Angry Sky

2015
1h 30m

IMDb RATING

7.3/10

111

YOUR RATING

Fifty years before Felix Baumgartner and his epic skydive from space in 2012, there was Nick Piantanida, an eccentric and charismatic pet store owner from New Jersey who turned down an offer from the New York Knicks to pursue his dream of breaking the world record for highest parachute jump. The problem? He had no formal training, college education, or money. Though what he lacked in means he more than made up for in sheer determination. At the height of the Cold War, Nick managed to convince the US Army, investors, and engineers that he was the man for the job, and launched the first civilian space program. Insightful, and lively use of archival footage paired with stunning space photography brings us into the world of this unique underdog. Nick is a true larger-than-life figure who with his movie-star looks, loving family, and strong vision is a real inspiration. In interviews with friends and family he is remembered fondly, and clearly admired by many. Director Jeff Tremaine pieces together a remarkable portrait of Nick, cementing his place in history.

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Fifty years before Felix Baumgartner and his epic skydive from space in 2012, there was Nick Piantanida, an eccentric and charismatic pet store owner from New Jersey who turned down an offer... Read allFifty years before Felix Baumgartner and his epic skydive from space in 2012, there was Nick Piantanida, an eccentric and charismatic pet store owner from New Jersey who turned down an offer from the New York Knicks to pursue his dream of breaking the world record for highest par... Read allFifty years before Felix Baumgartner and his epic skydive from space in 2012, there was Nick Piantanida, an eccentric and charismatic pet store owner from New Jersey who turned down an offer from the New York Knicks to pursue his dream of breaking the world record for highest parachute jump. The problem? He had no formal training, college education, or money. Though w... Read all

Director
- Jeff Tremaine
Stars
- Kate Campbell
- Trevor Scott

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.3/10

111

YOUR RATING

Director
- Jeff Tremaine
Stars
- Kate Campbell
- Trevor Scott

See production info at IMDbPro

Videos1

Trailer 1:42

Trailer

Photos

Top cast2

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Kate Campbell

Janice Piantanida

Trevor Scott

Nick Piantanida

User reviews1

7.3111

Featured reviews

9planktonrules

I was surprised but this excellent documentary was from ESPN!

I never thought that jumping from a balloon in space to set a record for highest parachute jump was a sport. I am not saying it isn't--I just never thought about it that way. That is why I was a bit surprised when I started watching this and the film was apparently made by ESPN. This is not a bad thing at all, as almost every ESPN documentary I have seen is terrific...and the worst STILL being very good. And, as far as these films go, this one is among the very best.

This is the story of Nick Piantanida--a very strange thrill-seeking guy who held the record for highest any person had ever ascended in a balloon. Piantanida also wanted to hold the record for jumping from this balloon--at a height of about 22 miles!! Sounds insane, huh?!

The film begins with the very recent record breaking jump and the guy who holds this record. He was very humble as he said that doing such a jump today is pretty easy compared to 50 years ago when Piantanida was attempting to set the record--especially since he didn't have the money, experience or corporate backing he really would have been expected to have to try such a crazy stunt.

What follows is the life story of Paintanida and surviving friends, family and various experts all add to the story. Fortunately, film footage of the time also was available and together they make for a very compelling and exceptionally well made documentary. Well worth seeing--even if you think (like me) that this sort of stuff is really nuts!