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Chitty Chitty
Bang Bang was one of my favorite films as a child, and it
was with this in mind I purchased the DVD version. The lengthy
film revolves around Caractacus Potts, a widower inventor
who spends more time on his crazy inventions than paying attention
to his children. However, when his kids plead with him to
save an old race car destined for the scrap heap he scrounges
up the cash and spends the next while fixing it up. What he
produces is truly amazing - beyond even his own dreams.
A fun-filled
adventure ensues involving the child-hating Baron Bomburst
who will stop at nothing to have the car, including kidnapping
the inventor. Who could have thought that Ian Fleming, the
man behind 007, could have wrote this children's film as well?
The picture
has been treated to a deluxe THX restoration that probably
looks better than the original ever did. While some folks
may object to the Pan & Scan formatting, MGM probably
felt this title would appeal more to the younger crowd who
wouldn't appreciate the finer details of a widescreen presentation.
Comparing this new version to the original VHS release, the
DVD at least opted to include the opening credits in widescreen
instead of the "squished" effect produced on the tape. Overall
framing seems much better as well, with more visible picture.
In one opening scene an A/B test on both versions shows the
DVD actually gains about 10% more picture on both the top
and left sides, improving composition on some scenes that
originally appeared cramped.
Video: How Does The Disc Look?
The picture
quality is simply stunning. After watching the VHS tape for
fifteen minutes I had to turn it off - there was very little
color, and what was there was a blurry brown and white. It
was completely devoid of richness and was much too contrasty.
The DVD on the other hand looks as good as the best of them.
Incredible greens, deep blues and reds that were completely
missing on the tape are all faithfully reproduced here. Sharpness
is excellent, with plenty of detail. I didn't experience any
pixelation or artifacts, and the print was remarkably free
of defects considering its age.
Audio: How Does the Disc Sound?
In addition
to a vibrant visual restoration, MGM has chosen to re-master
Chitty with a brand-new 5.1 soundtrack. Audio is much improved,
with more range and a wider stage. Voices no longer grate
on your ears, and you can finally pick single instruments
out of the orchestra. The rear channels aren't used much,
and though it doesn't have the dynamic range as newer titles
I still feel they've done a great job with what they had to
work with.
Supplements: What Goodies Are There? Extras are
slim but do include a short booklet with trivia facts, the
original theatrical trailer, fully animated menus and a karaoke
Sing-Along feature that prompts kids on 13 songs.
Parting Thoughts
The list
price of $24.99 is standard for MGM titles, and well worth
it in this case. For anyone who likes this movie or has a
family member that does it comes highly recommended.
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