#1027: STURGES, John: The Great Escape (1963)

STURGES, John (United States)
The Great Escape [1963]
Spine #1027
Blu-ray


One of the most exciting adventure tales ever told, this action epic recounts the planning, execution, and aftermath of a daring true-life escape from a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, in which 250 men attempted to tunnel their way to freedom. In the role that cemented his superstar status, Steve McQueen plays the motocycle-racing daredevil who sets out to foil the Nazis, alongside an all-star cast that includes Charles Bronson, James Coburn, James Garner, and Donald Pleasence. The expert direction of John Sturges, eminently hummable Elmer Bernstein score, and rip-roaring stunts come together in what may just be the most spectacularly entertaining prison-break movie of all time, a rousing ode to the determination, camaraderie, and courage of everyday heroes.

172 minutes
Color
Monaural
2:35:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2020
Director/Writers


Based upon the book by Paul Brickhill.
Screenplay by W.R. Burnett and James Clavell.
John Sturges was 53 when he directed The Great Escape.

The Film

A

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Ten-page wraparound featuring an essay by critic Sheila O’Malley.

Commentary
  1. From 1991, featuring director Sturges and composer Elmer Bernstein;
  2. From 2003 featuring actors Coburn, Garner, and Pleasence.
Interview

With critic Michael Sragow.

“The Great Escape”: Heroes Under Ground

A four-part 2001 documentary about the real-life escape from the Stalag Luft III prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, including interviews with POWs held there.

The Real Virgil Hilts: A Man Called Jones

A 2001 program on the United States Army Air Forces pilot David Jones, the inspiration for McQueen’s character in the film.

Return to “The Great Escape”

A 1993 program featuring interviews with Coburn, Garner, McCallum, and Taylor.

Trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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