This DVD review was submitted by Matt and Nikki Allard.

Wolfgang Petersen's Air Force One is a fast paced action thriller where Harrison Ford (has he ever been in a bad movie?) plays The President of the United States. There is a terrific supporting cast including Gary Oldman and Glen Close, but Harrison is the main man. Ford is a young, brash anti-terrorist advocate who surprises everyone by giving a tough speech telling the world that America will no longer negotiate with terrorists (all this after his own government goes into the former Soviet Union and kidnaps a commie general determined to return Russia to it's glory days).

If you think this is another "America aren't we the greatest, lets kick some arse" movie, then you're spot on the mark. As the title suggests, a group of Russian extremists get on board Air Force One by posing as a TV crew (perhaps the weakest part of the plot). Of course the bimbo media liaison takes the Russians on tour of Air Force One- telling them all about the security etc. At this point the plot is completely layed out for you within the first 25 minutes of the movie, but don't despair there's plenty of finger gripping action mayhem to come. 

Anyway the film moves along at terrific pace, with some fantastic air to air sequences. The editing is slick and fast, the action breathtaking and by the end of the film you feel like going to kick some of your own commie butt!! (I hope nobodies got Russian neighbours). 

SO HOW DOES THE TRANSFER HOLD UP?

I have been impressed with almost all of Columbia/Tri-Stars transfers (except perhaps CLIFFHANGER) and Air Force One is no exception. The widescreen versions picture is very slick indeed, the colour and contrast reproduction is almost film perfect and the Dolby Digital soundtrack is perhaps the best I've heard EVER!! (I've heard a lot of good DVD soundtracks.) The air to air scenes where a group of F-14 fighters are sent to protect Air Force One from a group of MIGS truly brings out the best of the soundtrack (chapter 33). The roar from the rear effects speakers and the groan of the sub during the action sequence will make you want to play this scene to all your friends over and over again (if only HEAT would come out on DVD- the greatest gun fight scene of all time).

Air Force One is packaged in a nice plastic hard case, but lacks a decent amount of extra features. The directors commentary is excellent (it's always great to find out how they did certain shots), but the rest of the features are just what you'd expect from the most basic of extra features.

This is a fantastic action thriller with a killer soundtrack. Anybody who likes to turn up their amp and be blown away I recommend this movie as a must have!!

Purchased from Ken Cranes in Orange County, California 28/6/98 $21.95US

Review Equipment: NEC LT80 single chip projector, SONY DVP-S7000 DVD player, YAMAHA RX-V 992 Dolby Digital Receiver, KEF Coda front speakers, KEF centre channel speaker, Cambridge Soundworks rear speakers, JAMO sub.

- First Reviewed 17/09/98