Gone with the Wind Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Gone with the Wind" boasts an impressive video presentation, identical to the highly praised 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition. Despite the film's age, the 1080p transfer is remarkably superior, showcasing a well-maintained source that retains the natural texture of celluloid. Grain levels, although heavy in the opening credits, soften considerably thereafter, emphasizing clarity and eliminating any overly processed appearances. The transfer highlights a substantial improvement over the previous DVD version, offering sharper, more dimensional close-ups, vibrant colors, and far fewer speckles and marks. Long and wide shots are particularly remarkable, allowing for a more immersive viewing experience with clearer imagery.

Technicolor photography is a standout feature, with hues that are richly saturated yet never crossing into overblown territory. Costumes and fleshtones appear natural with just the right amount of pop, complemented by deep black levels that enhance overall contrast. Outdoor scenes benefit from perfectly modulated contrast ratios, providing excellent depth and detail to various textures and settings. Shadow delineation is handled with precision, avoiding any issues with banding or digital noise. Even though minor anomalies are nearly undetectable, the restored presentation maintains the film's timeless visual appeal.

In conclusion, Warner Home Video's meticulous attention to detail in the restoration process results in an exceptional Blu-ray transfer that honors this classic film's legacy. The careful balance of colors, clarity of details, and faithful representation of the original elements make this release a definitive visual rendering.

Re-released on Blu-ray, the audio presentation of "Gone with the Wind" is a refined upgrade, featuring the same Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track from the 70th Anniversary Edition. The audio is impressively enveloping considering the film's production era. Max Steiner's renowned score benefits significantly from this surround mix, with rich, textured tones and exceptional fidelity. Dialogue is impeccably clear and well-balanced, while bass frequencies—especially noticeable during scenes such as the shelling of Atlanta—provide significant power and depth. Although ambient details like birds chirping or trees rustling are virtually absent, this is an expected limitation given the age of the source material.

Warner technicians have meticulously cleaned up the track, eradicating typical surface noises associated with 1930s films. The absence of hiss, pops, or crackles is notable, and the sound escapes any tinny quality often present in productions from that period. Even during scenes featuring intense audio elements, like swelling strings or high-pitched exchanges, there’s no perceptible distortion. Additionally, purists will be pleased with the inclusion of the original mono track via the special features menu. However, the superior lossless option maintains such fidelity to the original material that most viewers will likely prefer it.

In sum, this Blu-ray edition delivers an audio experience that significantly enhances the legacy of "Gone with the Wind", meeting modern audiophile standards while honoring its historical roots.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Gone with the Wind" provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for fans and film historians alike. The new supplements include scholarly and thought-provoking content, like "Old South/New South," which delves into the South's historical complexities post-Civil War. This is complemented by raw footage from the Atlanta premiere in "Hollywood Comes to Atlanta." Alongside these, previously released extras cover a wide range of fascinating topics, including detailed audio commentaries, documentaries about Hollywood's golden era, and extensive behind-the-scenes insights. This collection is not just about the romanticism of the film but also critically examines its socio-historical impacts, making it essential for any cinephile.

Extras included in this disc:

• Old South/New South: Explores post-Civil War issues and Southern romanticism in the film.
• Hollywood Comes to Atlanta: Raw footage from the film’s premiere in Atlanta.
• Audio Commentary by Rudy Behlmer: Deep insights into the film’s production and historical context.
• 1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year: Tribute to the landmark year in cinema.
• The Legend Lives On: The film's impact and enduring legacy.
• Moviola: The Scarlett O’Hara War: TV movie about casting Scarlett.
• The Making of a Legend: Exhaustive 1989 documentary on the film's production.
• Gable: The King Remembered: Tribute to Clark Gable.
• Vivien Leigh: Scarlett and Beyond: Retrospective on Vivien Leigh.
• Melanie Remembers: Reflections by Olivia de Havilland: Memories from Olivia de Havilland.
• The Supporting Players: Profiles of the film’s supporting cast.
• Restoring a Legend: Details on the restoration process.
• Vintage Newsreel Footage: Clips from the premiere gala.
• Vintage Short: The Old South: Tribute to the South directed by Fred Zinnemann.
• Atlanta Civil War Centennial: Footage from 1961 reissue festivities.
• Additional Footage: International prologue and dubbed scenes.
• Theatrical Trailers: Collection spanning 50 years.
• MGM: When the Lion Roars: Comprehensive documentary on MGM's history.

