In an attempt to match or outdo Hollywood and the UK, UFA produced an elaborate fantasy, as part of the Nazi film output in 1943. It was the third in the process.
Munchhausen, directed by Josef von Baky, was a gorgeously mounted color production – Agfa as opposed to Technicolor – which makes it all the more interesting to those who delve into the history of cinema color. A tri-pack product, it had similarities to Eastman Color.
At the end of the war, the stock ended up with the Russians, who used it to create Sovcolor. In later years, the Agfa process became ORWO.
Kino’s new Blu is based upon the international version, as the domestic German negative apparently no longer survives. Mostly original, with some footage from a print – the color difference will be noted – quality is overall superb.
A Very interesting comparison can be found in Terry Gilliam’s 1988 version, available from Sony. You’ll note that the 1988 has only a single h in the great Baron’s name.
One of the more entertaining films from the Nazis.
Image – 4
Audio – 5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Upgrade from DVD – You betcha!
Recommended
RAH
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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