I have the old version. while its non anamorphic, i thought the transfer was actually pretty good. on that dvd, it looks like that the oar is about 2:55;1. also, i can't imagine this in a 5.1 soundtrack. i know the action picks up towards the end of the movie, but i think it wouldn't sound the best. anythoughts?

The dvd talk review of this edition says it was made in 2001. Goes on to say that MGM has "backlogged" alot of special editions that will come out this year and next. I didn't know studios made SE's of dvds and leave them setting for years before they are released???

Yes its worth it.

they probably backlogged them so we wouldn't be able to resist buying their crappy regular editions. How long can you wait for favorites like this. Sony wants to buy MGM to cash out by making tons of special editions of bare mgm discs put out in a rush.

The Great Escape SE has been out in the U.K. for quite a while now, so they defintely sat on this one for the R1 release.

Most definitely. The improved copy is worth it alone. The extras are excellent too.

Run don't walk and buy it.

I guess I need to pick this up myself. I have the original release, and this movie is too good to be bareboned!

GET THIS DVD!!! I held off from buying the single disc release and I knew about the R2 SE so I knew it was coming to R1 sometime... Worth every Penny!

Get it,watch the movie with the original mono soundmix and enjoy;D

The 5.1 is pointless,but the good transfer & great original audio + extras make it worth an upgrade if you are a fan of the film.

This is a stellar DVD...the transfer has been correctly framed from the original DVD...and it looks great...and a crapload a extras...great packaging...awesome movie...original audio plus 5.1...whats not to like!

I upgraded and I was happy except for one glaring thing.

The new booklet is (save for a few minor word edits and content rearranging) exactly the same as the original booklet. It's nice if you don't have the original but I was hoping for new content. I just thought it was odd they went through the trouble of re-doing the disc but, essentially, keeping the same booklet.

Minor quibble aside, as others have said, it's a good upgrade if you're a fan of the film.

Are there any extras on the original disc that are not included on the new SE (thus, making it necessary to keep both versions of the film if you're a big fan)?

The documentary "Return to The Great Escape" that's on the original disc is also on the new release.

The original has "Trivia and Production Notes" listed on the case but I could never find them on the actual disc.

So, if you only get the new one, you're not missing anything.

I have the Criterion laser and I'm not upgradeing. Original mono, proper transfer, and superior John Sturges commentary. I might upgrade when I get a 16x9 display.

One of my all-time favorite movies and well worth the upgrade (especially at an under $20 price point).