The Towering Inferno [Special Edition] [2 Discs]

"With this two-disc set, Fox has created a special edition of The Towering Inferno that is equal to their stellar work on their two-disc special edition of The Poseidon Adventure. The anamorphic, letterboxed image transfer is excellent, capturing the film's distinctive blend of nocturnal shadows and bright flames with clarity and eye-popping color. Both 4.0 and 2.0 Dolby Stereo mixes are provided and each offers a robust, well-mixed soundscape for the viewing experience. Also included on the first disc is a pair of commentaries. The first is a feature-length track helmed by film critic F.X. Feeney; despite the film's daunting length, Feeney offers a nonstop barrage of fascinating comments that cover everything from behind-the-scenes detail to the critical analysis of the filmmakers' visual choices. The second track is a scene-specific affair helmed by FX man Mike Vezina and stunt coordinator Branko Racki; both offer their thoughts on the technical aspects of the film's impressive effects and stunt set pieces. It isn't as entertaining as the Feeney track but is worthwhile for those interested in the nuts-and-bolts aspects of doing such scenes. Disc two is entirely devoted to extras. An episode of AMC Backstory devoted to The Towering Inferno kicks things off and does a solid job of telling the story behind the film in just over 20 minutes. More detail is provided via a series of newer featurettes that focus on different aspects of the film; highlights include a segment on the effects and photography techniques used to create the illusion of a giant glass tower and a segment on how the many fire-oriented stunts were choreographed. Elsewhere, there is a collection of vintage promotional shorts, including a funny piece done for the National Association of Theater Owners by Irwin Allen himself and a 1977 interview with Allen. Fans will also be interested to see 30 extended and deleted scenes used in the TV version of The Towering Inferno on this disc; they are presented full-frame and it's obvious why most were cut, but fans who grew up on the TV version will be glad to have them. Rounding out the second disc are a trio of articles written for American Cinematographer, a comprehensive collection of still and art galleries, trailers, and a set of storyboard-to-scene comparisons. As if that all wasn't enough, the physical packaging of the disc throws in a set of postcard-sized still reproductions and a miniature reprinting of the film's press book! In short, this is a staggering package for fans of The Towering Inferno and offers plenty of bang for the buck, just like the film it contains."