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THE LOVE BUG
Review by Michael Jacobson
Stars:
Dean Jones, Michele Lee, Buddy Hackett, David Tomlinson, Joe Flynn
Director: Robert Stevenson
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.75:1
Studio: Walt Disney
Features: See Review
Length: 108 Minutes
Release Date: May 20, 2003
“You
know something about champagne, sir…?”
“Havershaw…if
you tell me that the bubbles tickle your nose, I shall probably KILL YOU!”
With
all of the great accomplishments of the Walt Disney Studios over the years, I
ask you…was there anything so magical as making us believe a little Volkswagen
bug had a mind of its own and a heart as big as all outdoors?
That
bug, of course, was Herbie, who made his debut in Disney’s 1969 film The
Love Bug. And unlike some
Disney films from my childhood that have aged as badly as I have, this one
maintains a factory shine and new car smell even some 35 years after the fact.
It’s a wonderful blend of slapstick comedy, terrific racing action
sequences, a wonderfully tight cast, and of course, the little car that forever
changed the way I viewed the Beetle.
When
down-and-out racer Jim Douglas (Jones) stands up for a little Volkswagen against
the haughty owner of a classy dealership, Thorndyke (the always wonderful
Tomlinson), he finds both a friend and a partner.
As his buddy Tennessee (Hackett) informs him, there’s something special
about the little bug he warmly names Herbie.
Jim
doesn’t quite believe it, but with the car’s special extra punch of speed,
he soon finds himself back in the racing spotlight, and with Herbie’s penchant
to help his new owner, finds romance blossoming with Thorndyke’s lovely
assistant Carole (Lee) as well. But
as the ruthless Thorndyke begins to realize what he lost in giving up the car,
he begins a scheme of sabotage and treachery to get rid of Herbie for good!
All
of this culminates in a wild, anything-goes marathon race where Douglas has to
place Herbie on the line…and Thorndyke doesn’t plan to play fair!
I’ve
always loved this film, and am so happy to find I’m still warm for it after
all these years. Watching it again
was more than just a fun trip down memory lane…it was as much of a laugh riot
as I ever remembered. The energy
level created by the action and comedy make this a picture kids are bound to
enjoy today as much as they ever did. Herbie
was a big hit…in fact, The Love Bug was 1969’s biggest box office
success. It spawned a number of
sequels and a TV series…some better than others…but he had enough charm and
personality to make them all worthy endeavors.
Herbie
remains one of Disney’s most wonderful creations. When your heart goes out to a little car the way it does in
this film, that’s movie magic at its finest.
BONUS TRIVIA: Recognize the hippie who gives Michele Lee a hard time at the drive-up restaurant? Look closely...it's none other than Dean Jones himself!
Video
****
Wow!
I wouldn’t have believed this film could look so good after all these
years. The THX certification means
something great with this anamorphic transfer returned to full Technicolor glory
under loving hands. Images are
clean, clear and well defined throughout, colors are bright and crisp, and the
print itself is in remarkable condition. A
slight touch of background shimmer here and there is about the only complaint,
but overall, it’s not enough to dock any points for.
Certain racing segments feature stock footage (you can tell, because
there’s no Herbie!), and they stand out a little bit from the rest of the
movie, but that’s a matter of production and no fault of the presentation.
Highest marks.
Audio
****
A
5.1 soundtrack? YES!
With a movie filled with racing, Disney opted to open up the audio, and
the result is a dynamic offering with plenty of multi-directional staging and
extra work for the subwoofer. Dialogue
is clean and clear, and the soundtrack is free of background noise or
distractions. This is a bold remix
that serves the picture well and adds to the energy and fun.
Features
****
What
a package! I don’t know what
happened to the “Vault Disney” label given earlier double disc releases of
the studio’s live action family classics, but this set is just as loaded.
Disc
One features a welcome commentary track featuring Dean Jones and Buddy Hackett
together, with Michele Lee edited in for good measure.
It’s a pleasure to listen to, as all three are warm, funny, and
generous with their thoughts, stories and memories.
I learned several bits of trivia I never knew before in all my years of
enjoying this picture…Ms. Lee is particularly extroverted and funny, but
Messrs Jones and Hackett have plenty of tales to tell, both on and off
the set of the film!
Disc
Two features the same great menu screens of the Vault Disney titles and a LOT of
terrific extras, starting with a new documentary, “That Lovable Bug”,
featuring new interviews with Jones, Lee and Hackett among others.
“The Many Lives of Herbie” follows a Disney archivist throughout
Herbie’s career in films and TV…and even features an appearance by Don
Knotts! “Herbie Mania” looks at
the fans the little car has attracted over the years.
“Searching
For Herbie” shows the origins of the car in casting and such.
Sound Studio bits give you radio ads, plus a look at the effects for a
pair of scenes…for an even better look at Disney sound magic, “The Man Who
Gave Herbie His Voice” shows you just that and then some!
There is a gallery of photos and advertising, including a comic and press
book, plus the original trailer.
Rounding
out are a look at Herbie at Disneyland, a production gallery, a studio album for
Disney for 1969, bios for the stars, documents including a screenplay excerpt, a
pair of cut scenes re-created, and a behind-the-scenes promo.
An amazing package with something for everyone!
Summary:
