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- Feb 8, 1999
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- Real Name
- Robert Harris
Wolfgang Petersen's Neverending Story, based upon the fanciful novel by Michael Ende, is a treat for all ages, but especially for younger viewers.
Photographed by Jost Vacano, who had shot Mr. Petersen's Das Boot a few years earlier, arrives on Blu-ray for it's second outing, along with Neverending Story II.
If one compares Neverending Story with Das Boot, the differences between the two, as huge as they are in story, texture affect upon an audience, are minuscule when compared to the differences between the first two parts of Neverending Story.
While the first is a treat for the eyes, ears and brain, especially with it's framework of multiple stories (if you've not experienced the book, best to take a peek), the second comes off as a film not even from the same universe, and a waste of 90 minutes.
Naturally, there had to be a third (1994), but that's best not discussed.
Back to NS, the First...
When I view it, I'm reminded of the glory days of German filmmaking at UFA -- NS was created in Munich at Bavaria Studios, which was UFA's competitor. Doing a quick check, I found that some productions shot at Bavaria have been Paths of Glory, Cabaret, The Sound of Music, The Great Escape, et al.
I'm pleased to report that the disc, to which additional extras have been added is fully up to representing the film in its full quality. This is a gorgeous image harvest, combined with a sometimes booming track to accommodate Giorgio Moroder's electronic score.
Wonderful film. Great Blu-ray.
Image - 5
Audio - 5
Pass / Fair - Pass
Highly Recommended
RAH