Gone With the Wind: 75th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition

There's no denying 'Gone With the Wind' stands as one of the classic motion pictures of all time. And it's easy to see why. It's got everything movie fans love – scope, grandeur, romance, war, history, melodrama – and magnifies all of it to epic proportions. These days, though, it seems many take this 75-year-old bastion of Hollywood's Golden Age for granted, and even - shockingly - minimize its importance.  While it may be easy for some cynics to dismiss producer David O. Selznick's masterpiece as an overlong soap opera dominated by an insufferable heroine who makes life miserable for family, friends, and lovers alike, those with any historical perspective and appreciation for craftsmanship realize just what a monumental achievement 'Gone With the Wind' is. To think such a massive, meticulous production was mounted a mere 12 years after the advent of talking pictures is truly amazing. Say what you will about Margaret Mitchell's plot, ideology, and Southern bias – none of that can detract from the sumptuous nature of almost every frame of this highly lauded and revered film. 'Gone With the Wind' is Hollywood moviemaking at its finest, and thanks to the herculean efforts of director Victor Fleming (who also directed 'The Wizard of Oz' the very same year), it defined Hollywood moviemaking for well over a generation. Sure, it's now a bit of an antique, but its artistic worth and impact on audiences and the industry at large remains immeasurable.

Mitchell's 1,036-page magnum opus opens at the close of the antebellum period, before Southern arrogance and swagger incited a misguided civil war that nearly destroyed our country. Headstrong, selfish, ravishing Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh), arguably the most famous heroine in American popular literature, enjoys the undivided attention of practically every eligible gentleman in Georgia, but the one with whom she's madly in love, the weak-willed, noble Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard), is affianced to marry his cousin (and Scarlett's antithesis), the plain and sickly sweet Melanie Hamilton (Olivia de Havilland). Scarlett's feminine wiles can't convince Ashley to forego duty for passion, and she spends her life pining away for him, despite the intense interest of the roguish, macho Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), a "visitor from Charleston" who relentlessly pursues her, and to whom she's better suited. War, reconstruction, poverty, famine, and enough interpersonal strife to rival a daytime TV drama keep the story afloat for almost four hours, and by the end, some may share Rhett's wry, blunt sentiment as he bids Scarlett adieu. But the truth is most of us do give a damn about this sprawling tale of love, lust, duty, honor, family, will, and perseverance, and though we may know it backwards and forwards, it never ceases to captivate our senses.

The film, however, is not without faults. Some of the acting is overly stylized, and the movie's melodrama becomes excessive during the final half-hour, as Sidney Howard's Oscar-winning screenplay struggles to pack in a flurry of tragic plot developments. And it's not without controversy either. In its portrayal of slaves, 'Gone With the Wind' does perpetuate negative stereotypes, and some of the exchanges and characterizations on screen can be uncomfortable to watch. But before we cast too many aspersions, we must remember this is a film made in 1939 that depicts events in the 1860s and '70s, and the perspective of society in both of those bygone eras was, unfortunately, much different and far less enlightened than it is today. Like many Hollywood films from the '30s and '40s, we must view 'Gone With the Wind' as a film of its time (and, in this case, told from a firmly entrenched Southern point of view) and not judge it on how it fits or doesn't fit into the context of our current generation. Slavery will always be a hot-button, deeply emotional issue, and our opinion of 'Gone With the Wind' shouldn't be irrevocably slanted by how the film treats this shameful episode in our nation's history.

To do so would nullify the many exceptional elements of this epic. In its production values, 'Gone With the Wind' epitomizes class, and Selznick spared no expense with regard to set design, costumes, and scenes of thrilling spectacle. From the lavish plantation barbecue at Twelve Oaks and garish opulence of Scarlett and Rhett's residence to the burning of Atlanta, the chaotic shelling that precedes it, and, of course, the makeshift hospital at the rail yards – all these are indelible images that help loft 'Gone With the Wind' into the upper echelon of American cinema. Few other films rival the sense of time, place, and attitude that 'Gone With the Wind' so completely evokes, and present it with such unwavering attention to detail. Like a good novel, the film immerses us in the period, and makes us reluctant to leave it, even after the final scene has been played.

