History of Saving Private Ryan in Timeline
Saving Private Ryan, set during the Normandy landings of WWII, follows Captain John Miller and his squad as they embark on a perilous mission to find Private James Francis Ryan. Ryan's three brothers have been killed, and the Army wants to send him home. The film depicts the brutal realities of war as Miller's men face constant danger, moral dilemmas, and heavy casualties while searching for Ryan. Ultimately, they locate Ryan, who is determined to stay with his unit and defend a crucial bridge. Miller and his squad fight alongside Ryan's unit, making the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the bridge remains secure, highlighting the profound cost of war and the importance of duty and sacrifice.
1942: Influence from The Battle of Midway Documentary
In 1942, Kamiński and Spielberg were visually influenced by WWII documentaries, such as The Battle of Midway.
June 6, 1944: D-Day Invasion at Omaha Beach
On June 6, 1944, the U.S. Army landed at Omaha Beach as part of the Normandy invasion, facing heavy German artillery and machine gun fire. Captain John H. Miller of the 2nd Ranger Battalion led a surviving group to infiltrate German lines and secure victory.
1944: Influence from Memphis Belle Documentary
In 1944, Kamiński and Spielberg were visually influenced by WWII documentaries, such as Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress.
1944: Setting of Saving Private Ryan
In 1944, Normandy, France, during World War II, is the setting for the events depicted in Saving Private Ryan.
1945: Influence from Why We Fight Documentary
From 1942 to 1945, Kamiński and Spielberg were visually influenced by WWII documentaries, such as Why We Fight.
1949: Influence from Battleground
Spielberg was influenced by early war films such as Battleground (1949).
1951: Influence from The Steel Helmet
Spielberg was influenced by early war films such as The Steel Helmet (1951).
1962: Influence from Hell Is for Heroes
Spielberg was influenced by early war films such as Hell Is for Heroes (1962).
1984: Beverly Hills Cop Box Office
In 1984, Beverly Hills Cop earned $235 million, becoming one of the highest-grossing R-rated films.
1986: Comparisons to Platoon
Reviewers compared the Omaha Beach combat sequence to similar scenes in the Vietnam war film Platoon, released in 1986.
1991: Terminator 2: Judgment Day Box Office
In 1991, Terminator 2: Judgment Day earned $205 million, becoming one of the highest-grossing R-rated films.
1993: Consideration of Monochromatic Filming
Janusz Kamiński and Spielberg considered filming Saving Private Ryan monochromatically, as they had done with Schindler's List in 1993, but ultimately decided against it.
1994: Inspiration from D-Day Book
In 1994, Robert Rodat found inspiration for "Saving Private Ryan" from the book "D-Day June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II" by Stephen E. Ambrose, which his wife gifted him.
1995: De La Noy's earlier work on Braveheart
Associate producer, Kevin De La Noy's earlier work on Braveheart (1995) in Ireland had developed contacts with the Irish Army and knowledge of local beaches.
1995: Spielberg saw Diesel in Multi-Facial
In 1995, Spielberg saw Vin Diesel in his self-starring directorial effort, Multi-Facial, which led to Diesel's casting in Saving Private Ryan.
1995: Early Discussions of Potential Projects
In early 1995, producer Mark Gordon and writer Robert Rodat met to discuss potential projects after Gordon admired Rodat's work on films like "Tall Tale".
1996: Early Discussions of Potential Projects
In early 1995, producer Mark Gordon and writer Robert Rodat met to discuss potential projects after Gordon admired Rodat's work on films like "Fly Away Home" in 1996.
April 1997: Coin Flip for Distribution Rights
In April 1997, Sumner Redstone, chairman of Viacom, had Steven Spielberg flip a coin to determine the distribution rights for "Saving Private Ryan". Spielberg won, giving DreamWorks North American rights and Paramount international rights. In exchange, Paramount got North American rights to DreamWorks' "Deep Impact" in 1998.
June 25, 1997: Arrival of Main Crew on Location
On June 25, 1997, the main crew arrived at Curracloe Beach in County Wexford, Ireland, the selected location for filming the Normandy coast scenes.
June 27, 1997: Start of Principal Photography
On June 27, 1997, principal photography began for "Saving Private Ryan", with Spielberg aiming to maintain a fast pace to keep the actors off-balance and simulate the feeling of combat.
