Rating: 
Summary: GET READY TO TOSS THIS ONE INTO THE WIND
Review: "Gone With The Wind" plays like an old friend with its cliches of southern pageantry, its noble dipiction of the slave and lurid burning of Atlanta. David O. Selznick's masterfully told civil war melodrama is based on Margaret Mitchell's best selling novel. Mitchell, it seems, only wrote the book to keep her mind nimble while recovering from a horse riding accident. She never intended that it should be published.
By now spoiled southern belle - Scarlett O'Hara - has become a lionized icon in the canons of American cinema. It seems odd that Vivien Leigh was not the obvious choice from the start but Selznick spent nearly two years of preproduction in a nation wide search for the greatest female lead in any motion picture, any time, anywhere. There really isn't much to say that hasn't already been said of this perennial classic. Perhaps the greatest kudos came from a film critic in the 1960s who claimed, "There have only been two motion pictures in the history of American film; Gone With The Wind and everything else!"
THE TRANSFER: This is a flipper disc minted from the 1996 general release print that hit theaters for the film's anniversary. The DVD's color palette seems subdued to say the least, with muddy colors that at times betray the richness and lush lurid feel of the original three strip Technicolor. Though fine details can be seen even during the darkest scenes, intermitten edge enhancement, shimmering of fine details and aliasing throughout both sides of this disc distract from the general viewing. The audio has been remixed to 5.1 and although dated (big surprise) exhibits a richness in music tracks not present in the original mono recording.
EXTRAS: NOT A SINGLE ONE!!! This is a disc screaming for a remastering effort with extras that MUST include Turner's "The Making of A Legend" documentary and at least one audio commentary track - plus a host of outtakes, test footage and theatrical trailers. So where are they? Probably in Warner's vaults. A shame! They belong here.
BOTTOM LINE: Rumor is that "Gone With The Wind" is getting a new gussied up high def' remaster and should resurface in a deluxe edition sometime this year. I can't think of a better reason to start giving a damn!
Rating: 
Summary: Ranks as one of the greatest movies EVER (duh)
Review: "Gone with the Wind," starring Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable is perfect as Rhett Butler. "Gone with the Wind" is one of the greatest movies ever, for obvious reasons, and you'll probably agree by the ending. The acting is excellent, Vivian Leigh's performance as Scarlett O'Hara is masterful at best, and Clark Gable is perfect as Rhett Butler. The scenery in the movie along with the cinematography makes for a lush and beautiful set and candy for the eye. The script was taken from the novel of the same name and is easily top notch. One of my favorite parts of the movie was the ending. Rhett Butler is leaving and says the semi-famous line,"Frankly my dear I don't give a damn." When he leaves, Scarlett falls to the steps and this is where one of my favorite lines in movie history is said(you'll have to see for yourself). After this line your heart will break like Scarlett's when you see Rhett walk off into the distance. The ending is also one of the best I've seen, and one of my favorites. By the time the Exit Music starts, I was left in my seat feeling that I had just watched something very special, and asked myself why I ever hesitated to watch it in the past. HIGHLY recommended 5/5
Rating:
Summary: Will Scarlett ever mentally mature for a gent like Rhett.
Review: Considered to be one of the most classic epics ever made. The only one of its kind at that time. 1939 was a magic year for movies. Many excellent, dramatic films were released. But Gone With The Wind was the crown jewel, having won 10 Academy Awards. Although the story is mostly for adults, including the unforgettable "rape" scene when Clark Cable took Vivian Leigh up the red-carpeted stairs, teenagers might find this entertaining as well. If you catch your teen watching this film alone and in peace...let them. Trust me, you'll thank me later. Now you can see this film without commercial interruptions and no network logo in the corner. No scatches. Just brilliant original technicolor with your choice of Dolby Digital remastered soundtrack or original monophonic. The entire 3 hours and 53 minutes is all here. All on one disc in standard format. Included are the Overture, Intermission, Entr'acte and Exit Music. The movie continues on the other side of the disc. "Overture" is the beginning of the film. Many scenes of Gone With The Wind were reshot either because of color of hair, costumes or an in-studio shot for a better on-location shot. One interesting scene omitted from the film takes places just after the infamous "rape" scene with Rhett carrying Scarlett up the stairs. Look quick at the next scene. There is a mysterious breakfast tray in bed on the left. We see Bonnie leaving and Mammy complaining of aches and pains. The scene removed is Bonnie bringing in the breakfast tray to her mother. Perhaps, lost footage will be found someday (if not corroded)and maybe included it in a future restored DVD version. In September 1991, the continuing story of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler was officially written and published by the late Alexandra Ripley in a novel, "Scarlett--The sequel of Margaret Mitchell's Gone With The Wind." This was followed by the television mini-series, "Scarlett" in 1994.
Rating:
Summary: A True Classic!