Of course, the film's central driving force is Scarlett O'Hara, and without a pitch-perfect performance from Vivien Leigh, 'Gone With the Wind' surely would be one of Hollywood's biggest turkeys instead of one of its crown jewels. Leigh's contributions cannot be underestimated, nor does her justly deserved Best Actress Oscar begin to sum up what she accomplishes on film. From an imperious Southern belle to a courageous, poverty-stricken war survivor to a shrewd businesswoman to a conflicted wife and mother, Leigh is never less than brilliant, and so magnetic she can even steal focus from her hunky co-star. Gable, of course, will be forever identified with Rhett Butler, and he beautifully captures the character's charisma and devilish sense of humor, yet the actor impresses most during some intense dramatic scenes late in the picture, proving he's far more than virile beefcake. Howard and De Havilland portray their parts well, but it's Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American ever to win an Oscar, who steals our hearts as the irrepressible, big-hearted Mammy, and the emotional impact of her performance hasn't waned one whit over the years.

Nor has the impact of the film as a whole. 'Gone With the Wind' remains a brilliantly told, dazzlingly mounted story populated by interesting characters and set against a rich historical fabric. Is it the greatest film of all time? Probably not. But its lofty place in American cinematic history is secure, and this spectacular Blu-ray edition reinforces both our love of and respect for this timeless saga.

The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats

'Gone With the Wind' is a lavish production and it gets the lavish treatment in another of Warner's signature anniversary editions. Yes, the key word here is "another." Do we really need another big 'GWTW' box set a mere five years after the sumptuous 70th anniversary release? After all, the video and audio transfers are identical to the ones included on the 2009 Blu-ray, and only a couple of new supplements have been added to this edition to sweeten the pot. So the short answer is no, this box set is hardly necessary...unless, of course, you don't already own a copy of 'Gone With the Wind,' or you're a fanatical Scarlett and Rhett completist. Though stylishly produced and beautifully appointed, the 75th anniversary edition pales a bit when compared to the 70th, at least from a serious film lover's standpoint. Instead of copies of archival correspondence that shed light on the movie's creation, and a reproduction of the original 1939 premiere program, Warner stocks this new set with attractive, decorative, but largely useless swag - a white handkerchief with the embroidered initials R.B., and a gold-rimmed wind-up music box paperweight bedecked with a color photo of Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh that plays 'Tara's Theme'  (see picture below), both of which will most likely remain tucked in their designated spots in the 11-1/2"-x-7-3/4"-x-2-1/2" limited edition, numbered box. (Mine is #1353 of 62,700...a severe drop from the 150,000 boxes minted for the 70th anniversary release.) There's also a 40-page 11"-x-7-1/2" hardcover commemorative book - 'Forever Scarlett - The Immortal Style of Gone With the Wind: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow' - that's jam-packed with gorgeous full-color photos, but has limited appeal. (I much prefer the more straightforward book included in the 70th anniversary edition that looks at various aspects of the film's production.) Designer and former 'Project Runway' contestant Austin Scarlett salutes and analyzes the film's glorious fashions from historical, social, and Hollywood perspectives, and discusses their influence on him personally and how they continue to impact the fashion universe today. If you're a fashionista, you'll appreciate the book; if not, you won't, and after an initial flip-through, you'll probably never open it again.

Four discs comprise this collection - three BD-50s and one standard-def DVD - and all are housed in a single standard multi-disc case. (Tucked inside the front cover is a leaflet with a code to access the Ultraviolet Digital HD Copy.) Video codec is 1080p/VC-1 and default audio is Dolby TrueHD 5.1. Once the discs are inserted into the player, a Blu-ray promo immediately pops up, followed by static menus with music.

This is the exact same transfer that graced GWTW's 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition, and that's not a bad thing. Here's what I said about this glorious rendering back in 2009...

Just the idea of seeing 'Gone With the Wind' in the splendor of 1080p sets many classic movie lovers' hearts aflutter, and Warner Home Video has made sure those pulse rates remain high with a superior transfer that more than lives up to expectations. Lest we forget, though, Selznick's epic is 70 years old, and no matter how advanced the technology, it's impossible to completely erase the film's age. That age is immediately evident during the opening credits, as heavy grain and several print marks dominate the background. Thankfully, however, both elements substantially diminish once the narrative begins; the source material cleans up nicely, while the grain reverts to pleasing levels that represent the natural texture of celluloid and never look overly processed. Some scenes, of course, appear fresher and more alive than others, but there are never any jarring moments where the picture quality feels inferior. A bit of softness does creep in now and then, especially in dimly lit sequences, but doesn't detract from the integrity of the whole.

