Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag (2004)

Director:

Stephen Low

Writers:

Denny Kuhr (writer)
Stephen Low (writer)

Release Date:

2 December 2004 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | Short

Plot:

Red Flag is the international training exercise for air forces of allied countries where many of the...

Plot Keywords:

IMAX

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

John Stratton	...	Himself (as Captain John Stratton)
Robert Novotny	...	Himself (as Major Robert Novotny)
Sam Morgan	...	Himself (as Major Sam Morgan)
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Randy Cason	...	Himself (as Tractor)
Michel Perron	...	Additional Voice
Charles Edwin Powell	...	Additional Voice (as Charles Powell)
Harald Winter	...	Voice (German Pilot)

Also Known As:

Air Force: The Battle for Red Flag (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

40 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:G | Australia:G

Company:

K2 Communications

Goofs:

Factual errors: In "in-flight" shots of Stratton's F-15 instrument panel, none of the displays are active.

The IMAX process has never been put to better use

Notwithstanding the outrageously low score awarded to this film by at least one self-proclaimed "frustrated" reviewer, this is a terrific flick.

Obviously (and thankfully) exploiting the spectacular IMAX technology, director Stephen Low provides us, the uninitiated, with shot after shot of awesome and awe-inspiring aerial combat and the planes that participate in it. This is a movie that simultaneously wows us with aesthetics and excitement. Indeed, isn't that what fighter pilots have said so often - that 'it's beautiful but scary up there'.

In addition to the breathtaking cinematography and heart-stopping action sequences, I was especially impressed by some of the less glamorous depictions. The shots inside the AWAC plane are simply exquisite. In fact, I would have guessed that the luscious views we see of the computer displays on board that intelligence craft would have forever remained off limits to us civilians. Likewise, we are treated to stunning panoramas of the airfield and runways at Nelles AFB. Wow! A super example of something that must be seen to be appreciated.

And that's just it. 'Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag', Low's brilliant work, allows us to SEE modern air warfare first hand and up close. The IMAX process has never been put to better use.