Mad Max
(1979/MGM Blu-ray w/DVD)
Picture:
B/C+/C- Sound: B-/C+ Extras: B Film: B
Though
hardly any of the films made it to the U.S.,
Australia
had a huge cycle of action films often with as many cars as actors in one of
the most popular cycles of what is now being called Oz-Ploitation, with the
most popular films usually directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith. However, it would be unknown co-writer/co-producer/director
George Miller who would create the international hit peak of the cycle, Mad Max. Released in 1979, the film was picked up by
American International and Filmways in a big coup for both companies, featuring
only the third-ever film appearance of unknown Mel Gibson in the role that put
him on the road to eventual superstardom.
With a
breakdown of authority and much of civilization thanks to an overall collapse
in the near future, new criminals roam the highways and drive through them with
their cars, often out to rob, hurt and kill people. What power still exists has formed an auto-equipped,
armed police force out to protect as much of what is left (and especially them
where necessary) as possible. The
results are brutal violence in a brutally violent world, but one officer stands
out from the rest of the force, Max Rockatansky (Gibson) who tends to have more
skills than most in driving, shooting and fighting. Soon, the criminals will cross the line going
after his wife and child, then the title of this film will really show it true
meaning.
A huge
hit because too many of the earlier such films (especially the Trenchard-Smith
films) did not make it to enough markets, the addition of a Science Fiction
element (inspired in part by the 1975 film Death
Race 2000, reviewed on Blu-ray and a couple of DVDs elsewhere on this site)
and so many things working well so often has made this a favorite ever
since. Gibson was a natural talent, the
cameras liked him even then and he did a fine job carrying the film. The cats of mostly unknowns are also better
than they often get credit for, though Roger Ward (Stone (1975), Death Cheaters,
Mad Dog Morgan, Australian TV
sensation Number 96, all reviewed
elsewhere on this site) stands out in some of his best work of his long career.
But it is
also Australia
itself and the well-rounded screenplay by Miller and James McCausland (based on
the story by Miller and Byron Kennedy) that ultimately solidifies what remains
one of the most successful low-budget productions in cinema history. The controversy in recent years over Gibson
off-screen did not hurt my new viewing of this film, nor did it enhance
it. The film is nicely self-contained
and though I enjoy the Gibson sequels, it has a certain look and feel no other
film has had since and probably never will.
That is why its arrival on Blu-ray is a welcome development.
The 1080p
2.35 X 1 AVC @ 37 MBPS digital High Definition image was shot by David Eggby (Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, Pitch Black) in the big screen
anamorphic Todd-AO 35mm film format (see the Logan’s Run Blu-ray review elsewhere on this site) and despite some
limits in absolute definition here, the print looks good, has fine color just
about all the way through and was done by someone who respected the
cinematography as it is. For an
independent production of its age, this source is in fine shape and it is
better overall versus the anamorphically enhanced DVD version and especially
the awful 1.33 X 1 pan & scan option for old analog TVs that butcher the
frame and composition to no end.
The DTS-HD
MA (Master Audio) 5.1 mix is a decent upgrade from the original theatrical
monophonic sound, but the original mono is also here in Dolby Digital 2.0 form
for fans and yes, the Mel Gibson’s voice (along with the rest of the Australian
cast) is here instead of the bizarre dubbing job that was done when it came to
the U.S. for reasons that will never make sense, though MGM has that version
here so you can hear how bad it really is.
Maybe MGM should have hired the Mystery
Science Theater cast to mock that dub.
However, for the original Australian tracks, there is only so much that
can be done to upgrade the sound, though Brian May’s score benefits most form
the remix, followed by sound effects.
Extras on
the Blu-ray include Mad Max: The Film Phenomenon featurette, two HD trailers for
the film, trailers for other MGM releases, a feature-length audio commentary
Miller, Eggby, Special Effects Supervisor Chris Murray, Art Director Jon
Dowding (not credited on the back of the case!) and film historian Tim Ridge,
while the DVD adds TV spots, Photo Gallery, trivia, Mel Gibson: Birth Of A Superstar
documentary and the Blu-ray featurettes (in low def where applicable).
It’s been
a few years since we covered the high-def release of Road Warrior and Mel Gibson is no longer going to do a fourth Max film, but one is now lensing though
it is not finished and who knows what it will turn out like. Warner will soon hopefully have Beyond Thunderdome out on Blu-ray with
extras, hopefully not waiting for that fourth film. In the meantime, you can read about Road Warrior at this link:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/5416/The+Road+Warrior+(aka+Mad+Max+2
- Nicholas Sheffo