Clarity is superb, and a big step up from the previous DVD. In a side-by-side comparison, the Blu-ray close-ups are sharper and more dimensional, colors flaunt a more natural and vibrant look, far fewer speckles and marks dot the print, grain is less pronounced, and fine details are easier to discern. The biggest difference, however, is in long and wide shots, where the Blu-ray outclasses the DVD by a wide margin, exhibiting a much clearer image and allowing us to palpably experience the setting instead of feeling as if we're observing it from afar. The enhanced resolution of the 1080p/VC-1 encode outclasses any prior transfer, making this version of 'Gone With the Wind' indisputably the best.

The Technicolor photography is a joy to behold. Hues possess terrific saturation without appearing garish or overblown. The colorful accents of various costumes pop, fleshtones are spot-on, and black levels are always rich and deep. Contrast, especially in exteriors, is perfectly modulated, so the image achieves wonderful depth, and the various textures of gowns and upholstery stand out nicely. Shadow delineation is excellent, too, and any digital doctoring is so judiciously applied, it escapes notice. Thankfully, no banding, noise, or other anomalies distract from the purity of this exceptional presentation.

Like 'The Wizard of Oz' before it, 'Gone With the Wind' is another painstakingly restored, beautifully rendered transfer of a classic film, and the team at Warner deserves the highest praise for taking such great care of our most treasured films. Bravo!

The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track from the 70th Anniversary Edition reappears here as well, offering surprisingly enveloping audio for such an antiquated picture. Of course, much of the sonic action is anchored up front, but Max Steiner's iconic score enjoys a lovely surround presence, punctuated by robust, textured tones and excellent fidelity. Dialogue is crystal clear and always easy to comprehend, and bass frequencies, especially during the shelling of Atlanta, exhibit appropriate power and presence. There's not much ambient activity – you won't hear such subtle atmospherics as birds chirping or trees rustling – but that's completely understandable given the limitations of the source material.

The greatest problem with audio from the 1930s is surface noise, and I'm happy to report Warner technicians have scrubbed the track clean, leaving nary a trace of hiss and no pops or crackles. The sound also lacks the tinny quality that pervades lesser productions of the period. Despite several shrill exchanges and the predominance of swelling strings, distortion is never an issue. Purists will appreciate the inclusion of the original mono track (found in the special features menu), but the lossless option is so good and respects the original's integrity so completely, I can't imagine anyone finding fault with it.

All of the supplements from the previous 2009 Blu-ray and 2004 DVD set (totaling upwards of 14 hours of material) have been ported over to this special edition Blu-ray. (There are a couple of new extras, both of which comprise Disc Three, and those are reviewed in the HD Bonus Content section below.) If you watch everything – and believe me, everything is worth watching! – you might know almost as much about 'Gone With the Wind' as David O. Selznick himself!

Disc One

• Audio Commentary – Respected film historian Rudy Behlmer sits down for another of his stellar, well-researched commentaries. It's tough enough to sustain a monologue for almost four hours, let alone make sure your audience stays engaged, but Behlmer manages both difficult tasks with his patented lively delivery and by sprinkling in an abundance of anecdotes and fascinating trivia. He quotes from various memos and books, provides brief bios of the cast and notable crew, discusses the life of Margaret Mitchell, notes differences between the novel and screenplay, even delves into Civil War history. He also addresses censorship issues and even points out a couple of scenes shot by other directors that remain in the finished film. This is an essential commentary that any true fan of 'Gone With the Wind' will find enriching and entertaining.