Review: Even this movie is 4 hours long, it is a true classic! This story begins with the flirty Scarlett who has men fawning over her but she loves only one man: Ashley Wilkes. She married Charles Hamiliton just to make Ashley jealous, but Ashley's only interested in Charles' sister, Melanie who married him. Later, as a widow, Scarlett meets Rhett Butler, who is really the "true love" of her life and she doesn't know it until it was too late at the end of the film.
All through the film, there was the Civil War, famine, slaves, dying and dead soldiers lying on the streets of Atlanta (that pans out across the screen as Scarlett was looking for the doctor to deliver Melanie's baby), babies being born, deaths, and Scarlett's obsession over Ashley. Oh yes, Scarlett's self-centered ways appeared throughout the film as she married 2nd husband who was one of her sisters' fiance (she lied her way to marry him for money), and hiring slavery in her own lumber business. She obviously didn't care for the first two men she married, and didn't realize that Rhett is the real love of her life until after he said "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" at the end. Rhett stayed in the marriage really for Bonnie, their daughter, until she died.
This is a very good film for everyone. You won't be disappointed! :)
Rating:
Summary: If I Could Only See One Movie Ever Again, This Would Be It
Review: Gone With the Wind, simply put, is my favorite movie I have ever seen. From the first scene with Scarlett, absolutely brilliantly played by Vivien Leigh, on the porch of her magnificent plantation Tara, to the final moment in the film when she decides to go home, followed by her return to the plantation, I am filled by a feeling that I am scarcely able to describe. First of all, the performances are almost all, without a doubt, perhaps the most wonderful of all time. It's as though all the great talent of Hollywood in the 1930's was ensembled together and put in this incredible film. Vivien Leigh, (an Englishwoman mind you) portrays to perfection the role of the narcissistic, spoiled, and self-centered Scarlett O'Hara. Clark Gable was perfectly cast as the gentlemanly, yet quasi-ignoble Rhett Butler, as Amazon says one of the most "manly" performances ever. Olivia de Havilland shines as the naive, and sometimes overly-trusting "good-doer", who sees beyond (sometimes when she shouldn't) Scarlett's self-concerned personality. Leslie Howard as the timid and weak Ashley, just another excellent performance. And Hattie McDaniel, who playes Scarlett's "Mamie", also an incredible actress, also the first African-American to win an Academy Award. The movie is an incredible achievement in every other area too: from a brilliantly written script (written by many screenwriters) filled with memorable lines that are constantly quoted, such as "I'll think about that tomorrow", "Fiddle-dee-dee" and others; to a beautiful film with some of the best cinematography I've seen to date. The story itself is compelling, and it is relevant to every aspect of modern day life, even though takes place in a time period "which you will only read about in books". By the way, if you're a guy reading this and you're concerned that this is too much of a "chick flick", as I've known many fellow men to say, just think about the movie's universal themes, the determination, the sense of pride, the horrible effects of racism, the feelings of love for home, etc. If Gone With the Wind is a "chick flick", then The Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep are "guy movies". In sum, I can honestly say that my life has been changed by repeated viewings of this great piece of cinematic art.
Rating:
Summary: Red Earth of Tara gets Remastered
Review: How fortunate we are to be able to view this incredibly wonderful film, the way it was seen in 1939. Even more than that to have it in Dolby Digital 5.1. Scarlett, sillouhetted, standing on the red clay of Tara, in the beautiful sunset, swearing she "will never go hungry again", the streets of Atlanta with the thousands of wounded confederates, the ball gowns, Mammy's big eyes,Atlanta burning,the cotton fields, all in the glorious technicolor it was first seen in. This DVD(Warner Bros) allows us to view Gone With the Wind as if we were seeing it for the first time.
For those that Are seeing it for the first time, you will love the drama,romance,adventure and history of the South during the Civil War era. All the famous characters, Margaret Mitchell gave us, are skillfully acted by Vivien Leigh(Scarlett),Clark Gable(Rhett),Leslie Howard(Ashley),Olivia De Havilland(Melanie) Hattie McDaniel(Mammy),and let's not forget the wonderful Butterfly Mcqueen(Prissy) who uttered the immortal, "I don't know bout birthin no babies, Miss Scarlett"
The film won the Best Picture of 1939, along with 9 other Oscars, including one for Hattie McDaniel(Best Supporting actress), making her the first African American in Academy history to recieve the honor. What's really amazing is that in 1939 there were so many phenominal films released. To name a few,there was Mr. Smith goes to Washington. The Wizard of Oz, Stagecoach, Wuthering Heights, Ninotchka, and Many more. So you know this was really special.
