Product Description

In the fall of 1979, one of history's most ingenious and courageous flights to freedom took place when two families fled from Communist East Germany to the West in their own handcrafted hot air balloon. Starring John Hurt (HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE), Jane Alexander (THE CIDER HOUSE RULES), and Beau Bridges, Walt Disney Pictures brings to the screen this remarkable true story of the Strelzyk and Wetzel families and their daring, death-defying escape.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10198 in DVD
• Brand: BUENA VISTA HOME VIDEO
• Released on: 2004-03-02
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 107 minutes

Customer Reviews

A Cold War classic from Disney!
This is the true story of one of the greatest escapes of the 20th century! The year is 1979. The Strelzyk and Wetzel families desperately want to leave Communist-controlled East Germany so they decide to build a huge hot-air balloon to carry them over to West Germany. Not only is it risky relying on a balloon to carry two families, they also have to avoid East German police. This is a well-crafted Disney film that the whole family will enjoy. The cast includes John Hurt, Jane Alexander, and a then-unknown Beau Bridges. Although I'm very happy to own this on dvd, this is a bare-bones dvd as far as special features go. At least the sound quality is better than my old vhs copy. Still, this is a very important and inspiring story that everyone should know about and I highly recommend this movie to people of all ages.

One of the most suspenseful films
This is one of the most suspenseful films ever made, even more so because it is a true story. I was back in the small town when the two families were preparing the balloon. Some of my friends in Poessneck knew them. The film actually captures the run down town, the anguish of the people living there and the absolute terror of the wall. This is one film everyone who loves freedom should see.

Flight for Freedom story highly recommended
Its hard not to be captivated by this enthralling true story of two family's desperate attempt to escape from east germany. The pacing is perfect, the finale will have you holding your breath. Jerry Goldsmiths score superb. Both John Hurt and Jane Alexander are brilliant. If you are a disney fan and were around in the early 80's and you never caught this film then now is your chance. Released in 1982, a very different film by the disney studios this is a truly remarkable picture. The studio experimented during this period with movies that would broaden the studio's horizon a little. TEX and Tron were released the same year. Night Crossing somehow didnt garner that much attention at the time, although it was favorably reviewed. Thankyou buena vista for taking it of the shelf, this is a perfect family film.