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We had so much fun watching Wing Commander on Discord last week and it was such a nice distraction that we thought we would try making it a regular event! And what could be more fun than going back in time to watch some of the classic movies that have been credited with inspiring Wing Commander? This week, we're watching The Dam Busters, one of the films Chris Roberts wanted the 1999 Wing Commander movie to emulate. Details about the film and how to find a copy follow.
The Dam Busters is a 1955 film which dramatizes Operation Chastise, a daring 1943 air raid in which specially trained British bomber crews dropped purpose-design "bouncing bombs" to destroy German dams. It's considered a classic war and aviation film, particularly in the United Kingdom where Wing Commander Guy Gibson's World War II heroics are revered. The film is also famous for being a major inspiration for the original Star Wars' "Death Star trench" run… which, in turn, gave us Wing Commander III's Temblor bombing. Here's a YouTube video that compares the two sequences:
Beyond the trench, what's the Wing Commander connection? You'll have to listen carefully on Friday! The Dam Busters is one of two films that Chris Roberts cited as inspiration for the 1999 film's score. Here is his introduction from the score's liner notes:
When I set out to make "Wing Commander," I envisioned a classic World War II film as its model. Except that it was set in space, 500 years from now. This motif played strongly in the design and look of the picture. I also wanted it to play strongly in the score. I wanted the music to evoke some of the glorious old war film scores; full of heart, melody and heroic acts. "633 Squadron," "The Dam Busters" and other such classics came to my mind. When I first talked to David and Kevin about the score, they were in tune from step one.
In fact, my first conversation with David had him citing classic war film scores as a jumping- off point - and that was before I'd even pitched him on my 'WWII' in space concept! From that point on, I am happy to say I was in good hands. From hearing the first temps to being blown away by the orchestra on the scoring stage at Air Lyndhurst, I was constantly surprised and impressed. The sound they've managed to capture evokes epic movies from the fifties and sixties. It's some of the best space music I've heard, right up there with the classics we've all grown up with. The film required many things of the score, bravery, guts, youthfulness, mystery, danger, loss and redemption. David and Kevin delivered all that and hummable melodies into the bargain! (I guarantee you'll be whistling the title cue as you leave the cinema.) The film grows as a result. Bravo! Here's to working together again.
Chris Roberts
DirectorWhere can I find a copy of the movie for the watch party?
The Dam Busters is currently available for download via the Internet Archive. The film is not currently available for streaming or rent in the United States although it can be found on iTunes and similar services internationally. If you're interested in tracking down a physical copy, the only Region A Blu-ray currently available is part of a set of British war movies called "Their Finest Hour". The highest quality version on the market is StudioCanal's 2018 Blu-ray which is based on a recent 4K restoration. A Collector's Edition of the same is still available on the secondary market; this release is the only one that includes a 1.75:1 matted version which matches the film's premiere.
How do we watch the movie together?
It's pretty low tech! Simply join the Wing Commander CIC Discord on Friday and we will be chatting (in text) along with the film in the main channel. Everyone who wants to join in should bring their own copy and we will count down to play them together at 10 PM EST. Everyone is welcome and we encourage you to join in the conversation; sharing your thoughts helps make the experience better for everyone!
