This is my kind of movie.  I love the concept about the Nazi's throwing all of the master escape artists from the war into the same, "unescapable" prison compound...unwittingly hording together the best prison-break minds around.  Every second of this 3hr movie is devoted to the master plan of escape, with no fluff thrown in about the War or friendship.  Just the escape.  And it held my interest the entire time.  I was a bit surprised about the morbid final moments, but surprise is always welcome.  That theme is so catchy, I have been whistling it all day!!