Official Synopsis
Tom Cruise is superb as the cocky but talented pilot Maverick and Kelly McGillis sizzles as the civilian instructor who teaches him a few things you can’t learn in a classroom. Featuring a sensational soundtrack with unforgettable songs including Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” and Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone”, the film also stars Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards and Meg Ryan.
Tony Scott knew how to make a film. He did some of the best action movies from the 80s and 90s and was taken from us far too soon. One of the best of his gaggle of films, dare I say the magnum opus of his career, is Top Gun.
Top Gun is a film that has survived the 30 year hike for visuals, endured the classic 80s macho-ness that some films are being hassled for nowadays on YouTube for laughs, and it has forever been notched into the movie history belt as one of the greatest action films of all-time. If you argue this fact, you’re just being an ass. I mean there is a reason why Paramount is considering a sequel for this movie after so long. It has some solid longevity to it.
So what the heck makes this movie a classic? Is it the story of a cocky pilot brought back down to earth through the death of his friend? Is it the intense action that is anti-communism, an 80s salute to the United States enduring the end of the cold war? Is it the camera work, the close-up feel of the action and the never-resting visuals that make you feel like you’re taking on MIGs with Maverick and crew? Could it possibly be the team of young actors, including a dreamy Anthony Edwards (according to my wife) pre-ER days?
The answer is quite simple — all of the above.
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Somehow Tony Scott found the perfect blend of script, acting and action to make Top Gun an instant classic. He found the right combination of everything the makes cinema great and turned a nearly two hour film into a short trip you’re dying to repeat. I would like to say that Tony Scott captured lightning in a bottle, but this wouldn’t be the last time he created a memorable film that audiences absolutely adored over and over and over again. This movie is special for many reasons. Let’s break it down just a bit.
Starting with story, Tony Scott’s writers, Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr., laid out a predictable, yet well-written three act structure with the film’s hero, Maverick. The story focused on him and him alone, creating a developed journey that only ends when Maverick is ready for it to end. They started the story off with a cocky invincible pilot, built him up in the first act to God-like status, then promptly clipped his wings in the second act with the death of his best friend, and fellow pilot, Goose, which brought him firmly back down to earth. The third act spent a good majority of the time rebuilding Maverick, a severely broken man, and evolving him into a mature fighter that his fellow pilots could count on when the going got rough (and it does towards the end). The profession of the character is pure 80s, but the passion put into words certainly put this typical 80s action figure above the rest of the action fray.
The action helped propel the story along, though, as intensity and tightly framed shots of panicky pilots populated most of the movie. Scott’s cinematography, Jeffrey L. Kimball, made sure the audience was in the cockpit with the crew during the fight. He made sure we felt all the worry, death defying maneuvers and the taste of victory for the entire movie. Most of the movie works because of the cinematography and direction, and most of the passion for the film (action and brief romance) is treated as delicately.
Bottom line: Top Gun is a classic. Fifty years from now it’s going to be a classic. When Tom Cruise turns old and gray, we will still remember the great times we had with him in movies like this.
Top Gun is a firm reminder of how great the 80s movie experience could be when the right story, cinematography, acting and direction fall into perfect place.
The HD transfer for Top Gun is top-notch. As with most things Paramount when it comes to Blu-ray, the studio does a good job with its prized films and Top Gun on Blu-ray is no different. It’s a clean transfer for a film that is 30 years of age. Surprisingly, the visuals still hold up in the transfer and somewhat feel a bit visually better in HD. The dogfights are damn nice to watch. Anyway, Paramount did a solid job and deserves a nice pat on the back for their efforts.
As for special features in this release, here is what is included with the steelbook:
Blu-ray
· Commentary by producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Tony Scott, co-screenwriter Jack Epps, Jr. and naval experts
· Danger Zone: The Making of Top Gun
· Multi-Angle Storyboards with optional commentary by Tony Scott
· Best of the Best: Inside the Real Top Gun
· Music Videos:
o Kenny Loggins—“Danger Zone”
o Berlin—“Take My Breath Away”
o Loverboy—“Heaven In Your Eyes”
o Harold Faltermeyer and Steve Stevens—“Top Gun Anthem”
· TV Spots
· Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
· Survival Training Featurette
· Tom Cruise Interviews
DVD
· Commentary by producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Tony Scott, co-screenwriter Jack Epps, Jr. and naval experts
· Music Videos:
o Kenny Loggins—“Danger Zone”
o Berlin—“Take My Breath Away”
o Loverboy—“Heaven In Your Eyes”
o Harold Faltermeyer and Steve Stevens—“Top Gun Anthem”
· TV Spots
Some of it is rehash, but for those of us who have never owned this film before, this is probably the best version of it. It is just loaded with features, and even commentary from the late/great Tony Scott. The added music videos are a nice touch to it all (no, seriously, I mean it), as are the featurettes and the often not-used multi-angle feature (that was a big deal with DVDs back in the day).
Again, for those of us who have never owned a digital copy (DVD or otherwise) of Top Gun, this is a pretty huge release. For those who have it, this may not impress as much.
