Metropolis (DVD, 2003, Restored Authorized Edition (2002))

This is the best verison of Lang's Metropolis in several ways. The image quality stands out immediately, an amazing bit of film restoration. I'd believe that part of that very clean appearance came from the editors' access to multiple prints and editions of the film. Using digital techniques, they could pick the best of the bunch for each frame, but also, at least in theory combine information from the multiple copies of each frame. Another fine feature of this film took a bit longer to sink in. It had scenes that I'd never seen before. According to the editors' notes, the original had been edited down to a shorter film many times and in many different ways. By comparing the various abridged versions, the current editors were able to piece together a much more complete version of the film. In a few places, the recovered scenes really changed the way I understood the movie. Even so, they say that as much as a quarter of the original appears to be lost, filled in with intertitles to indicate the missing scenes. Highly recommended film.

124 minutes. 8 page booklet on the restoration process. Single sided DVD. Special features: 43 minute documentary on the making of the film; featurette; photo galleries; cast and crew biographies; audio commentary.

The classic 1927 German science fiction film in its most complete form. Sections of the film have been lost over the years due to poor storage condition, edits to shortened the run time, etc. In this DVD, the "lost sections" have either been restored, or, if damage was too extensive or the film stock was lost, still photos or captions explaining the storyline have been added.

When you watch Metropolis today, it is still a sleek piece of work. Trendsetting in many ways. For instance, the robot in this movie has much in common with that certain complaining android that appears in the Star Wars films. Take a look at Rotwang's laboratory. It's obvious that James Whale (the director of Frankenstein) saw this film. How about Rotwang himself, the mad scientist who lost his hand in an accident. Do any bad guys with a mechanical hand come to mind? Can you say "Dr. No?" I can go on, but why? If you're a science fiction fan, get this DVD. If you are like me who first saw this film in the highly edited televison version, then buy this DVD. The storyline will make a whole lot more sense. If you are jaded on CGI special effects, then you should see Metropolis. They did a pretty good job of doing things without a computer.

More complete than any home video release prior. With the corrections, the story makes exponentially more sense than previous English releases. If you want to see this film as close as possible to it's original version, this is the one!

great restoration, very pleased with this product, clear image even though it's an eighty year old movie, superb !

This film is a classic for anyone who appreciates the early days of film. Originally released in 1927 Metropolis was considered a flop in those days and really only started gaining notoriety in and around the 1980's.

Although many would watch this film and rate it poor because of it having no dialouge I would have to give it a good rating, simply due to the effort put in to making this film during a time when there were no modern computers, and editing was done by actually splicing two pieces of film together by hand. Watching these types of films often takes patience and a real appreciation for the creators of films during the early days.

If you're going to watch Metropolis know what you're getting into (two hours of orchestral scores, a hard to follow film at times, and most importantly to the majority of todays audience NO DIALOUGE).

It's worth it!

The 2003 version of Metropolis is very week when compared to the 1984 version of this superior silent film. The soundtrack and the colorization on the 1984 version make it one of the best renditions of a silent film that I have ever seen. This one is like eating oatmeal instead of a breakfast of country ham, scrambled eggs and homemade biscuits. If you can get the '84 version, be sure to play it with a very good sound system with plenty wattage. You will enjoy it.

Absolutely outstanding silent film! Unfortunately the years have destroyed large sections of the original film but there is a lot of great movie captured and preserved. Text describes the missing scenes as the movie progresses.

Brilliant. Completely redone from original material (it was edited terribly by Channing Pollack in 1927). One of my favorite movies of all time.