The Godfather Collection (The Coppola Restoration) [Blu-ray]

First there was the book; then there were the movies. In 1972, three years after the publication of "The Godfather," Mario Puzo's runaway best-selling novel of the Mafia, Paramount Pictures released the movie "The Godfather," a film that would change the course and tone of gangster films forever. Two years after "The Godfather," came the sequel, "The Godfather Part II;" and sixteen years after that, the third and (to date) final sequel, "The Godfather Part III" was released. And nothing was ever the same again. I could spend countless paragraphs rhapsodizing about these three iconic films, and about how good I think they are. Suffice it to Say, "The Godfather" and "The Godfather Part II" are genuine masterpieces of filmmaking that rightfully deserve their spots on the American Film Institute's list of the "100 Greatest American Films of All Time." And while "The Godfather Part III" doesn't quite rise to the level of excellence as its predecessors, it is nevertheless a good movie. Over the years, I've owned home video versions of "The Godfather" movies in nearly every format - VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray. I make time at least twice a year to watch `em all. Until recently, I watched "The Godfather" films on my "The Godfather DVD Collection," a first-generation set of DVDs that marked the very first time these movies appeared together in this format. I expected the DVD versions to show a dramatic improvement in video and audio quality over the clunky VHS videocassettes, with their annoying 1.33:1 pan-and-scan aspect ratio, that I had previously used; and while there was some improvement, (most notably the correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio,) the DVDs were still a disappointment to me. I saw little difference in the overall quality of video or audio. I was especially irked by the fact that "The Godfather Part II was put on a "flipper" disc. Then, about a year ago, I discovered "The Godfather - The Coppola Restoration," a four-disc set with each of the three films on its own Blu-ray disc, and a fourth disc containing a wide range of fascinating bonus features. This set - commonly known as "The Godfather Collection" - was first released in 2008. It's a complete 4K digital remastering of all three films. Each of the movies has been meticulously restored frame-by-frame by director Francis Ford Coppola and cinematographer Gordon Willis. The results are astounding; colors are much brighter, images are sharper, the film grain is left intact, black levels are superb, there's no evidence of noise reduction or image enhancement, and the Dolby TrueHD lossless 5.1.soundtrack is totally immersive. Some Blu-ray purists will probably criticize the look of the films as not being "Blue-ray enough," but, in fact, these films now look exactly as I remember when I saw them in theaters forty years ago. I never tire of watching "The Godfather" movies. I saw them repeatedly in theaters, and they were among very first movies I purchased on VHS and DVD when those mediums became widely available to the general public. Now, with "The Godfather - The Coppola Restoration" on Blu-ray, I can proudly say I own the definitive collection of the three most iconic and influential greatest gangster films of all time. I'm sure it will remain one of my most often viewed trio of movies in the years to come.

If you're like me, and the vast majority of other reviewers of this set, you consider the three-part Godfather series, particularly part Nos. 1 & 2, to arguably be the greatest movie production ever and without question among the greatest. I cherish my film library, in large part, because I have a propensity to buy the "better" versions of movies and other collectibles. There's another three disc Blu-Ray offering of the three part Godfather film and it currently sells for about $10 less than this one. The exceptional digital transfer quality is identical for both sets but if you are a collector of films, books, coins, etc. you know that saving $10 for a set that offers more, including better packaging, is analogous to those leather bound Easton Press books or your complete Glenn Gould or Arthur Rubenstien CD sets if for no other reason that you've got something on your shelves that represents quality, and if you're a parent, a quality library that your heirs will inherit and add to their heirs and so forth. I bought this set in 2011 and have decided to write my review now, six years after purchase. I have watched the entire set at least once every year and two or three times in at least one of the past six years. I am not one to judge solely on cost. But even if I were, I'd still recognize that THIS IS THE SET TO BUY. Amortize $10 over God knows how many viewings and you'll find the true cost amounts at most, to pennies more and, eventually, even less that a penny more. Even if the reasons stated in my first couple of paragraphs means nothing to a person, the buyer is, I grant you, paying more, but is also getting more which is the fourth disc of special featurettes ( “The Masterpiece That Almost Wasn’t”, “Godfather World”, “Emulsional Rescue: Revealing ‘The Godfather’”, “….And When the Shooting Stopped”, "The Family Tree/The Crime Organization", Montage: “’The Godfather’ on the Red Carpet”, Four Short Films on ‘The Godfather’, Audio Commentaries, Documentary: “The Godfather Family”, “Behind the Scenes”, Storyboards, Additional Scenes/Historical Timeline) so it's simply not an apples to apples comparison. And if you're that true film fanatic , as I am, buying this set over it's less expensive scaled down three disc version; well the decision to buy is really no decision at all. It's a no brainer that you'll buy and cherish this set. I also enjoy it when guests are over and compliment me on my film, music, and book libraries. It's far more impressive and enjoyable to me to look at them as opposed to my Roku or AppleTV film library, iPod, iPhone, or some other MP3 player, and my bookshelves versus my Kindle. When I drafted my will, I felt better about leaving these tangible items to my children as opposed "child # 1 gets my Roku", "#2 gets my MP3 player, etc as opposed to getting my tangible music, book, and video libraries. I think they'll appreciate what's becoming a lost art form far more too. In economic terms this concept is known as the "demand curve" and/or "marginal utility". Which all boils down to, what's one's personal preferences and how does one calculate cost. Anyway, These are fantastic films of which I never tire and in that regard, I think like just about everyone else on this review board as well as the review board for the less expensive set; except on that board you hear a lot of people talking about how smart they were to have chosen that less expensive one. I'm in the right place for me. Where do you belong?

