The widescreen DVD offers a strong print of this beautiful film but, sadly, nothing else. This is a complex, socially relevant work that would benefit from background materials and interviews. A special Canadian edition is desperately needed. The Hollywood movie is pure Americana, jammed with myths, icons, archetypes, democratic social values and dazzling dialogue, including the poignant scene in which our flawed heroes, led by Yul Brynner, discuss the lonely, sad life of the gunslinger. The original film is a Special Edition which includes original trailers, a photo gallery and a feature-length commentary by actors Eli Wallach and James Coburn, plus others involved.
Return has little extra.
The prize on The Magnificent Seven is a thorough 47-minute documentary, Guns For Hire, which serves as the authoritative historical record on the film, including set traumas. Tomorrow, Warner Home Video is releasing Rio Bravo to DVD, in a widescreen version. El Dorado is already out. A deluge of other Westerns make their DVD debuts tomorrow from MGM and Warners. Stars range include Burt Lancaster, Paul Newman and Armand Assante.