The First of the Few (aka Spitfire) [Blu-ray]

I liked the shirt and very satisfied!

Great movie

I thought this movie was okay. I wasn't thrilled but it was a pleasant way to spend almost 2 hours. I just wanted to let other shoppers know a few things about it. First, I bought the version of this film from the Reel Vault production company and the print was very good. (I did not buy the Blu-Ray copy.) I was really surprised how clear it was! The sound was also pretty good although I found it a little difficult understanding all of the dialogue with the British accents. And unfortunately there are no subtitles. But there was no crackling or anything like that. Very clean print and sound! I wasn't expecting that due to the other reviews I read. I spent a lot more money for a Criterion copy of another old WWII British film, I Know Where I'm Going, and was disappointed with it. The print and sound were horrible! Secondly, this Reel Vault dvd was the original UK long version of the film, not the shortened 90 minute US version. So overall, I was pleasantly surprised that it was such a good copy of an old movie for the price! However, even though the characters were likable, I found the story and pacing just average.

The dominance of the Battle of Britain by the daring British pilots saved England from invasion in WWII. This movie provides some history of one man’s vision for the design of the SPITFIRE fighter aircraft. This plane and the HURRICANE enabled air dominance by Britain.

After decades of inferior copies, this blu-ray from Odeon makes up for the deficit. Released during WWII as a propaganda film, it tells the story of R.J. Mitchell and his development of the Spitfire fighter plane. The movie has been in the public domain for decades, which meant that every little company turned out whatever crappy copy they had access to.This region-free blu-ray is the best copy that I have ever seen. While it has some of the expected flaws in the source material that one would expect of a film from 1942, it is routinely sharp and clear. Well worth the money. It includes some interviews with David Niven and a documentary on the RAF in the war.Leslie Howard produced and directed the movie as well as starring in it. It was his last film before being killed when the Germans shot down a plane he was in (persistent rumor has it that they thought the plane was carrying Churchill, true or not).A good movie not to be missed.

THE FIRST OF THE FEW (1942) is a fictionalized story of British aircraft designer Reginald Mitchell, and his race to create the legendary Supermarine Spitfire. Mitchell produced his masterpiece while battling the cancer which ultimately claimed him in 1937; the film takes a few liberties with biographical details, but as wartime propaganda it's meant to be emotional rather than cut-and-dried history. The film features not only actual RAF Fighter Command pilots in cameo roles, but a rousing sequence with aerobatics performed by Supermarine pilot Jeffrey Quill (the Spitfire's developmental test pilot all the way through the war).Tragically, Leslie Howard himself became a casualty of the air war in Europe; while in Portugal on an ostensibly non-governmental mission, Howard was targeted by German Intelligence agents. The civilian airliner on which he was flying home was attacked by Luftwaffe fighters, and shot down with no survivors. He never lived to see the full success of his final film. It survives today as a memorial both to Leslie Howard and to Reginald Mitchell, and a tribute to Britain's determination to survive against attempted invasion. It also celebrates the magnificent creation which is the Spitfire itself---and has no doubt added to the popular mystique which the airplane has acquired over the last seventy-plus years.(NOTE: the best Region 1 DVD version I've seen is from Odeon Entertainment's 'Best Of British' collection.)

Propaganda? yes, but to see footage of original Spitfires (made in 1942!!) in action is priceless. As an Englishman I am moved to tears with this film. The Documentary at the end is wonderful knowledge. Thank you for this restoration and having it stream. This is History!

This is the definitive film on the development of the legendary Spitfire. Directed by and starring Leslie Howard, it was his final on-screen appearance. It came out the year before he died (in 1943, returning to the UK from Spain in a commercial KLM DC3 airliner, shot down by a German Ju 88C6 fighter bomber at a location dead center between Ireland and the northwestern tip of Spain.)Note that the sequences of the Supermarine S4 in 1925 were archival footage of the actual plane.

Excellent DVD. Well worth purchasing. A well made film with a good cast of actors. If you are not familiar with the story of the Spitfire, this is the film to watch.

Strong cast and a very patriotic storyline. Nothing to dislike.

Great Supplier and product would use again

A classic film featuring active Battle of Britain pilots at the time. Gives one a real feel for the battle and the human cost.

Excellent film.