September 13, 1997: Filming Concludes Ahead of Schedule
On September 13, 1997, filming for "Saving Private Ryan" concluded ahead of schedule after 12 weeks, with the French church interior scenes. The estimated total budget was $65–$70 million.
September 1997: Filming of Saving Private Ryan
In September 1997, filming for "Saving Private Ryan" wrapped up, after starting in June, with a budget between $65 and $70 million. The most demanding scene was the Omaha Beach battle, costing $12 million to film over four weeks with 1,500 background actors.
1997: Spielberg saw Diesel in Strays
In 1997, Spielberg saw Vin Diesel in his self-starring directorial effort, Strays, which led to Diesel's casting in Saving Private Ryan.
1997: Spielberg visited set of Good Will Hunting
In 1997, Spielberg visited the set of Good Will Hunting, and Robin Williams introduced him to Matt Damon.
1997: Filming Amistad
In 1997, pre-production for "Saving Private Ryan" was shortened because Spielberg was filming Amistad immediately after The Lost World: Jurassic Park.
July 21, 1998: Saving Private Ryan Premiere
On July 21, 1998, Saving Private Ryan premiered. The premiere was a low-profile event, without a party or many celebrities, deeming a large event "inappropriate" for the tone of the film.
July 24, 1998: Saving Private Ryan Released in the United States and Canada
On July 24, 1998, Saving Private Ryan was released in the United States and Canada, earning $30.6 million during its opening weekend across 2,463 theaters, making it the number-one film of the weekend. The audience was split evenly between women and men and skewed towards those aged over 25.
1998: Success and Accolades
In 1998, "Saving Private Ryan" was a major critical and commercial success. It grossed $481.8 million, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of the year, and received numerous awards, including Golden Globe, Academy, BAFTA, and Saturn awards. WWII veterans lauded the film's realistic combat portrayal.
1998: Release of Saving Private Ryan
In 1998, "Saving Private Ryan", directed by Steven Spielberg, was released. The epic war film, set in Normandy during World War II, follows Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad as they search for Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon) after his brothers are killed in action.
1998: Norton Turned Down Role for American History X
In 1998, Edward Norton turned down the role of Private Ryan for American History X.
1998: Saving Private Ryan's Success and Box Office Records in 1998
In 1998, Saving Private Ryan was seen as the biggest success of the theatrical summer. The film's success, alongside others, contributed to the 1998 box office breaking records with over $7 billion earned. The film earned Spielberg and Hanks each an estimated $30–$40 million from the box office.
1998: The Greatest Generation Book Release
In 1998, The Greatest Generation book was released, contributing to a renewed focus in America on glorifying the generation that fought in WWII.
1998: Novelization and Companion Book Release
In 1998, a novelization of Saving Private Ryan, written by Max Allan Collins and Rodat, was released alongside the film. A companion book, Saving Private Ryan: The Men, the Mission, the Movie : A Film by Steven Spielberg, was also released, featuring illustrations and commentary.
1998: Summer theatrical season and anticipation for Saving Private Ryan
In 1998, the summer theatrical season began in early May with Deep Impact's success. Studios anticipated hits like Godzilla and Armageddon, while hoping for smaller films to become sleeper hits. Saving Private Ryan was expected to face commercial limitations due to its length and violence, despite Spielberg and Hanks' popularity.
1998: Distribution Rights
In April 1997, Sumner Redstone, chairman of Viacom, had Steven Spielberg flip a coin to determine the distribution rights for "Saving Private Ryan". Spielberg won, giving DreamWorks North American rights and Paramount international rights. In exchange, Paramount got North American rights to DreamWorks' "Deep Impact" in 1998.
1998: Sizemore Cast in The Thin Red Line
Tom Sizemore was initially cast in "The Thin Red Line" in 1998, but Spielberg offered him the role of Horvath in Saving Private Ryan, which he accepted.
May 1999: VHS Release and Success
In May 1999, Saving Private Ryan was released on VHS and became the most successful rental debut of its time.
July 1999: VHS Rental Success
By July 1999, Saving Private Ryan on VHS had earned $44 million in rentals.