The 75th Anniversary Blu-ray release of "Gone with the Wind" offers an opportunity to revisit David O. Selznick's monumental film that has defined Hollywood grandeur for generations. Maintaining the same technical specifications as its 70th Anniversary predecessor, the new set comprises two Blu-ray discs and a DVD, offering faithful transfers and extensive supplements. This edition, however, falls short of delivering significant new content, providing only 39 additional minutes of material that primarily rehashes existing clips and premiere footage. Despite its sparse new offerings, this set might still attract die-hard fans or those new to collecting versions of this cinematic classic.

"Gone with the Wind" remains an archetypal example of Hollywood's Golden Age, characterized by its epic narrative scope and visual splendor. Directed by Victor Fleming, who accomplished the impossible by also directing "The Wizard of Oz" within the same year, the film plunges viewers into the antebellum South with extraordinary attention to period detail. From lavish plantations to the devastation of Atlanta, each frame is a tribute to meticulous set design and artistic vision. Though the acting occasionally leans toward melodrama and the depiction of sensitive historical issues can be problematic from a modern perspective, these elements are reflective of the movie's 1939 origins and should be contextualized within their respective time periods.

Performances stand at the heart of this film’s enduring legacy. Vivien Leigh's portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara is a masterclass in character evolution, showcasing an impressive range from headstrong belle to resilient survivor. Clark Gable's Rhett Butler provides a charismatic counterbalance, adding complexity through his nuanced performance in key dramatic sequences. The supporting cast, particularly Olivia de Havilland as Melanie Hamilton and Hattie McDaniel's Oscar-winning role as Mammy, offer indispensable contributions that further cement the film’s status in American cinematic history.

In summary, while the 75th Anniversary Blu-ray does not significantly enhance its predecessor's offerings, it preserves the film's awe-inspiring production values and magnetic performances, reaffirming "Gone with the Wind" as a timeless piece of Hollywood craftsmanship.

The 75th Anniversary Edition of "Gone with the Wind" presents a lavish, meticulously crafted box set that continues to celebrate one of Hollywood’s most iconic films. Though it follows closely behind the release of the 70th Anniversary Edition, this latest iteration still boasts exceptional video and audio transfers, maintaining the technical excellence that fans have come to expect. The new supplements, while limited to a combined 38 minutes, add some fresh yet sparse content. Despite these minor additions, the collectible nature of the set, including a commemorative book, enhances its appeal to devoted collectors and film aficionados who cherish David O. Selznick's masterpiece.

While the beauty and care evident in the packaging are commendable, the close release to its predecessor may cause some collectors to hesitate. The special features from the former edition remain largely unchanged; hence, those already possessing the 70th Anniversary set might find fewer incentives to invest again. Collectibles and commemorative items such as the Rhett Butler handkerchief don't significantly enhance the value for casual fans or late adopters. Nonetheless, enthusiasts who haven't yet indulged will find this edition a splendid entry point into their collection with its superb presentation.

Gone With the Wind continues to be an epochal film experience 75 years after its initial release. Those who haven't already splurged on previous editions may want to check out this newest edition, though a standalone version minus the extra swag might soon follow at a more accessible price point. Technical merits remain incredibly strong, with intelligent supplemental content despite its sparseness. For newcomers and rabid completists, this latest iteration of "Gone With the Wind" comes highly recommended.