A True Classic
For seventy years now, this landmark of a film has proven to be a timeless masterpiece. Along with holding the record for best- attended movie of all time, Gone with the Wind, a 1939 Academy Award Winner for Best Picture, along with 9 other Awards, truly is an inspirational film.
Gone with the Wind, based on Margaret Mitchell’s first and only published, best-selling novel, is a historical epic film of the Old South during the Civil War era.
The spoiled, rich, and quite spiteful Scarlet O’Hara, played by the talented Vivien Leigh, is one of the most well know and determined heroines I have ever seen, or more importantly, ever remembered on film. Her strong sense of self and determination to prosper are unforgettable. With lines like, “I’ll think about that tomorrow,” “Tomorrow is another day,” and the most dramatic line of the whole film, “As God as my witness, I’ll never be hungry again,” how could you forget her.
Oh, but let’s not forget Clark Gable and his magnificent performance as Rhett Butler. Rhett Butler is one of the most enduring screen heroes ever created. With a line like, You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how,” how could he help but to melt the hearts of young and old woman across the globe?
Rhett Butler delivers the best and most famous line of the entire film, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” That is one line everyone knows, even if they’ve never watched the movie. Apparently, David O. Selznicks was fined $5,000 for the use of that single curse word! That’s a ton of money for that time period. What an impact that single line had on the film though? It was definitely worth the money.
Special Features
Unfortunately, with this two-disc DVD version there are no real bonus features. The commentary given by Historian Rudy Behlmer is very informative but not exactly what the devoted Gone with the Wind fan was looking for.
Picture Perfect
What a fantastic restoration! It looks stunning. The picture is incredibly sharp and colorful. The difference between the original Technicolor version and the 70th Anniversary Edition are astounding. I was very amazed by the quality. The colors are very soft and conforming to the facial features of all the characters and the bold saturated colors are perfect on all of the clothing and scenery in the film. The picture clarity is wonderful. I can’t possibly imagine what the blu-ray looks like.
The sound is excellent for a film of the 1930s. The war scenes really pack a punch and the dialogue is easily distinguishable amongst the street and party chatter. The film can be enjoyed by listening to the converted Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound or the original 1939 mono track.
The film definitely has the ability to hold the viewers attention for the length of the film which is almost four hours. There is even an intermission! That is one long movie, but there is never a dull moment! It has the innate ability to capture the audience. Through a passionate love story and hardships of war, a classic story was brought to life and has enthralled generations of fans.