Smokey and the Bandit DVD (Widescreen) Starring: Burt Reynolds, Hal Needham Release Date: 10-27-1998 Rated: PG Genre: Comedy Description: It is easy to assume this is just another dumb redneck comedy from Burt Reynolds years of underachievement. But it is not bad as a dumb redneck comedy at all. Directed by career stuntman Hal Needham, Smokey and the Bandit is just a goofy chase starring a bunch of Reynolds Hollywood cronies. New to the job as film boss, Needham brings a silly but energized sensibility to the production and an action mans need to see things moving. But he also has a distinctive feeling for relationships, and he is good with a joke. Put all that together, and Smokey is, at the very least (and unlike its sequels), a simple and original pleasure. The DVD release has a widescreen presentation, optional French and Spanish subtitles, and cast and crew bios.