Futuristic tale set in Australia, which has become a wasteland where vicious, fast-driving criminals cause death, destruction, and mayhem on the highways. The police do their best to maintain control, but their attempts prove futile. As a result, one cop named Max quits his job and goes on a vacation with his family. However they are terrorized by a gang of malicious speed-demons, who kill Max' wife and baby. Angry, Max rejoins the force, revs up his motorcycle -- and seeks bloody revenge against the fiends who murdered his family.
Wall Street Journal, 11/27/2009, "[A] dazzling, violent and endlessly influential postapocalyptic action fantasy."
Variety, 05/16/1979, "...An all-stops-out, fast-moving [film]....This is the most audience involving film since HALLOWEEN....The leads are all effective..."
USA Today, 01/04/2002, p.4E, "...Mayhem-heavy....Road-cop Max was Mel Gibson's star-making role..."
Title Note
Theatrical Release: May 9, 1980
Director George Miller's first feature film.
Shot in Todd-AO 35 with an original aspect ratio of 2.35:1.
Filmed between November and December 1977 in and around Melborune, Sunbury, and Clunes (Victoria), Australia.
Released theatrically in Australia April 12, 1979.
When first released in New York City, the print shown had the actors' voices dubbed, because the Australian accent, known as "strine" was so thick, and barely understandable. Some video versions feature the original soundtrack. However, most VHS versions are dubbed.
Release Note
DVD Features:
Region 1 Keep Case Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35 Single Side - Dual Layer Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English (Australian) Dolby Digital Mono - English Dubbed Additional Release Material: Audio Commentaries Documentaries - 1. "Mel Gibson: The Birth of a Star" 2. "MAD MAX: The Film Phenomenon" Trailers Interactive Features:: Hidden Features Trivia - Road Rant Facts
DVD Features:
Region 1 Keep Case Single Side - Dual Layer Special Edition Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35 Letterbox - 2.35 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English (Australian) Dolby Digital Mono - English Dubbed Additional Release Material: Audio Commentary Trailers Documentary: 1. "Mel Gibson: The Birth of a Star" 2. "MAD MAX: The Film Phenomenon" Interactive Features: Hidden Features Trivia - Road Rant Facts
Product Notes
Rebel bikers combat the police in a bleak post-nuclear future where the highways are bloody battlegrounds. When a gang of motorcyclists brutally murder a policeman's family he becomes Mad Max, avenger of the highways. Sequel: THE ROAD WARRIOR.
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