When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
No one I speak to has ever heard of the original 1969 version
So I ask a simple question. Have you?, and which do you prefer.
For me the original has a better cast, and the car scenes are truly awesome.
I've seen both. I honestly thought the second one was more entertaining. The first one was pretty good, and I am a Michael Caine fan also, but it just seemed to be a bit odd...
I've rented the first one before, and saw it with someone who's been to the locations, at Mini Meet West '06. Kids got me the second one.
The old one is done at the era's pace, laid back and low tech. The new one is very good for a reamake. So good if I ever see the villian in real life I'll deck him.
The first one wins hands down. The second one a good movie, but the first Italian Job definitely takes the cake. Was low tech but that made the Mini chase better in my opinion.
I have both on DVD. First saw the original at the base theatre at Randolph AFB in San Antonio in 69 or 70. My room mate had a light blue 998 Austin Mini and we got such a kick out of that movie. Watching it now brings back lots of memories of life in the AF almost 40 years ago. I like the old one best.
There such different movies it's hard to compare them. I like them both and I usually don't even watch remakes. The first one was more tongue-in-cheek and the newer one to be was better action. Own them both BTW.
I bought the DVD of the 1969 version yesterday. Nearly went to sleep waiting for something to happen. Wife went to play a video game online. I jumped to the added features part of the DVD and found that somewhat interesting. Never got around to finishing the movie. BTW we are both aged 60, and like the modern version.
I liked the first one ok. Just saw it earlier this week actually. I'm just not crazy about how it ended. The minis definately seemed to have more character in the 69 version, but I still like the 2003 version better.
Sure, like many of the other folks I own both DVDs. Which is better? Kinda like asking is the R53 or R56 better. Completely different movie, same concept, just like the R56, different car same concept. I like them both, think I like the MINI scenes in the original by a small margin
I actually played the Playstation video game before ever setting eyes on the film (the Marky Mark version had yet to be released). I then got the '69 version on VHS (not available on DVD at the time) and enjoyed it. It was OK. The '03 version of the film was OK, as well.
The movies are so different it's hard to compare them. In fact, the only reason the second one 'could' be called The Italian Job is because of when, in the middle of the movie, 'Charlie' says, in the garage, while he is shooting a basketball, 'We'll do it like they did The Italian Job,' when their plans have to change because 'Steve' decided to move the gold at like the last minute. That was the excuse to bring in the MINIs.
the only reason the second one 'could' be called The Italian Job is because of when, in the middle of the movie, 'Charlie' says, in the garage, while he is shooting a basketball, 'We'll do it like they did The Italian Job
That's true, now that I think of it....the very subtle ties between the two films would probably be lost on most folks unless they were familiar with the earlier film. We got them (presence of a classic Mini, Michael Caine on TV, gold-heist plot, and others) and that was thrilling...kindof a secret code thing.
I will say that we enjoyed the 2003 version more because you could drive around the theater parking lot (for whatever reason) and folks really cheered because you were in a MINI. Numerous owner-events also made the whole thing extra-special. It was glorious!!!
We own both, and are major fans of the first. It's hilarious.
The main thing about the second one, is that it has Mini's. Other than that, it could have been any number of other action movies. Mission Impossible, just add Minis.
The "action" in the new one is, IMO, no more than choppy editing put together into a montage to disquise the fact that these actors can't drive! The girl is OK, what's she doing in a movie?
I like the original for the witty dialog, awsome storyline and classic ending.
I liked the '03 version for the new MINI stunt scenes and the DVD extra has the cast going through driver's training (which is pretty entertaining, too).
I've got both on DVD. I like them both but they are hard to compare because they are so different.
Just thinking about them has gotten that song stuck in my head again... This is the self preservation society, this is the self preservation society...
+1 I was just singing this line while reading the thread. ha ha ha.
I like the 1st movie. great car chase, stunts and funny lines...
....You're only suppose to blow the bl**dy doors off!
The only thing I hate is that no one will ever know what happened to the gold. It almost seemed like they planned a sequel and never really got around to do it.
Originally Posted by MirthScout
I've got both on DVD. I like them both but they are hard to compare because they are so different.
Just thinking about them has gotten that song stuck in my head again... This is the self preservation society, this is the self preservation society...
Sure, like many of the other folks I own both DVDs. Which is better? Kinda like asking is the R53 or R56 better. Completely different movie, same concept, just like the R56, different car same concept. I like them both, think I like the MINI scenes in the original by a small margin
My feelings, exactly. Last time I watched the original (3rd time??), I realized that if I knew who the old guy in the prison was, his role might make more sense.... Can someone enlighten me?