Gone in 60 Seconds Reviews

• WARNING TO ALL FANS OF THE ORIGINAL FILM...

  
  By A8996JL55GBDW on 2000-12-01
  First of all, I love this movie. I was quite surprised to discover it's release on DVD, and needless to say, I grabbed it. There is no doubt that this disc is loaded with extras, but sadly, the claim that the film has been "fully restored" is extremely misleading. The advantage of these review forums, is to provide insight, from someone who has already bought the product, to those interested. And, that's what I'm here to do.

  Here are the DVD's special features, as listed: LETTERBOXED PRESENTATION (1.85:1), REMASTERED SOUNDTRACK (in Dolby 5.1 and DTS), NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN FOOTAGE, AUDIO COMMENTARY: Jack Vacek (Cinematographer) and Warner Leighton (Editor), 3 TRAILERS (The original theatrical trailers for "GONE IN 60 SECONDS" and "THE JUNKMAN", and another for the remastered version of "GONE IN 60 SECONDS"), EXTENSIVE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PHOTO GALLERY, DVD-ROM CAPABILITIES, INTRODUCTION with Denice Halicki (H.B. Halicki's widow) and "Eleanor".

  Sounds very enticing, right? That's what I thought. Hell, to be honest, I really didn't care about the extras, as long as I could get H.B. Halicki's original classic on DVD! Naturally, I immediately put the DVD in. Then, my dissapointment began.

  Now, what the packaging WON'T tell you, and what I'm about to, is that this isn't, in fact, a "fully restored" version of the film, but rather, one that has been doctored. Unfortunately, the entire film has been RE-SCORED with crappy music, supposedly aimed at "updating" this classic film, thereby dumping ALL the music from the original cut. Yep, the catchy opening title "GONE IN 60 SECONDS" tune is gone, along with the "SUPERMAN" tune, and everything else, as well. Needless, to say, I am very disappointed. Why do people feel the need to mess with movies, like they do? I don't think H.B. Halicki would have been proud with what his widow has done with the rights to the film, so far.

  I probably wouldn't have minded this DVD release, if it had offered the original mono soundtrack on a separate audio channel, like most other remastered DVD's offer. Then, I would have been fine with it, as long as I could have the version I wanted to see. Instead, anyone with hopes to get a brand new copy on either DVD or video of this classic car theft film, in it's original format, are pretty much screwed. And, that's too bad. So, my advice is to stick with the original out-of-print MEDIA Home Entertainment release. Believe me, that tape will still be in great demand for years to come.

  One more thing, there is a website: www.gonein60seconds.com. Perhaps, this would be a great place for true fans of the film to file their complaints. And, who knows, maybe someday we will see the original version released in a respective manner on DVD.
  
  

• For true fans of the original classic: here's the lowdown

  
  By A2OJN4ICXM4AOE on 2000-12-13
  First of all, I've loved this movie since I was 6 years old. My mom and dad saw it in the cinema -- more than once -- while they were dating in 1974. To say the least, this title holds special significance in my whole family. Which is why it's great to see it re-released on both VHS and DVD for all to enjoy.

  For those of you who, like me, have every scene, every line, every sound effect of the original movie committed to memory, you will be shocked when you play the "remastered" version. For one thing, the picture is beautiful. It's never looked so good. And the soundtrack has never sounded so good, either -- because it's been completely redone from scratch. That's the other thing. The sound effects are all new. Gone are the authentic, live-recorded engine sounds, tire screeches, and other hard effects. Gone also is the original music, including my favorite tune, "I Do Hope The Man Doesn't Catch Me", and the title song, "Gone In Sixty Seconds". For someone looking for a true re-release of the authentic, original film, this is disappointing. But for me, someone who already owns an original copy of the old MEDIA videotape release of the film, I see this remastered version just as a fun modernization of one of my favorite flicks.

  The new sound effects are beautiful. I am a sound designer among other things, and some of the new crashes and guttural V8 engine sounds made me drool. They may not be true-to-life anymore, but they are great in their own right. It's almost surreal, seeing all these old muscle cars, but hearing crystal-clear digital stereo effects. By contrast, the disturbingly mono original dialogue track underlaid beneath them sounds almost ridiculous! Fortunately, there is no need for much talking during the 40-minute chase, easily the highlight of the film.

  In short, to really enjoy the remastered version of Gone In 60 Seconds, you've got to take it for what it is -- a modern "refreshment" of the original film. It's been remixed to appeal more to the same young crowd who enjoyed the 2000 remake with Nicholas Cage. If you are a true Gone In 60 Seconds fan, however, don't stop here. Go in search of the original 1974 film in all its glory, on its original video cassette. A true fan must indeed have both, for the audio differences between the two versions are so distinct, you could almost consider them two separate films.
  
