Written by David Newman and Robert Benton, and directed by Arthur Penn, Bonnie and Clyde created a new form of cinema. Heavily influenced by the French New Wave, the film romanticizes the legend of the outlaws, while keeping the drama rooted in the characters. The writers keep the flow unconventional enough that the film doesn't feel like a typical Hollywood film. Also, the problem of Clyde’s impotence in his and Bonnie’s relationship seems groundbreaking, since a problem like that is the least thing an audience expects now, let alone in the late sixties. Bonnie and Clyde is infamously known for its violence, which seems rather tame by today’s standards. It’s easy to see why the film was controversial for its violent content though, since it depicts graphic scenes without frills or gratuitousness. Penn’s frenetically edited sequences are an obvious inspiration to filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan.

The Blu-ray picture is outstanding, presenting the film as the timeless classic it is. The video transfer of the Academy Award-winning cinematography captures every bit of the central plains’ beauty. There is little noticeable grain, and the colors aren’t burdened with antique hues. The gun battles are ear-popping loud, and the inclusion of the blazing banjo tune “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” complements every aspect of the picture.

There are enough extras included to make the disc a must-buy. A three-part, hour-long documentary tells the tale of the production and release of Bonnie and Clyde, which reveals interesting stories like how there was a ménage a trois in the original script, and how the film barely escaped being lost in bad box office numbers. An informative History Channel special on the real Bonnie and Clyde is also included, detailing the real story of the couple’s life and gang. Finally, the film’s trailers and two deleted scenes round out the release’s special features.

Seeing Bonnie and Clyde for the first time, especially on Blu-ray, was a real treat. Whether you're a first-time viewer or you've seen this film before, I definitely recommend purchasing this release.