The Coppola Restoration | The Godfather / The Godfather: Part II / The Godfather: Part IIIParamount Pictures | 1972-1990 | 3 Movies | 549 min | Rated R | Sep 23, 2008
The Godfather Collection Blu-ray truly is a masterpiece with perfect scores all around making it a contender for best Blu-ray ever
See individual titles for their synopses. Based on the novel by Mario Puzo, the saga of the Corleone mafia family, as told by director Francis Ford Coppola throughout the 3 movies in this box set: The Godfather (1972), The Godfather: Part II (1974), The Godfather: Part III (1990).
Sapphire Series
Paramount Pictures | 1972 | 177 min | Rated R | Region free
| Feb 02, 2010
Epic tale of a 1940s New York Mafia family and their struggle to protect their empire from rival
families as the leadership switches from the father to his youngest son.
Sapphire Edition
Paramount Pictures | 1974 | 202 min | Rated R | Region free
| Feb 02, 2010
Continuing saga of the Corleone family as they move to Nevada and make the casino business
their major income source under the leadership of the increasingly paranoid and malevolent
Michael, whose reign as the "Don" is...
Paramount Pictures | 1990 | 162 min | Rated R | Region A (B, C untested) | No Release Date
The story is set in 1979 when, before retiring, an aging Michael Corleone tries to go legitimate by entering respectable real estate and communications deals, but is slowly drawn back into the world of organized crime against his...
Given the opportunity to travel back in time, specifically to the end of March, 1972, for the sole
purpose of going to the movies in a major U.S. city, your choices of the notable films released
that month were interesting and varied. The original Tales from the Crypt with
Peter
Cushing, and Frogs, with Ray Milland and Sam Elliott, might satisfy your desire to bring
a
little Horror into your life. If you would prefer a dose of Sci-Fi, you could choose Silent
Running starring Bruce Dern, or the film version of Kurt Vonnegut's classic novel
Slaughterhouse-Five, in which Perry King and Valeria Perrine each received their first
screen credit. Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal's What's Up, Doc? satisfied both female
audiences and the "date night" movie niche for the month. Each of these films is a somewhat
entertaining
example of their genre, but one film, released that same month, would not only redefine its
genre, it would redefine American cinema and prove to be one of the most cherished and
influential films of all time, and serve as a career-defining film for all involved. Released on March
24, 1972,
based on the novel by Mario Puzo, and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Godfather
quickly attained the status of instant classic, and if anything, has only risen in the estimation of
critics and film fans worldwide. The success of The Godfather led to the inevitable
sequels, both with their own unique followings and reactions, each of which we will with time
approach in this review. Although we cannot, as of today, travel back in time to witness
this indelible American classic on the big screen, Paramount Pictures' Blu-ray edition, released
some 36 and a half years following the original film's theatrical debut, allows both film aficionados
and newcomers to these classics to see the films as
closely to the originals as any home video format currently allows, and with the stamp of approval
from
director Francis Ford Coppola himself.
The Family.
The Godfather Rating: 5/5
I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.
Don Vito Corleone, "The Godfather" (Marlon Brando, The
Freshman, a must-see film where he "reprises" his role from The Godfather),
patriarch of the Corleone family, oversees a powerful criminal organization that thrives in no
small part with the cooperation of corrupt policemen and politicians. The family's influence
reaches far
and wide, from local dealings on the East Coast to Hollywood, employing dialogue, threats, and
brute force to get their way. Don Vito's refusal to enter into the drug business, against the better
judgement of his son Santoni (James Caan, A Bridge Too Far) and
"consigliere" (counselor) Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall, We Own the Night)
sets off a series of events that will be the death of several in the Corleone family, ignite a war
with rival families, and see Don Vito's son Michael (Al Pacino, Ocean's Thirteen)
rise, at first reluctantly, to power in the Corleone family. The Godfather is a cinematic
opera that comments on the bond of family, friendship, loyalty, trust, anger, and revenge. It is a
film written, acted, and directed to sheer perfection from the first frame to the chilling last.
The Godfather serves several purposes, not the least of which is simply to deliver the
definitive American Crime film, not to mention what may be them most
notable and oft-quoted film from the 1970s (rivaled only by Star Wars), and perhaps, of
all time. First, it is an
introduction to the
Corleone family, their business, their allies, and their enemies; and what better way to meet each
character and discover that which both
defines and sets the stage for each character's motivations, circumstances, and place in the
family as a wedding? Second, it sets into motion a series of events that define the remaining two
films in the franchise, films that span decades. Third, it cements the character of Michael
Corleone as "Godfather" in the two future installments. The film considers Michael's
development. He begins the film as a young man, in effect an innocent, who can say to his
fiance with a straight face and sincerity, "That's my family, Kay, that's not me," as he recounts
the story of his father and "muscle" man Luca Brasi's insistence that either a signature or brain
matter will decorate a contract. When circumstances pull him into the family business, Michael
evolves into the man he insisted he was not, a man who can lie while looking into
his wife's eyes and shed more blood and create more enemies than his more sensible father
(made so, possibly, because he lived in more sensible times) ever
could
have imagined.
Indeed, The Godfather is the story of Michael Corleone's rise to power, and for Al Pacino,
the role represents his own first step towards stardom. Following The Godfather, Pacino
would star and excel in a broad range of excellent films, including Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon,
Scarface, Scent of a Woman, Heat (alongside The Godfather: Part
II
co-star Robert DeNiro), and Donnie Brasco.
Despite his memorable roles as Frank Serpico, Tony Montana, and Lt. Vincent Hanna, his
portrayal of Michael
Corleone, not only in The Godfather but also in its sequels, is a
once-in-a-lifetime performance, high praise indeed for one of the finest actors of the past four
decades. Likewise, Marlon Brando gives a performance that defines his career, equaled by Clark
Gable in Gone With the Wind and Orson Welles in Citizen Kane. The word
"Godfather" instantly recalls
for anyone who has seen the film, and undoubtedly for many who have not seen the film, the
image of Brando, sitting in his office, stroking a cat, and receiving a parade of well-wishers for his
daughter's wedding and friends and colleagues asking for favors. Indeed, his performance, his
scratchy voice, his mannerisms, and his character are simply unforgettable, truly the stuff of
fictional legend. Francis Ford Coppola's direction
of Pacino, Brando, and his other actors, is impeccable. Although the film deserves a
scene-by-scene breakdown of what makes it so magnificent, time permits only for one example,
that being one of the final sequences of the film. Michael has embraced his new role, and as he
"renounces Satan and all his works," we are treated to a bloody montage of hits he's ordered on
several
characters who have been working against the best interests of the family. One of the most
powerful scenes in cinema history, it leaves a lasting impression and in a film filled with
memorable images and familiar quotes, it's perhaps the best.
The Godfather: Part II Rating: 5/5
Things are changing.
Telling two tales of the Corleone family, one featuring Michael's dealings as patriarch and the
other showcasing Vito Corleone's (Robert De Niro, Goodfellas) rise to
power in New York as a young adult, The Godfather: Part II intertwines both stories, but
Michael's is the primary tale, while Vito's is the more engaging. Michael's tale begins in a similar
fashion to The Godfather, with him receiving guests in his office during a celebration of
his son's first communion. Among those he meets are three of the most crucial characters
in the film, including Johnny Ola (Dominic Chianese, who
would go on to play a major role in arguably the most-popular television-based mafia program, The Sopranos),
an associate of the Miami-based Hyman Roth (Lee Starsberg), who is seeking a business
opportunity with the Corleone family in revolution-torn Havana, Cuba; Frank Pentangeli (Michael
V. Gazzo), a newly-minted "cappo" in the Corleone family who is seeking help in eliminating the
Rosato Brothers, associates of Roth's; and Pat Geary (G.D. Spradlin), a corrupt U.S. Senator who
despises Michael and the Italian mafia, and is trying to shake him down for a cut of the family's
Las Vegas profits. Soon after, an attempt on Michael's life leads him to believe a mole exists
inside his own inner-circle, and as he conducts business with Roth, he fleshes out the mole and
exacts revenge on anyone who gets in his way. Meanwhile, told in flashbacks, Vito's story covers
much of his youth and early adult life: beginning with childhood in Sicily, where he witnesses the
murder of his family at the hands of Don Francesco (Giuseppe Sillato); his arrival to Ellis Island,
New York, as a young boy with smallpox; his dealings with a corrupt, unforgiving neighborhood
boss, Don Fanucci (Gaston Moschin); and his rise to prominence in the city as a man known for
getting things done.
