Gone with the Wind Blu-ray Review

Warner Home Video has done an exceptional job with the Blu-ray presentation of "Gone With the Wind," echoing its success with other classics like "The Wizard of Oz." The restored 1080p/VC-1 transfer faithfully presents the original 1.37:1 image, offering a beautifully rich film texture with natural grain. Colors are astoundingly brilliant throughout, featuring deeply saturated Technicolor hues. Scarlett’s iconic red dress appears more vivid than ever, and Leigh's eyes glisten with unparalleled depth. Some videophiles may notice a slight yellow tinge in the skin tones, but this minor flaw hardly detracts from the overall visual splendor of the film.

The enhanced resolution is strikingly evident, especially when compared to previous DVD releases. Close-ups are sharper and more dimensional, allowing fine details to come to the fore with remarkable clarity. Long and wide shots benefit tremendously from the 1080p upgrade, making the settings feel palpably immersive. Warner's use of an 8K restoration process has ensured that items in the foreground and backgrounds reveal unprecedented levels of detail. The print has been meticulously cleaned up to minimize grain and eliminate speckles, resulting in a crisp, clear image with excellent shadow delineation and rich, deep black levels.

The Technicolor photography remains a highlight, with hues possessing terrific saturation without appearing garish. Colors in costumes and scenery pop vividly, flesh tones are accurate, and black levels maintain consistent depth. Contrast is well-balanced, especially in exterior scenes, enhancing the image's overall depth and texture. Any digital doctoring has been applied judiciously, maintaining the film’s natural aesthetic without introducing distracting anomalies. In sum, Warner has excelled in preserving a treasured classic by delivering an impeccable Blu-ray transfer that stands as a testament to their commitment to film restoration excellence.

"Gone With the Wind" on Blu-ray provides both its original mono track and an enhanced Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix. The latter is particularly noteworthy for its conservative yet effective use of surround sound, dramatically cleaning and clarifying the source material without straying too far from the original intent. Dialogue is predominantly anchored in the front center channel, retaining the characteristic soundstage while introducing surround elements during significant sequences like the Civil War battles. Max Steiner's iconic score benefits from this treatment, filling all channels and revealing a richer depth compared to more compressed high-def mixes.

Technical limitations of the original recordings from the 1930s are addressed commendably, with nearly all surface noise eliminated, resulting in an audio experience devoid of hiss, pops, or crackles. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix showcases excellent fidelity, especially in robust, textured tones and dialogue clarity. The bass response during intense sequences like the shelling of Atlanta is particularly impactful. Although ambient activity is minimal—a reasonable limitation given the era's recording constraints—the overall sound lacks the tinny quality common to many productions from that time. The preservation of high-end frequencies without unwanted compression further enhances this updated track.

Purists will find solace in the inclusion of the original mono track, accessible via the special features menu. However, the TrueHD mix stays true to the original's spirit while providing an upgraded auditory experience that fortifies its historical grandeur. This audio presentation represents an impressive blend of respect for historical fidelity and modern enhancement techniques, setting a high standard for classic film restorations.

The Blu-ray edition of "Gone with the Wind" is a meticulously curated package that serves as an essential trove for any serious film aficionado. Presented in a sumptuous red velvet box, this set includes a 52-page hardcover book with exquisite photographs and details about the film's production. The discs offer extensive supplemental content from previous DVD releases alongside new features that spotlight the legacy and restoration efforts of this cinematic masterpiece. Highlighted extras include commentary by Rudy Behlmer, renowned for its depth and engagement, and multiple documentaries like “The Making of a Legend” and “1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year.” These features, combined with the reproduced archival materials and artwork, ensure a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of a Legend: Gone With the Wind: In-depth documentary on the film’s production.
• Gone With the Wind: The Legend Lives On: Focuses on the film's lasting legacy.
• 1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year: A tribute to an iconic year in Hollywood history.
• Gable: The King Remembered: Biography and career overview of Clark Gable.
• Vivien Leigh: Scarlett and Beyond: Examination of Vivien Leigh's life and career.
• Melanie Remembers: Personal reflections by Olivia de Havilland.
• The Supporting Players: Featurette on the film's supporting cast.
• Restoring a Legend: Details on the film’s 2004 restoration process.
• Dixie Hails Gone With the Wind: Premiere footage.
• The Old South: A short film on the cultural background of plantation life.
• Atlanta Civil War Centennial: 1961 reissue festivities.
• International Prologue: Expository piece for international audiences.
• Foreign Language Versions: Snippets of dubbed scenes.
• Theatrical Trailers: Five trailers from various releases.

