcar, and through three engines in pursuit of the Yankee spies. Of course there is more than just the chase. The movie gives viewers the background, the planning, the chase, the Yankees escpae from prison, and of course the survivors being rewarded. A great moment in the movie (whether it really happened or not) is when Andrews and Fuller shake hands at the end; it is great scene.
I would recommed this for anybody whether they enjoy the history or the action.
Rating: 
Summary: Review of Disney May 2002 release
Review: After two previous releases by Anchor Bay, one would assume this release by the movie producer, Disney, would be the ultimate issue of this film. Nothing could be further from the truth.Besides having zero....none, nyet....bonus features....not even a trailer, this release is riddled with problems. While the menu and FBI warnings are anamorphic, the movie itself is not. If the transfer had been halfway decent, this would be somewhat forgiveable. However, the transfer is grainy, the color pulses, and edge enhancement is frequent throughout. Certain portions of the movie even appear to be in the wrong ratio....as if the screen were squeezed top to bottom. Another problem I encountered....and basically the last straw....was the random appearance of foreign subtitles as I watched the movie. Whether this is a problem with all DVD players, I do not know [mine is a Toshiba]....but on a quality product, this should never be a problem on any player. While the movie is somewhat enjoyable [typical 50's Disney-style drama], I'd avoid this DVD [wish I HAD] based purely on the lack of effort Disney put out in assembling it. Figures....Disney finally releases some of its movies in their entirety [not the destructive pan & scan], and they still put out a lousy DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: April 12,1862.
Review: Fess Parker ("Davy Crockett:King of The Wild Frontier"/1956)stars as James J.Andrews,leader of the Union spies,who steal a train in broad daylight,from Confederate troops.Jeffrey Hunter (who is probably best remembered for his role as Jesus Christ,in "King of Kings"/1961), plays William A.Fuller,a brave Rebel,and a Patriot. The Great Locomotive Chase perfectly captures the essence of it's subject,in script,performance,and good Cinematography.Many memorable scenes,including the inevitable Locomotive Chases,an Empty box car sent down the track (on fire) by James Andrews,in order to crash into the approaching Locomotive,carrying William Fuller,amongst others,the actual run up to,and theft.And then the ending,inevitable for anyone who knows their History,never-the-less,an exciting one.About the Transfer of this film to DVD:Anchor Bay have done a very good job!Now this film can be seen properly,the Cinematography looks superb,justified by just the right amount of colour depth,and contrast inparticular,spot-on.Original Aspect Ratio,2.35:1,Sharp,detailed,and only a handful of scenes that show even slight traces of dirt.4.5/5. The Sound quality of this DVD:Considering the age of the material,i expected the sound on this DVD to be somewhat inferior.Again,as with the picture quality,i was very surprised,it is very clear,especially the speech.No hissing,or distortion related problems,but on rare occasion i did hear a slight glitch in the form of a popping noise,on i think,a reel change.Overall,for the sound:3.5/5. So,as a DVD,The Great Locomotive Chase,has been given very good treatment by anchor bay,having now seen this film in it's original theatrical aspect ratio,so clearly,was almost like watching it the first time,again.A great film,that keeps you hanging on,right until the end.My only real complaint to Anchor bay would be:Where are the additional materials?!
Rating:
Summary: Come back with my train!
Review: I first saw this film as a part of the old "Walt Disney Presents" series,and have been trying to purchase it on video. It is a well crafted, well made film,a good history lesson. I particularly enjoyed the scene of "Fuller"(Jeffrey Hunter) chasing 'his' train on a handcar. Am looking forward to addind this to my collection.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME!
Review: I love this movie. I have watched it over 100 times (Not kidding). Civil war and Train fans will love this movie! THIS MOVIE IS VERY HARD TO FIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have only seen it in two place's (Here and in Kennesaw GA A.K.A. Big Shanty) The best
Rating:
Summary: A Well Done (and Real) Civil War Spy Story
Review: I remember seeing this fine film in original release and on television when I was a young girl. I was fascinated by the real-life Civil War spy story, the brave men fighting hard for their respective causes, the high drama and colorful action of the train chase through the north Georgia countryside (shot where it had originally taken place), and the attention to detail. (I also thought that Jeffrey Hunter and Fess Parker were the handsomest men I'd ever seen in my short life!) I always hoped to see it again as an adult, but like many Disney features of the 1950's it simply vanished from view. In the 1980's I moved to Big Shanty (now Kennesaw), Georgia, living very near where that fatal stop for breakfast was made at the Lacy Hotel. I was delighted to find that the little museum that housed the real "General" locomotive also had a copy of "The Great Locomotive Chase" that it screened on rare occasions. Despite the faded and scratchy 16mm print, I renewed my acquaintance with the story and appreciated the film's fine production values, direction, and performances. Since then, I've become familiar with the the drama that took place practically in my back yard. I'm delighted that Anchor Bay has re-released "The Great Locomotive Chase" with a quality print on DVD so I, my children and grandchildren can enjoy it together for years to come. My one wish is that the company would consider adding enhancements to future editions. For example, how interesting it would be to have Fess Parker's film commentary, or an interview recorded with him, while he is still with us. Contemporary memorabilia is available in Georgia for background features, as are local people who worked on the production. Still, the film is fine all by itself, and I recommend it as worthy of being in your collection. ...