Not only is The Godfather: Part II one of, if not the best sequels ever made, rivaled
perhaps only by the first sequel to another groundbreaking 1970s film, Star Wars, it was
also
the only sequel ever awarded an Academy Award for Best Picture until the award was presented
to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in 2003. The film also garnered five
more wins, including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Original Score, Best
Supporting Actor (De Niro) and Best Director, all deserving wins. The film, like its predecessor, is
an amalgamation of cinema done splendidly right. From its easy, seamless transition from the
first film, including bookends reminiscent of that original, to the effortless integration of a
sub-story into the film, there is never a dull moment in the movie, and the expert craftsmanship
that went into the project both in front of and behind the camera are testaments to the pinnacle
of filmmaking. Robert De Niro turns in a career-defining performance, much like Pacino and
Brando in
the first film. With Martin Scorsese's Mean Streets and John D. Hancock's Bang the
Drum Slowly serving as the world's introduction to the famed actor as a leading man, his
performance in Part II would springboard his career, earn him an Oscar, and would lead
to roles in such critically acclaimed masterpieces as Taxi Driver, The
Deer Hunter, Raging Bull, The Untouchables,
and Cape Fear.
In both of its segments, The Godfather: Part II weaves a story of high intrigue and
deception while looking at the values of trust, loyalty, love, and family. No doubt, Vito's story is
the simpler tale, but underneath the veil of simplicity lies the foundation for everything else
witnessed throughout the Godfather trilogy. We see Vito's demeanor and influence
shine through almost immediately, and the easy and natural progression from poor immigrant to
one of the most powerful men in the country. At a young age, his actions play against those of
his
slightly older son, which we see play out during the majority of the film. Of course, this back
story is only as good as the man playing that character, and De Niro's Oscar-winning
performance is spot-on as a younger version of Marlon Brando's portrayal of Vito Corleone. His
mannerisms, inflections, and unflinching stalwart character when facing any adversary or
situation suits him, the character, and Brando's portrayal of that same character, years older, like
a glove. While Michael's tale is intriguing and intense in its own right, it's the flashback scenes
that make The Godfather: Part II so captivating. Coppola's recreation of pre-depression
New York is as vivid and lifelike as you will ever see in modern cinema. The only other example
to jump to mind is Peter Jackson's King Kong, a film that focuses on a time at the
height of the depression rather than before it, but that same lifelike vitality is shared between the
two films, and like King Kong, The Godfather: Part II's best scenes take place in
in the pre-World War II New York, and those scenes in Part II are arguably more
impressive thanks to an absence of CGI assistance.
The Godfather: Part III Rating: 4.5/5
Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.
Michael Corleone, some years after what transpired in The Godfather: Part II, has set his
sights on a new conquest: legitimacy. His is no longer a family thriving as a feared criminal
organization. Instead, Michael is using the countless millions of dollars for good, creating the Vito
Corleone Foundation and is in negotiations with the Vatican to purchase their shares of the
Italian-based company Immobiliare to further branch out as a legitimate businessman. Despite
his best efforts, Michael cannot completely escape his past. His attempts to deal with the Vatican
are seen with doubting eyes thanks to his and his family's criminal past, and Michael becomes
involved in a dispute between his brother Sonny's illegitimate son Vincent Mancini (Andy Garcia,
Ocean's Eleven) and
Joey Zasa (Joe Mantegna),
who currently runs what was previously the Corleone family business in New York. To complicate
matters, Vincent
has begun a
physical relationship with Michael's daughter Mary (Sofia Coppola). As Michael tries to salvage the
family name, to reshape it into respectability, and rekindle his relationship with his ex-wife Kay, a
series of bloody events, feuds, and treachery "pull [him] back in" to the world he is so valiantly
attempting to escape, and may shatter the Corleone family once and for all.
