Rating: 
Summary: Totally Outrageous
Review: After seeing the extended version and basically watching 1941 for the first time in over 10 years, I must admit, it's rather foolish, but I think that was the whole idea. It was a throwback to all those star-studden slapstick comedies that Spielberg and Zemekis grew up watching. It's not racist in anyway. It would have been if JUST the Japanese were portrayed as bumblers, but everyone in this movie is nuts. After the Anthrax scares following Sept. 11 (remember those), I think a movie like 1941 should be appreciated more. It takes a paranoids to a new level. yes, people were scared and the movie, which writer Bob Gale says lifted some truths, shows just how America was sixty years ago. Yes, it's a screaming movie. On the closing credits, every actor is screaming or yelling. After seeing how hard the filmmakers worked on the special features, you got to appreciate the movie. Also, some deleted scenes add more, such as the racial tension between John Candy and Frank McCrae that is just touched on in the original is extended so we know why they're fighting in the tank anyway. It's an anti-war movie that decides to have fun of the Greatest Generation. And it does have Mickey Rourke before he got corrupted. Also, the Jaws spoof at the beginning is terrific.
Rating: 
Summary: Take a second look
Review: Almost all critics hated this film (and still do), and at the time it came out people were going out to the movies less and less. That's really too bad because after all the madcap nonsense and running around that made up the majority of the movie, there's an underlying current of paranoia and fear reflecting a time when the country was just starting to flex its power on a global scale. Thankfully, that sense of dread is brought back into the movie with nearly a half hour of footage cut out in 1980. Now as you may have read at the top this was done because sitting through a 21/2 comedy was unheard of then (it would still be frowned on now), but Spielberg using the comedy classic, "It's a mad,mad,mad,mad world" as his model, obviously knew what he was doing! Most of this new footage is at the beginning as its almost all character devolpment. Exactly what feels missing from the studio original! I had seen this movie over and over so many times, yet when I saw this version I finally see what the mean by "Director's cut" A huge thank you to whoever got this movie back on tape and impressively restored despite its bad reputation. It may not have been the right movie for 1980, but definitely check this version out and see what a difference it makes.
Rating:
Summary: Very funny film
Review: Although many people find this film largely unfunny I find it hilarious. They got John Belushi to play the same kind of character that he did in Animal House and, in my opinion, it works!! Dan Aykroyd is also as funny as ever, he gets a bump on the head and does some crazy things that are sure to make you laugh. This film is worth renting just to see John Belushi's many comedy falls and Dan Aykroyd's impression of a bug.
Rating:
Summary: All Favorites, Togeather For Me!
Review: Amazing! One day I rent movie 1941 and watch. All favorite actors are in it! All togeather! For me! So many stars from before they become popular. All in good rolls in excellent comedy movie about my favorite war! I must have! So I buy collectors edition DVD. So many features! Such a good buy!
Rating: 
Summary: Only for Spielberg Collectors!
Review: Bought this one simply because I am a fan of the director and have a Spielberg collection. One of his lesser efforts, "1941" is the perfect example of a bloated budget, wasted talent, a "comedy" with few laughs, and an idea that probably seemed like a good one at the time.I assure you, it was not!
Rating:
Summary: The LOUDEST Movie I've Ever Seen...
Review: But I think that's what works in this film! Although a lot of critics have given this film thumbs down remarks and bad reviews, I for one enjoy it. When reading a biography on Stephen Spielberg, I discovered that he had planned on turning the second world war into HIS version of my all-time favorite film, It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. The poster art done for the film is pure "Mad World". It depicts every single character from the film be it major, minor, or extra, and it shows action shots of things you can see in the movie; Murray Hamilton and Eddie Deezen on the ferris wheel with the Dummy, a theater marquee announcing Walt Disney's Dumbo playing, and of course Captain Wild Bill Kelso (John Belushi) flying his airplane directly towards the audience.
In my opinion, Spielberg stood true to his word and did in fact give audiences "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World...War". Originally, he was going to call the film "The Night The Japs Attacked" but of course, that title wouldn't be accepted by most companies. 1941 contains exactly the kind of material that was seen in "Mad World"; a cavalcade cast that included (In Alphabetical Order) Dan Aykroyd, Ned Beatty, John Belushi, Lorraine Garay, Murray Hamilton, Christopher Lee, Tim Matheson, Toshirô Mifune, Warren Oates, Robert Stack, Treat Williams and classic minor roles performed by Lucille Benson, John Candy, Elisha Cook Jr., Eddie Deezen, Patti LuPone, Penny Marshall, Frank McRae, Slim Pickens, Wendie Jo Sperber, Lionel Stander, Dub Taylor, Iggie Wolfington, Joe Flaherty, David L. Lander, Michael McKean, Susan Backlinie, Mickey Rourke, and Donovan Scott.
Most people forget that there's a big love triangle in the story involving Bobby DiCicco and Dianne Kay and how they must deal with Treat Williams' harshness and rudeness. That's probably because Spielberg had filmed so much that the audience couldn't decide which characters were more important to focus on! Hence why when the film was first released on video, it only ran 2 hours long and was billed as a "HOME VIDEO VERSION".
When the DVD was re-released in 2003, there were a few minor changes. The DVD disc itself remained 100% the same as it did when it arrived on shelves in 1998, however the re-release changed the cover art and replaced the expansive collectible booklet that was placed inside the cover with a smaller "Chapters & Bonus Features" insert instead.