Disc Two

• Documentary: "1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year" (SD, 68 minutes) – This riveting documentary, which originally aired on Turner Classic Movies, pays long overdue tribute to arguably the finest 12 months in Hollywood history. 1939 produced such immortal works as 'Gone With the Wind,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' 'Gunga Din,' 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,' 'Stagecoach,' 'The Women,' 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame,' 'Wuthering Heights,' and 'Dark Victory,' to name but a few, and this classy production examines each studio's contributions to this banner year. Narrated by Kenneth Branagh and filled with film clips and archival reminiscences from some of the legendary artists who helped craft these immortal pictures, "1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year" examines the factory mentality of studio moviemaking, the benefits of the contract system, and sparks renewed appreciation for the inventiveness and creativity it spawned. Film fans do not want to miss this superior documentary.

• Featurette: "'Gone With the Wind': The Legend Lives On" (SD, 32 minutes) – This entertaining featurette looks at the impact and influence of 'Gone With the Wind,' and the elements that make it such a timeless and beloved motion picture. Actress Ann Rutherford, who portrays Scarlett's youngest sister, Careen, reminisces about the film's premiere and her experiences on the set, and we learn about Gable's magnetism and ambivalence about taking on the role of Rhett. Other sequences profile various memorabilia museums that honor the film, and a group of super-fans called Windies, who give 'Star Trek' and 'Star Wars' fanatics a run for their money.

• 'Moviola: The Scarlett O'Hara War' (SD, 97 minutes) – Casting the role of Scarlett O'Hara became an obsession for producer David O. Selznick, who scoured the globe for a suitable actress who was both beautiful and could convey the heroine's fiery personality. This fun, slightly campy, but surprisingly faithful 1980 TV movie recreates that frantic search, with Tony Curtis as Selznick, Harold Gould as his powerful father-in-law, Louis B. Mayer, Sharon Gless as actress Carole Lombard, and other stars of TV portraying such notables as Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Tallulah Bankhead, and Paulette Goddard. The film was nominated for a handful of Emmys (and won two), and the picture quality is quite good for a made-for-television movie from that period.

• Documentary: "The Making of a Legend: 'Gone With the Wind'" (SD, 123 minutes) – This definitive 1989 behind-the-scenes documentary chronicles every aspect of the film's production in an absorbing, innovative style that makes it a must-see for anyone who has been remotely touched by this classic motion picture. Cast members Evelyn Keyes, Ann Rutherford, and Butterfly McQueen share their memories, and each phase of production – casting, financing, writing, scoring, special effects, editing, and the personal and professional travails of many cast and crew members – is examined in depth. Rare screen tests from a slew of well-known Scarlett wannabes are included, as well as excerpts from Selznick's fascinating and voluminous memos, which shed rare insights into the all-consuming effort to bring Margaret Mitchell's novel to the screen. Another can't miss extra.

• Documentary: "Gable: The King Remembered" (SD, 65 minutes) – This 1975 tribute to arguably Hollywood's most renowned Golden Age star relies more on testimonials than film clips, with rambling reminiscences from such Gable cronies as actress Yvonne De Carlo, actor Andy Devine, director William Wellman, and columnist Adela Rogers St. John fleshing out the piece. Some scratchy montages give us a glimpse of Gable's magnetism, but this is more of a personal portrait than an appreciation of the actor's talent.

• Documentary: "Vivien Leigh: Scarlett and Beyond" (SD, 46 minutes) – Produced in 1990 and hosted by actress Jessica Lange, this TCM retrospective does a better job of chronicling the life and work of Leigh, whose colorful existence included a 20-year marriage to actor Laurence Olivier, Oscars for 'Gone With the Wind' and 'A Streetcar Named Desire,' and courageous battles against manic depression and tuberculosis.

• Featurette: "Melanie Remembers: Reflections by Olivia de Havilland" (SD, 38 minutes) – Filmed in 2004 when de Havilland was a spry 88, this priceless collection of memories from the legendary actress spans a multitude of topics, from her campaign to secure the part of Melanie and struggle to keep the character's plain look intact to her ability to coax tears from Clark Gable and initial disappointment over losing the Oscar to co-star Hattie McDaniel. Elegantly attired and as regal as a member of Hollywood royalty can be, de Havilland is utterly captivating, and it's a treat to hear about the making of 'Gone With the Wind' from a primary source.