While some film fans and critics disparage this final entry into the series, there is much to
treasure here. The only Godfather film not to win a Best Picture Academy Award,
though receiving a
nomination, The Godfather: Part III is a film separated by years in its story and in its
creation. It occurs in a different time and place, as opposed to the first two films that, while
spanning years themselves, never jump so far ahead in time as this third installment. One may
argue that the reverse worked to perfection in The Godfather: Part II, the flashbacks
that occur decades before the primary action of the film represent arguably the strongest
segments of the entire series, and they do surpass Part III in quality. Nevertheless,
Part III takes on a new tone in a new time, and perhaps had we been privy to more of
the story between the end of Part II, featuring Michael as a ruthless, cold-hearted crime
boss, to the more sensitive, caring, and regretful Michael we meet at the beginning of Part
III, the story may have worked better than it does. As it stands, if one can accept Part
III's lag between the end of Part II and take the film at face value, accepting this
sudden evolution in character arcs and drastic leap forward in time, the film plays very well in the
context of the series, especially as it attempts to bring Michael back full circle to how we first met
him, a young man who says, "That's my family, Kay, that's not me." Part III is a film of
Michael's efforts to restore himself, to the way he once was, to the way he, perhaps, always
wanted to be, even in his darkest, most shameful hours.
It is important to note that The Godfather and its sequels will not offer viewers anything
resembling the high definition eye candy that films such as Saawariya or I, Robot showcase.
This is
classic cinema, and it looks like classic cinema, too, on this Blu-ray set. As such, this trilogy looks
marvelous, a tribute to the films and a treat for the fans who saw them theatrically, or who are
privileged to see them again or for the first time in this definitive edition that captures the spirit
and feel that director Francis Ford Coppola himself meticulously created and now approves as a
wonderful restoration to his own standards for home viewing.
Viewers will watch in awe as they become witness to the deep and dark blacks, a trademark of
the film; they will see colors that
are bright in some shots, washed out in others, and a yellow tint to much of the films, along with
fine detail and
depth. Likewise, film grain is seen aplenty, and as was the case with Close Encounters of the Third
Kind on Blu-ray, it is preserved and adds an undeniably powerful element to The
Godfather experience. Viewing these classic films in this fine Blu-ray set will not inspire the
same sense of high definition
"awe" that the newest of films offer, but the experience of seeing The Godfather as it is
presented here is just as awe-inspiring, but for different reasons. Just because the film has been
"restored" does not mean it looks like it was made yesterday. That would require a "remake." By
"restored," the film has been returned for us to see at home as closely as possible to what
theaters first screened in March of 1972.
The Godfather Rating: 5/5
Among the first things many viewers will note is the heavy amount of grain over the image. Fear
not, this is The Godfather as it is meant to be. Like the aforementioned Close
Encounters of the Third Kind, it sets a tone and mood in the film very well, and as it is
inherent to the film, and since transfer is approved by the film's legendary director, its presence
and intensity is most welcome and brings the cinematic feel of the film home. One great thing
about this release is that black levels are absolutely jaw-dropping, as they should be and as is to
be expected of The Godfather and its sequels. Dark, rich, and true without a
hint of gray or blue or artificial brightening present, this aspect of the transfer is flawless.
