When first contacted about reviewing this DVD, I wasn't sure just what to expect. Last week a package arrived with a two-set DVD and the simple title 'F4F Wildcat'. I had to wait a few days to view it as my DVD player on my computer had been FODed by an AOL disc that disintegrated while spinning up. After cleaning out the bits of broken CD, I put in the first disc.

Then the magic began.

What unfolds is a very slick and very well done history of the F4F Wildcat in both USN and Marine service. Starting with a brief opening on carrier aviation before the war, through the early battles in which the Wildcat was a major player, then continuing on use on escort and light carriers in both the Atlantic and Pacific.

This main part of the first DVD is a 45 minutes documentary and is beautifully produced. It flows superbly and includes a great deal of archival footage in both black and white and in color. I was unaware that so much quality movie footage was available. The producers went through great lengths to find the absolute best material and it shows. The second part of the first disc is a slide show of all the stills used in the main documentary. As good as it all looked on my computer, it looked even better when put in the DVD player attached to the TV.

The second disc includes all the raw footage from which various scenes were taken for the main feature. There are whole sections on the F4F, FM-2, prewar footage, battle footage, a walkaround of the F4F-3 at the Naval Aviation Museum, a film on towing (which shows the Wildcats capturing a cable in flight, feathering the prop, and being towed by a BD-1 Havoc). Finally, there is a section on the Thatch Weave.

Much of this additional footage is silent and in b&w though there are color films shown. A lot of it is carrier landings and various non-fatal mishaps. Frankly, as an old Vulture's Row attendee, I found all of this fascinating.

This is truly a superb production and an outstanding value for the money. No where else have I seen a better aviation documentary and having all of the raw footage from which it was made only adds to the enjoyment. I'm very much looking forward to the next one on the F-86 Sabre.

My highest recommendation.

Thanks to www.aircraftfilms.com for the review sample. You can get your copy direct by clicking on the hyperlink. It is bound to sell out fast!

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