Godfather Trilogy, The: 5 Disc Box Set (UK)

Arguably the best dvd release in the UK so far, this lavish box set contains two of the greatest movies ever made(parts 1 and 2), plus a deeply underrated third instalment which wraps up the saga in suitably operatic style, all presented in beautiful widescreen.
The real treat, however, is the wealth of extras on offer. For a start, each film comes complete with an entertaining commentary from director Francis Ford Coppola, a mammoth task considering the 8 hour running time. Then there`s the 60+ minutes of deleted scenes, many of which are De Niro`s fantastic "flashback" scenes from Part 2, including some brutal executions of his enemies in Sicily which would have given the second film a much darker tone had they been left in.
Another great extra is the 50 minute documentary on the making of the films, which features priceless footage of various screen tests, including De Niro trying out for the role of Sonny, and Martin Sheen having a stab at the role of Michael. Add to this photo galleries, a family tree, plus loads more, and you have plenty of reasons to shell out £60.

All I can say is wow!!!!!!!!

These movies are overrated.

Go buy goodfella`s, with that you get a good gangster movie, a great range of actors with a chemistry resembling that of the ratpack. You`ve got comedy, drama and lots of blood....plus it`s cheaper than this over rated, artistic pap.

This 5 DVD boxset is great presentation of three of the greatest films ever made. The films tell a great story of the mafia with amazing performances from Marlon Brando and Al Pacino.

The first Godfather movie is the best for me, but I still think that the subsequent 2 films are fantastic as well. Some people slam the third part but, I just see it as part of a large story which is brilliantly told by Francis Ford Coppolla.

The picture is good and improves with each film, and the sound does the film justice. The features are great with retrospective documentaries, deleted scenes and audio commentaries.

A great box set for three fantastic films.

The following is a review of the Region 1 release:
After much waiting,Paramount has finally released the movies on DVD as a five disc collection:Part`s 1 and 3 are single discs with part 2 spread over two discs,and there is also a
bonus disc with over 3 hours of special features.

The first two "Godfather" films are stunningly good while part
3 is a dissapointment.Al Pacino is remarkable as Michael,
a character who goes a from a good natured war hero to
a cold mafia don.

All three films are presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen.
Each movie has it`s share of defects,with film grain being
the biggest factor.Aside from that,the presentations are generally pleasing.

Each movie features a new Dolby Digital 5.1 track.To be
honest,I found the new audio to be satisfying,with Nino Rota`s
music being the highlight.

Each movie also features a full-length audio commentary with
Francis Coppola.His commentaries on part`s 1 and 2 are
excellent as they are very informative and engaging.I didn`t
listen to his commentary for part 3.

The bonus disc contains: a informative 73 documentary made
in 1992 that contains interviews and behinds the footage with
several screen tests.There are 6 featurettes that include:
the production design for part 2`s little Italy hosted by Dean
Tavoularis,a segment on Coppola`s notebook hosted by
himself,the music and features Nino Rota and Carmine
Coppola,Mario PUzo and Francis on screenwriting,the second
last featurette is on cinematography and features interviews
with Gordie Willis,Conrad Hall,Michael Chapman,and Bill A.
Fraker.The final featurette is an 8-minute promo piece made in
1971.There are also storyboard`s for part`s 2 & 3.

The second section features two photo galleries,a trailer for
each movie,DVD credits,4 Academy Award acceptance
speeches,a list of awards and nominations,and the 1974 TV
intro with Francis.

The third section is dedicated to the film-makers and features
bio`s for Francis,Mario,Gordie,Dean,Nino,and Carmine.

The fourth section features and features a plethora of deleted
scenes that were used for the 1977 TV special with the exception of the alternate opening for part 3.

The final section is an interactive family tree and features bios
for the actors and characters.

Paramount has also included 4 easter eggs for those willing
to look for them.

Maximonline.com says it best:keep your friends close and this collection closer.

The Godfather: Currently residing as the number 1 film on IMDB Top 250, this is a classic Mafioso film in every sense of the word. To be honest the film is exactly original or genre breaking. However the film is made with such impeccable quality that it doesn't really matter. The film clocks in at 2hr 40minutes, however thanks to a story full of incident and top-notch pacing, this film flies by. Coppola's directing is marvelous, if not flashy and Gordon Willis' cinematography is masterful. Beautifully textured lighting and smooth camera moves. Now that Coppola is a washed up hack, it may seem that Willis was the brains of the operation. The acting is impeccable. Pacino shines in a plethora of quality- Brando, Caan and Duvall also deliver sterling performances. Thanks to its period setting, The Godfather has dated at all and will no doubt be a timeless classic years from now.

