Sometimes we criticized many video Home Entertainment companies when they are just trying to sell a new DVD release of a classic film by just adding a special feature here and there, when in reality is the same previous version of a few years back. Those were some of critics received by Paramount Home Entertainment early this year with the release of “Indiana Jones The Adventure Collection Box Set” prior to the theatrical release of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”, but at the end we all know that is part of the business. That is not the case, when we hear or see the re-mastering work performed to a true cinematic masterpiece like “The Godfather” trilogy.
The Godfather was, is and will be a big part of Hollywood’s cinematography history. Since the released of the first part in 1972. followed by part 2 in 1974 and finally sixteen years later the criticized part 3 in 1990, this trilogy has become a cultural phenomenon that captivated audiences worldwide and continues to make big impression in new generations. It will probably be very difficult to find movie goers that don’t know or haven’t heard about the Corleone family or haven’t admired Marlon Brando and Al Pacino’s clinic in acting; performance to remember and enjoy every time the film is playing. It doesn’t matter how many times you have seen the film, The Godfather trilogy is just a pleasure to watch.
The feel and look of this films is exceptional in this “Coppola Restoration”. With an all new 5.1 Surround Mix, the film sound is just extraordinary. It is just amazing to see what experts can do to a film with new technology. The picture quality in this restoration takes the film to an all new level. After watching this collection, it is very hard to believe that The Godfather was released 36 years ago. According to Paramount Home Entertainment “The Godfather” and “The Godfather II” underwent extensive frame-by-frame examination and restoration in this effort that lasted more than a year to complete. All under the direction of Coppola and cinematographer, Gordon Willis. I just have to say that The Godfather film has never looked better. I can only imagine how beautiful these films look in Blu-ray. This restoration was so good that the films are going to be released in selected theaters around the country. So make sure you check your newspapers to find out when and where.
“The Godfather: The Coppola Restoration” includes five discs. Three for the films and two discs loaded with special features. Disc four includes all previously released special features from previous “Godfather” releases, including The Making of The Godfather, filming locations and the music from the Godfather. Disc five is loaded with new features. Some of these features talk about the detailed process of how the restoration of this films took place. It also includes a very interesting special bonus called “The Masterpiece That Almost Wasn’t”, where we get to get ease the intrigue and watch the luck of putting an unknown director with an unwanted cast.
Once again Paramount Home Entertainment shines with the release of “The Coppola Restoration”, making it a must have for every movie fan. “The Godfather: The Coppola Restoration” will be released on September 23, 2008.
Just in case you don’t want to get the Box set, you will be able to get individual DVDs and add your favorite Godfather film to your collection.
