One of the funniest films of all time, Blazing Saddles, is awarded an excellent 30th anniversary DVD release by Warner Bros., a company that has often shown great care to the important titles in its vault. The film itself is presented in a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio. The English soundtrack has been remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1, which makes it seem like one is hearing the infamous farting scene for the very first time. There is a healthy amount of quality extra materials, including a commentary by director Mel Brooks. Although it seems as if he was simply recorded while talking about the film (he never once refers to what is happening onscreen, and the commentary ends only an hour into the film), he recollections are amusing and enlightening. He discusses in detail how the various behind-the-scenes people as well as the cast came together. The other five-star nugget included on this disc is the pilot for the television spin-off Black Bart. Starring Louis Gossett Jr., the show is as amazingly unfunny as the movie is uproarious, but one may be struck by the crudity of the comedy that would have been telecast in the mid-'70s. A making-of documentary and a section from a special on the late great Madeline Kahn help make this DVD a must-own for comedy enthusiasts.
Customer Rating
4
a real classic comedy
on October 18, 2010
Posted by: Fratt
from Bridgewater,CT
Just one of Mel Brooks best comedies that will be enjoyed by generations.
What's great about it: The multi-cultural aspects of humor
Ferris Bueller's Day Off needed a new special edition DVD and it got it with the Bueller...Bueller...Edition, a release that adds plenty of bells and whistles to the much-loved film. While Paramount dropped John Hughes commentary from the 1999 release and has yet to include the film's trailer, enough insight can be gleamed from the making-ofs that it almost makes up for these oversights. On a positive note, the film has been given a stellar presentation for the digital age, with a new anamorphic widescreen picture and 5.1 Dolby Digital sound for best optimum viewing experience. The extras are detailed and feature most of the cast and crew, though interestingly, Hughes is only represented by some vintage 1986 clips, which are actually more in-depth than you'd think. Featuring clips on the casting, the inspiration, the general making-of, and even a special on Ben Stein, the disc goes a long way to cover certainly one of the most popular comedies of its time. Also included is are some tongue-in-cheek segments on-set in which the cast interviews each other, along with a gallery section consisting of the film's costume tests. The Bueller...Bueller...Edition might be awkwardly named, but it delivers the goods in a satisfying way that would make Ferris proud.
Customer Rating
4
Fun filled pix
on January 13, 2010
Posted by: Fratt
from Bridgewater,CT
A great family movie. Ferris antics are a little eyond the normal high school student but almost believable in today's world.
What's great about it: Matthew great wit as Ferris.