Genre: Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi
Director:
Joe Johnston
Writer:
Dave Stevens (graphic novel “The Rocketeer”), Danny Bilson, Paul De Meo & William Dear
Cast:
Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly,Alan Arkin,Timothy Dalton,Paul Sorvino,Terry O’Quinn, Ed Lauter
MPAA Rating: PG
Runtime:
109 min
Synopsis:
The discovery of a top-secret jetpack hurls test pilot Cliff Secord into a daring
adventure of mystery, suspense, and intrigue! Cliff encounters an assortment of
ruthless villains, led by a Hollywood screen star who is a secret Nazi spy. With the
help of his actress girlfriend, the young pilot battles enormous odds to defeat his
foes who are anxious to use the device in an evil plan to rule the world. The
dangerous mission transforms the ordinary young man into an extraordinary hero.
I was grateful for the opportunity to review and own The Rocketeer on Blu-ray. Having the ability to watch one of my favorite, and I believe vastly underrated movies in high definition whenever the mood strikes is the gift that keeps on giving. That being said, there’s nothing like “20th Anniversary Edition” emblazoned underneath the film’s logo to make you feel old.
On the plus side, watching the film itself made me feel a bit younger. Seeing a youthful Billy Campbell become the titular hero, as if he had stepped right out of the Dave Steven‘s graphic novel of the same name, was like watching it for the first time, all over again. Watching a devastatingly gorgeous, 21 year-old Jennifer Connelly will also put a spring in your step.
You are likely well aware that director Joe Johnston helmed The Rocketeer, and were none too surprised when some of the “feel” of his 1991 film bled it’s way into Captain America: The First Avenger, especially considering both films are set around the same era. Before becoming a director himself, Johnston did visual effects work on Raiders of the Lost Ark, and created Boba Fett’s armor (among other things) for the original Star Wars trilogy. While there are some common threads that run through most of those projects, there are also big differences. I do think we can safely say that Johnston has a certain proclivity for the World War II era and he digs both heroes and villains who wear bad ass helmets.
Luckily, with the exception of some visual effects being dated (though not embarrassingly so), The Rocketeer itself is a film that has so far stood the test of time and doesn’t seem dated at all. In my mind, the film has the distinction of being both an adventure film, as well as an homage to many other adventure films of yesteryear. The Rocketeer is unabashedly corny at times (in a good way), laced with proud Americana, heroism and even tips its hat to the history of aviation with the appearance of Howard Hughes, played ably by Terry O’Quinn (Lost), whose performance will undoubtedly remind you of John Slattery’s (Mad Men) turn as Howard Stark in Iron Man 2.
As a film, I think The Rocketeer is a whole lot of fun and I’m still confused as to why it didn’t do better than it did when it was in theaters, as even back then I was hoping for a sequel or two. Ironically, for a period movie, maybe it was just ahead of its time.
Now, on to the list of everything that’s included in the 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of The Rocketeer, notes on quality and my overall star rating.
The Bonus Material:
- Theatrical Trailer
Seriously, I’m baffled that the trailer is the only bonus feature on the 20th Anniversary Edition. I was really disappointed that Disney didn’t bother with commentary tracks from Johnston, Campbell or Connelly, as all three likely would have been happy to contribute, and I find it virtually implausible that there isn’t a shred of behind the scenes material, deleted scenes or concept art that could have been included on the disc.
Video Quality: The remastered Blu-ray version of the movie is near perfect, and definitely leaps and bounds better than previous DVD releases that I have seen.
Audio: The 5.1 audio mix is great. During the action scenes it packed a pretty hefty punch, and dialogue was crystal clear.
Despite the lack of bonus features, The Rocketeer: 20th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray is a definite must have for existing fans. If you haven’t seen it, it’s definitely the best release for a first impression, and if you are just plain hungry for a good old fashioned, high-flying, family friendly adventure film, The Rocketeer should definitely make its way to your collection.
I give The Rocketeer: 20th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray Four out of Five Stars.
Pick up your copy over at Amazon today!
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