  

• Not as bad as the critics say

  
  By A2RL9JHYNEJ1QR on 2000-11-27
  Gone in 60 seconds is story about a retired car thief who is forced back into the business when his kid brother ends up on the wrong side of a psychotic gangster. Nicolas Cage's assignment is simple enough, for $200, 000 he must steal 50 cars ... or his brother dies.

  This movie was blasted by every critic that I saw, however, I think that the critics were overly harsh. Gone in 60 seconds is a high adrenaline, car chase film that requires the viewer to use the same powers of "willing suspension of disbelief" that are necessary for most of Nicolas Cage's action films. Nicolas Cage and a fairly impressive supporting cast (including Robert Duvall, Delroy Lindo, Angelina Jolie) give decent performances despite a script that under used them. Giovanni Ribisi is perfect in the role of Nicolas Cage's over confident younger brother.

  Great acting, however, is not what this film is about. This film is about fast cars and lots of action, which it delivers. After a brief introduction to the characters, we get to watch how the thieves stalk the individual cars, a part that I found interesting. After this point, it is pretty much a none stop car chase scene, which was fairly well filmed and has a pretty good soundtrack to keep your adrenaline pumped.

  This may not be the most original or deepest film out there but it is another good action film that is worth renting.
  
  

• A 100% kick-ass guy movie!

  
  By A1A4DQTQSI6L4H on 2000-12-06
  When it comes to reviewing movies like Gone in 60 Seconds, the critics are just plain stupid. You can't rate this film on Grammy Categories. This is a flick about cars. Sexy, fast, adrenaline pumping, loud, oh-my-god-it's-in-digital-surround-sound cars. There's nothing like hearing a Supercharged-Nitrous-pumping 1967 Shelby GT 500 Mustang in Digital Surround. I don't care what the critics gave this movie. With a kick-ass cast and supporting stars with names of Porsche, Lamborghini, BMW, Hemi Cuda and Ferrari just to name a few; you can't go wrong. And there was actually a plot. You have to remember this is a 100% guy movie. When I stepped out of the theatre I heard booster wanna-be's revving up their ladies all over the parking lot. That's what this movie is about. If you actually try to rate this movie, you'll be dissapointed. But if you just sit back, relax, and picture yourself in the driver's seat, you'll absolutely love it. I'd recommend it to every guy who has ever exceeded the speed limit. (and come on, how can you give a movie with Angelina Jolie in it a bad rating...)
  
  

• Pure Action and Revving Engines

  
  By A1J2931UBBJPXM on 2000-06-12
  High-voltage, testosterone-driven, non-stop action highlight "Gone In 60 Seconds," directed by Dominic Sena, and starring Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie. Top car thief Memphis Raines (Cage) retired from the life once he awoke to the fact that all of his friends were either dead or in jail. But the main reason was that he wanted to keep his younger brother, Kip (Giovnni Ribisi), from following in his footsteps. Now, six years later, Kip is in trouble; he's become a car thief anyway, and when he botches a "boost" big time, the man he works for (Christopher Eccleston) brings big brother back to make amends. He gives Memphis seventy-two hours to deliver fifty cars, of specific make and model, or he will kill Kip. By the time Memphis gets his old crew together, including Sway (Jolie), the girl he left behind when he retired, and scopes out the cars he'll need to boost, he has one night in which to do it. And if all fifty, and not one less, are not there by 8:00 a.m., Kip dies. There's not much story here, not nearly enough to warrant the star power involved, but if you're into fast cars, and the sound of a revving engine does it for you, this movie will keep your attention. For Cage, the character of Memphis isn't much of a stretch; none of the characters are for any of the actors, for that matter, as they're basically one dimensional, and nothing you haven't seen before in just about any action movie ever made. To give credit where it's due, however, they all do their best with what they're given, and actually bring a level of credibility to the overall proceedings. Jolie looks good, as always, but her talent is wasted here, as her part is, basically, nothing more than window dressing. Rounding out the excellent supporting cast are Robert Duvall (Otto), Delroy Lindo (Detective Castlebeck), Will Patton (Atley), Chi McBride (Donny), Vinnie Jones (The Sphinx), and Scott Caan (Tumbler). There's plenty of great action sequences in this film, many of which will keep you on the edge of your seat, and Sena keeps the tension high throughout with the help of a driving soundtrack and some good editing. The big question is, of course, will Memphis make it in time? Which gives it the suspense it needs to keep it at least somewhat interesting, for there is just enough unpredictability in the story to keep you guessing as to what the final outcome will be. "Gone In 60 Seconds" is basically one long car chase, with one bit, especially, leading up to the climax, that would make Evel Knievel proud. All in all, this movie is a lot like cotton candy; it's not a meal that's going to satisfy your hunger, but if that's what you're in the mood for, you might as well go for the best there is, the kind that's sweet and melts in your mouth. And if that's where you are, and that's what you're hungry for, you've come to the right place.
  
