JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonThe Godfather – The Coppola Restoration (1972, 1974 & 1990)
September 17th 2008 00:01
The Life and Times of the Corleone Family
The Godfather - The Coppola Restoration DVD
Last week an all new digitally restored and enhanced box set of The Godfather Trilogy was released in Australia. A favourite of JD’s and most cinephiles, the question is how does one begin a review for what is one of the most analysed, dissected and worshipped film sagas in the history of cinema. Do you just repeat the endless accolades already heaped upon it? Perhaps a list of trivia or the much told epic story of the “against-the-odds” making of a masterpiece. Maybe comparisons between the original release and the new super high quality transfer available on DVD.
Johnny Doe has decided on a little bit of all the above.
The Corleone family that sins together stays together
“My father is no different than any powerful man, any man with power, like a president or senator.” – Michael Corleone
Carrying a class and prestige few films are afforded and unprecedented for a 3 part series, the first Godfather released in 1972 took home the Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando) and Best Adapted Screenplay and scored 8 other nominations at the Oscars. The equally successful sequel of 1974 nabbed Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro), Best Picture, Best Director, Best Music, Art Direction and Screenplay. The final instalment made nearly 20 years later was nominated for 7 more awards but was ravaged by critics.
A brief synopsis for those select few that have never seen the movies seems appropriate about now. The Godfather Trilogy tells the story of the Corleone family, an American brood of Sicilian Mafioso whose own quest for power and wealth is easily comparable to the capitalist corporate greed that has driven the US to dominate the world market. Unforgettable lines like “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse” becoming part of the vernacular in big business ever since.
A microcosm of brutal loyalty, murky morality and a complex code of honour, the Corleone’s are a self serving family unit that struggles to survive and change with the times.
“I knew Santino was going to have to go through all this and Fredo... well, Fredo was... But I never wanted this for you. I live my life, I don't apologize to take care of my family. And I refused to be a fool dancing on the strings held by all of those big shots. That's my life I don't apologize for that. But I always thought that when it was your time that you would be the one to hold the strings. Senator Corleone. Governor Corleone. Something.” – Don Corleone
The Godfather DVD
“I understand. You found paradise in America. You had a good trade, made a good living, the police protected you and there were courts of law and you didn't need a friend like me. But, now you come to me and you say "Don Corleone, give me justice." But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me Godfather. Instead, you come into my home on the day my daughter's to be married and you ask me to do murder for money.” – Don Corleone
The Godfather 2 DVD
“It made me think of what you once told me: "In five years the Corleone family will be completely legitimate." That was seven years ago.” - Kay Corleone
Godfather 3 DVD
“Goodbye my old friend. You could have lived a little longer, I could be closer to my dream. You were so loved, Don Tommasino. Why was I so feared, and you so loved? What was it? I was no less honorable. I wanted to do good. What betrayed me? My mind? My heart? Why do I condemn myself so? I swear, on the lives of my children: Give me a chance to redeem myself, and I will sin, no more.” – Michael Corleone
John Doe says:
Exquisitely crafted, dramatically paced and completely immersive The Godfather films have a timeless quality that is enhanced with each passing year. The primordial ooze that redefined the genre, from the memorable Nino Rota score, to the ensemble casting and daring Gordon Willis cinematography each instalment follows a refined recipe that is pure cinema.
To this day the debate still rages as to which is superior the first or second, personally JD sees the two as one giant epic, unable to distinguish which is in fact “the best”. The much maligned 3rd part, no where near as disappointing when viewed without comparison to the mythical earlier parts.
Drawing heavily on his Italian American genealogy and European style Francis Ford Coppola (The Conversation, Apocalypse Now) injects ever scene with an authentic atmosphere that is realised through the culmination of numerous little details. The carefully planned visual motifs that arise like Oranges symbolising death now considered masterful.
Tapping out rich human emotion and drama while still maintaining a unique tension, the screenplay based on Mario Puzo’s best selling novel consciously avoids the use of the phrase “Mafia”. Precisely worded, the settings and interactions almost suffocate the viewer as you are drawn in to this moody tales conflicts and sudden brutal blood shed.
