Product Details

• Actors: Dean Jones, Michele Lee, David Tomlinson, Buddy Hackett, Joe Flynn
• Directors: Robert Stevenson
• Writers: Screenplay By Bill Walsh And Don DaGradi, Based On A Story By Gordon Buford
• Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC, Special Edition, Widescreen
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.75:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: G (General Audience)
• Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: May 20, 2003
• Run Time: 108 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (104 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000096IAH
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,923 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "The Love Bug (Special Edition)" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The box office success of Disney's 1969 classic The Love Bug inspired a slew of Herbie sequels, and, ultimately, this 1997 remake. Though remakes occasionally best the original (consider Disney's The Parent Trap), this one does not. It is difficult to match the talents of the original cast--namely Dean Jones, Buddy Hackett, and David Tomlinson. At least the car hasn't diminished during its 30-year absence. Herbie is still the smart, quirky Volkswagen Beetle with the same affinity for fast driving and rescuing arrogant-but-charming, washed-up racecar drivers to give them a new life and a new love. In this case, Herbie's progeny is Hank Cooper (played by hunky Bruce Campbell of the Evil Dead trilogy), who acquires Herbie by lottery from the junkyard. Herbie comes to life and begins his usual shenanigans, from popping wheelies to slamming his trunk on the fingers of evildoers, primarily one Simon Moore III (John Hannah). This wealthy, wicked numbskull sold Herbie before realizing his powers and now seeks revenge by creating Herbie's evil twin--a menacing black Beetle. The rest of the story repeats history, yet does so with passionless drudgery. Thankfully, there are two notable highlights: one, a brief cameo appearance by Jones (Herbie's owner, Jim Douglas, from the original film) who lends his larger-than-life persona for an all-too-brief moment; the other, Kevin J. O'Connor, who plays Herbie's eccentric and faithful mechanic, and does so with earnest zeal. The film's slapstick humor and happy ending make for solid family entertainment, but the original reigns supreme. --Lynn Gibson

Product Description

A down-and-out racetrack driver, Jim Douglas, acquires a little Volkswagen, but doesn't realize the "bug" is almost human. The car helps Jim win many races but runs away when it feels it is not appreciated, into the clutches of villainous rival Peter Thorndyke. With the help of his friends Tennessee and Carole, Jim changes his attitude, finds the bug, and apologizes. They win another race -- and Jim falls in love with Carole.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars HERBIE'S BACK & GROOVIER THAN EVER! April 30, 2003

By Phillip Smith

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been a fan of Herbie, the Love Bug since 1984 and the dream of having the original classic put on DVD has finally become a reality! Loaded with features only The Disney Company could create!

Audio Commentary With Dean Jones, Michele Lee, And Buddy Hackett

Cartoon: "Susie -- The Little Blue Coupe"

That Lovable Bug

The Many Lives Of Herbie

Herbie Mania

Lost Treasures: Searching For Herbie

1969 Disney Studio Album

Production Gallery

Behind-The-Scenes Promo

Love Bug Day At Disneyland

The Man Who Gave Herbie His Voice

Deleted Scenes: "Used Car Lot" & "Playground"

Theatrical Trailer

DVD Credits

Radio Spots

Sound Studio 1: "Herbie On The Rocks"
Sound Studio 2: "Thorndyke And The Bear"

Production Stills: Production Photos, Concept Art, Storyboards

Comic Book

Biographies: Dean Jones, Michele Lee, Buddy Hackett, David Tomlinson, Robert Stevenson

Advertising: Publicity, Posters, Merchandise, Press Book
Documents

Screenplay Excerpt: "Herbie Goes Over The Edge"

1.75:1 Aspect Ratio

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

With THX remastering as well! Fasten your seatbelts because on May 20, the BUG is coming Back!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best film of the series......... June 13, 2000

By A Customer

Format:VHS Tape

This 1969 hit introduces the world to Herbie, the living VW. He "runs in" to down-on-his-luck race driver Jim Douglas (Dean Jones) and the story begins. Jim's friend Tennessee (Buddy Hackett) suggests that he race Herbie in a local dirt track race. Herbie of course wins and starts a winning streak. But look out as Thorndike enters the plot. He will give anything to get rid of the VW and tries to on numerous occations. The big road race at the end called The Eldorado is the best part of the movie. Sadly, this film was followed by a sappy sequal, but in 1977, Dean Jones and Don Knots returned to make the hilarious film, Herbie goes to Monte Carlo. The Love Bug was my favorite movie as a kid and I still enjoy it.....

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun to watch Herbie doing things on his own October 13, 1999

By PJ Dunlap

Format:VHS Tape

My six-year-old enjoyed watching Herbie run around and do things without a driver that "real" cars can't do with a driver. There was enough action and laughs to keep her entertained through out the entire 108 minutes. Dean Jones and Michelle Lee work so well together. The comedy is suitable for all ages.