DVD Review: Mad Max (Special Edition)
Written by: Kage Alan

Film Rating: A-
DVD Special Features: A-

         Before the future of law enforcement was "Robocop," there was a maximum force known as "Max Max." This was the film responsible for launching Mel Gibson's career as well as two sequels and what a film it is! I hadn't seen it in over 15 years, so it was a quite an experience rediscovering it again, especially since it still stands up to films made today. While the story is fairly typical with these kinds of action movies, it's the combination of acting, script, cinematography, editing, soundtrack, energy and universal themes that make this film such a hit.

The world as we know it has apparently gone to hell, another world war if I remember the sequel properly, and what few remnants of police still exist try to maintain justice and order in certain areas or districts. As the film opens, a prisoner known as the "Nightrider" has killed an officer, escaped and is on the run in a car with his girlfriend. All attempts by other officers to apprehend him fail during a high speed chase, but the audiences is also treated to glimpses of another officer getting geared up to join the pursuit. Enter Max Rockatansky (Gibson) as he proceeds to single handedly eliminate the Nightrider.

Unfortunately, the Nightrider belongs to a motorcycle gang and it's not long before they come looking to avenge his death. This sets up a tragic set of events that leads to the death of Max's best friend and fellow police officer, Goose (Steve Bisley). Since Max is afraid that he's starting to enjoy inflicting the kind of mayhem the criminals are and wants to devote more time to his wife and son, he decides to quit the police and head north with the family. Well, bad guys wouldn't be bad guys if they didn't show up again and ruin the peace and serenity the hero thought he had. What they do causes Max to get "Mad" and wreck vengeance upon them.

"Mad Max" is filled with colorful characters, spectacular stunts, wild car and motorcycle chases and all sorts of violence. MGM did a terrific job with the new digitally remastered Anamorophic Widescreen transfer. The only specs or scratches in the film are from the master and due to age, not the DVD itself, but it's nothing too distracting. The original Australian audio track is included in two versions, one in 5.1 Surround and the other in its original mono form. The English dubbed mono track is also on there if you want to hear just how bad it really is. There are also subtitles in English, French and Spanish.

MGM did "Mad Max" justice in putting out this Special Edition. Maybe it's to make up for the film having first been released in the US with a horrible dubbing job because someone didn't think American audiences would understand Australian accents and slang. In any case, the first disc features an audio commentary with Production Designer Jon Dowding, Cinematographer David Eggby, Special Effects man Chris Murray and film historian and "Mad Max" expert Tim Ridge. It's a great track as commentaries go and filled with lots of behind-the-scenes information on how all the stunts were accomplished, how they came by the actors, where the money came from or didn't come from (they sometimes borrowed things for a few hours) and how much affection they had for the cast and crew. There's also a "Trivia and Fun Fact Track" that appears on the top or bottom of the screen and repeats some of the information on the commentary, but also points out all the goofs and flaws of the film. It definitely lives up to its name in the fun department!

Side B of the disc features the rest of the extras. First up are two documentaries. "Mel Gibson: The Birth of a Superstar" runs around 22 minutes and follows the early years of the actor from the time he was in acting school until "Mad Max" was finished shooting and he was starring in "Tim" with Piper Laurie. There isn't a single person who doesn't think the highest of Mel or who doesn't marvel at his talents. The second documentary, "Mad Max: The Film Phenomenon" also runs about 22 minutes and discusses many of the stunts in the film, how it was made, how it was received and features a number of interviews with the crew. There's also a photo gallery and theatrical trailers along with TV promo spots. The only complaint I have about any of the extras is the absence of Director George Miller or Mel Gibson in any of them. There are no recent interviews with these men and it seems as if they've had no involvement with this disc at all. It's a shame, really, because those who were involved with it really made it worthwhile, so contributions from George and Mel would have been icing on the cake.

Watching "Mad Max" is like revisiting an old friend, only discovering some new wonderful insights that we weren't privy to the first time around. It's an outstanding special edition with or without the director's or lead actor's participation. They are sorely missed, but not necessary for the success of the efforts of those who did give their time. MGM has really done a fine job and one can only hope it sells well enough to warrant special editions for "The Road Warrior" and "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome." Time will tell.                        

Kage holds degrees in Creative Writing, as well as Film & Video. He has been featured in a Life Journey Tele-Course, published poems in several national anthologies, been a contributor to The Third Coast Magazine and written several novels. kage@modamag.com >>Previous Page