Product Description

Oscar® winner George Clooney (Syriana, Ocean's Thirteen) and Emmy nominated Noah Wyle ("ER," "Librarian: Quest for the Spear") head an all-star cast in this tense and powerful Cold War thriller performed live on network TV (CBS). An electrical malfunction prevents the Pentagon from stopping a pilot (Clooney) whose jet has been mistakenly ordered to drop nuclear bombs on Russia. Facing world nuclear annihilation the American President (Richard Dreyfus) must choose between an all-out war or the planned nuclear bombing of New York City as compensation. Based on Sydney Lumet's classic 1964 "Playhouse 90" presentation from the novel by Harvey Wheeler and Eugene Burdick. Directed by Oscar-nominee Stephen Frears (The Queen, The Grifters, Dangerous Liaisons). All-star cast includes Richard Dreyfus, Noah Wyle, George Clooney, Don Cheadle, Harvey Keitel, James Cromwell, Hank Azaria, Sam Elliott.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40223 in DVD
• Brand: Warner Brothers
• Released on: 2007-06-05
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Formats: Black & White, NTSC, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 84 minutes

Customer Reviews

Excellent Remake of a Chilling Movie
As someone who grew up in the shadow of the Cold War, this movie has always intrigued me. A truly scary premise especially now that the machines have taken over (sorry, that's a Cyberdyne joke).

This made-for-TV remake was broadcast live in 2000 and I was most impressed. I am a technical flaw-spotting fiend and I only spotted one glitch - I'll let you find it.

The plot is already explained so I'll address the cast - well chosen, and the production values - top-notch. Live TV is most unforgiving and this was pulled-off in good fashion.

Sadly this scenario has been supplanted by terrorism but nevertheless, for those who recall the truly excellent 1964 version, this modern take still manages to grip you with suspense. Once I finish this review I am ordering a copy. You should do the same.

What gives here?
This adaptation of Fail Safe is disappointing. With a terrific story and a number of very fine cast members, it's hard to know why this has fallen flat on its face. Perhaps it was due to the live television format in which it was broadcast in 2000 (not really done since the late 50's and early 60's.)

Perhaps one problem is the tendency to compare it to the 1964 film with Henry Fonda, Dan O'Herlihy, Walter Matthau, Frank Overton, Larry Hagman and others, all of whom did an excellent job.

In this version, for example, I had trouble imagining Richard Dreyfuss (the President) in anything other than one of his comedic roles. Brian Dennehy as General Bogan you would think would be a stand out but you hardly notice him there. Harvel Keitel, one of my very favorite actors, seems wooden and bored as he delivers his lines.

One thing I liked about this presentation was a small twist they add regarding a last minute communication to the bomber pilot (George Clooney) from his family.

The story itself needs no exposition here. It is a riveting story set during the cold war. I read the book in junior high and first saw the 1964 version a couple of years before reading the book. The movie is as powerful for me now as it was when I saw it more than 40 years ago.

I give Clooney (the producer) credit for trying to revive an old style live television drama. I think it was a good idea to try. This production just has no fizz.

Still, if you are a fan of the story itself I would recommend you see it. If you've not seen the 1964 movie yet, see this TV version first.

Classic Life Television
When I ordered this DVD I expected a movie production. I don't know where I got that impression but when I watched the opening credits I remember feeling disappointed, cheated almost to the point of stopping the DVD. I am glad I didn't. It took a few minutes for me to adjust to the medium in which I was experiencing art. I am old enough to remember Studio 90, Hallmark Hall of Fame or even life productions of Howdy Doody and situation comedies. This DVD put me back in an art form that does not exist anymore and I miss it. I have read the book and now experienced the live television production. A classic with modern applications