First of all, I love this movie. I was quite surprised to discover it’s release on DVD, and needless to say, I grabbed it. There is no doubt that this disc is loaded with extras, but sadly, the claim that the film has been “fully restored” is extremely misleading. The advantage of these review forums, is to provide insight, from someone who has already bought the product, to those interested. And, that’s what I’m here to do.
Here are the DVD’s special features, as listed: LETTERBOXED PRESENTATION (1.85:1), REMASTERED SOUNDTRACK (in Dolby 5.1 and DTS), NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN FOOTAGE, AUDIO COMMENTARY: Jack Vacek (Cinematographer) and Warner Leighton (Editor), 3 TRAILERS (The original theatrical trailers for “GONE IN 60 SECONDS” and “THE JUNKMAN”, and another for the remastered version of “GONE IN 60 SECONDS”), EXTENSIVE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PHOTO GALLERY, DVD-ROM CAPABILITIES, INTRODUCTION with Denice Halicki (H.B. Halicki’s widow) and “Eleanor”.
Sounds very enticing, right? That’s what I thought. Hell, to be honest, I really didn’t care about the extras, as long as I could get H.B. Halicki’s original classic on DVD! Naturally, I immediately put the DVD in. Then, my dissapointment began.
Now, what the packaging WON’T tell you, and what I’m about to, is that this isn’t, in fact, a “fully restored” version of the film, but rather, one that has been doctored. Unfortunately, the entire film has been RE-SCORED with crappy music, supposedly aimed at “updating” this classic film, thereby dumping ALL the music from the original cut. Yep, the catchy opening title “GONE IN 60 SECONDS” tune is gone, along with the “SUPERMAN” tune, and everything else, as well. Needless, to say, I am very disappointed. Why do people feel the need to mess with movies, like they do? I don’t think H.B. Halicki would have been proud with what his widow has done with the rights to the film, so far.
I probably wouldn’t have minded this DVD release, if it had offered the original mono soundtrack on a separate audio channel, like most other remastered DVD’s offer. Then, I would have been fine with it, as long as I could have the version I wanted to see. Instead, anyone with hopes to get a brand new copy on either DVD or video of this classic car theft film, in it’s original format, are pretty much screwed. And, that’s too bad. So, my advice is to stick with the original out-of-print MEDIA Home Entertainment release. Believe me, that tape will still be in great demand for years to come.
One more thing, there is a website: www.gonein60seconds.com. Perhaps, this would be a great place for true fans of the film to file their complaints. And, who knows, maybe someday we will see the original version released in a respective manner on DVD.
First of all, I’ve loved this movie since I was 6 years old. My mom and dad saw it in the cinema — more than once — while they were dating in 1974. To say the least, this title holds special significance in my whole family. Which is why it’s great to see it re-released on both VHS and DVD for all to enjoy.
For those of you who, like me, have every scene, every line, every sound effect of the original movie committed to memory, you will be shocked when you play the “remastered” version. For one thing, the picture is beautiful. It’s never looked so good. And the soundtrack has never sounded so good, either — because it’s been completely redone from scratch. That’s the other thing. The sound effects are all new. Gone are the authentic, live-recorded engine sounds, tire screeches, and other hard effects. Gone also is the original music, including my favorite tune, “I Do Hope The Man Doesn’t Catch Me”, and the title song, “Gone In Sixty Seconds”. For someone looking for a true re-release of the authentic, original film, this is disappointing. But for me, someone who already owns an original copy of the old MEDIA videotape release of the film, I see this remastered version just as a fun modernization of one of my favorite flicks.
The new sound effects are beautiful. I am a sound designer among other things, and some of the new crashes and guttural V8 engine sounds made me drool. They may not be true-to-life anymore, but they are great in their own right. It’s almost surreal, seeing all these old muscle cars, but hearing crystal-clear digital stereo effects. By contrast, the disturbingly mono original dialogue track underlaid beneath them sounds almost ridiculous! Fortunately, there is no need for much talking during the 40-minute chase, easily the highlight of the film.
In short, to really enjoy the remastered version of Gone In 60 Seconds, you’ve got to take it for what it is — a modern “refreshment” of the original film. It’s been remixed to appeal more to the same young crowd who enjoyed the 2000 remake with Nicholas Cage. If you are a true Gone In 60 Seconds fan, however, don’t stop here. Go in search of the original 1974 film in all its glory, on its original video cassette. A true fan must indeed have both, for the audio differences between the two versions are so distinct, you could almost consider them two separate films.
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