  
• Another Bruckheimer monster!
  By AVHCWL9AHLEL9 on 2000-06-13
  How does Jerry Bruckheimer pick such winners to produce? Again teaming with Nicholas Cage (ala THE ROCK and CON AIR), he fills the screen with better than average characters and adrenalin pumping action. Now, this isn't high art filmmaking, but that's not what his movies are about.

  First off, I just started drooling over the beautiful cars from the first scene. Just the rental price for these cars must have cost half the movie's budget. Some people were disappointed that the setup took half the movie...I found it interesting and a great aspect of the movie. You can't just go out and steal 50 cars without a little planning.

  Once the stealing starts, though, this movie really takes off! The climax of the chase scene with the Mustang Shelby GT 500 was unbelievable. I'm wondering if that was a model car...I find it hard to believe that they'd use such a rare collector's car in scenes like that...and I'm sure that it wasn't the actual car that got mashed at the end.

  Master P makes a cameo as a rival car thief and does a pretty good job at it, too.

  The only real disappointment I had with this movie was the fact that Angelina Jolie's part was so small. She hardly got any screen time. If they'd given her more, I think it would have added a lot to the film.

  Other than that, I just wish there'd been a few more car chases. All in all, though, this is a very good movie. Right up there with most of Bruckheimer's other stuff. Go and see it.
  
  

• Gone in 60 seconds
  By on 2000-11-30
  If your into cars, adventure and suspence this is a great movie. I see this movie in 20 years being compared to 2 lane black top and many other cult classics. See for your self you will not be disappointed.
  
  
• I liked it more than I thought
  By A14KBUQPYKMZYL on 2001-02-05
  After learning that the 2000 movie was actually a remake of a 1974 movie, I got the bug to watch the original. I had a hard time finding it.

  I read some reviews that said to skip this 25th anniversary edition and watch the original Media VHS release. I was lucky enough to get my hands on both this weekend.

  I liked this movie much better than I thought I would. True, the real highlight is the car chase, everything else is just filler, but it was still a fun movie.

  I've read complaints about the remastered anniversary edition available on this DVD. Let me say that after watching both versions, this DVD has a much better, cleaner picture than the old VHS tape. The sound wasn't bad either. My only beef with the anniversary edition was the new soundtrack, everything else was just fine. The anniversary edition on DVD features a generic new pop synth soundtrack. Most of the time, I really wasn't listening to it. But, if you are going to have those 70's hair styles, sunglasses, clothes and sideburns, why mess with the 1970's music? Yes, it was dated, but the music went along with the movie and added to at least a couple scenes.

  The original soundtrack should have at least been an available option as an alternate version to watch, even if it was recorded in mono. If that had been done, I'd have given it another star.

  As is, it's not bad. The music is a little distracting because it doesn't go at all with the rest of the movie, but if you can get past that annoyance, this DVD is certainly watchable.

  It left me wanting an old Mustang.
  
  

• Great movie for car guys and gals
  By A1EB2J1DJHFR7O on 2001-03-26
  The Muscle Car era is not gone. It's recorded for history by H.B. Halicki. This film is about the cars. No blood, no nudity, no cursing, minimal plot and acting, just good clean action fast and gritty. If you want a "slick" production featuring excellent acting and subplot with totally dubbed sound (a high-tourqe Chrysler starter on a Shelby GT? PLEEEAAAAAASE)see GI60S (2000) with Nick Cage. If you want to see (and in the original MegaVHS release "hear") those muscle cars in action in the wild this is your film. Put down that wrench, have a seat, turn up the subwoofer and understand why hot-rodding a Honda in Y2K doesn't compare to a wound-up big block in 1974.

  NOTE: For maximum viewing pleasure I recommend pulling the mono sound track from the original MegaVHS release and dropping it over the "new enhanced" stereo soundtrack on this release and burning it to a new DVD of VHS. That way you can have the great new wide screen digital video with the original sound and get all those sweet engine sounds. The dubbed stereo sound effects and the new "Music" on this aniversary edition steals some of the original 70's flavor of this classic.
  
  

• Do not waste your time
  By A23B4WIJNB43SN on 2005-04-25
  If you're looking to buy this because it's "unrated" and you're expecting something edgier, sexier, or more violent than the original 2000 cut, don't bother -- the only reason it's "unrated" is that the studio didn't bother to submit it to the MPAA.
  
