Living in the Age of Airplanes [Blu-ray]

At the opening of the film, “Living in the Age of Airplanes”, narrator Harrison Ford suggests that you “leave behind everything you know about airplanes”. And while this may seem at odds with the title, it is indeed sage advice, for only with a blank canvas can one truly appreciate the significance of this film.We were all born into the age of airplanes and as such have grown to accept and expect all that goes with the forgotten miracle of flight. The golden era when we hoisted the likes of Lindbergh onto our shoulders has passed and given way to a time when airplanes are seemingly more a source of frustration if queues are too long and delays impacting on our well-laid plans.We have forgotten that man’s journey took 200,000 years to migrate across continents and nearly as long to increase our average speed to anything above walking pace. Straddling the globe within a day is now our expectation and the wonder has been lost for many. This latest film by Brian Terwilliger reminds us of that miracle.Set to amazing cinematography, meaningful narration and an emotive soundtrack, “Living in the Age of Airplanes” was filmed in 18 countries and across all 7 continents. It cleverly highlights the role of aviation in our lives as both humankind and as individuals. It is a film that both educates and emotionally connects with the audience in a way that few films can.For the devotees of Terwilliger’s first film, “One Six Right” - this film is different. The screen is still filled with breathtaking shots, but they do not solely feature aircraft as this film has a far broader message to convey. That being said, the film also comes with over 40 minutes of “Special Features” for those yearning for more airborne footage. Alaskan flying, canary yellow biplanes over Africa and airliners passing close by – they are all there.Sometimes, we can lose focus when we stand too close. This movie eases us back and sits us down to view the modern-day miracle of flight in the most majestic of ways. This film possesses the power, the emotion and the romance that truly comes with “Living in the Age of Airplanes”.Owen ZuppAuthor: 'Without Precedent' and '50 Tales of Flight'.Without Precedent: Commando, Fighter Pilot and the true story of Australia's first Purple Heart

Wonderful DVD/documentary is narrated by Harrison Ford (a licensed, highly-experience pilot who flies less sophisticated aircraft than the "Millenium Falcon")! When you imagine the timeline from the beginning of the Earth's existence all the way to present day, you realize that aviation is something that has only been around for a smidgen of time. Just keep in mind that the Wright Brothers flew a few hundred feet in a powered machine that most historians mark as the birthplace of aviation. Writing this in December 2016, that was a mere 113 years ago! I just read about a woman in Italy who is 117 years old! She's the last person we know of on the planet born in the 1800's!So, airplanes have evolved in a furious rush, in the grand scheme of things. From the humble beginnings at Kitty Hawk, NC, to present day, we've seen aircraft shed their second (and sometimes third or more) wings, develop alternative powerplants from internal combustion engines to powerful turbines, and competently carry from a single human being, to literally hundreds in a single flight!This beautifully-written and produced documentary captures all the magic and wonder associated with aviation. This film was created by the same team that produced the lovely "One Six Right" that highlights not only the marvelous joy of general aviation, but also the controversy surrounding the attempted destruction of the Santa Monica Airport by greedy city fathers. "Living" plays more like an inspired travelogue. Avoiding much of the controversial uses of aircraft through the century (I can't even write "centuries!") you are taken on a trip to virtually every corner of the world and points in between. On its way to describing the utility of the airplane, it takes us on a whirlwind tour of some of the most beautiful places on the planet. One never loses sight of the fact that nearly every place is just an airplane trip away! Can you imagine what Columbus would have thought in 1492?!Director/Producer Brian J. Terwilliger says it best:: “A mile of runway can take you anywhere.”

I bought this Blu-ray for my husband for Christmas. His thoughts:Living in the Age of Airplanes is a truly spectacular piece of creative media. Two important things to know – first, this isn’t just a montage of aircraft rotations and landings (although it has some amazing ones) – rather it answers the “So what?” of the impact of airplanes on our daily lives and society. Second, if you appreciate work that is well done, this is for you. Literally every shot is top notch and the soundtrack is outstanding and enhances the overall experience.We originally saw this in IMAX and it wasn’t what I expected, but after sitting completely impressed I realized there was much more to this film than great views of all types of airplanes. It’s a true study of how flight has contributed to the richest time in human history. As it points out, flying is so routine that we often forget this profound impact and the significance of advancement in the very recent world history.This film is so well produced that anyone can enjoy it, even if airplanes aren’t their thing. The bonus content on the Blu-ray is also great and shows the team’s commitment to the project. The seaplane above/below water view and the simulation of the earth’s aircraft traffic that is based on real flight positions are best in class and raise the standard for a project like this. And you can never go wrong with a view of a 757 from the fence at SXM or an aerial of the SFO airfield. With footage from every continent, this one wasn’t easy to make.It is difficult to find anything to criticize with this film. If I had to find something, it’s a bit A380 heavy, but the shots are stunning.From the story to cinematography to the overall commitment to quality, this is a highly recommended film.