World Famous Comics: Island In The Sky (Special Collector's Edition)
Island In The Sky (Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: John Wayne, Lloyd Nolan, Walter Abel, James Arness, Andy Devine Directed By: William A. Wellman Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD Format: Collector's Edition, Color, DVD-Video, Full Screen, Special Edition, NTSC Label: Paramount Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: August 02, 2005 Running Time: 109 minutes Theatrical Release Date: September 05, 1953
Amazon.com: 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
Description: Starring the legendary John Wayne, better known as "The Duke," "Island in the Sky," comes to DVD for the first time and is loaded with special features. This rare classic has been meticulously restored and remastered. A riveting tale of bravery, hope and survival of the human spirit, "Island in the Sky" finds former army pilot Dooley (Wayne) and his men stranded in uncharted sub-arctic terrain when he is forced to crash-land his plane.
Great Movie This is a great movie about camaraderie. If you like flying, then you'll probably like this movie. It's all about airmen looking out for other airmen.
COLORIZATION Strikes again! This is what "A Classic Film" should mean. Men placed in danger against what seem to be insurmountable odds. Every member of the crashed crew adds another human element to the story. The rescuers search on with no Hollywood assurance that they will find the lost crew. I have watched this film innumerable times and thrill to every viewing. How unfortunate that the person that bought the "rights" to this movie did not understand there is no COLOR when you are lost in a world of snow. He "colorized" it and has deprived future generations from fully realizing the impact of this thrilling story. Shame, shame!
I thought I had seen all Duke Movies, not this one. I do not think I have ever seen a Duke movie I would not watch again. This might not be his best, but it was a good one. I am also a veteran, and I had to laugh at some of the heavy handed stereotypes. If you are a quartermaster that believes going beyond 110%, then I apologize for all of the people I found that fit the stereotypical character presented in this movie.
Other then the Henry the Eighth fat butt, and Marshal Dillion over doing his character, everyone else did a great job. Duke even over did some of his seasons but, all and all it was a great job.
ISLAND IN THE SKY WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT JOHN WAYNE WONDERFULL I ENJOY ALL HIS MOVIES THANK GOD AMOZON HAS SUCH A GREAT VARIETY AND GREAT SERVICE TO US ALL HERE IN AUSSIE
A very good thriller This is NOT a disaster movie.It's an excellent study of survival about the crew of a downed military transport plane and the efforts to rescue them.Strikingly filmed in black and white,the movie benefits enormously from Ernest K..Gann's solid,well-constructed script and William Wellman's powerful direction,with Emil Newman's great score also a major plus.And the cast is marvelous.John Wayne is in brilliant form,while Lloyd Nolan steals the movie as his best friend.This is a great film worth seeing.
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