The DVD is a must have, It has excellent picture and sound, dialouge is crisp and clear, the Score by Max Steiner, ever present only adds to the greatness of the film. The film was directed By Victor Fleming although he was replaced during filming (due to illness) by Sam Wood. Don't look for alot of "Bonus Features". The film stands on it's own. It's 4hrs(you do have to flip the disc halfway through it) of cinematic excellance that you wont want to end. There are a couple of little extras though, on side A there an original theatrical trailer and on side B a GWTW trivia game.There are also subtitles in English and French if needed.
For more on the story and the book itself please see my book review.
Kick back and enjoy this one.......Laurie
Rating:
Summary: A Classic but it's NOT for everyone!
Review: I used to think that this Hollywood classic was for everyone. However, after reading nearly 300 reviews of the film, I think that isn't true anymore. This movie is NOT for you IF 1) you think a movie must be as historically accurate as a history book, 2) you think a 1939 movie should reflect the values of the 21st century, 3) your attention span is so short that you must only see movies from 90-120 minutes in length, 4) you can only accept politically correct films, particularly in terms of racial issues, 5) you are so DUMB as to think widescreen movies were made before the 1950s (although to be fair, Selznik originally intended to use a special widescreen process for the so-called "burning of Atlanta" sequence but gave up on the expensive idea), 6) you can only accept computerized special effects as they appear in modern films, or 7) your idea of great acting is to be found in slasher or teen films being made these days. GWTW is NOT a documentary on the Civil War period. It is NOT a history of slavery in America. It is NOT a story of perfect people behaving perfectly at all times. It IS an adaptation of a novel written by a Southern woman who, as a child, sat and listened to the stories the old Confederate veterans told about the old days before, during, and after THE war. It IS a love story, probably about the novelist's grandmother, which reflects the attitudes left over from that long-ago time. To criticize this film for so many unrelated issues is silly. It stands on its merits as a masterful film that tells of bittersweet love and lost fantasy. That it succeeds so well is a tribute to the actors and filmmakers of over sixty years ago.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Movie - Bare DVD
Review: I'm always sure I've seen this move enough, but I got caught up in it again this past weekend. Too bad it's gotten the reputation as a chick flick, because I think its pretty universal. The war is a background to the human story that rises above mere soap opera. Gable is perfect as Rhett Butler, Vivian Leigh was brilliant as Scarlett and Olivia DeHavilland never strikes a false note. Leslie Howard on the other hand seems miscast and I always hope that he'll be replaced before I view it again. The Gone With the Wind DVD is somewhat of a disappointment. With a very good making of documentary already produced, I was very disappointed that it didn't make its way onto this DVD. I suppose once they sell the tar out of this one, we'll get a special collectors edition that we can buy all over again. Next time I hope we can have some commentary by film scholars. There is so much to tell us about this great film. There is a Deluxe Box set available, but it has nothing but play pretties. I long for substance.
Rating:
Summary: Lesley Howard is brilliant and a strong character
Review: In his role of Scarlett O'Hara's (initially) true secret love. I had been a fan of Mr. Howard's for many years. His performance here is among his finest. Also check him out in The Petrified Forrest. As for the rest of the film. When he's not in it it's a little strong on the romantic side.
Rating:
Summary: HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT FOR MANY REASONS
Review: Perhaps the very first technicolor film, GONE WITH THE WIND broke lots of new technical and artistic ground in 1939. Margaret Mitchell's story of the Old South is the epic story of a woman who can cope with everything in the Civil War, except losing to another woman the love of the man she desperately wants. David O. Selznick produced the movie starring the macho Clark Gable (Rhett Butler: "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."), seductive Vivien Leigh (Oscar for her role as Scarlett O'Hara: "As God is my witness, as God is my witness they're not going to lick me! I'm going to live through this and when it's all over, I'll never be hungry again!"), and heart wringing characters played by Olivia de Havilland, British actor Leslie Howard (Ashley Wilkes: "You mustn't say unkind things about Melanie."), and that wonderful African-American actress Butterfly McQueen who flawlessly played Scarlett's maid (Prissy: "Lawzy, we got to have a doctor! I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' babies!"). GONE WITH THE WIND was being premiered against a backdrop of Adolf Hitler beginning his conquest of Europe. After acting in the movie, Leslie Howard returned to England to make movies and radio broadcasts about World War II. He was killed in 1943 when the British Overseas Airways plane he was on was shot down by German fighters over the Bay of Biscay. This may have been one of the most Oscar awarded movies in history: Best Actress (Vivien Leigh); Best Art Direction; Best Cinematography (Color); Best Director - Victor Fleming; Best Film Editing; Best Picture - David O. Selznick; Best Supporting Actress - Hattie McDaniel; Best Writing, Screenplay - Sidney Howard; Technical Achievement Awards (for pioneering in the use of coordinated equipment in the production); Nominated for Oscar: Best Actor - Clark Gable; Best Effects (Special Effects) - two for sound and one photographic. For decades to follow, GONE WITH THE WIND defined the standards for movie making in the world.
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