Rob Reiner's really proud of the sword fighting scenes, and he makes darn sure you know it. And why shouldn't he? This is perhaps the best commentary I've heard from Reiner thus far, and I think I've heard them all. From his revelation about a baseball hat hidden in Fred Savage's bedroom, to how Andre the Giant needed back support to catch a falling star, there's a lot of information to cover and a lot of amusing anecdotes along the way. Princess Bride is one of his greatest directorial triumphs, and yet its history with the public has been so uncertain and unpredictable. It's nice to hear his fondness for it and his sincere hope for its longevity. With some of his other commentaries you kinda have to already be a fan of his work to stick it out, but with this one, I think he'd win over even the most dour of critics.. His love for this film is contagious. If even Wiseguys are parroting you, you must be doing something right.

Before I watched this track, I thought "Ugh! Yet another Rob Reiner where all he does is watch the film and doesn't say anything." But I was really suprised. Ron actually has quite a bit to say.

He does hesitate here and now, but I think he was actually learning. He talks about differences between the book and film, filming in England, working with actors, the jokes, how a stunt double was used for Andre the Giant because he has a bad back, the special effects and how the studio didn't want to cut back and forth between the story and the Grandson and Grandfather scenes.

Nice job, Rob.

William Goldman gives good commentary here, especially when he relates all the Andre the Giant stories. Recommended.