[await]

“Rainbase” and “Grandson” in their earlier postings are right. “The Red Baron” was actually shot in English and the German dialog was dubbed in afterwards. Perhaps that will give one reason to hope that the original English version will eventually make it to DVD even if the film never makes it to the big screen in the United States and Canada. Afterall, a lot of awful films go straight to DVD.

I’m not saying that “The Red Baron” is altogether awful. Just the script and some of the mis-en-scène are awful. The film does have much value from a visual standpoint. The CGI effects are generally top-notch and the aircraft mock-ups are quite nice to look at though almost none of them represent actual aircraft from Richthofen’s units and some genuine schemes have been altered in a whimsical fashion. Incidentally, I failed to mention in my posts in another thread ("The Red Baron on DVD described") that the scheme of Sternberg's Albatros is related to his name ("Stern" = "star"). Also, I think the witch I mentioned was inspired by the markings on one of Otto Hartmann's aircraft (Jasta 30).

The backdrops in which the aerial contests take place also have a certain grandeur. Some of them are in deep rich blue skies above strikingly white clouds, while others unfold in dark gloomy regions above smoky battlefields.

Because of the nice visuals, I must say that I don’t regret spending about $40 for the DVD. It is a must-have for fans of the genre. One must also appreciate the fact that, despite all its inaccuracies, the film does do something to help promote awareness of this era of aviation history in the popular consciousness.

I felt much the same way about “Flyboys.” All impromptu in-the-field flight training, daylight Zeppelin raids, out-of-place Fokker triplanes, unlikely behind-the-lines rescue operations, somewhat cartoonish villains, and questionable amputations aside, at least it made people aware of the existence of an “Escadrille Lafayette.” Maybe as a result someone will actually pick up a book on the subject!