The Great Escape (2-Disc Collector's Set)

What can I stay about this classic that hasn't been said already. It was a pleasure to introduce my children to this masterpiece.

My kids have loved it since they were little (currently 11 and 15). My son is a bona fide McQueen fan. He often compares Horatio Cain on C.S.I. Miami to McQueen on his "coolness" factor. He's also come to love James Garner and Charles Bronson. My kids also found it interesting to see Mr. Hammond, the creator of Jurassic Park, in his younger days. Of course, Sir Richard Attenborough not only had a great acting career, but he went on to be a terrific director as well with Gandhi.

This legendary film has it all from it's all-star cast, confident and competent director (James Sturges), outstanding and memorable score by Elmer Bernstein, to a solid script and terrific cinematography. You simply could not improve this film and, fortunately, there have been no remakes to prove that point. I could not think of a finer tribute to those individuals who actually experienced the events depicted in this film than this film itself. This film has withstood the test of time and continues to move each new generation that views it.

"The Great Escape" continues to be great!

It is one of the best movies of Steve McQueen. It is very, very exciting and has a great production.
This DVD features are very good, with many screen and sound options and aditional information related with the true story behind the movie. It is a real classic.

The Great Escape begins with the opening of a new German concentration camp designed to house all of the POWs who have been incorrigible at participating in numerous escape attempts. This new prison is "escape proof" and manned with elite guards. The allied officers in the camp do not choose to accept their fate as prisoners. Instead, they plan the most audacious escape attempt ever as they try to spring 250 men in a single night. The planning is highly elaborate and extremely well executed for the most part. I won't reveal more of the plot for the benefit of those who haven't yet seen this classic movie but it should be noted that it is based on a true story.

The cast of this movie is one of the best ever assembled. There are some "name" actors such as Steve McQueen, James Garner, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn. All of them are beyond excellent in their performances. McQueen and Garner get the plum roles but all of them shine. Beyond these few, the film is absolutely loaded with strong actors some of whom look familiar but all are believable in their roles. Elmer Bernstein created the score which features one of the most memorable movie themes I've ever heard. The director is John Sturges who also created the great western The Magnificent Seven (Special Edition), and the classic Spencer Tracy film Bad Day at Black Rock among other gems. He is to be commended for crafting a three-hour movie that never drags, never feels like its losing focus at all. Sturges had a big story to tell and he took the time to tell it very well. Needless to say, he got the most from the impressive assemblage of acting talent.

As a nice bonus there is a documentary on the making of the film. It's certainly not going to rival the best you'll ever see but it was interesting and enjoyable to watch.

The Great Escape is not just a good movie, it is truly one of the finest ever produced. The script is exceptional and the actors and director did it full justice. At various times, it's funny, interesting, dramatic, and suspenseful. Each note is hit perfectly at just the right time. The fact that it's based on a true story from WWII only adds to the impact. I recommend The Great Escape to one and all. I'd say they don't make them like this any more, but the truth is that they never did. Not more than once every blue moon anyway.

Awesome spectacular thriller based on a true escape from a German prisoner war of camp. This has to be on any top ten list of a man's-man's film though I wonder how anyone could not enjoy this classic which still holds up so well compared to today's idea of non-stop action, CGI films. This cast directed by John Sturges is spectacular. Check out these names:
Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasence, James Coburn, David McCallum and alot of character actors who you'll say, hey I know that guy. McQueen's motorcycle escape is the stuff of screen legend.

"The Great Escape" gives a dramatized version of a true WWII prison camp escape tale. The Allied prisoners are played as resilient, innovative escape artists cast against the unfriendly oppressive Germans. I say "unfriendly" because the film doesn't really show the Germans as evil, only as unkind. They are extremely restrained in their treatment of the prisoners, especially those who attempt to escape over and over again. For me, this really detracted from the believability of the story, even though I knew that the basic facts were true.

Regardless of the characterization shortcomings, the movie really delivers a feeling of suspense about the fate of the prisoners. Who will escape? Who will be captured? Will the German response suddenly turn ugly? You're really captivated by the action on screen.

A great classic of WWII films.