Watch 30 For 30: Angry Sky

In the early 1960s, the idea of jumping out of a plane and flying thousands of feet in the air was still a new concept. But for legendary thrill-seeker Nick Piantanida, it wasn't enough to just skydive - he wanted to break the world record for highest parachute jump. And so began a journey that would take him from obscurity to national attention, and ultimately to tragedy in one of the most harrowing stories in skydiving history.

"30 For 30: Angry Sky" chronicles Piantanida's quest to reach an altitude of 120,000 feet - nearly four times the height of Mount Everest - in a helium balloon before diving back to Earth. The film takes an intimate look at Piantanida's life, from his early days working as a truck driver and skydiving instructor to his obsessive pursuit of the record that would make him a household name.

Directed by Jeff Tremaine, best known for his work on MTV's "Jackass" series, "30 For 30: Angry Sky" is a gripping tale of human ambition, perseverance, and tragedy. The film paints a vivid picture of Piantanida's character - a man who was driven by a burning desire to achieve something great, no matter the cost.

At the heart of the story is Piantanida's relationship with his wife, Mary Lou. As the film shows, Mary Lou was a key player in his record attempt, serving as his chief supporter, fundraiser, and confidant. Through interviews with Mary Lou and other family members, we see the deep love and respect that existed between the couple, and the way in which their bond was forged through their shared passion for skydiving.

The film also explores the technical challenges involved in Piantanida's record attempt. As one expert in the film notes, reaching an altitude of 120,000 feet was no easy feat - it required a balloon several stories high, specialized equipment to keep Piantanida alive in the thin air, and a complex system of tracking and communication to ensure his safety. The film provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of high-altitude ballooning, a field that is still relatively unknown to most people.

But as much as "30 For 30: Angry Sky" celebrates the triumphs of Piantanida's life, it can't overlook the tragedy that ended it. In 1966, on his third attempt to break the record, Piantanida suffered a catastrophic equipment failure at an altitude of over 57,000 feet. Despite the valiant efforts of his support team, he was never able to regain consciousness and passed away several months later. The film doesn't shy away from this dark chapter, but instead presents it as a natural and inevitable consequence of Piantanida's singular obsession.

Overall, "30 For 30: Angry Sky" is a well-crafted and deeply moving tribute to a man who pushed the limits of what was possible. With its compelling narrative, stunning archival footage, and heartfelt interviews, it's a film that will appeal to anyone interested in the human spirit's capacity for greatness - as well as anyone who's ever looked up at the sky and wondered what it would be like to fly.