Μύ Turin grinds to a halt as Michael Caine stages a daring heist, choosing a fleet of Minis as the ultimate getaway car. A British comedy classic, it finds a new home on a DVD that's packed with insights into the making of this mad caper.
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Picture This movie might have been made in the 60s, but Paramount has pulled off the kind of picture transfer that knocks years off its age. Bright colours, and a smooth image without any major flaws is on offer - an impressive achievement.
Sound You can choose either a restored mono track or new 5.1 mix to accompany the film. A beautiful job has been done mixing the music score, and some fun directional effects have been created to enhance the driving sequences.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary Producer Michael Deeley is joined by Matthew Field, author of "The Making of "The Italian Job"" book, for a commentary that yields some interesting facts, but certainly lacks any type of flow. Field is such an expert on the movie that Deeley is sometimes left unable to offer any effective reply, as he simply can't confirm or deny what Field is saying. While their conversation does tail-off into silence for yawning gaps, Deeley is able to offer an excellent insight into the British film industry of the period, and on how the film's tight budget was stretched-out to maximum effect.
Documentary The main special feature for this DVD release is a new 70-minute 'making of' documentary that's split into three parts. Amongst the behind-the-scenes stills are some good interviews with cast and crew members.
Writer Troy Kennedy Martin discusses the origins of the film, which was in fact a script written by his brother for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, about a robbery that takes place in Regent Street. Troy bought it off his brother and fashioned it into a Euro drama that would be directed by Peter Collinson.
The various interviewees, which include cast and crew, have very definite memories of Collinson that paint a picture of a man who was both conscious of his background, and proud of his Rolls Royce.
Part three of the documentary deals with the all-important car chase, which is discussed in detail. What all seem to agree on is that the rooftop jump should have been filmed from a higher height than it was to give a better sense of the scale of the stunt. Otherwise, there's plenty of praise for lead driver RΓ©my Julienne, who could make a Mini car sit up and beg at traffic lights before then whizzing off.
Deleted Scene There might be only one deleted scene, but it is the infamous "Skater's Waltz" car dance, and while it was wisely left out of the chase sequence, it's a great standalone piece.
Additional Extra Features Also included on the DVD is a trailer. The rather cool animated menu system is worth a mention for its inventive flair.
Region: 2
Chapters: 15
Ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 restored mono
Technical Features: Scene selection, animated menus, multiple languages and subtitles, and English captions for the hearing impaired.
This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.
