Search - Fail Safe on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 4/27/2024...

Lots of stars in this but the movie can be used as a sleep aid!

Excellent Remake of a Chilling Movie

Mark R. Garner | New Orleans, LA USA | 06/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As someone who grew up in the shadow of the Cold War, this movie has always intrigued me. A truly scary premise especially now that the machines have taken over (sorry, that's a Cyberdyne joke).



This made-for-TV remake was broadcast live in 2000 and I was most impressed. I am a technical flaw-spotting fiend and I only spotted one glitch - I'll let you find it.



The plot is already explained so I'll address the cast - well chosen, and the production values - top-notch. Live TV is most unforgiving and this was pulled-off in good fashion.



Sadly this scenario has been supplanted by terrorism but nevertheless, for those who recall the truly excellent 1964 version, this modern take still manages to grip you with suspense. Once I finish this review I am ordering a copy. You should do the same."

What gives here?

Mountain Mike | Sioux Falls, SD United States | 04/20/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This adaptation of Fail Safe is disappointing. With a terrific story and a number of very fine cast members, it's hard to know why this has fallen flat on its face. Perhaps it was due to the live television format in which it was broadcast in 2000 (not really done since the late 50's and early 60's.)



Perhaps one problem is the tendency to compare it to the 1964 film with Henry Fonda, Dan O'Herlihy, Walter Matthau, Frank Overton, Larry Hagman and others, all of whom did an excellent job.



In this version, for example, I had trouble imagining Richard Dreyfuss (the President) in anything other than one of his comedic roles. Brian Dennehy as General Bogan you would think would be a stand out but you hardly notice him there. Harvel Keitel, one of my very favorite actors, seems wooden and bored as he delivers his lines.



One thing I liked about this presentation was a small twist they add regarding a last minute communication to the bomber pilot (George Clooney) from his family.



The story itself needs no exposition here. It is a riveting story set during the cold war. I read the book in junior high and first saw the 1964 version a couple of years before reading the book. The movie is as powerful for me now as it was when I saw it more than 40 years ago.



I give Clooney (the producer) credit for trying to revive an old style live television drama. I think it was a good idea to try. This production just has no fizz.



Still, if you are a fan of the story itself I would recommend you see it. If you've not seen the 1964 movie yet, see this TV version first."

Can you appreciate live? That is the question

Pauly | Central, MA USA | 09/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recreates the look and feel of live B&W television, back in the day, beautifully. As if there was a extra high quality episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents produced live in 1960. But in fact, it actually is live television. Which made it all the more impressive and interesting to me. I watched it live years ago and enjoyed it even more this time, without all the commercials. The atmosphere has a certain tension which I found to be fascinating. Bare in mind that this is nothing like a movie. It's like a stage play, but spread out over a large television studio with several separate sets. Nobody gets 19 takes to get it down perfectly. The overall effect will appeal to serious drama fans in particular I think. I can't stop myself from giving it one extra star for sheer originality. Fine performances, dialog, and pace. A unique and entertaining film. I don't know of anything else remotely like it.

"