Recently Watched: Mad Max

[ellyssian]

Mad Max (Special Edition)

The Mad Max series of films has always been a favorite. The post-apocalyptic atmosphere, the cars, and, most particularly, the reluctant hero wandering off on his own at the end.

Perhaps least over the top and arguably most realistic, the first one often seemed a bit too quirky. I would not have suspected that this had its basis in the language being dubbed from Australian English to American English, an act done to remove quirkiness of one sort.

Watching it with the original language track - which, of course, keeps all the visuals exactly as they are - makes it seem a different film. It seems more of a complete package, less of a hacked attempt. It is still made on the same budget, yet somehow doesn't seem to be as low budget as it was. Even when the excess was in the visuals themselves, it seems more fitting with the proper language - even more ironic because it doesn't differ all that much.

I suppose if you absolutely hate the dubbed version, this edition won't make you love the movie - but then you might be pleasantly surprised at the difference. If you're anywhere else on the scale, from ambivalent to an ardent admirer, check this out and I think you'll find yourself suitably impressed.