The “The Godfather” trilogy can be (re)discovered in a superb Blu-ray and 4k UHD box set. The opportunity to learn more about this monument of cinema, but also to see “The Godfather 3” in a new montage.
The Godfather, the great fresco by Coppola
When we mention the name of Francis Ford Coppolaimpossible not to associate it immediately with his trilogy of Godfather. Three films that tell the rise of the Corleone family, were first run by father Vito (Marlon Brando/Robert de Niro) before his son Michael (Al Pacino) took over. With these three films, the filmmaker has offered a monumental family fresco. And even if the mafia and organized crime are present, the subject remains above all the family.
From 1972, The Godfather becomes a cult film, considered a masterpiece by critics and directors of the time. Yet seen as a “little film” which Paramount wants to get rid of as quickly as possible, the feature film becomes one of the highest-grossing films in cinema history. He win three Oscars (including best film) for seven nominations and allows Coppola The Godfather, part 2 in 1974, and to conclude with The Godfather, part 3 in 1990. Still today the influence of this trilogy in film and popular culture is undeniable.
A generous box with “Coda“
For the fiftieth anniversary of the film, a brand new box is proposed grouping together the trilogy of Godfather on Blu-ray and for the first time in 4K UHD. An optimal quality to (re) discovers these three films. But beyond the visual gain, the box offers above all the last version of the third opus: The Godfather, epilogue: the death of Michael Corleone. A reassembly proposed by Coppola himself corresponds more to what the filmmaker and screenwriter (and author of the original novel) Mario Puzo had wanted.
A different film in intention, as the director explains in the introduction to the box set:
When Mario Puzo and I wrote this third film, it was called The Godfather, Epilogue: The Death of Michael Corleone. In music, “coda” is a kind of epilogue, a summary, and that’s what we wanted for the film.
Thus, we discover a start that changes completely, opening with the discussion between Michael and Archbishop Gilday. A sequence which, in the first cut, only happens after thirty minutes. It is only after this scene that we find the celebration of Michael and the evening organized in his honor – which therefore opened the first version. The other major change is the very end, after the tragedy of the Opera. We find Michael aging, alone on a chair. But this time Coppola closes The Godfather 3 before the old man falls from his chair, preferring not to show his death in such a concrete way. In the end, it’s a difference of thirteen minutes between the two versions. Note that, for once, it is the reassembly that is shorter than the cinema version.
Bonuses
Regarding the bonuses, this beautiful edition of the Godfather was not stingy. In total, the box contains nine discs making it possible to have each film in Blu-ray and 4K (the trilogy + the epilogue) and a bonus disc. Thanks to this, we learn in particular about restoration work. One of the difficulties was that, due to the success of the film, it was necessary to make more prints than expected, which damaged the negative and ended up destroying it. A technical document, particularly interesting, which is dedicated to this part, and a second proposes an equally relevant comparison.
We will also highlight the presence of four short films on The Godfather of a document presenting the Corleone family tree deleted scenes, not to mention the work of cinematographer Steve Schapiro, or a unique short film of part of the shooting in Staten Island, and many other elements.
The safe The Godfather 50th anniversary is available in Limited Collector’s Edition, which also offers a 35-page media book and three exclusive painting reproductions. It is also possible to opt for the Blu-ray + 4k box set Where the Blu-ray box set.
