Secret World of Military Aviation Revealed in American Fighter Pilot  5/20/05

Legendary Filmmakers Tony Scott and Ridley Scott Reveal the Secret World of Military Aviation in 'American Fighter Pilot'

Acclaimed New DVD from Hannover House features stunning aerial footage and a rare 'insider's look' at the intensity of fighter pilot training

LOS ANGELES, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Hannover House and Zeal Pictures have joined forces with legendary filmmakers Tony Scott and Ridley Scott to create a stunning new DVD boxed set like no other. "American Fighter Pilot" is a 7- hour, three-disc adventure into the secret and dangerous world of Military Aviation. Shot on location at Tyndall Air Force Base, and produced with the cooperation of the Air Force and Pentagon, this DVD set is a must for every collector, from mainstream audiences to hard-core aviators.

"American Fighter Pilot" presents a serious examination of Air Force culture and the profound responsibility of warriors-in-training. The glory and glamour of being an F-15 "Eagle Driver" is presented as a noble privilege, in addition to the sheer adrenaline rush of piloting the Air Force's most versatile jet-fighter killing machine. Coproduced by Top Gun director Tony Scott and his director brother Ridley, and created with intelligent focus by Jesse Negron, AFP follows every stage of a pilot's rigorous 110-day training, where "Top Gun" hopefuls endure an intense regimen of academics, flight simulation, two-man flights with intensely critical trainers, solo flight tests, basic fighter maneuvers, weapons deployment, dogfight combat scenarios and, ultimately, the selection of a "Top Gun" pilot in each graduating class.

There's plenty of high drama and male bonding to accompany AFP's wall-to- wall soundtrack. Much of the program's appeal comes from its focus on three well-chosen pilots-in-training: a promising Top-Gun candidate with prior experience as a B1 Bomber pilot; a devout Christian and expectant first-time father; and a hot-shot maverick who learns there's more to being a fighter-ace than living the Tom Cruise lifestyle. The different personalities of these three pilots give the program a perfect blend of style and substance, and the constant threat of failure gives each of them added depth and conviction that anyone can relate to. These are proud, respectable young men who are living their dream, but AFP never forgets the higher purpose to which they've been called. A impressive "making-of" bonus DVD featurette from director Jon McCallum shows how the series' amazing in-flight footage was achieved.

"American Fighter Pilot" will be released on June 7th from Hannover House and is priced at $24.95 for the three disc DVD set. The program is also available for immediate shipment from on-line retailers such as Amazon.com. SOURCE Hannover House

-0- 05/20/2005