Warner Brothers Home Video has released this ultimate "chick flick" with a deluxe boxed set ; a monster 4 discs that include the full restoration of the film, a new Dolby soundtrack in 5.1, and two plus discs of extras.

The disc includes all the original extras from the original showing including Overture music and Intermission breaks. This edition far surpasses the previous disc version that was available and is well worth the extra cash and the wait. Not much really needs to be said about the film itself, it is such a classic. However, after watching it again I have to say that Vivian Leigh did a fantastic job as Scarlett, who struggles throughout the story before and after the Civil War with a determination not in character by many women of the time. The real strength of this set, however, besdies the film itself is in the care that was taken to bring the film back to life. This is definitely one for film movie collectors everywhere.

Every inch of the film was scoured and restored using a technique called Ultra-Resolution. Colors have been restored to their gorgeous technicolor best and dust and scratches are almost nonexistent. When you think of some of the famous scenes of the film, such as Scarlett and her father watching over Tara in the beginning, you almost expect to see a few dust specks in the sky but they have all been cleaned up. Sharpness suffers a bit but this is to be expected by the film's age and the camera's used to shoot it. Sound is offered in its original mono track or in a new Dolby digital 5.1 mix. The new mix brings up the brilliant score that is instantly recognizable as the theme for the film and has greater depth and power. For classic film buffs, the original mono soundtrack is also included, along with three foreign language versions of the film.

This is what most people will have the most fun with in this set. Commentary is provided throughout the film by Rudy Behlmer, who knows a lot about Hollywood in its heyday and relates some very interesting stories about the film and its members. Any classic film fan will love the features that are included on the extra discs. They contain stories about the film, David O Selznick, the stars, and almost every aspect of the film. The extras start out with a two hour documentary produced by Selznick's son's-The Making of a Legend: Gone With The Wind which is narrated by Christopher Plummer. In the documentary Margaret Mitchell and Selznick are both profiled in depth, along with the entire cast and the film's three directors. This has never been available on DVD before. Also included is a fascinating look at the restoration process used on the film for this project. There is footage of both the 1939 and 1961 premieres in Atlanta and a historical 1940s short about the Old South that played in theaters as a promo before Gone With The Wind was released. Disc 4 includes a lovely interview with Melanie-Olivia DeHavilland about her memories of the film. She has always been so charming. There are also major featurettes on the other stars of the film; Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh. Mini-documentaries are also included that recall other cast members

All classic films should be treated this way. This is the ultimate version of the film with extras-outstanding picture and sound and enough extras to keep you up for days. If you love this film, this is the edition to own at a very reasonable price.