Strange Planes

Aviation buffs are sure to welcome this six-videotape collection--which focuses on strange evolutions in aviation--with open wings. Originally broadcast in a shorter version as part of the "The Discovery Channel"'s Wings series, each of the programs explores a different aspect of airplanes and aviation history. We watched a middle episode (Part 3) Eyes in the Sky, which charted the history of surveillance aircraft from the observation balloons used during the Civil War to modern aircraft, such as the legendary U2, and the SR71. Engaging, and often witty, narration by writer and director Luke Swan chronicles the development of aerial surveillance, including the first nighttime surveillance photography during the Korean War, the world newsmaking event of Gary Powers downed U2 reconnaissance mission into the Soviet Union, and the important part spyplanes played in the Cuban Missile crisis--when aerial photographs revealed the extent of the missile build-up in Cuba. A lively program, chock full of historical and contemporary film footage of planes. Other titles in the series are: Giants; Parasites; Drones, Mutants and Midgets; Vertical; and Strange Shapes. Highly recommended. (Available from: Atlas Video, Inc., 4300 Montgomery Ave., Suite 305, Bethesda MD 20814; as well as from major distributors.)