Rating: 
Summary: A Film That Never Gets Off The Ground
Review: I'm not really sure what this film was trying to do. The only good parts of the film were the beginning and end of the movie. In those parts we saw Yeager break the sound barrier and towards the end we saw the space travel of the pilots. That was very interesting. The problem I had was with everything in between. The movie goes from being serious and dramatic, slightly comedic to some Animal House type moments which are better suited to 8 year old boys who think bathroom humor, swearing and putdowns is hysterical. The film never seems to be able to make up its mind if its a drama or an exaggerated comedy (ha)!; there are many dramas that can be both successfully, but this is not one of them. It seesaws back in forth and is so disjointed that it seems to be the writer was really a group of 10 people who said, "okay, let's all split up and each rent rooms in different locations and never communicate. Let's write about these seven astronauts and when we are done we'll just staple our manuscripts together and hand it in to the movie studio without any editing." The only likeable characters in the film are Sam Shepard (Yeager) and Ed Harris (John Glenn). Barbara Hershey plays Glennis Yeager (Chuck's wife) but she's underused here as all her character does is ride around on her horse. Otherwise she contributes nothing to the film. There is virtually no character development at all. Glenn and Yeager seem like great guys who love flying, but so much of this film is devoted to the other 5 pilots who are a bunch of egotistical jerks. I would like to have seen more arial shots as they were done well. Maybe my expectations were too high: I was expecting "Apollo 13" which was a great film.
Rating: 
Summary: "There was a demon that lived in the air."
Review: The story behind America's journey into space has always been a fascinating tale. The courage displayed by the early space pioneers cannot be understated. This select group of men placed their lives on the line for the pride of a nation and helped shape the course of space flight well into the current century. Their story has been immortalized in Philip Kaufman's "The Right Stuff." Knowing the dangers involved with testing new experimental spacecrafts, a group of pilots chose to brave the odds in their quest to travel the stars. There are several arcs in the film that follow these pilots with the ones involving John Glenn (Ed Harris), Leroy "Gordo" Cooper Jr. (Dennis Quaid), and Virgil "Gus" Grissom (Fred Ward) being the most engaging. Each arc explores the unique contribution each man made to the space program. In addition, the film also explores how the astronauts' newfound celebrity changed their personal lives and their place within the American popular consciousness. The triumph of "The Right Stuff" is its ability to chronicles just how difficult and dangerous a venture it was to travel beyond the Earth during the early stages of America's space program. Television and historical accounts of the early space flights typically did not show this dimension of the initial flights - we saw the rockets taking off, we glimpsed some footage of outer space, and then we saw the capsules returning back to Earth. The public never saw the blood, sweat, and tears it took to develop and implement the space vehicles and the hard decisions made by individuals who were placing their lives or the lives of others at risk. Kaufman is careful to document each link in the chain in the evolution of the space program and all its accompanying dangers. Yet, the film never loses sight of the individuals who helped humanize one of the most exciting journeys in the modern history of humankind. This balanced narrative makes "The Right Stuff" a tribute to the intrepid spirit that was behind America's space pioneers as well as a tribute to the pioneers themselves.
Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: This is one terrific movie and it acheives its' greatness on many different levels. Take any category, acting, directing, writing, sound, photography, costume and design, supporting acting, editing, etc, and you come up with a winner in this movie. So let's start with the acting. For several of these young actors, especially Scott Glen and Ed Harris, this was their first major introduction to the general movie-going audience and they came away as big-name actors. Theirs were only two of many great preformances. Sam Shephard got the prize role of Chuck Yeager and did a terrific job with it. The contrast between Yeager and the seven Mercury astronauts was effectively protrayed by periodically switching the focus from one to the other. This was done extremely well at the end of the movie. The point of this contrast might be debatable. To me, it showed that the heroes we are given in life are often subjectively selected. Yeager is certainly a familiar name (especially after the release of this movie). However, think of what name recognition he would have if HE were the first American to go into space. The script, from Tom Wolfe's excellent book of the same name, is fantastic. For all of us who experienced the early days of the "space race", there is a lot of information that we never knew before. Some of the information we get tells us how "human" the astronauts were (are) and some tells us how "human" some of out leaders and directors were. Every scene is important in its' own way which is a credit to the directing and editing of this film. There are a number of scenes where the photography is particularly stunning. Not the least of these is at the end of the movie when Yeager actually appears to enter outer space in an aircraft. The music is very impressive. There are a number of climatic scenes where the music actually gives you goosebumps. This is a movie that all audiences can enjoy. There is plenty of history in this movie. There is also a great deal of implied flag-waving as the US vs. Soviet space race is on display. There is also a lot of heroics, action, and humor. The final scenes, as previously alluded to, are very artistically woven together. We see the glitz of fame versus the guts of anonymous individual effort. This is a real "feel good" movie. If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for.
Rating:
Summary: One awsome true epic!