• Featurette: "The Supporting Players" (SD) – This absorbing collection of 16 mini-featurettes, each running under three minutes, is one of my favorite extras on the disc. Divided into three sections – "At Tara," "At Twelve Oaks," and "In Atlanta" – the profiles are meticulously produced and include fascinating bits of trivia about Thomas Mitchell, Barbara O'Neil (who portrayed Scarlett's mother, yet was only four years older than Vivien Leigh in real life!), Leslie Howard, Hattie McDaniel, Butterfly McQueen, Laura Hope Crews, and others.

• Featurette: "Restoring a Legend" (SD, 17 minutes) – It's too bad Warner didn't see fit to update this 2004 featurette, which examines the film's Ultra-Resolution makeover for the DVD Collector's Edition, to include information about the 8k Blu-ray remastering, but it's still a worthwhile supplement to this package. Technicians address both video and audio and how they were painstakingly refurbished, show off the computer programs that aided in the process, and explain the Ultra-Resolution process and how it particularly benefits Technicolor films from the 1930s and '40s. Split-screen comparisons display the breathtaking results.

• Vintage Newsreel Footage: "Dixie Hails 'Gone With the Wind'" (SD, 4 minutes) – Clips from the opulent premiere gala, including the airport arrivals of various stars, a festive parade through the streets of Atlanta, and a lavish dinner dance.

• Vintage Short: "The Old South" (SD, 11 minutes) – Directed by a young Fred Zinnemann, who would go on to win Academy Awards for 'From Here to Eternity' and 'A Man for All Seasons,' this 1940 short pays tribute to the South and the bygone civilization that 'Gone With the Wind' depicts.

• "Atlanta Civil War Centennial" (SD, 3 minutes) – Selznick, Leigh, and de Havilland attend festivities surrounding the first reissue of 'Gone With the Wind' in 1961.

• Additional Footage (SD) – Before anyone gets too excited, all that's contained here is an international prologue for the film that briefly educates foreign audiences about the Old South, as well as isolated scenes from dubbed foreign editions of 'Gone With the Wind.' Amusing, but hardly earth shattering.

• Theatrical Trailers (SD) – A collection of five 'Gone With the Wind' trailers spanning 50 years are included, from the original 1939 announcement preview through various reissue trailers up to the 50th anniversary rerelease in 1989.

Disc Four

• Documentary: "MGM: When the Lion Roars" (SD, 6 hours) – The most comprehensive studio documentary ever produced, this mesmerizing chronicle of the rise and fall of MGM has been near the top of every classic film buff's DVD wish list for years. It's presented here as an exclusive Blu-ray extra on a double-sided standard-def DVD disc and looks great. Corporate intrigue, scandal, and tragic deaths add spice to the story, but MGM's legacy remains its huge collection of lavishly produced motion pictures, and a wealth of clips from scads of films shine a beacon on the studio's contribution to the cinematic arts. If you haven't yet seen this excellent documentary, you're in for a real treat.

The "Gone With the Wind' 75th Anniversary Edition is without question a beautifully packaged box set that faithfully honors one of Hollywood's most iconic motion pictures. Yet its arrival on the retail scene a mere five years after the release of the equally sumptuous 70th Anniversary Edition diminishes its impact, most notably because there's nothing much new to distinguish it. The superb video and audio transfers are exactly the same, all the fantastic supplements have been ported over, and only two new extras (totaling 38 minutes of screen time) have been included. Yes, the collectibles and commemorative book are different, but their usefulness and appeal remain questionable. (I don't suspect I'll be sporting my Rhett Butler handkerchief anytime soon.) That said, if you don't yet own a copy of 'Gone With the Wind,' by all means grab one of these limited numbered editions. You won't be disappointed. 'GWTW' junkies also will appreciate the lavish presentation and meticulous care that went into the production of this impressive release. (After all, if you're a collector, you just can't have too many editions of your favorite movie.) But for the casual fan or classic movie buff who already has a copy of David O. Selznick's defining film sitting on their shelf, there's absolutely no need to double dip. Think of this set as a costume change for Scarlett; it looks lovely on the surface, but underneath the layers of taffeta and crinoline, it's still the same old girl. And yet it's impossible not to give the 75th Anniversary Edition of this Best Picture winner a hearty recommendation. They surely don't make 'em like this anymore, and who knows how long they'll package 'em like this either.