  In other words, it's a marketing ploy. Yes, this version is slightly different from the one previously released -- this one has all the deleted scenes re-inserted, so the film runs a few minutes longer. But there's nothing in it that wouldn't get another PG-13 if they re-submitted it.
  
  Don't waste your time, don't waste your money, and don't fall into this marketing ploy.
  
  
• Gone in 60 Secons(1974)
  By A3V92RTS32RU0A on 2000-11-29
  This is the original. If you are a car chase fanatic, you'll love this movie, and forget about its shortcomings. Gone in 60 Seconds(1974) was written, produced, directed and stared in by the same man, the late H.B.Halicki. It also stars Marion Busia, George Cole, James McIntire and Jerry Daugirda. With special appearances by Parnelli Jones, J.C. Agajanian and Gary Bettenhausen & the most incredible chase scene ever filmed, it's no wonder why this has become a cult classic among automobile afficianadoes. Halicki stars as Mandrian Pace, an exceptional car thief, who hides behind the perfect front, insurance claims adjuster. After filling the worlds largest shopping list for an off-shore buyer, Pace is double-crossed and this is where he takes it to the street. Driving the infamous "Eleanor", Pace leads you on a 40 minute chase that will leave you breathless! Now for the shortcommings. The downside to this movie is that it was shot on the smallest budget imaginable, and the acting leaves a lot to be desired. But true car nuts aren't interested in all that stuff, just show us the chase!
  
  
• Looks Great, Sounds Awful
  By A2YP8684IBGK0A on 2001-01-28
  Like the early CD releases of classic albums, sometimes technology gets a little overzealous and tries to re-invent something that doesn't need re-inventing. Unfortunately the DVD release of Gone In Sixty Seconds is about the worst example I've seen yet of the phenomenon, taking the bottom spot away from the botched remixes of all the old ZZTop albums of the 70's. This is a five star film for me, one of the ten greatest films of the seventies. A DVD edition should be a boon to all fans of the film, and while it does provide some insights with the director's commentary and the additional features, for some reason the "restorers" seemed to be trying to compete with the new (and extremely mediocre) Nicholas Cage version of the film. The totally redone musical sound track is utterly awful. It doesn't fit anything in the film at all, doesn't befit a film of the 1970's, and stomps all over some wonderfully scored moments in the original. Even the title theme song has vanished, replaced by an electronic mumbo-jumbo that sounds as if it was lifted from a bargain porno film. The plusses are that the movie can be seen for the first time in letterbox format, the visual looks fabulous, and the commentary and extras are interesting, but I was so disgusted with the opening scene I immediately jumped ahead to discover that the entire sound track had been doctored. This is not a restoration, it's just a mess. I am still hoping for, and waiting for, a true DVD restoration of the film. I doubt if we'll see a Dolby surround-sound version of "Citizen Kane" any time soon... heck even my kids know that high-tech sound wasn't around back then and certainly not on Halicki's budget. Some films, horrific as it may sound, were actually recorded in monophonic! This DVD release is as much of an insult to the original as if Hank Williams Jr, Garth Brooks, and Barbara Mandrell re-did all of the songs in Robert Altman's Nashville. It is an insult to the fans of this film who have kept it alive all these years. My pan n' scan VHS copy is in a safe place for now, just in case I want to see the real thing.
  
  
• Better than ever
  By AWQRK5YZZUHER on 2006-03-10
  From the viewpoint of someone who saw the original in the theatres back in the 70s I can truthfully say that the production company has done a superb job of remastering and restoring this great film. The colors are sharper, the audio is much clearer and the video quality is fantastic. A great fun car chase film that has no peer, I highy recommend it for a evening's entertainment that doesnt require too much heavy thinking.
  
  
• Great movie but not the best Blu Ray quality.
  By A22AD8M2SSOFHJ on 2007-02-09
  I have had the chance to watch several movies in BluRay and HD DVD. This movie stays to it's wonderful action and great story. Although if you are looking for a movie with an excellent picture this one is not it. Not having this movie on DVD helped make the purchase easier. I have always enjoyed the intense action and the excellent acting which don't always go together. Overall that is what makes this an excellent fun film to watch.
  
  Now on the Blu Ray scale. In many Blu Ray movies you either get two things. A picture that is almost crystal clear with no distortion or a movie with grainy hd picture. I was disappointed when I made this my first blu ray movie. I almost began to think that this was a blu ray standard. Although after watching other movies I know better. I don't believe they spent as much time as they should have transferring this movie over to hd. That is generally the problem with some movies. And for the price of Blu Ray players and the Blue Ray Discs you should only have the best picture. So I only consider this a worthwhile investment for people who have either never seen the movie or have not bought the dvd version.
  