Cinematographer Gordon Willis, whose talent for shooting dark scenes
earned him the title "The Prince of Darkness," lends his trademark noir
vision to this Blu-ray, and the film has never looked better. There are also many scenes that
take place in brightly lit exteriors, including many of
the film's most memorable scenes (the entire film is one large memorable scene, truth be told),
and these
scenes are presented flawlessly, too. Although colors sometimes appear slightly washed out,
there is no denying the meticulous attention to detail evidenced in each shot, whether we are at
a traditional Italian wedding to open the picture or at a crucial scene, years later, as Don Vito
Corleone and his grandson play outside. Flesh tones vary from shot to shot, seemingly due to
the lighting of each individual scene, and not through any faults of the transfer. One scene,
where Michael is at the hospital wondering where the police protection has disappeared to, did
exhibit a number of white speckles over the image. Nevertheless, this is a wonderful
presentation and longtime fans and
newcomers
alike will be amazed at the breadth and quality of the work done to bring it to us.
The Godfather: Part II Rating: 5/5
Among many attributes that make The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II
such incredible films is the shared style between the pictures. Released only some 33 months
apart, the films retain the same director and cinematographer, and although there was a change
in editors, the films still work together and integrate seamlessly. As such, it is
no surprise that The Godfather: Part II looks just as good, and shares the same qualities
in this transfer found in the first film. No shot is wasted, no frame
is not
precisely filmed, and the movie's unique look plays a major role in making this series so great,
no more and no less important than the script, the acting, or the music. The wonderfully
rendered black levels are back;
every dark shot is a work of art all its own thanks to the magical cinematography of Gordon Willis,
who lends incredible artistry and a perfect look and feel to this film. Film grain is also back,
in wonderful abundance, in many scenes. Color reproduction is also, again, fantastic. The
Havana sequences offer viewers a glorious array of color with every scene awash in wonderfully
rendered Technicolor. The film's flashback sequences, between Sicily and New York, which
provide the backstory on young Vito Corleone, exhibit a hint of sepia tone to differentiate them
from the
rest of the picture, and they look remarkably good, too, and provide the only real contrast in
styles between this picture and the previous. Long story short, The Godfather: Part II is
an amazing visual experience on Blu-ray.
The Godfather: Part III Rating: 5/5
Spiffier and more robust, The Godfather: Part III is the "best" looking of the series,
featuring the richest, truest-to-life colors, great depth, and easily the best detail of any film of the
trilogy. This comment in no way belittles how wonderful the first two films look, because
they look just as good as this one, but in their own unique way. Gordon Willis once again
provides the wonderful cinematography to this picture, and his contribution to the entire series is
as equally important to that of Francis Ford Coppola, Al Pacino, or any other recurring cast or
crew
member. The exquisite black levels return for this picture, as does the series' distinctive grainy
appearance that lends itself well to not only the moods and themes of the film, but also to the
incredibly deep, rich, and cinematic look of each picture. The Sicily sequences are stunning on
this release. They offer an incredibly detailed, lifelike image with striking clarity in every shot.
Like the rest of the series, flesh tones vary based on lighting schemes and locales, but retain a
slight rosiness. The Godfather: Part III never falters on Blu-ray, and the image is just as
spectacular as what we witnessed with the first two films.
As with the video, the audio has undergone an impressive restoration, as detailed in this
Blu-ray.com news release. Again, it is important that
Blu-ray fans realize that The Godfather and its sequels do not revel in whiz-bang sound
effects and an aggressive sound design, though as the series progresses, the sound design does
become more robust. Mixed from the original monaural tracks (which are
included) and the multi-track music scores, the soundtrack has been given new life as each film
now features Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtracks. The results are impressive, in the context
of the film and original source material.
The Godfather Rating: 4.5/5
As The Godfather begins, we are treated to a melancholy musical solo, the haunting
theme from the series, setting the scene for what is about to unfold. During the festive wedding
that opens the movie, a
warm and inviting atmosphere is created. While mostly front-heavy, and slightly lacking in
volume and clarity, it's still a fine effort and the best the scene has ever sounded at home.
