Trinity & Beyond? The Atomic Bomb Movieis the top secret, strange and visually compelling history of the design, production and testing of Atomic Hydrogen bombs. In this special 60th Anniversary Diamond Edition, renown... more »ed special effects filmmaker Peter Kuran (Star Wars, Star Trek II & V, Robocop) offers up amazing film footage chronicling the top secret, strange and visually compelling history of the design, production and testing of Atomic Hydrogen bombs by the United States. With the development and use of award-winning new film restoration systems, Kuran has perfectly preserved these haunting images for generations to come. Narrated by William Shatner (Boston Legal, Star Trek), Trinity & Beyond features extremely rare film segments from top secret government archives and startling footage of nuclear bomb tests conducted by Great Britain and China, plus the largest atomic explosion ever created by Russia, and de-classified U.S. footage released to the public as recent as May, 2006. Whether being exploded under the ocean, suspended by a balloon, shot from a cannon or even detonated in space, these weapons are capable of devastating destruction - the quality of these images is as startling as are remarkable. With new footage shot with hi-definition cameras, this award-winning production also features an amazing explosion segment that must be seen with 3D glasses to truly take in its full impact. Trinity & Beyond features an original score performed by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra and an interview with Dr. Edward Teller a developer of nuclear weapons and one of the most controversial figures of the 20th century. Trinity & Beyond is an extraordinary production that provides an important understanding of events and the creations of technologies that have changed the world forever. Special Features: - Atomic Bomb 3-D Bonus Section - Live-Action Bomb Explosion with Actual Sound Delay - Mind-Blowing Photo Slide Show - Reference Chart of All The Nuclear Detonations by the U.S. Including Yields« less
Robert Eric Reiss | Poway, California | 08/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are a Cold War history buff, or if you can still remember the days when you participated in those drop and cover bomb drills while going to school, then you must see "Trinity and Beyond" on DVD. Filmmaker Peter Kuran has meticulously weaved together previously classified government footage of the numerous atomic bomb tests which were conducted at the height of the Cold War. Many of these secret films were painstakingly restored to level fully compatable with the DVD format. The images of the bomb blasts exhibit a stark and shocking beauty as superheated gases and fallout expand into the atmosphere. Another unsettling segment shows a mannikin "Ozzie and Harriet" family in their home. They are completely decimated during a bomb test to determine the effects of nuclear warfare on the civilian population.This documentary has a magnificent score performed by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra and is perfectly in-sync with the awe, beauty and destructive power of the atomic bomb blasts. The DVD version boasts a wealth of extra features for even the most die-hard DVD connoiseur. These extras include a fully interactive menu, a photo slide show, a separate CD track of the orchestral score, and even a 3D segment of an atomic explosion with 3D glasses included. After viewing the 3D segment, you may feel like taking a de-con shower!The narration by William Shatner is both informational and unbiased. Despite the interviews with Dr. Edward Teller (Father of the H-bomb) and others, "Trinity and Beyond" leaves it to the viewers to decide the ingenius foresight or the foolish arrogance of the scientists and soldiers who have harnessed the energy of the atom. This movie is also a powerful reminder of our past history. How ironic it would be to repeat this chapter again, especially in light of recent allegations that China has stolen America's most secret nuclear weapon designs."Trinity and Beyond" is not just another dry documentary. If you have invested a small fortune into your home theater system and DVD player, then rest assured. This DVD version of "Trinity and Beyond" will make your investment pay-off handsomely. Get this DVD now...and prepare to RUN, DUCK and COVER!"
