Fritz Lang’s METROPOLIS was praised by both critics and audiences when it debuted in 1927 Berlin, but when it was edited for distribution by Channing Pollock (who hated the film) great chunks of the movie were removed which substantially changed the storyline. That version of METROPOLIS had visual style, but the film proved a critical and box office disappointment in the United States. With the introduction of sound, METROPOLIS was nearly forgotten and surviving prints of the film began to corrode and decay. When METROPOLIS showed up on VHS and DVD the results were disappointing. A great portion of METROPOLIS, as much a quarter of the film or more, has been lost forever, but this Kino Blu-ray release is the best version of the film available. The previously cut footage that still exists has been restored, gaps in the film have been bridged by stills and explanatory title cards, the film has been digitally restored, and the soundtrack is the Gottfried Huppertz original created for the film’s 1927 Berlin debut played by the Rundfunk Symphony Orchestra of Berlin. You shouldn’t miss seeing this legendary movie! GRADE: A
Looks good. We just picked up over a dozen DVDs of favorite movies so we’ve done our economy stimuating for the moment – STAR WARS episodes 4-6, CHARADE, WIZARD OF OZ, GONE WITH THE WIND (Jackie picked those two), MY COUSIN VINNY, GROUNDHOG DAY, FARGO, MEN IN BLACK, THE BIG CHILL, CABARET, LOVE ACTUALLY, THE DEER HUNTER and AMERICAN GRAFFITI.
Excellent stimulation, Jeff! I’m always on the look-out for Blu-ray versions of my favorite movies at bargain prices. Sam’s Club and BJ’s Warehouse heavily discounts Blu-rays all the time.
Saw this on the big screen recently. It does explain a few gaps. But it did seem very long to me.
I felt the same way, Patti. At 148 minutes, it’s really too long for modern audiences. However, Fritz Lang was a genius and it’s fun to see a genius at work in this new (for him) medium. I consider this more of a historically important film than an entertainment.
What a pity the entire film can’t be seen. It makes me wonder about the longevity of our current methods of making and storing information, whether it be films, music or other information…
We are about to have HD and blu-ray but have not yet bought any B-R DVDs. I’m not sure where to even start, though it may be Avatar. I’ll probably end up buying yet another set of the Star Wars films, and perhaps I’ll get Dark Knight, but it’s hard to know where to start.
I’d start with the new AVATAR set for $19.95 in Blu-ray, Rick! It’s eye-popping! Then just shop the after Christmas sales for Blu-ray versions of your favorite films.
There are certainly plenty of sales and box sets available at this time of year, Rick.
I broke down and ordered that CTI box set, Jeff. I loved that music back in the Seventies and it’s been unavailable for decades. I can’t wait to listen to these new, remastered CDs!
Good choice. I’m leaning towards the early Dylan. We did get that Huey Lewis CD you reviewed a while ago and it was as good as you said.
Glad you and Jackie enjoyed that soulful Huey Lewis and The News CD, Jeff. Those Bob Dylan mono CDs sound great!