Blu-Ray Review: 25th Anniversary Edition of Blockbuster ‘Top Gun’

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CHICAGO – “Top Gun” is one of those movies that defies critical analysis. It’s purposefully stupid, playing off and even redefining macho archetypes in such a way that I would argue that it’s one of the most influential blockbusters of the ’80s. But is it a “good” movie? Not really. But who cares? It’s fun and the 25th Anniversary Edition plays right into the wallets of fan’s need for speed.

Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0

You may be too young to fully grasp how the movie that made Tom Cruise a superstar rocked the cultural landscape. Made for just over $8 million, the Tony Scott flick grossed almost $350 million worldwide (in 1986 dollars). It was one of the biggest films of its era, one of those rare works that caught on across multiple demographics. Young, old, male, female, everybody saw “Top Gun.” It was almost un-American not to.

Like so many blockbusters, “Top Gun” tapped into something at just the right time. It played into the Reagan era, testosterone-centric action genre that made Sly and Ah-nuld stars but it did so with a more handsome, less super-muscled lead. Women wanted to sleep with Maverick. Men wanted to be him. And with themes of competition, brotherhood, and love, it had a bit of something for everyone. There have been countless movies that attempted a similar mix of All-American action but few have been as successful as “Top Gun.”

Top Gun was released on Blu-ray on August 30th, 2011
Photo credit: Paramount

Twenty-five years later, especially in times as cynical as these, “Top Gun” doesn’t have the same dramatic effect. It’s almost more of a pop culture artifact now, one of those movies that reminds us of a time gone by, a happier time for most. And I don’t mean that as an insult in the slightest. “Top Gun” was always escapism and people arguably need escape now more than ever. Maybe all you need is a ride with Maverick, Goose, Jester, Viper, Merlin, and, of course, Iceman.

Top Gun was released on Blu-ray on August 30th, 2011 Photo credit: Paramount

The blu-ray release of “Top Gun” features a very-impressive collection of special features including a commentary, and multiple featurettes. It even has the music videos you remember so well. Crank up “Danger Zone” for me.

Synopsis:
“Twenty-five years ago, Top Gun took audiences into the Danger Zone with the blockbuster hit that made Tom Cruise a superstar. Now, with the 25h Anniversary Celebration, experience the film that remains one of the most high-octane adventures of all time.

Cruise plays Maverick, a hotshot flyer who is sent to the Navy’s prestigious Top gun program. But in order to become the “best of the best,” he’ll need the help of his wingman (Anthony Edwards) and new-found love (Kelly McGillis). Co-starring Val Kilmer, this high-octane hit will take your breath away!”

Special Features:
o Commentary by Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Director Tony Scott, Co-Screenwriter Jack Epps, Jr., & Naval Experts
o Danger Zone: The Making Of Top Gun (6-Part Documentary)
o Multi-Angle Storyboards with Optional Commentary by Director Tony Scott
o Best Of The Best: Inside The Real Top Gun
o 4 Music Videos
o TV Spots
o Behind-The-Scenes Featurette
o Survival Training Featurette
o Tom Cruise Interviews
o Digital Copy Of Feature Film

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com [email protected]