  
• It was a fast paced fun film!
  By A2XKGG8306UG7E on 2000-09-19
  I did like it, some people didn't like it, usually I dont like Nicolas Cage to much but I did like his performance in this film, the cars were hot and the other actors were fun. Last seen was fabulous.
  
  
• It's pretty good, but...
  By A21DZAE92GC2LD on 2000-11-13
  ...it remains pretty pale compared to the original from 1974 that was directed, produced and written by H.B. Halicki, who also starred as the main character Maindrian Pace. Oh, and he did his own stunts as well.

  Had not Halicki perished during filming of the sequel in 1989 (a water tower fell too early and crushed the car Halicki was driving), he would have been the obvious choice to direct a WORTHY remake of the best car-chasing movie of all times.

  Car-chase movies were a lot better in the 70's (the Driver ('78) and Cannonball ('76) (no, NOT the Burt Reynolds comedy) for example), with the rare exception of new movies like Ronin. Watch the original Gone in 60 Seconds, and I promise you will look at the 2000 remake in a totally new light.
  
  

• WOW!
  By AFOFIJ1OMQ3WP on 2000-10-19
  I'm a big fan of Bruckheimer's films. When I saw the trailer for GONE IN SIXTY SECONDS, Bruckhiemer's remake of the 60's classic, I was thrilled. So when June 9th rolled around and the new Bruckheimer flick hit theaters, I was there, and I loved every minute of it! The movie has a simplistic but addicting plot: Memphis Raines (Nicholas Cage) is a retired car thief who is trying to stay away from his old life of crime. His little brother Kip (Giovnni Ribisi), however, has grown up to be just like his hero, Memphis. Kip decides to to get involved with a dangerous boost, in which he must steal 50 top-of-the line cars. When Kip gets into trouble, his boss kidnaps him and finds Memphis. Memphis has two choices: Steal all 50 cars in 48 hours, or watch his brother die.

  Memphis takes the Boost.

  He assembles his old team: Otto (Robert Duvall), and expert on stripping down cars, Donny (Chi McBride), an old timer car thief, The Sphinx (Vinnie Jones), a rough and tough friend of memphis, and Switch (Angelina Jolie), Memphis's old girlfriend. After careful planning, Memphis and his friends start what could become the most impressive car boost ever.

  The rest of the movie if packed with intense police chases, ear-shattering explosions, and oh so many beautiful cars! As with any Bruckheimer film, the viewer leaves the movie with a feeling of adrenaline, and Gone in Sixty Seconds is no exception.

  The perfect mix of action, acting, music, and effects make this movie one to own. If your looking for a feel good movie with lots of eye candy, you've need look no further. Gone In Sixty Seconds is your movie.
  
  

• I FINALY FOUND YOU AFTER 26 YEARS..........
  By ALU58R0GV5VUT on 2000-12-03
  I saw this movie at the age of 8 years old, in french. I was mezmorised and searched for anyone who remembered this movie or had any information about this movie for the last 26 years to no avail. I became an avid car chase scenes lover after that fatefull day in 1974. I can always remember the fainting old lady that got her car out of the car wash, all banged up...........

  My treck has finaly ended; I'm ordering "La Grande Casse" and fulfilling a dream left from childhood.
  
  

• A movie with a purpose...wrecking cars
  By A3PF2NF7LX3CAB on 2001-04-03
  I was expecting an amateurish, plotless film with no brain that was all about wrecking cars. Well, I was wrong. It's a slightly plotted, highly professional film with no brain that's all about wrecking cars.

  This movie is no classic, but it's definitely in a class by itself. It's not really that violent, but it's obvious Halicki lived for wrecking cars. The last forty minutes of this feature are all astounding car stunts and chase scenes. And I mean ASTOUNDING, the kind of thing we haven't seen in American action movies for a LOOOOOOONG time. I don't want to give anything away, but suffice to say it's some stunning stuff.

  Also to Halicki's credit, he isn't just mindlessly showing cool stunts whose results exist in a vacuum. You see the fire trucks, the cop cars, the ambulances, working to save people who got in accidents caused by Halicki's character and his wreckless driving. He's a lot more honest than a lot of American action producers, and it beats a little credit at the very end, saying "Kids, don't try this at home."

  Dodge Bruckheimer's crappy remake. This is the car crash movie to buy. I'll definitely have a copy in my library when I have the cash.
  
  

• NOT JUST A GUY MOVIE...
  By A1L43KWWR05PCS on 2001-06-28
  This is a moderately entertaining, fast paced action film. Nicholas Cage gives an engaging performance as a reformed master car thief, known as "Memphis" Raines. Giovanni Ribisi convincingly plays his stupid, younger brother, Kip Raines.
  
