Spark Movie Reviews

As much as the Cold War created tense times between America and Russia, the need to protect our American nation also drove some of the most significant technological advancements of the 20th century. Among them were the advancements in nuclear technology and a redefined role for the Navy as a strategic deterrent.

Regulus: The First Nuclear Missile Submarine documents one such advancement, as the silent service was quickly modified for use as a strategic deterrent against nuclear conflict through the development and implementation of the Regulus missile. A little known project, the Regulus was a quick solution to implementation of long-range nuclear missile launches that was eventually replaced by the Polaris, and later Trident submarines.

Other than the military significance of the weapon, the mechanical ingenuity of the times rings clear through the project as the old hands of World War II service come together to solve many of the problems through design enhancements to conventional WWII technology, filling a void until the modern nuclear submarine was developed and put into service.

My first introduction to the Regulus project was while visiting the Intrepid Museum in NYC, where the only remaining Regulus Missile Submarine "Growler" resides as a testament to the project. This documentary is well prepared, informative, and pays an important tribute to the men who designed and operated the Regulus Project and will be well received by anyone interest in the cold war era, submarines, or naval history.

This DVD was given to me by a friend who is aware of my penchant for military history. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much; I'm not a big missle fan. I popped it into the player and began work on my finances expecting it to be little more than mildly interesting. BOY WAS I WRONG! Before I knew it I was away from the computer and glued to the television irrevocably engrossed by the subject. Why this hasn't aired on the History Channel is beyond me. An EXCELLENT buy, packed with hours of bonna fide supplemental materials, not the normal thoroughly usless "garbage" so often foisted upon the consumer these days. Watch, learn, and enjoy. Trust me, you could do a heck of a lot worse...A WHOLE HECK OF A LOT!

Spark employs his eye for historical significance and his technical studio acumen to produce a piece worthy of both the National Archives and the History Channel! The Regulus sailors were uncommon men in uncommon times. The boats and crews were instruments thrown into the breach in the early days of the Cold War. "Regulus" focuses on the weapons delivery system - men and missiles - that stood watch until America could launch its ballistic missile fleet onto the world's stage. This is truely a MUST SEE for submariners and history buffs!