Truly Horrifying
Xam | nyc | 05/06/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Forget hollywood special effects, This movie has the most powerful images that i've ever seen. I never realized the full extent of the horrific testing that was done by the U.S. and other nations. This really is a historical documentary of the development of nuclear weapons, so don't expect much scientific analysis or explanation. But it is a very well-made documentary with comprehensive footage of the various military nuclear projects, interviews with the nuclear scientists, historical newsreels, and of course tons of footage of A-Bombs and H-Bombs being detonated all over the place (in the upper atmosphere, underground, underwater, shot out of a canon, etc.) I really can't say enough about this interesting and visually striking movie. The images are enough to put anyone in awe and fear. The soundtrack is also great, and it accompanies the horrific images very nicely. Also, this DVD has some other nice features. The best is the short 3D movie, which explores one specific Nevada test site. I really liked this feature, It has some really cool footage which is even more striking in 3D. The photo slide show was also cool. The unedited bomb explosion wasn't that great, but it was alright. The total presentation of the DVD is certainly very nice, and the movie itself is simply amazing. I would highly recommend this product. 5 STARS!"
Heck yes!!!!
J. R. Highley | Springfield, Missouri United States | 04/07/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I would just like to start off by saying that this is BY FAR the best documentary I have ever seen and probably ever will see. I ordered the DVD (You should too!!) right after I saw it. One thing to remember...no matter how much of an A-bomb maniac you might be, no matter the dozens of documentaries you've seen, YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THIS FOOTAGE. One and only declassified images and videos from dozens of nuclear research and detonations. The score mixes seemlessly with the images to take your breath away at the sight of the huge, towering, yet beautiful behemoth of the mushroom cloud. Includes surface, underground, low atmospheric, undersea, and high altitude detonations, including the one that disrupted radio communications for 8 hours and damaged electrical circuits with it's Electromagnetic Pulse. This film is not too scientific for ANYONE!! Buy it, watch it, and memorize it, but for heavens sake, learn from it too!! Don't ever forget it!! But then again, you won't want to!!!"
Very Hard Movie to Rate
sympatico | San Francisco, CA USA | 08/28/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"It is quite hard to rate this documentary. On the one hand the footage is cleaned up so well and the sound quality so fantastic. On the other hand the narration leaves you with so many unanswered questions. The movie is so matter of fact yet the issues, in reality, go to the very core of every human life.I enjoyed watching the stunning visual display but would have liked less music to get a more real, and life like, feel of what it is like to be near an atomic blast.Some of the unanswered, and unasked, questions would be what is currently known of the effects of all those tests, under water, under ground, high in the stratosphere, and just above ground? What kinds of radiation was released and how long does it last and how can it effect life today?I am giving this documentary three stars but I still suggest it. I suggest it along with some other documentaries to fill in the gaps that this one leaves. The Atomic Cafe is a good place to start. No one beats the technical skill of this documentary however."
A Stunning, Important Document.
Mr. Fellini | El Paso, Texas United States | 08/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""The Atomic Bomb Movie" is the most impressive, visually stunning and well-assembled film ever made on the history of the nuclear bomb and the various tests that followed after the end of World War 2. It is a documentary made with real passion for the subject, the information and visual records. This is obviously Peter Kuran's baby (listen to the commentary track where he speaks about the awakening of his interest in nuclear testing and the eventual production of this film with the awe and wonder of discovery), every aspect of his dedication to the project is evident in how much information he gives us, the detail in the assembly and most of all, in the painstaking restoration of old military footage documentating numerous tests. Visually this is one of the most incredible films you will ever see. One can only watch in astonishment at the size and destruction and yet beauty we find in the shots of tests ranging from Bikini island to even outer space. For many a lot of what the movie shows will be shockingly new (for me the biggest surprise was indeed the information about nuclear bombs being detonated in space). Kuran takes inside of the effects of a nuclear blast, so much as to show us exactly what an attack scenario would be like if you were inside your home and a bomb was dropped. And all this is done with incredible clarity, a lot of the old footage has been lovingly polished to a gloss and rarely do any images look old or scratchy. All this is framed with William Stromberg's rich, epic score that marches and pulses with great gusto. "The Atomic Bomb Movie" is that special kind of documentary that is perfect for classroom exhibition but also an awesome experience for normal home viewing. Kuran has done a service by assembling this film because it is important to preserve this information for future generations. In his commentary Kuran stresses the importance of not letting people forget about the history of nuclear testing, so it doesn't repeat itself. Do not miss this film, it is important and unforgettable."