None of the American made war movies ever made before 1985 can hold a candle in quality to this epic. The tension, claustrophobia and psychological drama of these sea wolves unfolds with stark realism in sharp focus. These are not the idealised characters of most navy going movies with all sailors well scrubbed, shaved, manicured, smelling good and looking like they just left home. On the contrary, the men in Das Boot's German U-boat wear the war on their faces, salt in their beards, oscillating between the adrenaline rush of the hunt for ships they torpedo, to sinking to the bottom of the ocean, with depth charges exploding all around them and the enemy on the surface waiting to kill them. Although nominated in six categories for Oscar's in 1981, it did not win any which is very strange given the breadth of its achievements. This picture is a must see for anyone who wishes to explore the reality of submarine warfare during World War II. Director, Wolfgang Petersen tells a story over 2 hours inside the belly of a submarine that will have you on the edge of your seat feeling like you are inside the U-boat with the sailors trapped..Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
"Das Boot" still endures as one, repeat one, of the great submarine movies ever, and Petersen's "Director's Cut" only accentuates its reputation. It renks with several equals of the genre including "Run Silent, Run Deep" and "The Hunt for Red October, and trailed by "Crimson Tide" and several others who titles aren't immediately recalled. Not merely "a view from the other side" of the Battle for the Atlantic during WW2, it is also realistic sharpshooting at the cinematic myths of war's glory, and a harsh look at the futility and tragedy of decent warriors doing their duty. The "Director's Cut" has only sharpened the focus by adding new footage absent from the first American showings that will disgust and enfuriate some viewers, and leave others gasping with laughter or amazement.
This is a film that I've been wanting to purchase for some time now. It was the dirfector's cut which means that it is the film the director wanted to release for public viewing before the censor's had it edited. It is an extremely long film, but it has to be in order to tell the story of a German submarine crew. 209 minutes of story telling. This may be one of the longest running films ever made. I purchased it so as I can critic it for my college class. It is perfect for my need and it is intertaining. I don't care aboout all the extra behind the scenes film which is included. I haven't watched them yet and if and when I do, I may change my mind.
I'd lost my VHS copy (probably in a box in storage) and several buddies have been bugging me (for years) to "find it and let's all get together for a guy's night". Every time I went to my storage unit, I pulled down a few boxes to look for the tape. No luck - for several years! Finally, it dawned on me to check eBay, and lo - there were several "Das Boot - Director's Cut" available on DVD! I don't know why it took me so long! I guess I'd thought the "director's Cut" would be impossible to find. Anyway, I ordered it, it arrived in 4 or 5 days and the next Friday night was all testosterone (and beer, pizza and wings!) Up PERISCOPE! The original movie (1982)is widely considered the most realistic WWII sub movie ever made. The "Director's Cut" (1998) improved incredibly on this by adding 60 minutes of additional footage, going digital and widescreen, and creating new - improved sound effects, all in digital surround-sound. What an experience! No romantic back-story, psychological navel-gazing, "Politically Correct"ness, cuteness or puppies! If that's your thing, watch "Friends" reruns. If you like Subs, Torpedoes, Destroyers and Depth Charges - I recommend "Das Boot, Director's Cut".Read full review
I was amazed to see a director's cut had been prepared for this timeless film from Wolfgang Peterson. Over the years he has been known for good films, some international and some not. This film gets at the confinement suffered by a crew on a submarine, but also how things quickly turn about which frequently happens in war.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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