Once an Eagle

Worth the Long Wait!
I have been waiting for years/decades for this mini-series to be released on home video. For those who don't remember, in the aftermath of the success of "Roots" for a brief period networks put a lot of money into producing miniseries programing. It was going to be the next big thing to save the networks (kind of like reality shows today).
As a result, this adaption of "Once An Eagle" is top-notch. The production values are outstanding and, to use a cliche, it features an all-star cast. Sure, the story of the two officers (once admirable, one despicable) is a little black and white, but it's still a whale of a story. The WWI and WWII periods are really entertaining, even if the story may drag a little in the middle. [Note to purists: the story ends in World War II, while the book continues on to the verge of the Viet Nam War, but it's much more dramatic this way.]
I can't believe that over seven hours of great entertainment is priced so reasonably, much less than a...

Incomplete miniseries
This DVD miniseries is in 2 disks. Disk 1 contains chapters 1,2,3 and disk 2 contains chapters 5,6,7,8. You will note that neither disk contains chapter 4. This is a major ommision. This probably accounts for the shortened running time which is far less than shown on the case. It probably also accounts for some of the 'name' cast characters not appearing at all in either disk. Also disk 1 has a hang up of about 2 minutes during which the screen does not advance. Additionally the color reproduction is poor. I have recommended to Amazon that they pull all copies of this product from their inventory and have the film studio provide Amazon with a complete and better quality version of the miniseries.

Classic Military Drama
I have not seen the new DVD release but I own the VHS tape version and I'm sure they are similar....with better quality on the DVD.
This is one of the very best military dramas to be shown on TV. It is based on the novel of the same name by Anton Myrer. The book is required reading in the military schools because through the two main characters the reader/viewer learns the difference in leadership style and what it takes to be a true leader of men.
The story traces the careers of 2 men from WW1 thru WW2. One is a martinet while the other is a leader. Action sequences are scattered throughout the movie but it is mainly the story of these two men and those surrounding them. It is also about the military "system" and the sacrifices soldiers...and their families... make to serve their country
I highly recommend both the book and the movie and look forward to the new DVD release. Anyone remotely interested in the military will enjoy both book and movie. It is NOT a "blood &...

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