  "Memphis" comes home to help his younger brother, Kip, who has followed in his older brother's footsteps but is not as skilled at stealing cars. Having screwed up a major car boost, his employer, a sadistic, maniacal individual, will kill him, unless "Memphis" agrees to fulfil a contractual obligation of stealing fifty top of the line cars for which Kip's "boss" has made a commitment. The only glitch is that "Memphis" has a decidely short deadline in which to make his quota.
  
  For reasons that those who view the movie will immediately discern, "Memphis" agrees to this thankless task. He gets his old crew together and with his former nemesis, a hard nosed detective played by Delroy Lindo, in hot pursuit, the games begin.
  
  Look for lots of action, some great car chase sequences, and a bit of suspense. If you are looking for some mindless entertainment, then this film will fit the bill. Kick back your shoes and hang on for the ride!
  
  
• One of the Best Chases Ever!
  By A3MGJVPJBNPSEJ on 2001-10-15
  This, the original movie from the 1970s, was the first movie produced and written by stunt driver Halicki (who unfortunately was killed early on in making a sequel). It is a lot less flashy than the remake, but this gives the movie a far greater sense of realism. The first part of the movie is almost like a documentary and is basically a behind-the-scenes look at an auto theft ring and how it operates, drawing from Halicki's great knowledge of all things associated with cars. This first part of the movie is quite interesting and has some great moments of humour and a few minor car chases, but mainly serves to set up the second half. The basic plot is that the ring has a limited time to steal a large number of very specific high-priced cars. For a reason I won't spoil, the head of the ring gets upset with one of his best men and sets him up so that the police can ambush him on his last job. This leads to the exciting second part.

  The second part of the movie is one long, sustained car chase lasting about 40 minutes and is one of the best in movie history. Reportedly 93 cars got totalled during the filming of this sequence, and I believe it. It was all filmed on weekends without filming permits using a car collection Halicki built up partially from police auctions, including all the police cars that were used. Overall, not much of a plot, but it is a very humourous, exciting and educational movie filled with lots of great and/or funny 1970s cars and fashions.
  
  

• This is the only version you need of this movie
  By AF26AMEEROTCQ on 2001-11-21
  When I saw Gone in 60 secs with Nicholas Cage I'd never heard of the original movie from -74! So when I found out about the original, I ordered it right away, and boy was I surprised...the original was so much better that I can't explain it here! Like I always thought...the car chasers from the 70's are the best movies and todays movies just don't have the right stuff to make them justice!
  
  
• Great Action Movie; Period!
  By ALR35EFI69S5R on 2004-01-10
  What can anyone say about a no-holds barred Nick Cage movie with fast cars, faster women, and non-stop pyrotechnics other than the fact that it fairly rocks? While surely not providing any ostensible grist for Academy Award nominations, other than perhaps for best special effects with all the car sequences, and some imaginative chase set-ups and scenes, this is a strictly by-the-numbers action flick, meant to appeal to the young set, and still appeal to old guys like me who enjoy a pleasant evening away from the "sturm und drang' of everyday life.

  All that said, I really did enjoy watching the movie, although I had no doubt as to the resolution of the existential dilemma presented to Nick, given the fact he is the most worthy of the anti-heroes in recent memory, a good "bad" guy we root for from the very start. And he does have a special woman, (no, not the sexy Angelina Jolie, although she is sweet indeed) by the way of his special personal vehicle, a super-charge mustang he refers to by name, and seems to have male-female kind of bond with. The supporting cast here is terrific, from Robert Duvall to Will Patton and many, many others, all of whom contribute to a tight, entertaining, and eminently enjoyable ride of a lifetime. Enjoy!
  
  

• See it for the chase
  By A2V3P1XE33NYC3 on 2004-10-31
  "Gone in 60 Seconds" stands as the greatest car chase film of the 1970s, a film with an even greater reputation than the first "Smokey and the Bandit" movie. It's lengthy chase scene--clocking in at an astonishing forty plus minutes--at the end of the film trumps every other automobile chase ever put to celluloid in the history of cinema. The movie even succumbed to remakeitis a few years ago when they put Nicholas Cage and Angelina Jolie in front of a camera for a big budget reworking called, not surprisingly, "Gone in 60 Seconds." While I haven't seen the remake (I heard the title referred to the time it took filmgoers to leave the theater), I did recently rewatch this classic of yesteryear on DVD. I had great memories of this film ever since I watched it on cable some twenty years ago. Sadly, this film is yet another example of an experience best left to memory. "Gone in 60 Seconds" is such a turgid film in nearly every aspect that I truly wished I hadn't rented it. But I can tell you right from the start that I'm going to take it easy on H.B. Halicki's classic picture. As bad as most of the movie is, you can tell the guy had his heart in the right place. He just didn't possess the skills to put it on film.
  
