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

I have ordered 2 DVDs on August 9, 2007 and today is September 11th 2007 but yet I have no clue about my DVDs. This is pathetic and very shameful thing for a name like AMAZON. I ask everyone not to buy anything before they commit you fast delivery.

I HAVE NOT RECEIVED MY DVDs YET.

1963's "The Great Escape" is Director John Sturgis' big screen adaptation of Paul Brickhill's World War II account of the biggest Allied escape attempt from a German prisoner of war camp. The movie version features an outstanding cast, a suspense-filled storyline, and superb direction.

In 1943, the German Air Force consolidated many of their "escape artist" POWs in a single POW compund. If the German intent was to put all their bad eggs in one basket and watch the basket, the effect was to pool some remarkable talent for the staging of a huge escape operation. Led by "Big X" as portrayed by Richard Attenborough, the POWs organize themselves to dig escape tunnels while fooling the Germans about their activities.

The movie is really two stories. The first is the struggle by the POWs to dig tunnels out of the compound under the noses of their captors. The second is the aftermath of their breakout, as POWs flee in all directions across Germany. Their respective fates are captured in gritty detail.

The huge cast and length of the movie (almost three hours) allows the director to explore a number of individual story lines. Among these: "Big X" perseveres in escape planning, knowing he faces almost certain death if captured. A tunnel expert played by Charles Bronson struggles with claustrophobia. A forger of escape documents played by Donald Pleasance discovers he is going blind as the escape attempt nears. A "scrounger" played by James Garner comes up with innovative ways to find materials for the escape. Perhaps the highlight of the second half of the movie is Steve MacQueen's famous run for the Swiss border on a stolen motorcycle.

The DVD includes a number of special features, most notably a documentary of the making of the movie.

This movie is most highly recommended as a highlight of the movie-making art and a classic thriller of the World War II genre.

One of the best WWII escape movies (based on some truth) ever. Spectacular stunts with Steve doing a lot of his own riding. Just a great action movie.

The Great Escape is my favorite movie of all time. It is an excellant movie and follows the book it is based on very well. This movie shows the courage, strength and fighting spirit of these men. And it is truely dedicated to the fifty who were murdered.

What else can I say about a classic? McQueen's motorcycle jump is the unforgettable part for me.