Straight Up:

Helicopters In Action

Documentary

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Vista Point Entertainment

Blu Ray

Region A

The DVD has been converted from the large screen Imax format and the tremendous quality is noticeable. The film features helicopters in a range of scenarios, some quite unexpected. The range shows the helicopter in detail as one of the most versatile aircraft ever designed.

The episodes show a sea rescue, smuggling interdiction, repair of high voltage power lines, a mountain rescue, humanitarian activities in Sierra Leone, insertion of military in enemy territory and saving a rhinoceros. Some of the footage looks like it may have been staged but the majority looks like genuine, helicopters-at-work footage. I was particularly impressed by the use of helicopters to place men on power lines to check their condition. The work is explained in detail and the worker concerned seems cautious but unconcerned by it, but I suspect there are few people who would take on such a job. As for the risk of the helicopter rotors fouling the power lines, it takes a skilled and cool-headed pilot to handle such a scenario.

The work is often dramatic but greatly unappreciated. The DVD highlights the humanitarian work, while constant news exposure seems to concentrate on the military uses.

In the extras there is an interesting section on how the Imax camera was mounted to helicopters. The technical work required to mount the camera and get the footage is tremendous. The film is a well-earned tribute to the helicopter and the men who pilot them.

Reviews appear on the Synergy website with a single cover image. In the digital and print edition, reviews appear with multiple images and with expanded content.

This review will appear in Volume 4 No. 2 of the digital and print edition of Synergy.

We recommend you download the free digital edition (or buy the print edition) to get the most from Synergy. The print and digital editions of Synergy also include a large selection of articles and features not found on the website. If you have a limited download quota you can view the digital edition via the Issuu viewer on the digital edition page.

If you came to this page directly (and missed our menu), click here to go to the front page of Synergy Website or use the following link: http://www.synergy-magazine.com