Piece Of Cake [DVD] [1988]

OK lets get the critical bits out of the way first! Those in the know will tell you that most if not all of the spitfires shown are much later generation planes and weren't around at the Battle of Britain. Others will comment about wooden characterisation and the slowness of the plot in the first few episodes but this misses the entire point - this is a piece of work that actually recreates the feel of a by-gone age. The issues of class, the boredom of the phoney war and the sudden explosive deaths that came with the Battle of Britain are all captured vividly as is the ambiguity of some of the French citizens towards the Brits.A Piece of Cake captures a pivotal moment - the RAF at the outset of the war is class bound, unprepared and death comes not from German fighters but bad landings ( the first CO learns his lesson the hard way) and mistakes - shooting down your own planes. As the scene moves to France where a new CO takes over and train his men in what can only be described as suicidal tactics in the air, the ground scenes lay bare the brittle class structure. The drama gradually builds with the increasing tension as real war looms, practise becomes more urgent and deadly. When real war break out the results are explosive including allowing their CO to fly to his death rather than follow him and suddenly characters who seemed safe in the air are falling like leaves. The characters are of their time and are believable - Moggie is wonderful as a class ridden bully with a fine line in quiet sneering. The ariel scenes are stunning thanks to the late Ray Hanna and the famous flying under the bridge is for real ( no CGI here) and the palpable sense of relief when he makes it is genuine.This is a slow burn drama but it does burn deep. An excellent cast, stunning scenes and real people facing stark choices and not always getting it right. Story telling at its best

First saw this British produced series on TV more than 20 years ago. DVD transfer is very good considering the age of the source material. If you like Spitfires and stories that realistically depict the build up for the Battle of Britain, this is your series.The DVD is nicely packaged and well produced. The shipping was fast considering I live in the U.S. The seller is very professional. I would order from this seller again. For those of us in the Colonies, the DVD is Region 2. Not a problem if you have a region free player, which is always a good idea since many fantastic programs from Europe don't make it across the pond.

A stout hearted effort to bring Derek Robinson's blistering novel of World War II fighter pilots to the screen. The source material is a cracking antidote to the hero worship paperbacks so common. Instead it has a cast of venal, foolish, selfish, fearful - but also human and engaging - characters thrown into a very badly organised air war. The 80s series is saddled with many compromises, the jumpy script, Spitfires instead of Hurricanes and UK TV production values which are slightly embarassing compared to the HBO mega blockbusters. But its still a standout effort, preserving the flavour of the book and hog-heaven for anyone who thrills to the sound of a Merlin engine. The lack of extras is also a pity, as the making of would be an absorbing tale.

Wonderfully authentic, brillantly made and good type casting of the -nice and nasty - humans taking part. Stunning backgrounds help make a good film in it's own right. Then comes the icing on the cake. The original story was made about a Hurricane squadron and the trials and tribulations match that aircraft. However, the aeroplane stars are match too strong for the part but who cares as we watch those glorious Mark Nine Spitfires flown by some of the best aerobatic pilots of the day. (Never before in the field of human video have so many been represented - successfully - by so few) Luftwaffe squadrons can count their luck that they did not meet that crew in 1940. A Television mini series allowed the producers far more time than cinema does and they have used it well. My new DVD will replace the original (worn out) VHS!

Really chuffed to find this on the browse - remembering it from my youth! A good interpretation of the book (Except for them using Spits instead of Hurricanes - but then its the characters that are critical!). Portrays a gritty, less popular version of the Battle of Britain. Personally, I found the more flawed characters made me appreciate the bravery of the men involved even more. Great casting - done clearly on a tight budget, but the plot means you don't really notice too much. The picture quality reflects its age, especially on the blu-ray, but as long as you are aware of that, you'll have a bit of a treat.

Great flying sequences. Good portrayal of the losses and strains of being a frontline fighter pilot during a very critical period for the RAF . Worth a watch definately.

This is a set of DVD's about a fictional squadron, during WW2. The antics the pilots get up to are feasible, without being OTT. The film only vaguely follows the book, which I also have, but if you like watching Spitfires, and hearing Merlin engines, this is for you.

Quite simply superb. I vaguely remembered watching this back in the eighties when i was a kid. Decided to get the DVD after recently reading Derek Robinson's book of the same title (also excellent) which the series is based on. Just shows what a solid story with excellent acting can do, no overproduced flashy CGI here! all the spitfires were actually flown! A real treat.