Michael passes the point of no return
Marlon Brando returns to stature
Robert de Niro as the young Don Corleone
Damn, over a 1000 words written and Johnny doesn’t even feel like he has scratched the surface of what this sweeping trilogy has to offer. A part of filmmaking folklore now, the effect this film had on the industry is immeasurable. Launching so many stellar careers and announcing the arrival of one of the most influential Directors of the modern age The Godfather is essential for film lovers and this new edition certainly gets the John Doe stamp of approval. The sublime picture and sound quality making for a fresh screening experience and the informative, anecdotal extras packed in the set are an “offer we can’t refuse”
Here is a list of the DVD details for the 5 Disc new edition, thankfully now the Godfather Part II is all on one disc and we get a new commentary track on each film plus:
Disc 4: (previously released special features)
-Making of The Godfather
-Additional Scenes
-Filming Locations
-The Corleone Family Tree
- The Music of The Godfather
- The Godfather Historical Timeline
- Profiles on the Filmmakers
- Photo Galleries and Storyboards
Disc 5: (new special features)
- Godfather World
- The Masterpiece That Almost Wasn't
- ...when the shooting stopped
- Emulsional Rescue: Revealing The Godfather
- The Godfather on the Red Carpet
- Four Short Films on The Godfather
--- The Godfather vs. The Godfather, Part II
--- Cannoli
--- Riffing on the Riffing
--- Clemenza
-Making of The Godfather
-Additional Scenes
-Filming Locations
-The Corleone Family Tree
- The Music of The Godfather
- The Godfather Historical Timeline
- Profiles on the Filmmakers
- Photo Galleries and Storyboards
Disc 5: (new special features)
- Godfather World
- The Masterpiece That Almost Wasn't
- ...when the shooting stopped
- Emulsional Rescue: Revealing The Godfather
- The Godfather on the Red Carpet
- Four Short Films on The Godfather
--- The Godfather vs. The Godfather, Part II
--- Cannoli
--- Riffing on the Riffing
--- Clemenza
The Italian trailer for the new The Godfather Coppola Restoration DVD
The Godfather plot summed up in one minute
Behind the Scenes - Jimmy Caan and Francis Ford Coppola discuss Marlon Brando
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Comment by Lady Henrietta Muddling
Potter in a Harry
The most interesting aspect of this post for me is the details about the casting. [Only because I've seen the trilogy, not because the other parts were boring, okay?). Things like:
Thank God he stood his ground, because I don't know of a film that was better cast. It might have its equals, but I doubt a film was ever better cast.
John Cazale plays a wimp so well. I like him in The Deer Hunter, when deNiro has that discussion with him about bringing his own gun and goes, "This is this. This is not that."
If I hadn't become a wimp, I would have made a great actor portraying wimps ... I'm getting silly now. Better go.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
It's classic storytelling injected with sublime cinematic verve.
The horse head in the bed chilled me as an impressionable young teenager ...
Michael having his brother killed ...
Young Vito scaling the tops of the buildings ...
The execution in the restaurant with the roaring subway close by ...
So many scenes, so little time ...
Great summary JD!
I need to see these films again soon ...
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
OK . . . so like David you've guilted me into at the very least watching them all again this weekend.
It's an offer of course - I can't refuse.
Do'h
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
That quote by Brando from the first movie is exquisite!
It's crazy, if you think about it: a trilogy with Brando, De Niro and Pacino. Them's a lotta names ending with 'O'.
I love the 2nd one, though it doesn't have the hammer-in-your-face impact of the first film. The one thing that bothers me about the 2nd movie is how they phase in English. It seems a little forced, but I understand it was necessary..
20 years from now, are people going to look at the Pirates of the Caribbean box set in the same way? Please, I hope not.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
There is no shortage of juicy trivia and behind the scenes anecdotes of making the film.
Aside from the heaping of DVD extras there are numerous books and journals that chart the many fracases that arose during production. (The footage available is like a celluloid history)
Besides that the film really did change executives perspective on what sort of film could make money while breaking ground in the visual style of storytelling.
I think you might enjoy seeing some of the actors in more candid moments, while still remaining in character.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Now get out there and grab em!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Glad to rehype a well deserved classic. They films lose none of their power. The cinematic mastery of craft and style still dazzles in that same murky atmosphere.
I look forward to reading your verdict after the re-visit.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I'm happy to hear you have caved on this one. Can't wait to hear what you think, after all these years
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Yeah some fantastic dialogue that is seldom equalled. I'm guilty of being a massive Brando lover. De Niro and Pacino are great...but like Lady David I am constantly stunned by John Cazale's seemingly effortless and complete performances.
Though it does stand as the final instalment in the Godfather Trilogy the third film is best viewed as an extension and revisit to the Corleone's struggle.
Operatic and grand it does still have many fantastic scenes despite some of it more obvious flaws. The first two stand alone and to compare this 1990 film with such a sentimental attachment is always going to end in dissappointment.
That being said you have to watch the originals first to get the full scope of number 3.
On the whole what will be seen as a classic in 20 years, sadly it will probably be that Pirates of the Carribean becomes more prestigious with age. Look at how revered 80's trash like Dirty Dancing has become now.
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
OK what you do...go buy yourself a couple of bottles of tasty red wine....make yourself a killer pasta sauce that can do a few meals.....take phone of the hook...now wait until dark then put The Godfather Part 1 into the DVD player with the other 2 nearby...turn off lights and press play.
ENJOY!
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure