One of the great questions of relating to laserdisc must be...Why has it taken so long for "The Great Santini" to be released?  There's no good answer, but let's be thankful for the stunning transfer that it received here.  None of the numerous HBO airings of this unforgettable film have ever come close to duplicating the sharpness of this new transfer.  Yes, there's some grain, but the fleshtones are flawless and the color values are impeccable.  The transfer has received a 1.85:1 matte that offers framing better suited to the well staged compositions.  While a little rough around the edges, we still feel that this is one of those rare films destined to become a family classic.  Well, at least "family" excluding those under age 11. It's hard to think of a "best" performance for Robert Duvall, but his portrayal of a stubborn fighter pilot deserves high praise.  Although the sound is monaural, the film relies on acting and few "big" moments where an active soundtrack is necessary.  Additionally, the musical score from Elmer Bernstein is excellent.