Video of the Week: B-17 Flying Legend
RSSFrom SLJ September 2004
Dwain Thomas, William Rainey Harper College, Palatine, IL -- School Library Journal, 09/20/2004
DVD. color & b&w. 3:31 hrs. Prod. by Fortress Films. Dist. by Janson Media. 2002, 2004 release. ISBN 1-56839-138-2. $24.95.
Gr 7 Up–As we prepare to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the close of World War II, this exceptional program examines one of the aircraft which played a pivotal role in that conflict. Of the nearly 13,000 B-17 Flying Fortress bombers which were built, more than 4,700 were lost during the war yet are credited with establishing Allied air superiority over Europe. Viewers will find this to be a remarkable resource filled with warm interviews with those who actually flew into combat accompanied by archival footage, both black-and-white and color, and an incredible collection of stills. This winner of several international awards for documentaries also focuses on attempts to preserve the aircraft which survived the flying missions as well as the post-war demilitarization which have reduced the number of flyable B-17’s to only 13 planes. Hauntingly beautiful music supplements the well-paced presentation, and the DVD format allows maximum ease of utilization plus the bonus of selecting various Dolby audio options. The legend of the B-17 began in 1944 with the release of famed producer William Wyler’s documentary The Memphis Belle, which is included in its entirety here. Additionally, the bonus section includes over 200 historical photographs and a virtual tour of the workhorse aircraft. Library patrons of all ages will find this a fascinating production.
