Customer Reviews

American Graffiti / More American Graffitti (Drive-In Double Feature)

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The AMERICAN GRAFFITI DRIVE-IN DOUBLE FEATURE DVD is absolutely entertaining to watch as only George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola could offer!! This DVD (part of Universal's Franchise Collection of film series made by the studio for affordable prices on DVD) contains the two full-length films AMERICAN GRAFFITI (George Lucas,1973) and its sequel MORE AMERICAN GRAFFITI (B.W.L. Norton,1979) and is actually a double-sided disc,one movie on both sides instead of two discs which is mislabeled.First,AMERICAN GRAFFITI is beautifully presented in its original glorious anamorphic widescreen format (2.35.1) along with Dolby Digital Surround Sound and contains the original theatrical trailer and documentary THE MAKING OF AMERICAN GRAFFITI which runs close to 80 mins.Then,MORE AMERICAN GRAFFITI is presented in a crisp,clear new anamorphic widescreen transfer (1.85.1 to 2.35.1).The second film was shot using different camera processes which explains the differences in aspect ratios.The 1.85.1 ratio was used for some of the Vietnam and non-objectionable scenes while the 2.35.1 Panavision format is used for mostly the innovative split-screen techniques and race sequences which is interesting to watch,but it's not the best sequel.The two films and a eye-catching cover art makes this set a must for any fan of the films and that the first film alone would serve as the inspiration for the classic TV sitcom HAPPY DAYS!!! Thanks to Universal and lets hope that they will make some more Franchise Collection releases like the John Hughes films,and The Mummy as well!!!

The general take on these movies is that "American Graffiti" is one of the best teen movies ever made and that "More American Graffiti" is a significantly inferior follow-up with a much less entertaining tone to it. And this is true - if laughs are what you're looking for. You'll find lots of them in the first one and few in the second. However, it should be noted that this is a rare instance where a successful comedy was followed by a sequel in which comedy was very obviously not the main aim.

Another way to view this two-movie package, with the films watched one shortly after the other in sequence, is that they together are a good depiction for today's youth of why the `60s are referred to as THE SIXTIES. "American Graffiti" is set in 1962; "More American Graffiti" is set in several periods from 1964 through 1967. With the exception of the absence of Richard Dreyfuss in the second movie, the six main characters and the actors who portray them in the first movie return for the second one. The first movie is indeed extraordinarily well done and is an exception to most teen-movie comedies in that the characters are very, very real. The second movie is fairly well done and is, for, the most part, a drama - with a number of parts being very dramatic.

Is 2007 significantly different from 2002 from a social standpoint for young people? I think most people would say not a whole lot. For 16- to 24-year-olds living from 1962 to 1967, however, the 5-year difference was HUGE - especially in socially progressive areas such as Northwestern California, where these movies' characters grow up. Cultural renaissance so often quickly turned to cultural upheaval, and many youths lost their innocence very quickly and changed their worldviews very significantly. "More American Graffiti," especially when seen in immediate follow-up to "American Graffiti," depicts, about as well as a movie is capable of do so, how significant, often dramatic, and comparatively rapidly occurring the social upheavals of the `60s were, and how these upheavals tugged and jerked, often very, very hard, on so many young people back then.

I would award 5 stars for the American Graffiti movie alone. It is well-presented here, and also includes some special features, including an informative "Making of.." documentary that features interviews with alot of the cast as well as those behind the camera. The movie is a classic, and is required viewing for any lover of fine movies.

But that's not all. The package also included the sequel to American Graffiti.. "More American Graffiti". This movie is not nearly the timeless classic as the original, but it is a great view for anyone who liked the first movie. Save for a few uninteresting plotlines involving the counter-culture in the 60's, the movie holds its own rather well. Milner's last race before his emminent death (this is not a spoiler, trust me) and Toad's tour in Vietnam are particularly worth viewing.

If you're willing to sacrifice not having the "Collector's Edition" of American Graffiti in exchange for having the sequel as well, then this is a great buy.

This movie is a blast from the past for me. I grew up in Detroit cruising on Telegraph and Woodward Avenue. Sure, the cars were different in the late Sixties and early Seventies, but the action was still the same. Ass, Grass, or Gas. No one rides for free! The feel of this movie is by someone who was there, who experienced the coming-of-age craziness that many of us experienced from a middle-class upbringing. Okay, the second movie is only worth owning because the package is cheap. But the price is worth the ticket to the first movie. Watch and enjoy!
Bob Wayne, author
[...]

I enjoyed viewing the original "American Graffiti" and the extra package of actor interviews. Mostly, I liked George Lucas's views of his work. Three additional scenes were rescued from the editing room floor and inseted into the film on DVD.
The sequel was a little disappointing. It would never stand on it's own, but has value as a continuing revelation of the characters lives. Those who bonded with the original characters enjoy seeing what happened later in life.
Good package!

More American Graffiti has to be one of the biggest "let downs" in the history of sequels. But, the only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is because of the John Milner dragster scenes in the movie. Matter of fact, I'd say John Milner IS the heart and soul of More American Graffiti because his scenes genuinely stay true to the spirit of George Lucas' original masterpiece American Graffiti : Girls, cars and rock n roll!!!

I enjoyed the widescreen versions of both movies, but, the films apparently had not been digitally remastered. Viewing them on a 65-inch projection tv was a little disappointing. The films' images were a little soft, and the Dolby Digital sound was not as good as current videos. Although, when viewed on a 42" plasma, the picture quality was fine.

Nevertheless, the overall experience was very nice, with "American Graffitii" in widescreen, and the continuation of the characters' lives in "More American Graffitti," which provides satisfying and logical conclusions to the lives of the "American Graffitti" characters.

This combined DVD is a good value. I recommend it to fans of the films, and anyone who hasn't seen the films. especially if viewed on smaller (say, 42-inch or smaller tvs.

I had always liked Ameriocan Graffiti and was always curious about the sequel. I bought this pakage so I could check it out cheaply. Its a very different but great film inits own right. I didnt have any probalem with the picture quality of skipping. Great package and excellent documentary with the first film.

Only one disk in this "set" but both movies so close at hand can not be beat for the price. Buy this set to play over and over, find a better set if you want "collection quality".

If you are into the early '60's teenage culture, this DVD needs to find its way into your collection. One DVD, two full features. The Bonus footage is great as well. And the price was right!