Video: Despite Paramount's infamous stubborn to release classic titles with a lack of extras, they have a good track record for the release of marvelous prints of classic films (The Untouchable, for example). The studio was on the anamorphic bandwagon from the word go, so quality transfers are obviously important to them.

I have read many complaints from (how shall I put this?) casual filmgoers and DVD watchers complaining about the quality of this transfer. They seemed to expect a flawless transfer for this 30-year-old film. But believe me this transfer is as good as it will get. Pros first. From the opening scene (the 3 minute pull back), it is clear that sharpness, colouring and contrast are dead-on. Blacks are black and gold is gold. Willis' cinematography is display superbly here. Edge enhancements are minimal and non-intrusive. Cons. Yes there are defects. The scene that shows Hagan's plane landing is particularly nasty. However most of the defects are not very detracting and for a 30 year old film this transfer is great. This is the best The Godfather ever has looked on Home Video.

Audio: A remastered DD 5.1 track. The opening notes of the score are strong and clearly displayed. After that the dialogue is a little low and forced me to higher the volume, but the dialogue is still very clear- except for Brando. The track contains some noise, particularly in quiet scenes, but it's not very distracting. Gunshots are also given some nice bass. Like all remastered 5.1 tracks this does a nice job but can't hold a candle to today's transfers.

The Godfather, Part II: Many people consider this to be better than the original. I am not one of these. While the film is indeed bigger, this harms the film. The massive back and forth story and numerous locations harm the story rather than adding to the epic ness. Another problem is the pacing- it simply doesn't have any! Too many plots, too many characters, too much cluster. So while technically flawless and masterfully acted, The Godfather, Part II lacks the family element of the original. This is far too political.

Video: The Godfather, Part II is spread over two discs to accommodate the 3hr 15-minute runtime. The transfer is on par with the original, though the Miami scenes feature a lot of defects. The Godfather, Part II is lighted significantly brighter than the original; Willis' cinematography is also more assured.

Audio: The same as the original, really. The Godfather, Part II benefits from more fidelity and expansiveness in the front stage.

The Godfather, Part III: The much-maligned finale to The Godfather Trilogy. It not a bad film. In fact, it's quite good. It just pales in comparison to the majestical first two. Andy Garcia is the stand out of the film and deservedly got an Oscar nomination. The departure of Robert Duvall hurts the film, and so does Al Pacino's wig. It's ridiculous!

Video: The overall quality of the master is better than the original two. However, for some strange reason this contains more grain. Not as good as other 1990 films (T-2, for example though this contains less edge enhancement!), but still a pleasing transfer.

Audio: Taken from the 6-track cinema release (the previous two were mono), this is a fine soundtrack. Bass is much deeper than the release two and surrounds are used more effectively. Hardly show off material but still good.


Extras: Each film is "blessed" with Coppola commentary. I say, "blessed" because these are nothing but 3-hour snooze-fest. Part II being the worst, Part I more interesting thanks to the trouble production. I compare his commentary on Part III to the Marty DiBergi interview on "This Is Spinal Tap" DVD. Coppola spends most of his time defending the flick (don't know why, it's pretty good) and critiquing his critics. His openness on his financial situation begins to sound like he starting a charity.

Moving on to Disc 5, this is where the real extras are held. The cream of this box set is the hour long documentary, "The Godfather Family: A Look Inside". This is a brilliant documentary produced at the time of The Godfather, Part III. The documentary largely focuses on Part I & III and sadly Part II is given limited time. Still we get hugely interesting facts and tidbits on the production of the films. Coppola (before he was a hack) is quite frank about the trouble production. We also get a look at screen tests for Brando, Caan and Pacino.

"On Location" is a six-minute featurette on the locations of The Godfather. How cryptic! Presented by Dean Tavoularis, this feature scores highly thanks to the on-set footage. "Coppola's Notebook" is an interesting 10-minute piece on how he adapted the novel. Also included on the disc are "The Music of The Godfather", "Coppola and Puzo on Screenwriting" and "Gordon Willis on Cinematography", which are all pretty much self-explanatory. An original EPK on The Godfather is also included. EPKs back then were still as awful as they are today.

But wait there's more. Storyboards, galleries, trailers, Oscar acceptances speeches and Coppola introduction. There are also tons of deleted scenes, sadly presented in full screen.

Overall: A classic film series. Fine presentation and some superb extras. This is a DVD package you can't refuse (sorry).

To put it briefly, this Box Set should be on the shelf of any self-respecting DVD collector / movie lover. Parts 1 & 2 form places 1 & 2 on my YMDB Top 20 movie list and wiht good reason. I was totally blown away when I saw them. Part 3 is a let down, and Coppolla spends most of his commentary on part 3 defending it.

Video:

A good transfer, from 30 years ago. There are occasions when you`ll think "God, that`s pretty poor" but for the mostpart the picture is better than you will have seen it before.

Audio:

All 3 films are treated to a DD 5.1 remix, and, to be honest, the surrounds are used sparingly with little LFE use. This film is dialogue driven, and the centre speaker and front left and right channels are always crisp and clear. This is all you can ask for really.

Extras:

Disc 5 (Part II is spread over two discs) is a bonus disc full of special features and is a fascinating insight into the world of The Godfather.

Buy it now.

The Godfather: The no.1 film in IMDB and no.6 in this years Empire Top 100 Greatest Movies of all time. A classic Mafiaoso film that puts all other modern Mafiaso or crime films to shame. Coppola`s directing is excellent, performances from Pacino, Caan, Brando and Duvall are breathtaking. Adapted from the novel of the same name, Don Vito Corleone, head of one of the richest families in NY. His youngest son, Michael doesn`t want to be in the family business gets involved only because of the failed assasination of Vito by rival gangs, Michael is eventually drawn into the family business. Winner of 3 oscars including Best Picture 1972. Verdict 5/5


Video- Paramount`s reputation is this: Make disc cheaply, put no extras, make picture quality poor and sell for a high price. This boxset seems to be an exception. Only by a borderline. The Godfather is present in 1.78:1 widescreen anamorphic Colours are fairly sharp in places and well defined in others. There are frequent signs of flecks and grain. Hagen`s plane landing is the most nastiest example. Come on man! Alien is a film that was released in the SAME decade(1979 to be precise, just 7 years later!!) but it`s picture quality on the DVD is vastly superior and it looks like it`s has been made recently. If Alien can get a better picture quality, then so can The Godfather. The gap between Coppola`s and Scott`s classics are NOT very far, only 7 years. A lazy attempt to digitally remaster the picture quality.

Sound-The sound quality has been digitally remastered to DD 5.1. Dialogue is a bit difficult to hear at times but it`s acceptable enough for me. Nino Rota`s score booms out on all speakers.


The Godfather: Part II: Arguably better than the first film. Nope, sorry, the first Godfather will always be the best(and last). The reasons why the first Godfather is the best is because GF: Part II is longer and slower paced. GF: Part II expands from two generations of the Corleone family. Here, the plot goes back and forth from a young Vito Corleone gaining power to rise of Michael. Winner of 6 oscars including Best Picture 1974.Verdict 5/5

Video- Just like the first Godfather, the picture quality is acceptable just slightly better.

Sound- Just like The Godfather.


The Godfather: PartIII: The worst of the 3. Sofia Coppola`s acting is very annoying. I prefer Sofia directing rather than acting. This time, in GF: Part III, Michael needs to find a successor and free himself from crime. Verdict 2/5

Video- The best and worst of the 3. Best because it`s made in 1990 and worst because for some odd reason it has more grain. Colours are vibrant and well defined.

Sound- Again, best of the 3. A good soundtrack.

Extras- Because GF: Part II is very long, it requires 2 discs. All Godfather films(yes, even the dreadful third one) has a commentary from Coppola. Be prepared for a 9 hour session(or a snooze-fest;)).

Moving onto disc 5, there are five(generously filled) sections in the DVD.

The first is Behind the Scenes.

"The Godfather: A Look Inside" documentary that covers all 3 productions. Presented in fullscreen and made around the early 90`s. It is fairly straightfoward and feature interviews with many of the cast and crew except Brando. It`s a shame that Part II is mentioned only a few times and mostly focuses on Part III. Includes screen tests for Brando, Caan and Pacino. This clocks in at 70 mins.

On Location featurette explains about the locations of the Godfather. This clocks in at 7 mins.

Coppola`s Notebook featurette has Coppola explaining how he adapted the novel.

Next, there are 3 self-explanatory featurettes: "The Music of The Godfather", "Coppola & Puzo on Screenwriting" and "Gordon Willis on Cinematography.

The Godfather Behind the Scenes 1971 adds little value since all EPK`s are like this.

There are 2 storyboards, ones from Part II and III respectively.

The second section is additonal scenes which basically are deleted scenes. All presented in full screen and are of acceptable quality. There are 33 of them.

There is also an alternate opening of GF: Part III. It`s very tedious, IMO.

3rd section is the Family Tree, this shows character and cast biographies.

4th section is galleries. Self-explanatory. Also in this section includes trailers from the trilogy and Acclaim & Response which consists of Oscar acceptance speeches and an intro with Coppola for the tv version of the first two Godfather films joined together.

Lastly, there are crew biographies. Self explantory.

Paramount seems to be generous enough to give us 4 easter eggs.

Overall- The Godfather trilogy get the DVD treatment they deserve. Classic films. very good features. Not only The Godfather re-defined the crime genre, it also re-defined Hollywood and how movies should be made.(Hollywood seemed to degenerate from time, unfortuantely)