November 1999: Limited Edition VHS Release
In November 1999, a limited edition two-VHS version was released, adding a making-of documentary, as well as a message from Spielberg about D-Day and the National D-Day Museum.
1999: Medal of Honor Game Release
In 1999, Medal of Honor was released. Spielberg and DreamWorks developed it to translate the realism and setting of Saving Private Ryan.
1999: 56th Golden Globe Awards
In 1999, at the 56th Golden Globe Awards, Saving Private Ryan won Best Drama and Best Director (Spielberg), and was nominated for Best Drama Actor (Hanks), Best Original Score (Williams), and Best Screenplay (Rodat).
2000: Influence on Gladiator
In 2000, the film Gladiator was released, and Saving Private Ryan's stylistic choices, such as placing the audience close to the on-screen action, can be seen in the film.
2001: Influence on Enemy at the Gates and Pearl Harbor
In 2001, the films Enemy at the Gates and Pearl Harbor were released, and Saving Private Ryan's stylistic choices, such as placing the audience close to the on-screen action, can be seen in the films.
2001: Band of Brothers Miniseries Release
In 2001, the miniseries Band of Brothers was released, contributing to a renewed focus in America on glorifying the generation that fought in WWII.
May 2004: Special Collector's Edition DVD Release
In May 2004, a two-disc Special Collector's Edition DVD set of Saving Private Ryan was released to coincide with the 60th anniversary of D-Day, including additional behind-the-scenes content and Spielberg's insights.
2006: Influence on Flags of Our Fathers
In 2006, the film Flags of Our Fathers was released, and Saving Private Ryan's stylistic choices, such as placing the audience close to the on-screen action, can be seen in the film.
2007: AFI Lists Saving Private Ryan
In 2007, the American Film Institute (AFI) listed Saving Private Ryan as the 71st-greatest American film, highlighting it as one of the most thrilling, inspiring, and epic American films.
2009: Influence on Inglourious Basterds
In 2009, Quentin Tarantino's film Inglourious Basterds was released, and Saving Private Ryan was named as an influence on the film.
May 2010: Blu-ray Release and Recall
In May 2010, Saving Private Ryan was released as a two-disc Blu-ray, but Paramount Home Entertainment issued a recall due to an audio synchronization issue, which was fixed later that month.
2010: Influence on The Pacific
In 2010, the television show The Pacific was released, and Saving Private Ryan was named as an influence on the show.
2013: Inclusion in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die
In 2013, Saving Private Ryan was included in the film reference book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, solidifying its status as an essential movie.
2014: Selection for Preservation
In 2014, "Saving Private Ryan" was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
2014: Saving Private Ryan Ranked by The Hollywood Reporter
In 2014, a poll of entertainment industry professionals by The Hollywood Reporter ranked Saving Private Ryan as the 46th-best film.
2014: Selection for Preservation in the National Film Registry
In 2014, the United States Library of Congress selected Saving Private Ryan to be preserved in the National Film Registry as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
2014: Influence on American Sniper
In 2014, the film American Sniper was released, and Saving Private Ryan's stylistic choices, such as placing the audience close to the on-screen action, can be seen in the film's "psychological anguish".
2015: Academy Voters Poll
A 2015 poll of Academy voters suggested that, given another opportunity, they would have voted Saving Private Ryan as Best Picture.
2016: Influence on Hacksaw Ridge
In 2016, the film Hacksaw Ridge was released, and Saving Private Ryan's stylistic choices, such as placing the audience close to the on-screen action, can be seen in the film.
2017: Influence on Dunkirk and Game of Thrones
In 2017, Christopher Nolan's film Dunkirk and an episode of Game of Thrones (The Spoils of War) were released, and Saving Private Ryan was named as an influence on the film and television show.
2018: Commemorative 20th Anniversary Blu-ray Set
For the film's 20th anniversary in 2018, a three-disc "Commemorative 20th Anniversary" Blu-ray set was released, including a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and all previously released features.
2018: Spielberg Discusses the Film's Success
In 2018, Steven Spielberg mentioned in an interview that he did not anticipate the success of Saving Private Ryan and initially feared that the film would be too tough for audiences.
2025: Retrospective Listing by Vulture
In 2025, a retrospective by Vulture listed Saving Private Ryan among the best movies to have not won the Best Picture Academy Award.
Mentioned in this timeline
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