Likewise, an outdoor scene between Don Vito Corleone and his son Michael in chapter 20 features
the continuous chirping of birds in the background. Again, it mostly comes from the front
channels, but the effect is still a good one to create just the right feel for the scene. The
beginnings of a thunderstorm in chapter 9, as the police show up at the hospital, sounds as
good as any I have heard, with the slightest rumble of bass and a fine presence throughout the
entire
360-degree soundstage. Dialogue through the center channel is the most prominent aspect of
the soundtrack, and from the most quiet whisper to shouting matches between characters in
chapter 15, it is incredibly precise and reproduced at just the right volume. Bass also kicks in
intermittently, and while the soundtrack isn't ablaze with low frequency effects, when the track
calls for them, they are present and accounted for. An explosion in chapter 16 sounds about as
good as anything we might find on the latest and greatest explosive action movie, but it doesn't
sound out-of-place amidst the rest of the film. The soundtrack has been meticulously
remixed, and even the most subtle of nuances show up. For example, I could hear the cat Don
Vito Corleone holds at the beginning of the film purring, ever so slightly, in response to his touch.
Whether we are hearing these finest of nuances, the crisp and always intelligible, clear, and
adequate-in-volume dialogue, the sound of a joyous outdoor wedding, the power of a single shot
from a revolver, the intensity of several Tommy Guns ripping through a car and a character, or
an explosion laying waste to an automobile and killing one of the film's most likable characters,
the
soundtrack simply works and definitely sounds like it belongs with this restored version of The
Godfather.
The Godfather: Part II Rating: 5/5
As fine a presentation as we heard in The Godfather, the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless
soundtrack accompanying The Godfather: Part II is even better. A masterful
presentation, this is nothing short of spectacular. Of course, the original monaural soundtrack is
included, but this re-mix offers an astonishing new experience. As the film opens in Sicily to a
tremendous amount of insect noise all around the soundstage, the listening area comes to robust
life, not so much as a newer film might, but to staggering new heights for this release. A minor
detail to be sure, but it shows the track has been not only professionally restored, but lovingly so.
Such fine atmospheric subtleties will present themselves throughout the course of the film, and
for longtime fans of The Godfather: Part II, this track is almost like hearing the film again
for the first time. Listeners will note that surrounds seem a bit more active in this film, again
another example coming from Vitos' father's funeral procession as the band's music blends
seamlessly into the background. The scene on Ellis Island -- where the immigrants (and Vito)
arrive and receive medical exams -- features a robust, engrossing atmosphere, as surrounds
and the front
soundstage are used to full effect as we hear the crowd noise all around us, a din that makes a
great scene all the better and makes us feel as if we are there. Gun shots, as first heard in a
scene in chapter 7 that serves as the driving force behind the film's primary story, are powerful
and effective, banging throughout the entire soundstage and causing destruction befitting of the
scene, and the audio is a fantastic accompaniment. Dialogue, as was the case with The
Godfather, is strong and true, presented to perfection on this Blu-ray disc. An incredible
experience to be sure, this track is definitely one of the highlights of this package, a package full
of remarkable achievements in home video.
The Godfather: Part III Rating: 5/5
If you would have blindfolded me and told me I was hearing the opening theme of The
Godfather: Part III in a concert hall and not at home on this Blu-ray, I might have believed
you. It's reproduction over the opening moments of the film sounds incredibly "live" and is
placed
oh-so-precisely across the soundstage. Who says lossless makes no difference? Dialogue, again,
is reproduced without flaw throughout this movie. The famous helicopter attack scene in chapter
9 is out of this world, vastly superior and much more powerful and precise than the DVD
edition I own (not to mention the VHS Cassettes). Bass thumps, bullets continually ring out with
amazing precision, and the scene's impact is elevated drastically thanks to this major
improvement in sound. Likewise, the following scene features a thunderstorm, and it sounds as
real as if a storm was rolling past your window outside. Like the other films' soundtracks, this
mix creates a wonderful environment that comes alive with the finest nuances to create a
realistic atmosphere. The Godfather: Part III, like the previous installments, sounds
absolutely wonderful.
