The Italian Job DVD

Advantages: One of my favourite films of all time, an absolute classic film still enjoyed today.
Disadvantages: It has taken its time to arrive in DVD format.

...I was first introduced to the film, 'The Italian Job' as a child I have absolutely loved it. It is most definitely one of my favorite films of all time. Mind you we've been made to wait for the release of the DVD. The film was first released to cinema audiences in 1969 and believe it or not actually started life as a bit of a flop, almost sinking without trace. Fortunately it became almost a cult film a few years later and now enjoys its current ...
...In my view the impact the film has made can be summed up in a simple comparison of standards, "This film did for Minis what James Bond did for Vodka Martini and Aston Martin." The basic plot I am sure that most people out there have seen this film at least once, but for clarity and those who potentially haven't seen it before I will proceed with the basic storyline of the film. However as Eddie Izzard once said, "If you haven't seen the Italian ... Read review

Advantages: Michael Caine
Disadvantages: none

...his next big robbery with the help of Roger Beckerman, the brains behind the operation. Upon his release, he pays a visit to the home of the Beckerman's, only to find out that he has been murdered by the Italian Mafia. Now, in possession of the plans to stage a daring robbery in the centre of busy Turin, he breaks back into the prison he had just been released from to persuade British crime lord Mr. Bridger to give him the financial backing. With ...
...his team of crooks under the watchful eye of one of Bridger's henchmen, Camp Freddie. Now with everything in place, the team travel to Italy, only to find the Mafia lying in wait, ready to warn them off. Undeterred, they continue on to Turin, ready to bring the place to a stand still, with the biggest traffic jam in history, in an attempt to rob a security van of 4 million in gold and to escape in their minis. Often hailed as a British classic, and ... Read review

Advantages: Enduringly funny, with a cracking soundtrack.
Disadvantages: As another reviewer commented - the near-blasphemous remake.

I was passing the music store in my local shopping centre a fortnight or so ago when I spotted a familiar array of Mini Coopers, in patriotic red, white and blue, on the cover of a DVD in the window. Hurrying over to investigate further, I was delighted to find that some wonderful person has realised how much the original and best version of The Italian Job deserved to be brushed off, shinied up, and stuck on a DVD with a few extra features. Michael ...
...anybody expecting anything spectacular from the special features will be disappointed. There is only one cut scene, a rather peculiar sequence wherein the Minis 'dance' to the Blue Danube, and the documentaries are rather long-winded. However, to be fair, a film as stunning as this one does not need fancy features. They would only serve to detract from its genius. And I do feel compelled to admit that even the commentary on the DVD itself spends ... Read review

Advantages: great entertainment and some class driving
Disadvantages: a little slow to start

...Rossano Brazzi. Released in the summer of 1969, shot in London and Turin, this comedy action movie became a classic and made the Mini cooper world famous. **BRIEL PLOT** When Charlie Croker, (played by Michael Caine) is released from prison it is not long before he and his friends are up to the same old tricks. Charlies friend, Roger Beckerman, (played by Rossano Brazzi) has been working on a plan to pull off the most daring robbery involving ...
...backing of the notorious Mr Bridgers, who organises crime from his prison cell, and Camp Freddie, (played by Tony Beckley), the plan can move forwards. Unfortunately, the plan has attracted the interest of the Italian mafia who insist that the robbery doesn't happen. Undeterred by the threat of death from the mafia, and Charlie gets a gang together, the computer genious Professor Simon Peach, (played by Benny Hill), electronics expert Birkinshaw, ... Read review

Advantages: A classic, great script
Disadvantages: has dated a little

The Italian Job is one of my absolute favourite films. A classic piece of British film-making. I'm a big fan of Michael Caine, although he has made some very poor films, and he's excellent in this. Noel Coward is also very good as the crime boss running his enterprises from his prison cell. Benny Hill's performance is priceless as the somewhat twisted computer geek. Now, obviously, the best moment in the film is the classic Mini chase through Turin. ... Read review