Product Details

• Actors: Richard Gere, Debra Winger, David Keith, Robert Loggia, Lisa Blount
• Directors: Taylor Hackford
• Writers: Douglas Day Stewart
• Producers: Douglas Day Stewart, Martin Elfand
• Format: AC-3, Collector's Edition, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, NTSC, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono), English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)
• Subtitles: English
• Dubbed: French
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Studio: Paramount
• DVD Release Date: May 1, 2007
• Run Time: 124 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (138 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000MGBSGC
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,589 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "An Officer and a Gentleman (Special Collector's Edition)" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Richard Gere plays an enrollee at a Naval officers candidate school, and Debra Winger is the woman who wants him. That's pretty much it, story-wise, in this romantic drama, which is more effective in a moment-to-moment, scene-by-scene way, where the two stars and Oscar-winner Louis Gossett Jr.--as Gere's tough-as-nails drill instructor--are fun to watch. Sexy, syrupy, with occasional pitches of high drama (Gere having a near-breakdown during training is pretty strong), An Officer and a Gentleman proves to be a no-brainer date movie. --Tom Keogh

Product Description

Once in a great while a movie comes along that truly grips and uplifts its audiences. Such a movie is An Officer And A Gentleman, a timeless tale of romance, friendship and growth. Loner Zack Mayo (Richard Gere) enters Officer Candidate School to become a Navy pilot and in thirteen tortuous weeks he learns the importance of discipline, love and friendship. Louis Gossett, Jr. won an Academy Award* for his brilliant portrayal of the tough drill instructor who teaches Zack that no man can make it alone. And while Gossett tries to warn the young officer about the local girls who will do anything to catch themselves pilot husbands, Zack eventually learns to love one (Debra Winger) while his fellow candidate, a memorable character portrayed by David Keith, struggles with a very different fate. An Officer And A Gentleman is a rich and satisfying story with moving performances that will stay with you long after the film has ended.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 55 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Eagles Fly from Mountains High: A Powerful Journey May 20, 2008

By Erika Borsos VINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD

This film is a classic and viscerally honest portrayal of human conflict and personal growth. It clearly depicts working class young adults who sought to break away from past barriers and limitations and build better lives for themselves. It is a coming of age story, where a full spectrum of feelings are explored as young adults learn about fulfilling their potential, building value systems and attempting to fulfill personal desires with honesty and integrity on many levels. Two hot young stars were cast in the leading roles: Richard Gere who was riding high on his recent success in "American Gigolo" and Debra Winger who shined in her role in "Urban Cowboy". With stars of this caliber, it surprised me to learn (in the Special Features section) that doubts existed about the film's acceptance by theater audiences. In fact, the script had made the rounds of different studios for eight years, with no one daring to make the film which was essentially about training Naval pilots. The concern was it was too close to the end of the Viet Nam War and would be rejected by the public as being about war. Luckily, the film was interpreted very differently by the viewing audience who saw it in a positive light where personal survival, transformation and the expression of love were the key elements successfully played out on film.

Richard Gere stars as Zack Mayo, a hardened, slightly rebellious loner who locked up his feelings and dared not get emotionally close to people. He had been hurt as a youth when his mother committed suicide and he went to live with his dad, who was a selfish womanizer and alcoholic. When Zack announced his acceptance into Naval candidacy school to become a pilot, his father did not give him accolades or support. This was nothing new and it did not matter to Zack who pursued his dream with determination and courage. At the Port Townsend Naval Base, Zack learned discipline and made new friends. The camaraderie of being candidates and challenging themselves to acheive their goals awakened something new within him which totally transformed him. Zack excelled in physical survival skills and martial arts training. It was Gunnery Sergeant Foley's job to detect weakness of character and courage, to eliminate candidates who would not survive under the harsh conditions of war. Foley knew of Zack's streetwise rebellious tendencies and rode him hard. Foley and Zack clashed periodically and one climactic scene especially stood out ... where Foley meted out severe discipline and punishment to get Zack to ask for a "D.O.R" slip (drop out on request). Zack endured the punishment and after a particularly difficult session of physical endurance tests, Zack *finally* gut wrenchingly admitted, "I got nowhere else to go" ...

