The Flight of the Phoenix

It's unfortunate that this review will never get much attention since Amazon groups all reviews of a film together. This review focuses on the very special Criterion release.I first watched Flight of the Phoenix on TV during a Sunday matinee, or at least most of it. I probably watched it two more times before ever seeing the entire film. While not a perfect film, I have always held it in high esteem. I'm was a little surprised it took this long to get a proper restoration until I learned that it was considered a box office flop. The second I saw a pre-order for it on Amazon, I put it in my cart. I've been waiting patiently for 2 months for this film to arrive.For suspense, I rate Phoenix up there with some of the best. It's not quite on the level of Sorcerer, but it is very nerve-wracking if you don't know the final outcome. I have never been a huge Jimmy Stewart fan. He epitomized everything I didn't like about Hollywood in that era. He always played unrealistic, moralizing characters. Phoenix was quite a change for him. I know he has done many other serious roles, but Phoenix really showcases his range and I admire him for taking the role. It's a truly great performance for Stewart. Attenborough has such a distinguished career that it's hard to say this is one of his best, but it's a very strong performance nonetheless. The only real dud is Ernest Borgnine in a truly cringe-worthy performance as a lunatic.As for the Criterion presentation it's really good, but not exceptional. This is only a 2k remaster, but I don't believe a 4k remaster would have done anything more for the film. Colors look good and there is plenty of resolution, but there's also a lot of grain. I just finished watching the 4k remaster of The Godfather and, while there are only 6 years separating those two films, the difference is immense. I wish Phoenix could look that good, but this is undoubtedly as good as it will ever look.Despite having sat through a 2.5 hour film and desperately needing to use the restroom, I couldn't finish before watching both documentaries. Unfortunately those and a trailer are the only film extras, but I suppose it's hard to find anyone with much first-hand knowledge of the production who's still alive. It's a little light on extras compared to something like an Arrow special edition or other Criterion releases, but I'm not disappointed. The documentaries were interesting and I had no idea Jimmy Stewart was actually a bomber pilot.Even though this doesn't rank up there with the best Criterion releases, it's a strong effort and a great film so I'm overjoyed to finally have it in my collection. One final thing: there's an awesome easter egg in the box and probably the best supplement I've ever found in a Criterion release. It's paper cutout of the Phoenix. This more than makes up for the limited film extras and I was really surprised to find it in there.