The Dam Busters (Retro Film)

SPECIAL EDITION * DIGITALLY RESTORED

NAMED ONE OF THE FIVE BEST BRITISH WAR FILMS IN HISTORY BY CHANNEL 4, UK

ONE OF GEORGE LUCAS' FAVORITE FILMS AND THE INSPIRATION FOR THE FAMOUS FINAL BATTLE IN THE FIRST STAR WARS

In 1943, the British have suffered major defeats and are desperate. An air raid on the three dams in the Ruhr area, the center of the German war industry, could turn the tide of the war. For this purpose, a revolutionary bomb is developed that will be able to cause the greatest possible destruction. The problem is that the planes must fly at an altitude of only 18 meters and drop the bombs with pinpoint accuracy - while the Germans return fire with full force! On May 16, Operation Chastise is launched. 19 Lancaster planes take off towards enemy territory in what will become the RAF's most daring and famous air raid ever.

In 1955, THE DAM BUSTERS became the biggest box office hit of the year in Britain. Michael Anderson, whose Around the World in 80 Days won an Oscar for Best Picture, directed the film. George Lucas was a great admirer of the film and “borrowed” heavily from it when he staged the final battle in the first Star Wars. Lucas’ choice of Gilbert Taylor as cinematographer for his film was therefore obvious. He was responsible for the Oscar-nominated special effects photography for The Dam Busters.

***** “ BRILLIANT WAR FILM! SO EXCITING IT WILL MAKE YOU SIT ON THINGS ” BBC

BONUS MATERIAL * The Making of The Dam Busters. Documentary about the filming (40 min) * 617 Squadron Remembers. Documentary where real-life greying aviation heroes are interviewed (56 min) * Restoration Featurette (5 min) * Original trailer * Image gallery