Besides the obvious story about a group of young adults who under go rigorous training to become Naval pilots, several other stories arise and are fully developed within the plot which makes this film so highly appealing. Early on, Sgt Foley warned the candidates that young ladies who work in local factories, come from across the Puget Sound, to meet Naval candidates, with one goal in mind: to marry a Navy pilot. They will stoop to any means to win their man. Zack and his friend Sid are dressed to kill in their white uniforms during a social dance where they connect with two charming and beautiful factory workers of similar age to themselves. Paula a raven-haired beauty, played by Deborah Winger is paired with Zack, while Lynette, an attractive blond is paired with Sid. The attraction between the paired off guys and ladies is mutual and in a short time, they often meet for consensual physical liasons, even going to a local motel when the candidates are on leave. While everyone agrees it is with "no strings attached", the ladies have secret agendas with hopes of marriage. Zack attempts to play the gentleman, by going to meet Paula's parents and have dinner at their home. However, he still holds back and makes no promises to Paula. Paula plays it cool, claiming to expect nothing but she *does* manage to melt his cool exterior when their physical relationship becomes more steamy and personal. The guys discuss their plans to break off the liasons after graduation. As the end of their training is near, the two candidates cool their relationships with the two ladies. Lynette pulls a trick to win Sid, that backfires in ways totally unimaginable. She refuses Sid's engagement ring which results in one of the saddest, most gut-wrenching, heart-breaking and realistic scenes ever depicted on film. This earth-shattering event shakes Zack up and makes him realize what is real and important in his life ... While the ending may arguably be interpreted by some as corny and hokey, in effect, it is very satisfying and provides an honest and fulfilling conclusion to the film. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]

34 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It's an everlasting, romantic entertainment! February 26, 2000

By James Burleson

Format:DVD

Initially, my first impression of this movie was this movie was going to be boring. Then, after the first 20 minutes, my mind went into another direction. I found this movie to be interesting, and I knew there had to be some meaning to the movie. And indeed there was!

Zack Mayo, (Richard Gere) is a college graduate who pursues a chance to become a naval officer by entering the Officer Candidate Training School. In 14 solid weeks, Zack progresses and learns the ability of leadership, friendship, and discipline, through his tough drill instructor, (Louis Gossett Jr, in his Oscar-winning performance), and his friends.

Mood and tone are expressed intelligently through the emotions of adventure, torture, romance, and entertainment. My favorite aspect of this movie is Jack Nitzsche's unforgettable scoring. The mood and tone ties in together as the music plays, and makes the audiences feel spontaneous of what they are watching (especially with the love themes).

This movie, starring Richard Gere, Debra Winger, David Keith, Lisa Blount, Louis Gossett Jr., Robert Loggia, and Lisa Eilbacher, was the winner recipient of 2 Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor: LOUIS GOSSETT JR., and Best Original Song: "UP WHERE WE BELONG." Also nominated for 4 additional Academy Awards, including Best Actress: DEBRA WINGER, Best Original Screenplay: DOUGLAS DAY STEWART, Best Original Score: JACK NITZSCHE, Best Film editing, and nominated for a total of 8 Golden Globes, this movie unmarks the boundary between love and adventure.

Richard Gere, even though nominated for a Golden Globe, should of been nominated for an Oscar. His outstanding performance brought the true nature of what it's like to be his character. This was the performance of his entire career!

With a clear-cut picture, and sharp sound, this movie will never grow old in your home! I would positively recommend this movie to another.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent movie!!!! Stands the test of time!!!! July 28, 2001

By "staton"

Format:VHS Tape

I am not a Richard Gere fan, and I was pretty much through with him after "American Gigolo," but his performance in "Officer and a Gentleman," should have won him the Oscar for Best Actor of 1982. Excellent performance by Louis Gossett, Jr. (who, it was said, back in 1982 when this movie was released, totally disassociated himself from the rest of the cast as part of the preparation for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Foley - and it worked, he won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor). This movie stands the test of time and I highly recommend it (even if you are not a Richard Gere fan, the movie is worth it).