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The documentary opens with a sequence in which a rescue helicopter is called into to assist a mother and her son. When their car is buried by an avalanche. This is just one of many staged sequences which show different types of helicopters and how each one is used. Some of the other sequences include the coast guard combating drug traffickers, power line repairmen at work, working with endangered animals in Africa, UN workers providing supplies and aide, extracting marines and a daring coast rescue of two men who’s boat took on too much water because of a storm. In between these demonstration sequences this documentary features a narration from Martin Sheen, who provides background on the evolution of helicopters. Even though the background information is always interesting. It is the helicopters in action which drive this documentary. And visually this documentary excels in every way. Ultimately Straight Up: Helicopters in Action is a thrilling look into the world of Helicopters.

The BluRay:

Straight Up: Helicopters in Action comes on a 25 GB single layer BluRay. The film is presented in a 1080 progressive anamorphic widescreen. This is a strong transfer that has no problems with compression or edge enhancement. Details look crisp and the image remains strong throughout.

This release comes with one audio option, a Dolby Digital TrueHD mix in English. The audio is clear and balanced throughout. With the more ambient sounds being well represented in this audio mix. Also included with this release are removable SDH English subtitles.

Extras for this release include a trailer for the film, a twenty minute behind the scenes segment that discusses the origins of the project, eighteen minute segment titled ‘Careers in Action’ that features comments from various individuals who fly the helicopters like the ones featured in this film and a audio commentary with director David Douglas. Overall Straight Up: Helicopters in Action gets a first rate release from Vista Point Entertainment.