Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Warner Movie •• Picture/Sound •••½ Extras •••

Before the movie, this DVD has a trailer for boxed sets of the original TV show - and it provides proof positive that the film lacks even the goofy charm of the 1970s series. The theatrical version has good-natured old-timers Burt Reynolds and Willie Nelson offering some relief, but young stars like Johnny Knoxville and Jessica Simpson try too hard to have a good time. At least the stunt-driving footage is awesome, especially in this DVD's crisp and detailed picture. Shots from behind the wheel of that legendary '69 Charger are a hoot, especially when accompanied by some choice Southern rock, creatively mixed in 5.1 channels. Extras include four brief featurettes that focus (understandably) on the car and the girl. You also get a half hour of extended scenes, a blooper reel that does contain some laughs, and an unfortunate music video in which Simpson happily massacres "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'." [PG-13] English, Dolby Digital 5.1; letterboxed (2.35:1) and anamorphic widescreen; dual layer.