Once again a movie series that pretty much needs no introduction, Francis Ford Coppola’s THE GODFATHER first arrived in 1972 and caused a sensation, Oscar wins and a sequel two years later that ALSO won Oscars. This mafia story spanning many decades with its complicated storyline and characters still lives on and inspires audiences old and new to this very day. The first two movies are both on my all time Top 10 favourites list and will remain there forever and my adoration is very much on record in previous reviews and articles, so I’m not going to repeat myself here. If you have never seen the original and Part II, fix this immediately.
The 1990 sequel THE GODFATHER PART III was a movie unseen by me until last year when I had a chance to watch it theatrically, and I was surprised at how much I liked it. Of course the storytelling doesn’t match the grand, operatic quality of the 1970s and Coppola’s filmmaking style (not to mention Gordon Willis’ look and design which definitely went more mainstream in that era) but there is still tons to appreciate. While I also don’t like director re-edits, Coppola’s recently restored and re-edited version here also works very well.
About the 4k Steelbook Editions:
I was very happy to review the large box set earlier this year and aside from a bit of unsturdy packaging it was still a release to celebrate with transfers FINALLY in their original aspect ratio. The release of these Steelbook are the same 4k discs as before, but with much superior packaging that will lovingly sit on your shelf…until the next format comes along, of course!
A reminder about the visuals and audio. All three films have been lovingly restored into 4k/HDR/Dolby Vision and in their proper 1.85:1 aspect ratio. These new transfers have also carried over to the Apple TV Digital Copy versions as well, and there are codes included to add it into your digital library. I’m also pleased with both the restored soundtracks for Parts I and II both in 5.1 remixes along with the original mono soundtracks which are my personal preference.
The bonus feature discs are not included in these releases, however they are mostly available if you redeem the Apple TV codes and access the features that way, with mostly new interviews and retrospectives along with features included with the original DVD and Blu Ray releases. The theatrical cut for GODFATHER III is also not included here as a disc either, but it’s on the DEATH OF MICHAEL CORLEONE Apple TV extras.
And of course the star here is the Steelbooks, which are less the original posters but more of a character design on the front and a famous quote from each movie on the back. The inside features an array of the movie’s characters and scenes from each movie. It’s very visually striking and as always, these feel so much better in your hands than the paper cases of the first box set.
If you already have the larger box set there is no real need to upgrade here, but if you want a great presentation for your shelves and are okay with having the features on Apple, these discs all come highly recommended and are very striking visual presentations. And as much as I admire Part III, I know there are many out there who feel the series ends at the end of Part II, so the option just to buy the first two movies are here as well.
THE GODFATHER trilogy is now available as separate movies in 4k Steelbook. As always our thanks to Paramount for sending these out for review.