The Godfather saga is one of the most popular movies about a crime family that have ever been created. Indeed, it is truly an “epic masterpiece” of film making by Francis Ford Coppola. This trilogy tells the story (The Godfather 3 movie collection) of a crime family, headed by Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando. The first movie in this trilogy begins with the wedding of Vito Corleone’s daughter, (Connie). While the large outdoor celebration party is going on, Vito Corleone is meeting with various people. This is our first introduction into the Sicilian tradition of granting requests of anyone asking a favor on the day of a daughter’s wedding. This incredible movie stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan and Robert Duval. There is plenty of intrigue, suspense, vicious revenge scenes in this movie. This short review cannot due this justice to this amazing movie. The second movie is in my opinion is even better than the first one. In this fantastic film we are exposed to the early years of Vito Corleone when back in Sicily his father, brother and mother are killed by the local crime boss. It shows the young 9 year old first coming to America with the statue of liberty in the background. It truly had to be a heartfelt moment for immigrants coming to America. It also follows his development as a young man and how he becomes the respected head of a crime group beginning with the opening of an olive oil business to cover other criminal activities. This excellent movie stars Al Pacino, as Michael who now heads the Corleone family, Robert DeNiro playing the young Corleone, with Robert Duval and Diane Keaton. The third movie does not come up to the same level as the Godfather 1 and 2; nevertheless, I personally also love this movie. In this final saga Al Pacino plays the aging Michael Corleone, as he is still attempting to make the Corleone family business completely legitimate. The crime bosses of the other families want to pull the Corleone back into the seedy criminal business. They are not happy and in an attempt to clear things up with everyone sets up a meeting to set things right. He gave each of the other crime family heads a check except one. This movie has a very sad ending but completes the crime family saga. If you loved the Godfather trilogy at the movies, you may want to get this 3 film DVD collection. Even though I had seen the three movies in the past I really enjoyed viewing them again in this DVD set. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tactical Principles of the most effective combative systems).

These films are absolutely fabulous. If you are reading this then I am sure you already know this, so I am not going to spend any time on going into that. What I would like to comment on is the artistic process that went into this film and some people's dislike of it on here. Reading through the comments here I noticed that many of the three star reviews and less complain about it being too grainy and that they "upscaled" it to 1080p and that even 2001 looks better on Blu-Ray. Worst of all are the people that complain about the yellowish/orangish hue in the first movie and that they are dark. These people really don't know anything about the technology and as a result their comments are meaningless. First of all; the films were shot dark on purpose. That was an artistic choice, and I think it helps make it feel more like America in the 1940s. Then there are those that say that video was upscaled because it's a 70's film and that 2001 looks better. This is laughable. How can these people call themselves fans of film, but yet know nothing about the technology. All three of the Godfather movies are shot on 35mm film. Modern movies that aren't shot digitally are usually shot on 35mm film. (it's the standard) 2001 was shot on 70mm film hence. This allows for a higher resolution when transferring to digital. The reason the first film looks so grainy is because they made so many copies from the original negatives, that they were destroyed. They had to do a world wide search to find the very best negatives to make a new master with. All of which were copies from the original. That's why some parts look better than others. It's what they had to work with. The yellowish/orangish hue was done on purpose in post production as an artistic choice. I am sure even with all this said people will still complain and would prefer that they have a a very sterile, grainless, perfect color balance digital feel that digital cameras can give. I for one prefer film for the master. It looks far better in my opinion and gives films their own unique feel. This is something I feel with be lost when everything eventually goes digital and the digital post production will look faked. To sum everything up; If you are a film fan, these are a must have in your collection. The restoration in every detail is as good as it's going to get with what was available. Even the soundtrack is as equally amazing in restoration as the video is. Enjoy it in all it's greatness.

Worth having. LOVE THE GOSFATHER COMBINATION of movies ! Very pleased.