  The idea behind the film is a great one. Maindrian Pace (Halicki) works as a respected insurance crash investigator by day, but in his off hours he and several of his pals run a profitable auto theft ring. We learn early on that Pace accepts a contract to procure a set number of cars (forty-eight to be exact) in a short period of time. It's a tough contract, almost impossible to fulfill in fact, but Pace is just the arrogant sort of chap who thinks nothing can stop him. The first half of the film is an agonizing nightmare to watch, even for the diehard B-movie aficionado. Forget about acting, a script, proficient cinematography, or tight pacing during this part of the movie. It doesn't exist. Not anywhere. I looked every place I could think of for some sign of competence--under the couch, behind the television set, on the back of the DVD case, even in my sock drawer. Nada. Zilch. Doughnut. Oh, you get a few scenes of the lads yucking it up in their quest to find the different types of cars they must steal. For example, one of them swipes a vehicle only to discover a live tiger in the backseat. Another car brought into the shop turns out to have a huge quantity of narcotics in the trunk, but Pace burns the stuff since he's basically a decent thief at heart. Now that I think of it, he refuses to steal uninsured cars.
  
  Your best bet is to ignore the pap that constitutes the first half of the film and skip straight to the car chase. It starts off slowly when Pace finally secures Eleanor, a 1973 yellow Mach 1 Ford Mustang that is the last car on his list. Unfortunately, the cops caught a whiff of what was going on and spotted Maindrian zooming off in the car. Thus begins the chase, which winds its way through several areas around Los Angeles, through dirt fields, down city streets, across freeways, and over any piece of earth that will support a vehicle. The first half of the chase is rather slow when you compare it to what we see in films today, but once it picks up the pace the movie is quite an enjoyable ride. Billions of cops join the pursuit, Pace turns some ninety cars into mashed masses of metal, and the beloved Eleanor looks like someone hit it with a wrecking crane by the time the whole thing rolls to a stop. I experienced some frustration watching the chase, though. I remembered it being a rollercoaster ride of non-stop car crashes, which it definitely isn't. Then again, I viewed this film back in the days before intricate special effects and fast editing techniques became the norm in Hollywood. Too bad Halicki perished in an automobile accident a few years later; I would love to see what he could do with today's technology.
  
  The extras on the DVD are extensive, although not particularly crucial to the enjoyment of the car chase. This disc is the Special Edition super duper ultimate enchilada version (guacamole optional), so you get a commentary track from the cinematographer and the editor, an introduction to the proceedings from Halicki's widow Denise, a bunch of stills, a 510 second summary of the film, a trio of deleted scenes, and even a look at the original Eleanor Halicki used in the making of the film. There are also four interviews, with Lee Iacocca, Bobby Orr, Parnelli Jones, and J.C. Agajanian, Jr. All four men discuss automobiles, the movie, and their memories of H.B. Halicki. Iacocca's observations about the film are the best because he expresses astonishment that anyone would treat cars in such a manner and still get them to run. You even get a couple of trailers for this film and one called "The Junkman."
  
  While I thought "Gone in 60 Seconds" was a tremendous letdown in most respects, I still recommend the film to low budget cinema fans. Halicki's labor of love inspired countless imitators in the 1970s, most of whom failed to achieve anything near to what we see in this movie. Epochal in its importance to the crash 'em, smash 'em genre and incompetent in virtually everything else, "Gone in 60 Seconds" is nonetheless a movie worth watching once for no other reason than to say you've seen it.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• So Fast, Your Shoulders Will Rattle
  By A8DDDZWKP3J9Q on 2000-06-13
  This movie was one of the best action flicks I have ever seen. Some people may not think the movie was funny, but let's see if you think so. This is an excerpt from a scene where a cop car (with someone in it) was shoved through a concrete wall by a wrecking weight.

  "Hey, man, are you alright?" "Yeah, I'm fine." "Are you sure? Cause you just went through a wall."

  If that didn't make you laugh, then the movie might fail you. However, ther are funnier scenes. The movie is about a retired car thief, and in order to save his brother's life, he must take up the job again and steal 50 select cars for a real jerk (the one who would kill his brother). The movie is rather funny, and the equipment used in this movie is amazing, along with how experienced the thiefs are. A lot of crashes, a good amount of car alarms, and the coolest cars you will ever see. This is ground for an action movie. The PG-13 rating is right, with lots of profanity, a little nudity, and a good amount of violence. But the movie is great, but there is one jump that looks impossible. So grab a stub, get some popcorn, a soda, and some Milk Duds, and get a good seat for this movie.
  