Gone with the Wind remains an enduring masterpiece and perhaps a paramount representation of Hollywood's Golden Age. Despite its tumultuous production history, this 1939 epic encapsulates the zenith of old Hollywood's capabilities. The film’s tale of Scarlett O'Hara and her tumultuous journey through love, war, and survival in the Antebellum South is brought to life by what could only be described as a superlative ensemble cast. Vivien Leigh’s portrayal of Scarlett is nothing short of iconic, capturing a scheming yet resilient character who evolves dramatically over the film’s nearly four-hour runtime. Clark Gable embodies Rhett Butler with an effortless charisma, adding levity and depth to his roguish character. Supporting performances from Olivia de Havilland, Leslie Howard, and the Oscar-winning Hattie McDaniel enrich the narrative tapestry, each bringing nuance and gravitas to their roles.

The film’s production values are exemplary, with meticulous attention to set design, costumes by William Plunkett, and the groundbreaking use of Technicolor cinematography by Ernest Haller and Lee Garmes. Every frame offers a visual feast, from the opulent Southern plantations to the harrowing war-torn landscapes. Especially notable is the legendary burning of Atlanta sequence and the awe-inspiring crane shot of Scarlett amidst countless wounded soldiers—a technical marvel of its time. Max Steiner’s lush musical score further anchors the film, adding emotional weight to its dramatic arcs.

Directors Victor Fleming, George Cukor, and Sam Wood seamlessly blend their efforts to create a cohesive and compelling narrative, despite their varied directorial styles. This collaborative directorial approach results in a film that maintains consistent tonal balance and pacing. While Gone with the Wind is not devoid of controversy—particularly concerning its portrayal of racial stereotypes—it remains an unparalleled cinematic achievement. The sum of its acting, technical innovations, narrative strength, and historical context ensures its place as a foundational piece of American filmmaking history.

The newly released Blu-ray edition of "Gone with the Wind" is a sublime offering that honors the historical and cinematic significance of this timeless classic. Warner has meticulously rejuvenated the film, ensuring the video quality is enhanced through impressive High Definition. The color palette is vibrant and the contrasts are finely tuned, providing a viewing experience that is authentic and visually stunning. The audio transfer has similarly received an upgrade, with crisp dialogues and a clearer orchestral score that encapsulate viewers in the narrative.

Beyond the remarkable visual and auditory enhancements, the 70th anniversary edition is enriched with hours of thoughtful and high-quality supplemental content. These features provide in-depth insights into the making of the film, its cultural impact, and additional historical context. Accompanied by several collectible memorabilia, this edition is tailored to satisfy both hardened cinephiles and new enthusiasts alike. The robustness of the supplementary materials ensures that viewers are not only watching a film but also engaging deeply with a piece of cinematic history.

In conclusion, frankly, dear, you will give a damn about this excellent Blu-ray release. A classic film has been done proud by Warner, and once again "Gone with the Wind" is set to captivate audiences worldwide in an impressively upgraded version. If you still have a classic movie lover to shop for this Christmas (or need something special for yourself), there's not a nicer gift out there than the 70th anniversary Blu-ray edition of 'Gone with the Wind.' This cinema masterpiece still delivers the goods both dramatically and aesthetically, and the superb video and audio transfers will sweep viewers back to a bygone age and immerse them in one of the most epic stories of all time. Hours and hours of high-quality supplements enhance this deluxe package, as well as several collectibles that will appeal to hardcore film enthusiasts. No doubt about it, this is a must own.