Review: Even if you are not intrested in history the race to the moon against the russians,this is terriffic from start to finish.Awesome cast great effects even though this film was produced in 1983 ya cant tell.The new Two disc Special edition is great picture and sound wise.If you like adventure epics with some drama on the side buy this,forget that buy this no matter what genre ya like
Rating:
Summary: The Real Stuff
Review: The Mercury 7 astronauts were once-proud figher jocks who sold out to NASA and LBJ by volunteering to be "spam in a can" on
"flights" over which they had no control and on craft they were not allowed to maneuver. In fact, the originally designed space capsules had no windows, and Alan Shepherd had to urinate in his suit -- pee in his pants -- on the launch pad because he had no control over the launch and couldn't leave his seat. In other words, they became like circus performers who are shot from a cannon -- undoubtedly brave, but neither skillful nor pilots -- and all for the glory of hyped-up public recognition and assorted freebies. The real pilots, the best pilots, were the test pilots, against whom the astronauts are compared throughout the movie. They were the real heroes, like Chuck Yaeger, who broke the sound barrier with a broken rib and had to close his plane's door using a sawed-off broom handle for leverage. These men flew planes, tested the edge of their skills and of their crafts, and often died trying. The best ones weren't interested in being astronauts because it wasn't "flying" and didn't really require "pilots." The astronauts are stuffing themselves on free food and ogling fan dancers in the Houston Astrodome during a celebration LBJ put together for them for strictly political purposes. "Look what I brought you, Texas!" LBJ shouts, introducing the astronauts and, by implication, the pork of the new Houston Space Center. Grateful for the glory and bounty, the astronauts momentarily look at each other pensively as if to admit, just for a secret moment, that they aren't really hot stuff and don't deserve all this; that the best pilots, the real pilots, are still out there "pushing the edge of the envelope," unsung by the public. For meanwhile, in a wonderful editing juxtaposition typical of this marvelous movie, Chuck Yeager flies his new experimental plane from the runway up to the far reaches of the atmosphere, achieving the near reaches of outer space, entirely on his own skills as a pilot, and loses control of his craft in the thin air. It appears he made this flight on his own say-so, on his own terms, an ability the astronauts gave up long ago for cheap public glory.
Rating: 
Summary: all right
Review: Warner Home Video has rereleased "The Right Stuff" in a two-disc set that packs the 3-hour-and-13-minute film onto a single disc, uninterrupted (unlike the previous Warner DVD). The Oscar-winning sound returns in a hair-raising Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. The new audio maximizes the supersonic possibilities without straying into overkill, resulting in an aural experience that's simultaneously bone-jarring and elegant. The subwoofer track maintains an even strain when not required to power up for launches. The movie comes in widescreen only. Video is decent, but flat in some outdoor scenes. Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel's beloved sunrises and sunsets look fine, as do most scenes under controlled lighting. All that silver taxpayers' metal looks sharp and focused. There is a fair amount of speckling early on, but nothing to detract from the home-video experience. Bonus materials about the production and the space program fill the second disc, highlighted by KCET's "John Glenn: American Hero," a sensational 90-minute documentary packed with historic footage both familiar and seldom seen. Levon Helm, who narrated "The Right Stuff," returns to talk over a trio of new DVD documentaries, his voice having migrated into Chill Wills territory. Two of the docus cover the film; the other checks up on the surviving astronauts. Most of the film's key participants roll out for interviews and reminiscences, most of them marveling at the time they had making this film. No wonder -- it's the best and most exciting drama made about the U.S. space program.
Rating:
Summary: 1983: An interesting year for films...
Review: I think if "The Right Stuff" was released in any other year, it would've won every award. Nominated for only 8 Oscars, it won 4 technical awards (Sound, Editing, Music & Sound Effects). Based on Tom Wolfe's book, which is a non-fiction account of the beginnings of America's flight/space program, I'm sure it missed on Philip Kaufman's very original take on the whole idea (hence, no nomination). Indeed, Kaufman's original screenplay and superb direction (also not nominated) kept the narrative absolutely riveting, even at 3 hours. There is nothing wrong with this film; it's as good as American film could be. Most interesting is that Kaufman's screenplay didn't have to invent characters; and they were, indeed, "characters". They were living & breathing types who were committed. I'm sure the Academy didn't know what category to put him in (like Oliver Stone's "original" screenplay for "Nixon" or the Coen Bros. (adapted?) of "O Brother, Where Art Thou?", both nominated). 1983 was a year of wonderful films. "Terms of Endearment" won for best Picture, and Ingmar Bergman's "swan song", "Fanny & Alexander" won all the art awards (Cinematography, Art Direction, Costumes). It can only be the idea of the Academy that rewards must be given to the great guys; maybe a guilt trip. I remember this film being at the top of practically every "10 Best" list. Well, enough of that! The Academy has missed many times. What we have here is a film of power and interest, brilliantly conceived and beautifully photographed. The central character really has to be Chuck Yaeger (well played by nominated Sam Shepard). Ed Harris (as Glenn) made his mark, and the following year proved himself in "Places in the Heart". Barbara Hershey has always been underrated, and she's as good as they get (she was given the role only days before filming started). Indeed, the female roles are given second seat to the great male characters; Pamela Reed, Kathy Baker, Veronica Cartwright, and, especially, the great Kim Stanley. Jane Dornacker, as Nurse Murch, is a special treat. All great! There's some improvised nonsense between Jeff Goldblum and Harry Shearer that is wonderful and keeps the whole silliness in perspective, though these guys are dead-set on serious stuff. The interaction among these guys is smart, revealing and educational. Fred Ward and Scott Glenn are fine; I was especially taken by Dennis Quaid as Gordo Cooper, a relaxed performance. Since the film ends in 1964, I wish there was more reference to Deke Slayton (Scott Paulin) and Wally Schirra (Lance Hendrickson). This is a wonderful ensemble film, but it centered on only 5 of the 7, as well as Yeager. It is a tribute to Yeager, as he deserves it. The other guys had so much to tell. I did not want this movie to end!!! This new DVD version is WONDERFUL!