The Godfather Collection comes to Blu-ray with a fourth disc full of supplemental
material,
and a feature-length commentary track with director Francis Ford Coppola
accompanying
each film. Across all three movies, spanning some 10 hours, Coppola runs the gamut of The
Godfather in what is a comprehensive overview of the films. Coppola never falls into the trap
of only discussing the action on-screen simply to fill up dead air. Instead, his comments are
always insightful, whether he is discussing the performance of an actor, minor details added to
the movie from the Mario Puzo novel while retaining the "dynamism" of the book, or describing
something as
simple as shooting locations. Coppola has a way of storytelling that is rare indeed, remaining
engaging and entertaining no matter the topic at-hand. His is a natural, authoritative, yet
friendly approach and delivery, and I doubt even the casual Godfather fan would lose
interest in any of the fine commentaries accompanying these films. Even at around 10 hours,
these
commentaries are well worth your time. I imagine a day when you may be under the weather
and home sick from work or school might be the ideal time to dig through all of the tracks. What
better than a day with one of the finest filmmakers of all time to brighten your mood and forget
your ailments?
Disc four contains a wealth of extra materials, some of which is ported over from previous
releases,
and some of it is new for this incredible Blu-ray release. The features begin with The
Masterpiece That Almost Wasn't (1080p, 29:46). "It is impossible to imagine a world
without
them," the feature states up front, regarding the Godfather films. Indeed, this piece tells
the story of how the first film was
almost passed on by the studios. The decade was the 1960s, and Hollywood was in upheaval, as
the studios pinched pennies and people sought to exit the business rather than enter into it. This
feature contains interviews with American Zoetrope co-founders Walter Murch, George
Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, then-Senior Vice President of Paramount, Robert Evans, and others.
As Zoetrope was founded in the late 1960s, Hollywood was in a period of flux, as tastes changed,
ticket sales plummeted, and the future was bleak, thanks in large part to the introduction and
mainstream embracing of
television. This feature looks at the history of Paramount Pictures in the years leading up to the
release of The Godfather, the non-acceptance of Sicilian mafia movies (due in large part
to the lack of Italians working in and on such films), and Francis Ford Coppola's initial
involvement in this project. Also discussed are squabbles over casting, shooting locations, the
dark look of the
film, the turing point in the film that also happened to be the turning point in the studio's backing
of Coppola's work, the premiere of the film, and so much more. The piece then moves into
reaction to the film, including that of Richard Belzer, John Turturro, Steven Spielberg (who calls
this a confidence-shattering film, meaning he could never attain such directorial heights), Trey
Parker, Alec
Baldwin
David Chase, and plenty of others. The feature, and the interviewees, also delve into the
authenticity of the film, its contrast to previous gangster pictures, and more. This is a
swift-moving 30 minutes and is a must-watch for anyone who
purchases
this set.
Godfather World (1080p, 11:19) is a pleasing look at the influence of the films in our
culture and its mention and parody in film and television. Emulsional Rescue: Revealing the
Godfather (1080i, 19:05) is an extended look at the restoration of these films. Included are
interviews with Gordon Willis, Allen Daviau,
Steven Spielberg, film preservationist Robert A. Harris, and others.
This is a fascinating feature, an education all its own, and is required viewing for anyone who
watches Blu-ray, reads our forums, or wants to appreciate what goes into the restoration process.
...When the Shooting Stopped (1080p, 14:18) looks more at the conflict between
filmmakers and studio, this time focusing in on the music that plays over the famous "horse
head" scene. Later, the piece delves into some thoughts on the themes of The
Godfather
sequels and how they tie the series together. The Godfather on the Red Carpet (1080p,
4:03) features a series of sound bites with various actors as they express their thoughts on the
films.
