While this reviewer still considers “APOLLO 13” to be the best film involving the space program, “THE RIGHT STUFF” is still a great film.  While “APOLLO 13” achieved more dramatic aspirations, “THE RIGHT STUFF” is much more of a reflective film, moving at its own slow, steady pace, determined to blend overt imagery with metaphor, in telling a story that spans as many years, as it does trials and tribulations.

“THE RIGHT STUFF” pays homage to the space program in a very different way than “APOLLO 13” as well. This film examines both the daredevil-ish Chuck Yeager  as well as the extremely fit men of the armed forces whom would later become the celebrity-astronauts.

When comparing the two films, “APOLLO 13” benefited from better action/effects sequences, but the more dramatic sequences, especially revolving around the personal lives of these men, are better realized in “THE RIGHT STUFF.”

Director Philip Kaufman has a penchant for belaboring images.  He never seems to want a scene to last 3 minutes when it can last 6, and this is a minor problem for the film. “THE RIGHT STUFF” could have benefited from some minor editing. However, the film has gigantic aspirations, and it is an epic, so the excessive footage can only hinder a terrific film so much. It’s still a great film!
WARNER BROS. has previously released “THE RIGHT STUFF,” on dvd. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enhanced for 16:9 viewing, and while colors were impressive, they weren’t nearly as distinctive and rich as they are in this newly remastered version.  The film’s correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement, is of demonstration quality!  Contrast is also outstanding, allowing for excellent definition in the darkest scenes.
WARNER BROS. has remastered the film’s soundtrack for Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, and it’s more aggressive than we’d imagined for a film close to 18 years old!  There is excellent separation, and the surrounds are used throughout the entire film.  The dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.

WARNER BROS. has provided plenty of extras!  In addition to Director Philip Kaufman’s perspective on the film, we also get to hear and see John Glenn, along with some other great commentary.  Some mini-documentaries, filled with great footage, are also offered.

Add the original theatrical trailer, and this is a “SPECIAL EDITION” that deserves to be in every film lover’s dvd collection!