The Longest Day (1962)

After seeing Saving Private Ryan, this epic tale about the Normandy invasion will look sanitized. But in its re-creation of events leading to the epochal battle, the film is captivating and grand, and the parade of famous actors who cross the screen naturally give the already charged action even more of a boost. Three directors worked on it: Ken Annakin (Battle of the Bulge), Andrew Marton (Crack in the World), and Bernhard Wicki (this film being his only credit). --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

the longest day

This is a great film for the events that happened on D-Day. I wish they had John Wayne in the 101st, oh well still a great movie July 8, 2008

Arguably the best war movie ever made

Some critics agree with me -- this is one of the very best. I first time I saw this movie was shortly after it was released, and it continues to hold my attention 40+ years later. While some may think it's boring, not enough action ... well, that's the way war is. This movie shows the complicated planning and thought that went into the D-Day invasion. The hours upon hours of boredom. And then suddenly, you get the word to go. There is confusion, stupidity, heroism ... it shows it all.

Many, many of the accounts in this movie are true to history. These were ordinary men on all sides who were caught up in history. The casting is terrific. My personal favorite is Kenneth More (and his dog). But others are outstanding - as usual - Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, Eddie Arnold, and of course, John Wayne. For those who question The Duke's acting ability, just watch his reaction at seeing the paratroopers hanging from trees. That's acting. Other notable performances are Red Buttons, Robert Wagner, Richard Burton, Sal Mineo and Jeffrey Hunter. But be prepared: with a cast this size, some of them come and go before you realize it.

And it's one of the last classic black and white films. As a history and war movie buff, that is a big plus. July 7, 2008

Yup it was long alright

I made a mistake and bought the BD version of this movie. I already owned the DVD. (Dumb). Yeah it's black and white alright. The movie is good but somehow seems to just drone along. Nothing really jumps out and gives you anything to be satisfied. Probably watched best with a diet coke, or a light beer, sugarless cookies, or some of those Olestra potato chips July 7, 2008

the longest day

Reviews the dvd as a two disk item, implying that it is of less compression. The total program is on one dvd with the #2 disk containing un-needed and undesired material, causing the compression to render the movie a lesser quality.
June 29, 2008

The Longest Day

This is one of our favorite movies. We watch it every June 6 and are pleased that now both discs work. June 27, 2008

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