I bought this with idea on heavy snow or storm weather which can knock out our service to watch TV that this would be a good back up. One my husband would enjoy as I am always hearing how men quote lines from it. lol! Well though my husband does enjoy Robert De Niro and Al Pacino movies generally very much, this happens to not be one of his more favorites! Shock to me!! I could swore about 15 years ago when it came out he just loved it!! But as he says compared to Raging Bull or Scent of Woman he rather enjoy those but this is very enjoyable movie just he like others bit more. You just cannot win trying to do something nice for your spouse at times! I still think though, once it is on, he will again be mesmerized with wonderful acting and mob way of killing people as if it has no damage on one's souls...or as my husband say it really does not on some. I choose to believe eventually near end of one's life they do have regrets. i know he love the scenes at Tahoe though i caught that they were filming it from different areas of the lake having grown up and realize exactly where the main party scene is held. I love looking at Mt Tallac across the lake...but than it is not lol! as i we climbed it numerous times for easy jaunt on slow day. I do think this is such a well written and directed movie that one both men and women will enjoy. I just did not like the horse head and keep saying to myself it is a fake...how could someone do that to such a beautiful creature? I wish that Sonny had not become the man he did and regrets it ...is it destroying of his soul or that period? Both? Al Pacino should i wish could do or get some better roles or move forward to different style as De Niro and Nicholson has gone to do so well in lighter romantic comedies. Where both female and male leading stars are aged, not so great bodies but with just a look, a touch, a lifetime of knowing what real love passes out to the audience. I wish Pacino who started this in Scent of Woman had continued do make few others as he was so wonderful and realistic in both tired of painful lonely life and finding life again right at last moment. So of course this is great movie....just not as great as i hoped my husband would have thought it be on fowl weather day with us home alone. Maybe says something about each of us?

I have to admit, having read some reviews here and elsewhere, I half expected the Coppola Restoration to be an ugly mess. However, I decided to try it because the extras were so enticing. I'm glad I did. The results are great. The complaints about dirt and color that I have seen are exaggerated and inaccurate. Some people just have no idea how to adjust a tv. Yes, there are a couple of spots in the first film that show a speck of dust or two, one big bit of debris in the middle for a moment, along with a few headlights and a lamp that look a tiny bit too bright - not a big tally considering this movie was released in 1972, and hasn't been seen in it's true glory since then. I also saw some complaints about the picture and sound for Part 3. Don't believe them. It should be noted that Part Three is not really part of the "restoration" however. It is simply included for completeness. So, if you saw the previous dvd of Part 3, it will look the same here. The extras are very good - better than most dvd junk extras. A little self-congratulatory, but I figure the Godfather has earned the right to pat itself on the back. The extra scenes are great if you've never seen them before. They are far from essential, but satisfying for the completist. Especially (SPOILER ALERT) a scene that ties up Apollonia's murder, Tom's return from his abduction which shows that he is, indeed, loved as a brother, and a bit more on the Consiglieri that Tom is supposed to replace. Bottom line is, if you don't care about extras, and you own an older version that you like, this set is unnecessary. But if you have interest in the extras, or always felt the older release looked dull and faded, this is the thing that will scratch your itch.

As I slowly upgrade my DVD collection to Blu-ray (a process I expect to finish right around the time Blu-ray's replacement becomes common), I caught this set on sale and snapped it up without a moment's hesitation. I already owned the 4-disc DVD collection that came out in 2001, and all things considered, I probably should have just stuck with that edition. That's not to say there's anything wrong with this collection. There isn't. It's as perfect as can be - not just the films themselves, but the transfer and the presentation as well. The extras are excellent, as well. Parts of the transfer are better than the older DVD edition. And strangely, that's the problem. Over the years, the original negatives for the first two films were essentially destroyed. A great effort at restoration has been made for this collection, and where it worked, the effect is stunning. In those scenes, the film looks like it was shot yesterday - perhaps not as sharp as one might expect, but the colors are vibrant and edges are much sharper than before, without losing that beautiful grain or the warmed tones so characteristic of these films. That's where the restoration worked. In some scenes, however, scans had to be taken from different prints, or so much reconstruction was necessary that the finished scene simply looks different from the ones before and after it. These interludes are brief and rare, but I found them difficult to ignore. Conversely, watching the DVD with upscaling in my BD player - even though that transfer was roundly criticized for being dark and somewhat murky - offers a much more uniform "look" throughout viewing, and with nearly the same level of sharpness. It's less distracting. If you don't already own a copy of this utter masterpiece, shame on you, buy this right now. If you don't think you'll be as annoyed by the visual inconsistency as I am, buy it. You'll rarely find treasure for so low a price. I certainly plan to keep my copy, and will in all likelihood part with the DVD (the Blu-ray has the distinct advantage of taking up half as much shelf space) but this is one of those rare times when I would have liked an "unrestored" option to be available. With only one film per disc, there certainly was enough room.