Aerodrome (2014) watch online HD

When I watched Aerodrome, the mysterious case of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 still fascinated the world and dominated virtually all cable news coverage. If only those same news programs would screen Devin Pickering and James Foster's touching documentary about early aviation preserved and recreated in New York's historic Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, perhaps it would restore some much-needed faith in the miracle of human flight.

The film beautifully captures a fascinating pastime as it showcases classic aircraft and interviews with pilots and others who contribute to the Aerodrome's storied success. The spectacular cinematography and simple but effective score largely contribute to a wonderful sort of longing for the past that remains a fairly constant theme throughout the motion picture – the sense of nostalgia is so strong I couldn't resist the urge to call it a "motion picture." I've never flown a plane, but when the film brought me up in the air with breathtaking live in-flight shots, I immediately understood why these men are so passionate about what they do.

Aerodrome positively reinforces a personal belief of mine that pilots are under-appreciated in American culture. You don't even need to have a passion for aviation to enjoy the experience (although if you don't, you probably will by the end); all the film asks you bring forth is an appreciation of history and the people who work to preserve it.

It's a rare chance to witness these old school planes take flight and have a piece of functional history played out before you. In a very poetic manner we listen to how all these different people, who work at Rhinebeck's Aerodrome upstate NY, are touched by the same experience in different ways. One man is continuing the dream of his friend by rebuilding and restoring the planes. Another man is reintroduced to the reason he got into aviation in the first place.

With the amazing in flight shots we get a sense of why these people are so passionate about the restoration of these planes and how this experience differs from current methods of flight. It's a very tempting opportunity to get away from current world distractions and step back in time. It's not just a documentary but because of editing choices and personalized interviews it becomes a story. It's a story about men who want to fly back in time.

Have you heard of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome? No? Well I'm sure you're not the only one. Categorized as a true "living" Museum it's located in the historic town of Rhinebeck, New York. In this hidden treasure hides the one of the largest collection of early airplanes in the world. Yet, what makes this spot unique is that the history literally jumps off the page as these artifacts get to take flight in their weekend air shows. Known as "The only real time machine on Earth" Aerodrome is an original documentary by up and coming filmmakers Francesco Cordaro, Devin Pickering and James Foster. I was hesitant to view this film because it usually takes a lot for me to watch documentaries. It is just generally a genre of film I tend to shy away from unless the subject matter is of utmost concern for me—and being only five feet tall I don't spend a lot of my time 40,000 feet in the air…or thinking about it mind you. But after the opening sequence I was sold. I understood the draw. Not everyone is interested in planes but everyone wants to fly.

Speaking of that opening sequence—it takes minutes for the world to be created in this documentary. It established this immediate feeling of nostalgia for Americana. A way back. A look into what made this country tick and a peek at simpler times; sans iphones and twitter. This opening sequence features slow panning cameras juxtaposed with vibrant colors to create an insatiable tone that sucks the viewer in immediately. What "Aerodrome" does so eloquently is that it creates a bond between the viewer and the planes themselves. Once this relationship is in place it only deepens as the film continues. Then come the interviews. I'm a sucker for on-location interviews and an even bigger sucker when the interviewee in question is an adorable elderly man. Depicting the story of 'the romantic side of flying' as the film progresses we learn why these men work at the Aerodrome—and more importantly why these men want to fly…what it means to fly. To fly is to be free—to fly is to have no separation between the Earth and sky. In short anything is Possible.

With every interview the story builds these natural swells until it reaches what I believe to be the cinematic climax with a superb aerial shot that accurately depicts the feeling of flight. It's a marriage between the shot and the soundtrack that allow this film to live happily ever after. Speaking of the soundtrack…which could easily be billed as best supporting actor. As if it wasn't ambitious enough to take on this material and make it modern and relevant Pickering and Foster composed the soundtrack themselves. Let me tell you it's something I want a copy of. One can't help but smile when listening to it. "Aerodrome" is the unspoiled and unadulterated recounting of a small piece of Americana…and I want a second slice!

This short documentary about the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in upstate NY is absolutely gorgeous. I had no idea what to expect when I went to a special screening of the film at nearby Bard College... after all, it's just a bunch of dusty old planes in a field, right? Wrong!

It's actually an intimate and beautifully photographed look into a near-magical place and the people whose passion make it (literally) fly. The filmmakers take you along for the ride - you get to experience wide-screen flight in a pre-WWI cockpit - but also invite you to enjoy the exquisite details of these marvelous old planes, and the real love of flight shared by their pilots. Period-appropriate music lends a sweet (but never cloying) nostalgia to the images on screen, and expertly edited interviews provide insight into what makes the Aerodrome the special place it is.

I'd love to see this film again! What an amazing ride.