The Great Escape (Criterion Collection) (1963) on DVD

Actor: Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, James Donald, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasence, James Coburn, Hannes Messemer, David McCallum, Gordon Jackson
Director: John Sturges
Genre: Drama
Year: 1963
Studio: Criterion Collection
Length: 172 minutes
Released: 5/12/2020
Rating: Not Rated (MPAA Rating)
Format: DVD
Misc/Special Features: NTSC, Two audio commentaries, Interviews with cast and crew, and McQueen’s son, Chad McQueen, New interview with critic Michael Sragow, A four-part 2001 documentary about the real-life escape from the Stalag, Luft III POW camp, A program on the U.S. Army Air Forces pilot David Jones, the inspiration for McQueen’s character, And more.
Language: English
Subtitles : Yes

DESCRIPTION:

One of the most exciting adventure tales ever told, this action epic recounts the planning, execution, and aftermath of a daring true-life escape from a German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, in which 250 men attempted to tunnel their way to freedom. In the role that cemented his superstar status, Steve McQueen plays the motorcycle-racing daredevil who sets out to foil the Nazis, alongside an all-star cast that also includes Charles Bronson, James Coburn, James Garner, and Donald Pleasence. The expert direction of John Sturges, eminently hummable Elmer Bernstein score, and rip-roaring stunts come together in what may just be the most spectacularly entertaining prison-break movie of all time, a rousing ode to the determination, camaraderie, and courage of everyday heroes.
TWO-DVD SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES • New, restored 4K digital transfer • Alternate 5.1 surround soundtrack • Two audio commentaries, one from 1991, featuring director John Sturges and composer Elmer Bernstein; the other, from 2004, featuring actors James Coburn, James Garner, and Donald Pleasence • New interview with critic Michael Sragow • “The Great Escape”: Heroes Underground, a four-part 2001 documentary about the real-life escape from the Stalag Luft III prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, including interviews with POWs held there • The Real Virgil Hilts: A Man Called Jones, a 2001 program on the United States Army Air Forces pilot David Jones, the inspiration for Steve McQueen’s character in the film • Return to “The Great Escape,” a 1993 program featuring interviews with Coburn, Garner, actors David McCallum and Jud Taylor, stuntman Bud Ekins, and McQueen’s son, Chad McQueen • Trailer • PLUS: An essay by critic Sheila O’Malley