The Great Escape (1963)

A stirring example of courage and the indomitable human spirit, for many John Sturges's The Great Escape is both the definitive World War II drama and the nonpareil prison escape movie. Featuring an unequalled ensemble cast in a rivetingly authentic true-life scenario set to Elmer Bernstein's admirable music, this picture is both a template for subsequent action-adventure movies and one of the last glories of Golden Age Hollywood. Reunited with the director who made him a star in The Magnificent Seven, Steve McQueen gives a career-defining performance as the laconic Hilts, the baseball-loving, motorbike-riding "Cooler King." The rest of the all-male Anglo-American cast--Dickie Attenborough, Donald Pleasance, James Garner, Charles Bronson, David McCallum, James Coburn, and Gordon Jackson--make the most of their meaty roles (though you have to forgive Coburn his Australian accent). Closely based on Paul Brickhill's book, the various escape attempts, scrounging, forging, and ferreting activities are authentically realized thanks also to technical advisor Wally Flood, one of the original tunnel-digging POWs. Sturges orchestrates the climax with total conviction, giving us both high action and very poignant human drama. Without trivializing the grim reality, The Great Escape thrillingly celebrates the heroism of men who never gave up the fight. --Mark Walker Amazon.com essential video

Surprisingly good

I ordered this for my dad's birthday, thinking it would be something he would like and something that I would have no interest in. My brother watched it with him, and then told me that it was really good and that I should watch it.
So I did.
I was very pleasantly surprised - I am not into war-type, adrenaline-laden, "guy" movies, but, even though this could easily fit into any of those categories, I still found it very enjoyable!
Suspense, excitement and drama are balanced with enough character development and ordinary "human moments" to make a very well-made, well-acted movie with memorable characters, touching moments, Steve McQueen's unforgettable motorcycle chase, and, of course, The Great Escape!
Highly recommended for anyone who likes good movies, genre notwithstanding. October 20, 2008

Definite Classic

This movie stands the test of time. While it did not get much respect when it came out. Most of Steve McQueen's movies don't stand the test. This movie stands out in my mind in a long list of World War II movies. Then you have to consider the All Star cast in this movie; it can't be beat. Truly a great film. October 12, 2008

Special Edition not special enough

This is yet another five-star film reduced to a three-star DVD. And I'm talking about the latest remastered Special Edition. While this version has, at last, been mastered in anamorphic widescreen (unlike the previous letterboxed release), and received at least a semblance of the extras it needs, basic video quality still leaves a great deal to be desired.

The image on this transfer is sharp and clear, but flesh tones are over-saturated, with an unnatural orange look. Also, the image has far too much contrast, leading to constant burned-out highlights on people's foreheads. This isn't the worst transfer I've ever seen (for that, check out the various "collectors'" editions of The Quiet Man), but it is far from definitive, and shamefully inferior to what this great film deserves.

To add further insult, the case features a flimsy hinged center mount for the extra disc. This arrived broken, so that the case was effectively useless for safe storage.

After my enormous disappointment with the original release, and the glowing descriptions I'd read of this 'fixed' version, I had expected much better. My advice: wait for some future, properly-mastered Blu-ray edition to become as cheap as this DVD. Maybe by then the movie industry will have grown weary of abusing movie fans with one slipshod "special" release after another. October 8, 2008

A Classic WW2 Movie That Defined a Genre

I've read the Brickhill book which formed the basis of this film. It was an excellent book but the film itself really captured the amazing spirit of the Allies in this world conflict. John Sturges does an amazing job in terms of the character development, pacing, action and more. This is an essential World War II film for any moviegoer and especially for a WW2 junkie. This movie defined the Prison escape film.

The ensemble cast with the engimatic McQueen, the stalwart James Garner and the steady of Richard Attenborough was amazing. In addition, the great character represented by Charles Bronson, James Coburn and Gordon Jackson round out one of the most memorable films in film history.
October 7, 2008

An All Time Classic

The Great Escape is a classic WWII movie that will have you laughing at one moment and on the edge of your seat the next. If you are a fan of WWII movies then this is a must have for your collection.

The all-star cast such as James Garner and Steve McQueen, add a lot of flavor to the movie. Overall though, the whole cast in the movie does a terrific job at playing their part. I would recommend this classic movie to anyone.

Also, the two-disc special edition has some great extras included with it that makes it even more worth while, such as a great documentary on the filming of the movie. September 21, 2008

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