The Director's Cut of the film really adds more depth to the plot lines. The DVD was essentially put together in the same format as the "Universal Signature Collection" Laserdisc of 1941. It includes the newly restored 2.35:1 Scope Widescreen presentation of the film with all 26 minutes of cut footage intact and in widescreen as well, a restored Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound audio track, 2 teaser trailers (the 1st one allows audiences to discover that Belushi's name was originally going to be Wild WAYNE Kelso) and 1 theatrical trailer, an extra collection of unrestored deleted scenes (some of which are missing audio) and outtakes, a documentary featuring interviews with Stephen Spielberg, Bob Gale, Robert Zemeckis, John Milius, and John Williams, within the documentary are on-set home movies done by Spielberg and alternate takes not included in the deleted scenes section, a photo gallery, and advertising campaign gallery. Among the "Text Only" bonus features are production notes and reviews of the film from 1978-1979.
As I said earlier, most people hated this film because of the millions of characters and plot lines but to me I consider it almost a cult classic. Like Dr. Strangelove, it took on a serious American issue and made it into a farce, giving people something to smile and laugh at. Therefore, 1941 in my opinion deserves 5 stars.
"So long mama, I'm off to Yokohama!"-Wild Bill Kelso.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining Spielberg's Underrated flick.
Review: Days after, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. America went in a State of Panic. The Japaneses (Lead by Toshiro Mifune) and a Nazi (Christopher Lee) are planning to Attack on Los Angeles, California in Hollywood from thier Subnarine. The Citizens of L.A. are in a State of Pandemonium. Creating much more fear to themselves, which they are making more Havoc and Crazed than the Enemies. Directed by Steven Spielberg (Indiana Jones Trilogy, The Color Purple, Empire of the Sun) made a Spectacular, Outragerous comedy that is extremely Wild and it's a surprisngly well done Epic for this kind of film. This film turned out to be a Box Office Disappointment and it was a Critical Failure to the Critics. This has become an Cult Classic and then got Rediscover later on Video, Laserdisc and the Extended Television Version. Spielberg did expanded his cut to added 26 mintues of footage. Director's Cut is a better cut that his Original Release Version. Lavish Special Effects, Some Excellent Vignettes and Excellent Cinematography by William A. Fraker highlight this flawed but interesting flick. The Cast included:Dan Aykroyd, Ned Beatty, John Belushi, Treat Williams, Nancy Allen, Robert Stack, Tim Matheson, Warren Oates, Bobby DiCicco, Dianne Kay, Murray Hamilton, Lorraine Gary, Slim Pickens, Eddie Deezen, John Candy and more. DVD has an good non-anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an strong Digitally Remastered-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD extras are good, including:102 Minutes Documentary, interview with the filmmakers:Spielberg, Bob Gale, John Milius, Robert Zemeckis, A.D. Flowers, Fraker, Gregory Jein, Micheal Fahn and John Williams. Avoid the Pan & Scan version, which ruined Fraker's Cinematography. Watch for Penny Marshall, James Caan, Micheal Mc Kean, David L. Lander and Mickey Rourke in Cameos. This is a Unique film that has some Excellent Vignettes, even thought it`s a Gargantuan Comedy, it`s worth a look. Written by Zemeckis & Gale, from a Story by Zemeckis, Gale and Milius. Panavision. Grade:A-.
Rating:
Summary: Animal House Goes To War -- Big Budget Comedy Noir
Review: Do not forget to remember that this is supposed to be SATIRE, otherwise you may find "1941" to be a rather crude, over-extended joke. With US military personnel more interested in "gettin' some" than in defending America, it becomes clear immeditately that priorities are considerably confused. Two of the lead characters in particular seem hormone-raged and obcessed with "scoring". Considered by many an overlooked Steven Spielberg Classic, I agree only with the technical aspects. Visually and acustically stunning, the macabre handling of serious historical subject matter and often repelling actions of bullies make this a less than "great comedy" for me. Viewing this film on the now-obsolete laser disc format was a visual treat, maily due to the lavish cinematography and brilliant score. Sadly, I do not intend to view this film a second time. For fans of the original SNL "not-ready-for-prime-time Players", their "involvement" is an added bonus. Not enough for me, sorry.***
Rating:
Summary: Animal House Goes To War -- Big Budget Comedy Noir
Review: Do not forget to remember that this is supposed to be SATIRE, otherwise you may find "1941" to be a rather crude, over-extended joke. With US military personnel more interested in "gettin' some" than in defending America, it becomes clear immeditately that priorities are considerably confused. Two of the lead characters in particular seem hormone-raged and obcessed with "scoring". Considered by many an overlooked Steven Spielberg Classic, I agree only with the technical aspects. Visually and acustically stunning, the macabre handling of serious historical subject matter and often repelling actions of bullies make this a less than "great comedy" for me. Viewing this film on the now-obsolete laser disc format was a visual treat, maily due to the lavish cinematography and brilliant score. Sadly, I do not intend to view this film a second time. For fans of the original SNL "not-ready-for-prime-time Players", their "involvement" is an added bonus. Not enough for me, sorry.***
Rating:
Summary: A review from Mr. Entertainment Lover
Review: Do you want a movie with lots of destruction and total mayhem? How about a movie with really stupid people made up of Americans, Japaneas, and Germans? This is the film for you. Despite what most of the critics have said, I believe this is one of the funniest comdies we have around. I think the reason critics didn't like it was because Speilbergs first three movies were serious. Don't let the critics get you down. This movie will make you laugh yourself silly as the goofy Japaneas try to bomb Hollywood with their submarine with the help of a punk Nazie. But some goofy Americans are going to try to stop them. See this movie. It's good! John Belushie does a great performance as a pyscho pilot.
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