Rating:
Summary: only needed an isolated music score to be perfect
Review: I was glad to see this come out in a special two disk edition. But since the soundtrack was never released, I was extremely disappointed that they didn't take advantage of the new edition to add an isolated music score as one of the extra features. The latest release of Apollo 13 DVD plays the entire music score when the DVD is at Menu. The same could have been done for The Right Stuff, and soundtrack fans would FINALLY have the soundtrack available in entirety at least in DVD form, and have one more reason to purchase or upgrade the DVD version. You can get some bits of the Right Stuff soundtrack on a combo CD with music from another film, but you simply can't buy the complete soundtrack. So it was very short-sighted decision not to include this award winning soundtrack on the DVD. DVD makers should strongly consider the feature where the entire music score plays when the DVD is left at the menu option. It's a real bonus to soundtrack fans. And even for non-music lovers, it's a break from having the same short extract play annoyingly over and over if you are called away from a DVD that has reached the menu option. Other than missing an isolated music score with the ability to play the soundtrack as an additional feature, this was a fine set.
Rating:
Summary: Is it really "Right" for you?
Review: Sure, "The Right Stuff" is one of the most epic and compelling movies ever made. And the overwhelming majority of us have watched it with rapt attention...at least once, if not several times. But, in the tradition of "Why leave anything alone, when we can throw in some extras, repackage it as a "Special Edition", and persuade folks that it is worth shelling out another $20 for"... It's not even worth discussing the movie itself, because we are all familiar with its grand tale of 7 men with "the right stuffh and their involvement with the Mercury Program in the early 60's during the beginning of the "space race". The two disc special edition consists of the original film on one disc (finally placed completely on one side, as opposed to the original "flipover"), and a disc of special features that were definitely lacking (missing entirely, as a matter of fact) from the original DVD release. Although it's nice to have special features as a compliment to the movie, it would be even nicer if they were as special as they could have been. A couple of short documentaries, while not going in-depth on the making of the film, are a collection of reminiscences from cast, crew, the remaining Mercury astronauts, and Chuck Yeager. The 15 minutes of gextra scenes" are basically cutting room scraps, not possessing any of the details or beauty of the actual film. In many cases, the extra scenes don't even appear to fit properly into any particular spot in the film (which is probably why they were cut). There is a 25-minute section of "selected" scenes where you can hear commentary by EITHER the cast or the crew, which are actually enlightening and amusing...but the logical move would have been to include a commentary track (or 2) for the entire film. There is also a very lame "interactive timeline" for the space program...12 or so listed dates that you click on to get a 10 second video blurb or a 2 screen text description of the event. Although itfs nice that these were included in the set, there isn't anything overly "special" about any of these features. However... as the final special feature, there is a 90-minute PBS production on John Glenn: American Hero, which is interesting, informative, and downright attention grabbing. Incredibly well done, it focuses on the one member of the Mercury Team who has actually remained in the public spotlight for 40+ years, from his younger years, up to his return to space as part of a shuttle mission in 1998. If you already own the original release DVD, it is probably not worth it to upgrade just for the sake of getting the special features. But, if you have never owned this classic before on DVD, it is worth every penny, and can definitely be considered the "right stuff".
Rating:
Summary: One of my all time favorites.
Review: I have been an aviation fan for as long as I can remember. My mom thinks that my first words might have been "airport beacon". As such, I found the book version of this movie at the airport and decided to read it. I was amazed at both the history of the Mercury program and the early history of Edwards Air Force Base. Anyways, it was a very good book. Having read the book, it was only a matter of time before I watched the movie. I was not disappointed by the movie (unusual for movies based on books). I thought it was a very well acted, directed and special effects movie. I can understand why it won two Oscars for the technical stuff. It's a shame it didn't win Best Picture. Hollywood is not known for Oscars for military related movies. I've seen the movie several times now and I bought this when it first came out on DVD. It is cool at the beginning to hear the engines of the B-29 as Yeager goes out to break the sound barrier. It's also cool to hear the echoes as he talks in the hanger to Ridley. I wish more movies were like this one.
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