Criterion Collection: It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World [Blu-ray] [US Import]

A fatally wounded car crash victim, (Jimmy Durante) knowing he's about to literally kick the bucket, informs a skeptical bunch of onlookers that there is an enormous stash of cash buried some two hundred miles away in a famous park “under a big W, a big W I tell ya”. As the onlookers continue their journeys they all decide to go take a look. And so starts a truly madcap race to be first to dig it up.Stanley Kramer's tremendously entertaining and lavish comedy of errors has just about every great name in comedy from the 50's and 60's chasing that cash. Essentially a race/road film from the off, we follow Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Micky Rooney, Jonathan Winters, Terry Thomas, and a host of other big name stars on the maddest race ever put to film to find that buried loot. Along the way there are so many laughs the 159 or 197 minute version just flies by.Any film made in the sixties inevitably looks a bit dated today, the fashions, the cars, the language, the sexual and race politics, the jokes, however great visual comedy never seems to age, a prat-fall today is no different to one over 50 years ago and it's just as funny or unfunny as is the case. Lots of physical film funny business is wonderfully choreographed into all that motorized mayhem and compliments the pitch perfect performances from all concerned. For me however Jonathan Winters slightly unhinged truck driver and Phil Silvers sleazy conman stole the show even with all that talent competing for screen-time. If you can accept it for what it is, a product of it's time, and not impose more recent enlightened ideas about gender, race, age etc you will find so much to enjoy.You may not recognise all the actors on show but you will recognise many of their voices, Mr Magoo, Top Cat and many other voice over actors made small appearances, as Does Jerry Lewis and The Three Stooges, but blink and you will miss them.A massive hit worldwide, it took over 6 times it's budget and proved that big budget comedies can work. There was talk of a remake a few years ago with Robert DeNero and Ben Stiller but it seems to have stalled or been shelved. If they make one I will be first in line, although I doubt that the original magic could be replicated.My US import Blu Ray has a very nice 60 minute documentary about the film that although not exactly earth shattering has many of the cast and crew talking about their experiences.Great entertainment all round.

After many years of reading and hearing about the full 192 minute version I finally have it and boy it doesn't disappoint. It's not all video as a lot has been lost over the decades but what is there is amazing. If your a fan then this is most definitely for you. Well worth the money and it'll be a keeper forever. Great extras....Basically this is a perfect Mad World set,trust me when I say you'll be MAD to miss out on it.

I eventually bought this film ( which is hard to find ) through Amazon. Yes It costs around 20 pounds but it is so funny and is a very good film. With plenty of good characters playing their parts very well. I would say it is a must see. I watched this last night and the second part ( because there is an intermission in the middle, this morning. It will make you laugh even though it seems so dated. A good watch though. PC. 15. 12. 2017.

I am not sure that this was a genuine DVD, as there was a break which came up on the screen as "intermission"(as it used to in the cinema) and there were no credits at the end.

All star cast in this excellent film. Shot in Ultra Panavision 70mm. So quality of image will never be an issue. Transfared in 4K. Fantastic 5.1 Surround Sound DTS HD makes the sound perfect. Criterion release finally lands in UK. Region B for UK.Great extras to.

A great car chase comedy the kind they don't make anymore ,full of the best comedy actors at the time of production.I rate this as the best comedy film ive seen,and ive seen quite a few.I now own 3 versions of the film VHS,DVD and now this wonderful Blue-ray transfer that brings out the best in picture and sound.The one disappointment for me is that the original VHS version is 188 minutes long while both the DVD and Blue-ray versions are much shorter at 159 minutes leaving out many funny scenes.Hope that one day they will release the full version on Blue-ray.Never the less great value for money so get yourself laughing.

Wicked film brings back the good old days, the print on this blu ray disc is fantastic for such a classic plenty of extra's as well just point out its only mono sound comes out of the front speakers only on my 5.1 but speech is very clear don't let that put you off i'm so glad i brought this one it was well worth every penny treat yourself if you like classic comedy while you can also its region free!

A great movie for the first 2 hours but last 30 minutes are unbelievable I have seen it numerous time but I still nearly wet myself laughing fantastically well thought out and the acting can only be described as iconic

Love this film very pleased with quality

Excellent

very good item and service

great film

Very funny film

I've been watching this film for 40 yrs and it still makes me laugh. Good old fashioned comedy.

I love this film.

One of the best..Definitely worthy of being called a classic..

still very funny worth watching

EXCELLENT EARLY SIXTIES COMEDY FILM WHOSE STARS ARE ALL SADLY GONE NOW AS THIS SET THE TREND AND FASHION FOR WACKY COMEDY FILMS-EXCELLENT FILM