Blu-ray Review: Full Set For Beloved ‘Mad Max Trilogy’

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CHICAGO – With George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” being prepped for release next year with Tom Hardy in the legendary role (and co-starring Nicholas Hoult, Charlize Theron, and Zoe Kravitz), it seems a perfect time to revisit one of Mel Gibson’s most legendary series of films with Warner Bros.’ “Mad Max Trilogy,” including “Mad Max,” “The Road Warrior,” and “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.” The set includes no new special features but some excellent old ones have been imported and the video and audio have been tweaked on the first two movies while “Thunderdome” makes its HD debut altogether. It’s a really strong set.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

“Mad Max” was a huge hit in Australia but it was really the superior “The Road Warrior” that made waves here. In fact, that’s the movie that I think most people remember when they hear the name of the legendary character (except for Tina Turner fans, of course). It’s a great film with some of the best stunt work in the history of the form. And it’s a great fit for Blu-ray since the sound design of the movie is exceptional and the audio has been perfectly mixed for this Blu-ray release. In fact, all three films look and sound great (and the first film includes the horrendous English dub that the producers were forced to place over the Australian accents if you want to hear that abomination). There’s no better studio for catalog HD releases than Warner Bros. None.

As for special features, there’s nothing new and nothing at all (but the trailer) for “Thunderdome” but “The Road Warrior” includes a fantastic audio commentary with Miller and cinematographer Dean Semler. “Mad Max” has an audio track as well. I would have loved a new restrospective featurette but maybe that will come with the inevitable 4-movie set that includes “Fury Road” in a Father’s Day or two down the road. (On that note, stay tuned for our Father’s Day Gift Guide, publishing later this week!)

Mad Max Trilogy was released on Blu-ray on June 4, 2013
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Synopsis:
Before Mel Gibson forged his place in Hollywood history, he fired up the screen in his now-iconic role as Max Rockatansky. Here, all three Mad Max films are presented together on Blu-ray for the first time in one collectible set.

Special Features:
o Mad Max — Commentary by Jon Dowding, David Eggby, Chris Murray and Tim Ridge
o Mad Max: The Film Phenomenon~~ Featurette
o The Road Warrior — Commentary by Director George Miller and Cinematographer Dean Semler
o Introduction by Leonard Maltin
o Theatrical Trailer

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com