Gone With The Wind Staff Review
"Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" – those words now part of the world culture, shocked the world when the film Gone With The Wind hit theaters on December 15, 1939. Now 70 years later, Warner Bros releases this classic film on DVD with their two- Disc, 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collectors Edition.
Winner of 10 Academy Awards, this cinematic masterpiece set against the backdrop of the Civil War, follows the story of Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) and the headstrong Scarlet O'Hara (Vivian Leigh) and their eternal love affair.
The story is truly captivating from the charms of the southern plantation life, to the horrors of the burning of Atlanta; there could most likely never be another period film that could compete with the charm, cinematic scope, direction, or actors of this amazing film.
Having already been released quite a few times on DVD, one may be quick to draw the conclusion that if they already own a copy of this film there is no need to purchase this new version. However, that thinking will cause you to miss one of the best treatments ever given to this film (aside from the brand new
Blu-ray release of the film) .
Warner Bros has carefully restored and remastered the original print with painstaking attention to detail that truly shines through on this release. The southern plantation and Tara have never looked so stunning. Certain parts of the film that look bleak and dark from age on previous releases shine through and show things you would never have thought to be part of the film.
Aside from the remastered audio, Warner Bros has also carefully remastered the audio mix. This brand new Dolby Digital 5.1 audio mix fully envelopes the room so that the every sentence from Scarlet's lips has the perfect decibel volume compared to the amazing background score.
On top of having the best treatment ever for the Home Theater market, Gone With The Wind, 70th Anniversary Edition, sports some great special features including a remastered feature with commentary by Rudy Behlmer.
If you ever were waiting to own this true American Classic, this is the version to get. If you have owned a previous release on VHS, Laser disc, or DVD...this is the version to get. The only reason I would recommend not getting this version is if you have a Blu-ray player. In that case, treat yourself to the
Blu-ray 1080p edition of this film; and you can experience Gone With The Wind just as everyone did in the movie theater in 1939.
--Nathan M Rose
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General audiences. All ages admitted.
