Search - Rocketeer on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Violence, Questionable for Children Movie Release: 1991 DVD Release: 08/17/1999 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 48 mins Studio: Walt Disney Video Members Wishing: 23 Genres: Action, Fantasy, Superhero Film

After getting his start as a visual effects artist on the original Star Wars trilogy, Spielberg protege Joe Johnston found success as a director with his debut film, the blockbuster family adventure Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. For his sophomore outing, Johnston helmed this action-adventurer, set in 1930s Hollywood and in the spirit of old pulp comics and adventure serials, and co-adapted from the David Stevens graphic novel by Danny Bilson and Paul de Meo. Bill Campbell stars as Cliff Secord, an eager young pilot who finds himself in possession of a secret jet-pack that gives him the ability to fly. Cliff soon learns that screen-star Neville Sinclair (Timothy Dalton) will stop at nothing to get his hands on the rocket pack so he can give it to the Nazis. As The Rocketeer and with a little help from his mechanic friend played by Alan Arkin, it's up to Cliff to elude Sinclair, defeat the Nazis, and save his girlfriend Jenny (Jennifer Connelly). ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

Bill Campbell - Cliff Secord
Jennifer Connelly - Jenny Blake
Alan Arkin - Peevy
Timothy Dalton - Neville Sinclair
Paul Sorvino - Eddie Valentine

One of the best cinematic comic book adaptations, The Rocketeer was supposed to be the summer of 1991's big hit, but the vastly entertaining movie didn't find a big audience. Thankfully, this Walt Disney DVD release gives the fun, exceedingly good-natured movie a proper showcase, and the film has built up a large fan base over the years. Expertly directed by Joe Johnston and shot by Hiro Narita, the DVD looks great in this widescreen letterboxed format, which also shows off James D. Bissel's extravagantly retro production design. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround audio track sounds robust coming out of a stereo system or out of a television set. This edition doesn't come with any worthy DVD extras, but a future edition is sure to point out The Rocketeer's many in-jokes and homages to classic Hollywood films, old rumors, and actual history. ~ Nick Dedina, All Movie Guide