Moving along, we find Four Short Films on 'The Godfather'. These include GF vs. GF
Part II (1080p, 2:16), a short that features various interviewees discussing their thoughts
on the two films; Riffing on the Riffing (1080p, 1:39) features a man imitating parts of
the movie as he is read scenes from the film; Cannoli (1080p, 1:39) features Francis
Ford Coppola discussing childhood memories of this scrumptious and genuinely Italian desert;
finally, Clemenza (1080p, 1:45) features a reading from the book How to Really
Watch 'The Godfather'. Moving along to the next feature, Family Tree is just that,
an interactive Corleone family tree. Clicking on a name allows us to see a character biography,
and a subsequent click offers a biography of the actor portraying the character. Crime
Organization Chart allows us to click on members of the Corleone family, view their rap
sheet, and see a list of known rivals and associates. Connie and Carlo's Wedding Album
is just as described: a series of photos from the wedding seen at the beginning of The
Godfather.
Finally, 2001 DVD Archive is included. Here, we find four sections,
beginning with Gallery. These include a still photo gallery; Rogues' Gallery; a section
entitled, Acclaim & Response where we can view several segments from the Academy
Awards showcasing the winners offering their acceptance speeches, a list of all awards and
nominations the film garnered, and the 1974 Network TV introduction to the film featuring
Francis Ford Coppola; and 1080p trailers for each of the three films. Next is a series of
Behind-the-Scenes features. A Look Inside (480p, 1:13:29) is an in-depth feature that
showcases the filmmakers and actors discussing numerous aspects of the movies, scores of
behind-the-scenes moments, and extended footage of the filmmakers discussing how to best
create shots and how to get the best of their actors and the story. On Location (480p,
6:56) examines the real-world locales where The Godfather films were shot. Francis
Coppola's Notebook (480p, 10:13) is a nice feature where Francis Ford Coppola gives us a
look at the extensive notebook he created while reading The Godfather in novel form.
Music of the Godfather features a tape recorded session between Coppola and Nino Rota
(480p, 5:30), as well as a chat with Carmine Coppola and Francis Ford Coppola and a
behind-the-scenes look at some recording sessions (480p, 3:17). Filmmakers offers
text-based biographies of Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo, Gordon Willis, Dean Tavoularis, Nino
Rota, and Carmine Coppola. Lastly, this section includes a chronology of events from the three
films, dating from 1892 through 1997, as well as a series of additional scenes by timeline, from
1901 through 1979.
This Blu-ray edition of The Godfather Collection is perhaps the most impressive set ever
released on home video. Sure, other collections may have offered more supplemental features,
more movies, and many have offered audio and video qualities that present to viewers and
listeners
that "modern" high definition experience, and all of that is absolutely wonderful. However, no
other
collection can boast three all-time classic films, so painstakingly restored and presented exactly as
they should be, in line with the original theatrical presentations, beginning back on March 24,
1972,
and spanning some 18 and a half years. Now, almost 18 more years after the third installment
of
the series first screened in theaters, The Godfather Collection is available to own in a
package
that director Francis Ford Coppola closely supervised during the year-long restoration; we can
watch this new Blu-ray edition with the high expectation that the director himself has issued it
with his own recommendation as to the presentation's quality. The set also contains a wealth of
entertaining and insightful supplemental features. Despite this lengthy review, few need me to
convey how good this set is. It
speaks for itself, as do the films, and like the films contained thereon, The Godfather
Collection on Blu-ray will go down in the annals of home video as one of the finest releases of
all time. Leave the gun, take the cannoli, and buy the Blu-ray. This set easily receives my
highest recommendation.
Amazon's Blu-ray Gold Box Deal of the Day affects the Academy Award-winning The Godfather Collection boxset. The Blu-ray release of the iconic gangster trilogy stars Al Pacino (Dog Day Afternoon) as Michael Corleone, a young man who inherits the top mob boss position ...
Through June 18th, Amazon's Blu-ray Gold Box deal is the Academy Award-winning The Godfather Collection boxset. Paramount Home Entertainment's Blu-ray release of the iconic gangster trilogy stars Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, a young man who inherits the top ...
Retail giant Walmart is offering online the Sapphire Edition Blu-ray of
The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II for $11.96 each (60% off MSRP) plus tax. This is as cheap as it was on Amazon in late June. Shipping to home costs 97 cents, or you can select free ...
