HTF Blu-ray Review: METROPOLIS (a/k/a "The Complete Metropolis") - Page 2

With the studios' insistence on pushing downloads and streaming as the inevitable next step in video delivery, this may very well be the last release of METROPOLIS that is available to physically own.  Just something to think about.  It's depressing, but most signs point toward Blu-Ray being the last physical video format.

I was first exposed to METROPOLIS, like a lot of people my age, through the Moroder version.  Through the years, my appreciation of the film has grown as I've become aware of its influence on the films that followed it.  When I heard the news about the discovery of the complete negative found in Argentina, I don't think I have ever been more excited about something film-related.  Sitting down to watch the complete version in HD was a revelation.  The film, in its current form, is exponentially better than any of its previous incarnations.  The damaged footage is not a distraction at all.  What it adds to the film's story and pacing far outweighs its physical condition.

Supplements be damned, anyone who loves METROPOLIS cannot go wrong purchasing the film on Blu-Ray.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Kidd 

Supplements be damned, anyone who loves METROPOLIS cannot go wrong purchasing the film on Blu-Ray.

I agree.  To judge the quality of this release based on what's not on the disc instead of what is offered seems ridiculous to me.  This version of the movie is amazing and deserves to be in any fans collection.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell G 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Kidd 

Supplements be damned, anyone who loves METROPOLIS cannot go wrong purchasing the film on Blu-Ray.

I agree.  To judge the quality of this release based on what's not on the disc instead of what is offered seems ridiculous to me.  This version of the movie is amazing and deserves to be in any fans collection.

Yeah, I finally pulled the trigger today and bought the BRD for 20.89. 

Crawdaddy

I will be purchasing this title as well within the week.

Thanks to Netflix for this one.  Would have never 

watched Metropolis if not for the fact it was available

for streaming.  Now that I have, I want it as part of my

collection.

Wow, surprised that so many cinephiles haven't seen Metropolis.

I guess I was lucky taking a SCI-FI literature class in college in the 70's.

The prof had Metropolis on film and played it for us.

To say I was blown away would be an understatement.

Saw it again later on a local PBS station and then the Moroder in the theater.

Got the Kino DVD and now the MOC version.

As others have said, the additional footage finally gave me a complete appreciation of this film that I never imagined possible.

I'm glad that you guys are discovering and appreciating Metropolis.

After watching the BD, I tried to imagine what it must have been like to watch this movie in 1927.

Probably hated it or were totally astonished.

All I can say is that for me, this is a true milestone and a unique creation.

I received my BRD today and will try to watch it this weekend in order to compare it to the previously viewed 2003 DVD release in my collection.

Crawdaddy

I have read a number of very positive reviews for Metropolis on Blu-ray, but also the same reviews mention the poor video of the source material. Granted Blu-ray would give a much better video image, but regular DVDs shown on a 1080p receiver also give a superior picture than an interlaced receiver.  No one has compared the DVD v Blu-ray version of Metropolis when both are played on the 1080p receiver. Considering the poor qualility of the source material, is the image that much better, lets say on a 32" 1080p, 60 mhz receiver, of the Blu-ray version over the same DVD issue of Metropolis? 

Quote:

Originally Posted by haroldS 

I have read a number of very positive reviews for Metropolis on Blu-ray, but also the same reviews mention the poor video of the source material. Granted Blu-ray would give a much better video image, but regular DVDs shown on a 1080p receiver also give a superior picture than an interlaced receiver.  No one has compared the DVD v Blu-ray version of Metropolis when both are played on the 1080p receiver. Considering the poor qualility of the source material, is the image that much better, lets say on a 32" 1080p, 60 mhz receiver, of the Blu-ray version over the same DVD issue of Metropolis? 

The new scenes are very poor quality, certainly, but about 75 percent of the film (those parts of the film that were previously held) is still in excellent condition, coming I believe from restored 35mm prints, and look really great.

I have the Masters of Cinema region B-locked version, and it really is great. One difference that people may want to be aware of - the Kino version reviewed here has English intertitles, while the MOC version has the original German intertitles, with English subtitles.

(Other than that, the MOC release also has a very good 50-odd-page booklet and an excellent commentary that is not on the Kino.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Angell 

I've just learned that BB has The Complete Metropolis for $15 and I've got a $5 coupon. Since I don't have a multi-region player, is the kino version a slam dunk choice for me?

I think so.  I just picked it up using the combo you described and I'm happy to retire the old (interlaced) DVD for a sparkling HD version of Metropolis on Blu-ray for a whopping $10.69 (including tax) - 1/4 of the original MSRP.  No brainer!

I admit it's tempting for that price, but I have also heard that Best Buy has a Blu Ray player which is multi-region and sells for only $99. It's not a great brand, but it might suffice for playing things like the MOC version of METROPOLIS, which absolutely blows away the Kino release.  I also wonder if Kino is planning a special edition with more extras and that's why this one is becoming so drastically reduced? Can't remember if Kino has ever done much double dipping though. ???

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare7/metropolis2.htm

Quote:

Originally Posted by montrealfilmguy 

Now that's FREAKIN impressive.

thanks for the info.

the supplements (esp. the 2010 commentary.)and the book are what sells it to me.

Agreed. It makes the Kino version look pathetic given it is such a milestone film.