Product: Midway (Collector's Edition) (1976)
Rating: 2.0
Midway? Let's wait a bit.
I'm talking about the VHS version here.I've seen the film both on the big screen and on television. Can't remember if the theater had the Corral Sea segment in it, but the television version definately did.I have a copy which I taped from TV in my library, and would like to buy a commercial copy, but... will not until they release one with the footage from the Corral Sea contained in it.Seriously, this is a flaw in the commercial tape release. That particular footage explains much of what is going on in the film later. The cut version is only 2 hours long -- I can't see why it's such a problem to include a full length version on tape -- other films have been transcribed to video in excess of 2 hours playing time. Hopefully, a future DVD release will have this footage on it. (remove one star for not having the battle of Corral Sea)On the show itself. I must say I enjoyed the picture. I'm not a Navy man and can't say how close the film comes to actual Naval or historical events, but I got the feel that I was watching the US Navy in action. I personally felt the acting was acceptably good for the most part -- though Matt Garth's son was not a well acted part.On the down side, if you've seen Tora,Tora, Tora; you'll recognize some of the scenes as being reused. Shame on the producers! Are we that desperate for material that we must 'steal' from another picture? Additionally, some of the scenes taken do not appear to fit with the theme or plot of the movie -- they're just there -- to fill up space I suppose. (Remove one star for reusing another films scenes - remove a star for misplaced and unnecessary 'stock' footage)This is not the film it could have been, though it is enjoyable to watch. Buy the VHS version if you just have to have it now. I myself, however, will wait until they release a DVD version with all footage intact. Recommend you do the same.