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DVD Island In The Sky (Special Collector's Edition)
Out of circulation for a quarter-century following the death of producer-star John Wayne, Island in the Sky is a tale of survival focused on the pilot (Wayne) and crew of a DC-3 forced to crashland somewhere in the uncharted Canadian wilderness, and the fellow airmen (Lloyd Nolan, James Arness, Andy Devine, Paul Fix) determined to find them before hunger and the 70-below winter do them in. The movie, set in the post-WWII era when military and commercial aviation were still intertwined, was written by bestselling novelist Ernest K. Gann and directed by William A. Wellman, an aviation-movie veteran whose Wings won the first-ever Academy Award (1927–28).
Wellman resolutely downplays the histrionics and conventional heroics; Wayne indulges in none of the macho posturing that his detractors carelessly identify him with, and the crewman who breaks rank in a bid for salvation meets a grim, almost mythically absurd demise. But Wellman also condoned (and himself speaks) the ill-advised narration that aims to tell us what's going on inside the stoic characters. The director does better with throwaway details like the ice pick kept handily embedded in a barracks wall so that pilots can break the frozen skin on their morning wash water. And there's a distinctive war council among the search pilots when no one's quite sure what to do next--the wrong decision could doom the missing crew--and so no one looks anybody else in the face. The black-and-white cinematography by Archie Stout (dramatic scenes) and William H. Clothier (flying scenes) leaves nothing to be desired, and in this crisp restoration it sometimes literally glows.
DVD features The extras include production reminiscences by William Wellman Jr., assistant director Andrew V. McLaglen, and supporting players Darryl Hickman and Harry Carey Jr.; a short essay on the art of aerial cinematography; and an intriguing profile of Ernest K. Gann, who in his teens directed and starred in a motion picture of sorts. Wayne, Wellman, and Gann reteamed to create The High and the Mighty, much nominated for 1954 Oscars. --Richard T. Jameson
Review(s): DVD Island In The Sky (Special Collector's Edition)
Classic John Wayne
First of all this movie is not for special effects geeks or those looking for steamy romantic scenes. Quite the opposite, this movie is about the raw nature of the commercial pilot's lives and the mundane task of transporting war materials for the battles of World War II. Being a pilot myself I can fully appreciate the world they flew in void of the modern-day navigational aids we take for granted today. This was the early days of flying with all the inherent problems and risks that were a fact of life in this era.
If you really try to put yourself "in" the situation with these downed flyers you will experience the tension and fear they experienced in such a dangerous circumstance. You can sense the frustration and helplessness of being in such a wilderness totally isolated from the world and you will experience the peaks of joy and excitement whenever radio contact is made with fellow flyers. These dangers exist today for anyone isolated in total wilderness with bare necessities for survival and this, coupled with tragic events, will keep you on the edge of your seat.
For an avid John Wayne fan this is another great example of the Dukes' acting abilities and another facet of his personality.
This is a movie made to involve the viewer in the plot and, when viewed for what it is, a refreshing change from the superficial, glossed over acting in some of today's' films.
ISL;AND IN THE SKY
Finally...it arrived on DVD.This happen to have been the only John Wayne movie I have never seen.It's pure DUKE at one of his best.When the planes fly overhead..he says.."Yet..they were just too high for them to see us..I guess..sure that's it." he was good.Along with the cast of greats...Paul Fix,James Arness..HARRY CAREY,JR.whom I had a change to mean last year in California.He's a Gentleman if ever I meant one.And his wife,Marilyn was very sweet too..who's father was Paul Fix.But anyhow....it's in black & white..which is even better.The cold snow cap mountains..puts you right there with-JOHN WAYNE!!American!!
The Duke on the Island
If your are a true John Wayne fan, and an Aviation person, then this BW "Duke" oldie is a must. The supporting cast is also peppered with a slew of big names. It still, was a worthy addition to my "Duke" collection despite being short in plot and amost a semi-documentary. Great footage of the C-47.
HV
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Excuse me but I don't speak english and I buy yours DVD only , when are subtitles in french. For this reason,I talk about McQ in french. C'est un excellent film policier réalisé par un director de talent, John Sturges dont j'apprécie toujours les films (The Magnificent Seven, Bad Day at Black Rock, Backlash, Gunfight at the OK Corral etc.) Il est aussi brillant dans les westerns que dans ses autres films d'action comme celui-ci. John Wayne qui a démissionné de la police, est embauché par un ami détective privé. Il va se lancer dans une passionnante enquête sur un trafic de drogue dont les commanditaires ne sont pas ceux que l'on croyait Malgrè l'âge et la maladie, John Wayne a beaucoup de présence dans ce film qui comporte une scène de poursuite très réussie More Info about this DVD Actor(s): John Wayne DVD Release Date: Released the 03 May 2005 Usually ships in 24 hours
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The film looks and sounds great on DVD with its original CinemaScope aspect ratio intact. A very entertaing film set on the high seas. Enjoy. More Info about this DVD Actor(s): John Wayne - Lana Turner Director(s): John Farrow DVD Release Date: Released the 03 May 2005 Usually ships in 24 hours
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