Of all the 'disaster' films of the 70's, this one is by far my favourite and I've never understood why it gets so many bad reviews. George C Scott is excellent, the supporting cast is great, the film looks great and-most importantly-it's a well-paced, exciting story. Perhaps this is another example of a film regarded as a failure when first released and is still thought of as an expensive flop.
shareI agree that The Hindenburg was seriously under-rated. As a historical re-creation of a lost era, it was right on the button. It was well-researched (check out the website on this at http://www.airships.net/hindenburg/interiors), and the effects were state-of-the-art, without being intrusive. I'm an SFX buff, and so I really think the reissued DVD deserved a better effort via a remastered digital transfer to clean it up. Nevertheless, it's better than having it on VHS tape.
The cast were very good, especially Anne Bancroft, and George C Scott. Even Roy Thinnes (The Invaders) did well. The story did not let them down, and did not take undue liberties with the facts. As a "disaster movie" it was a cut above the rest, and a credit to Robert Wise.
Finally, the choice of soundtrack music (by David Shire) added an absolutely appropriate elegaic atmosphere to what was basically a melancholy celebration of a bygone era, warts and all. The reprise of that music at the end (when the zeppelin, and SFX technicians, did one last encore alongside the original famous commentary) was right on. Albert Whitlock was awarded a Special Achievement Oscar (in the days before there was a separate category for Special FX). I hope one day a Collector's Edition complete with "making of..." item will be released.
I am not a fan of this movie. I will try to explain what I don't like about it. First, George C. Scott playing a sympathetic Nazi during that era? As good as he is the character is laughable. The OP mentioned it was "fast paced and exciting" and that is where I disagree the most. Everyone knows what really happened to the Hindenburg so there is absolutely no suspense whatsoever as to what will come so that takes all the excitement out of the film. SPOILER*** Is there really any excitement when Scott is trying to difuse the bomb? How can there be? I guess those that do not know the real events might like the film more but I ended up being quite bored by it.
shareI have to agree with jrs-8 that this film was a total boor and a mere pretense of drama. I thought the way the destruction sequence was handled was especially weak.
shareNot much for disaster movies, but I've started watching a few. I'll try and check this one out. I'm familiar with the conspiracy theory on IN SEARCH OF... and stuff. I actually slipped my mind until today that there was a movie about it.
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best movie i've seen this year
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