  

• One of the worst movies I've ever seen
  By A39BU3AFAV5SHJ on 2000-10-13
  I like Nicholas Cage, but this movie has got to be one of the worst I've ever seen. The rating is so high for this movie because some guys got a little dumbstruck by a few fancy cars (and maybe Angelina Jolie) flitting across the screen. I wasn't expecting a "quality" film, but I thought I'd at least be entertained! This movie had no plot, no character development, and not even any good action!
  
  
• re: irrelevant reviews
  By A31QXV2J9YR1EP on 2000-11-24
  Great movie, but ...But once they start stealign cars and bringing
  them in the suspense and thrills come along. Cage has to steal 50
  cars in 3 days but he uses 2 days to get his friends together and plan
  their tactics to steal the cars. All the nice and luxurious cars
  makes me wanna be a car-thief when i grow up. This isn't Cage's best
  performance by far but it's a good movie to watch. I don't see where
  Robert Duvall fits in and Angelina Jolie doesn't give anything to the
  movie. Anyone could've played her part, the same with Delroy
  Lindo. But it's still a good movie to go see.
  
  
  
• Not Enough
  By AHC3UHD8FZM4J on 2000-12-07
  If you want to see lots of car chases this is not the movie. The only cars really featured is a Porsche 911, a BMW 540i and the '67 Shelby Mustang. Awfully disappointed. I knew it got bad reviews by the professional critics so I wasn't expecting much in terms of character development. The cars are suppose to be the real stars anyways. But come on! There are only two real chase scenes and its at the beginning and at the end. The Ferrari 355s, Lamborghini Diablos, the 'Cudas, and the Jaguars only make cameo appearances. Its like the actors knew they had to returns them to the rental agency. For a movie that cost millions of dollars to make they could have thrown them in. For me, a real disppointment.
  
  
• Life in the Fast Lane
  By A3A41LJIQANX0I on 2000-12-12
  DVD players were made for movies like this. 5.1 is the master of my Living Room and I but a serf. If you love beautiful cars, a script that is fun, and have the ability to suspend your disbelief for a minute or two during a spot or two, then have at it.

  The plot is simple: Boy in trouble (Giovanni Ribisi - looking greasy), big brother comes to help (Nic Cage - Showing age). Big Brother is forced to resume a life he left so little brother wouldn't follow in his footsteps. Isn't it ironic..dontcha think?

  The supporting cast is excellent. Delroy Lindo is money, sans one very poorly delivered line "Don't ever talk about my wife". Robert Duvall as the Chop Shop Master and prevailing cooler head is under used but we'll take it. Wiil Paxton is in fine "Bruckheimer" form. Angelina Jolie looking like an sexy Albino Rasta girl. Nearly everybody in this film needs a bath.

  Let's get to what really matters. Being a worldly 30 years old, I have come to the conclusion that people in my age bracket, unless irritatingly borish and too self-important, will accept cool sound, stunts and action, sex and visual Ooh's and Ahh's for entertainment and deem it righteous. Old Schoolers seem to think that plots and dialogue matter. Yeah maybe in boring period pieces and taught mysteries with great actors (Seven/Silence), but not with this flick.

  From the first rev of the Porsche 911 twin turbo, it's clear this is whiz bang stuff. Get your buzz on and crank this picture UP!! The Picture is very clean. I enjoy all the different tints they use in different sceens to set the mood. This could grate on some of you. When you see all the cars for the first time, you can only think that those cars were clean enough to operate on. DVD hides very little as you know.

  To wrap this up, the "boosting" sceens are cool, there is plenty of humor and the grand finale chase through a very decayed looking Long Beach (or where ever they are) is spectacular.

  Want perfect plot and Thespian acting, go to the arthouse. Want popcorn fun and a reason to rattle the windows, then pick this up.
  
  

• GREATEST MOVIE I'VE EVER SEEN
  By A38N1UHJMWDRZH on 2001-08-27
  I 1st watched gone in 60 seconds in '74,and couldn't see it enough times. The lame 'BLOCKBUSTER" video stores don't have a clue about the original '74 version. The original '74 version is so far superior to the new version, starring Nicholas Cage, and Angeline (lips) Joline, that I would've been ashamed to have appeared in the 2000 version. I loved the car crashes, the chase, the actual footage of police dispatchers,and radio stations in real time action, as the pursuit continues. Also impressive were the number of police departments involved in this movie. Cars really get wrecked, and people get dirty in '74...unlike the new version where Joline doesn't even muss her makeup. Don't waste your money on the new version. Kenneth W. West Cocoa,fla
  
  

• Vanishing Point
• Enemy of the State
• Dirty Mary Crazy Larry (Supercharger Edition)
• Con Air
• The Fifth Element