Rating:
Summary: Classic filmmaking based on a true story
Review: It's a real treat to see Disney movies in all their glory back when movies actually meant something, unlike today's special effects ridden garbage.Of all the films dealing with the Andrews raid, I find this to be the most realistic portrayal by far. I recommend this movie to all historians and rail enthusiasts.
Rating:
Summary: Classic filmmaking based on a true story
Review: It's a real treat to see live-action Disney movies in all their glory, (back when movies actually meant something) unlike the special effects-ridden garbage of today. Of the meager number of films dealing with the Andrews Raid, I find this to be the most realistic portrayal by a long shot.
Rating:
Summary: Fine Civil War Adventure
Review: It's been many years since I had seen "The Great Locomotive Chase", and it was a real pleasure to watch it again. With so many other reviews, I don't think I need to summarize the plot. Anchor Bay, as usual, has given us a DVD that is beautiful to look at, with only a few areas where the age of the film is apparent. This is widescreen and I can't imagine watching this film any other way. The sound is pretty much what you would expect for a 1956 release. Fess Parker and Jeffrey Hunter are fine as the lead protagonists, with Jeff York also registering as one of Andrews' Raiders who would rather fight, than follow the "cloak and dagger" routine. Of course, York played Mike Fink--"King of the River"--opposite Fess Parker's Davy Crockett. This movie is a dream for railroad buffs--old steam trains still provide a thrill for many people. It is also noteworthy for people interested in the civil war, being based on actual events, although I suspect history scholars might find it too superficial. However, the purpose of this movie is to entertain fans of all ages--not to get bogged down in too much detail. Parents should find this movie a delight to watch with their children, especially young boys. The plot is not complicated--there is plenty of action--and while shots are fired, and some fists fly, there is none of the more graphic violence that today's films seem to wallow in. Like other reviewers, I would have liked some "extras". Comments from Fess Parker--now a successful California wine-maker--added a lot to Disney's Davy Crockett collection. Mr. Parker's memories of this film would have been a nice plus. Sadly, Jeffrey Hunter passed away at a young age, during the 1960s.
Perhaps some day there will be a "deluxe" edition from Disney--but, in the mean time, we must thank Anchor Bay for giving us this highly watchable version. Again, recommended viewing for the whole family.
Rating:
Summary: Fine Civil War Adventure
Review: It's been many years since I had seen "The Great Locomotive Chase", and it was a real pleasure to watch it again. With so many other reviews, I don't think I need to summarize the plot. Anchor Bay, as usual, has given us a DVD that is beautiful to look at, with only a few areas where the age of the film is apparent. This is widescreen and I can't imagine watching this film any other way. The sound is pretty much what you would expect for a 1956 release. Fess Parker and Jeffrey Hunter are fine as the lead protagonists, with Jeff York also registering as one of Andrews' Raiders who would rather fight, than follow the "cloak and dagger" routine. Of course, York played Mike Fink--"King of the River"--opposite Fess Parker's Davy Crockett. This movie is a dream for railroad buffs--old steam trains still provide a thrill for many people. It is also noteworthy for people interested in the civil war, being based on actual events, although I suspect history scholars might find it too superficial. However, the purpose of this movie is to entertain fans of all ages--not to get bogged down in too much detail. Parents should find this movie a delight to watch with their children, especially young boys. The plot is not complicated--there is plenty of action--and while shots are fired, and some fists fly, there is none of the more graphic violence that today's films seem to wallow in. Like other reviewers, I would have liked some "extras". Comments from Fess Parker--now a successful California wine-maker--added a lot to Disney's Davy Crockett collection. Mr. Parker's memories of this film would have been a nice plus. Sadly, Jeffrey Hunter passed away at a young age, during the 1960s.
Perhaps some day there will be a "deluxe" edition from Disney--but, in the mean time, we must thank Anchor Bay for giving us this highly watchable version. Again, recommended viewing for the whole family.
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