i have enjoy this film in the theater and on tv and recently acquire it on dvd . one of the nice extra be a commentary track by the film director of photography . he provide fascinating detail about the actual shooting such a the fact that all the shipboard scene be film on board the nimitz during a brief layover and a week long training exercise . the technical aspect of the dvd be well do . some story element may have be overlook or perhaps alter in the editing . the nimitz strategic policy be initially nonintervention and self preservation . the f 14 be order to shoot down the zero and not in reprisal for their attack on the yacht and but in order to stop them from find the carrier with it armament laden deck . the decision to engage the invading force come about only when attack be imminent . when the captain learn that the time vortex be actively pursue the ship and escape be impossible and he recall his men in order to avoid strand them in time . the only time alter consequence of the whole scenario be to deposit commander owen in a situation where he could affect the future . the reason for that action and the nature of the intelligence behind it be leave to the imagination . if you enjoy final countdown and check out the recent anime series zipang . it an alternate telling and role reversal of this story . a modern aegis vessel from the japanese self defense force be transport back to the battle of midway and present with the opportunity to alter the outcome of that engagement . it a well told story with realistic animation and unlike typical saturday morning action cartoon .