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I bought this product because this movie is well-regarded as a milestone in Cinematic History; this movie defines the gangster/mafia genre like no other before it's time, and many imitators have since followed the Godfather. I also wanted the extra discs which contained the Special Features, particularly the process that Director Francis Ford Capolla vigorously defended his casting decision to keep Al Pacino as Micheal Corleone. many other fine Actors were recommended for that role, many coveted the role, but Copolla stuck to his guns and fought everyone involved to keep his Director's vision intact. Any other decision may have hampered this classic. This product is a superior product.
What is there left to say that hasn't already been said about the Godfather films? Words like classic, epic, and iconic come to mind. Francis Ford Coppola's definitive American gangster saga will always have its place in the annals of film history. Maybe that's why the director can't seem to leave it alone. Since the release of the first sequel, the films have been in and out of the editing room, resulting in so many different versions it's hard keeping track of them all. But there has never been a collection that has brought all of those pieces together in one place, until now. For those who have never gotten around to watching the films (and, seriously, get to it already), or may have forgotten all the gory details, here's a brief synopsis. Based on the bestselling book by Mario Puzo, The Godfather is the story of an Italian mafia family run by Don Vito Corleone (infamously portrayed by Marlon Brando). Vito has three sons--Sonny (James Caan), Fredo (John Cazale) and Michael (Al Pacino)--and a daughter, Connie (Talia Shire). Sonny is the hothead, Fredo is the dim-witted screw-up and Michael is the prodigal son. Connie is mainly just a pain in the ass. There's also Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), Vito's loyal foster son, who is a lawyer and the family's closest advisor, or consigliere. When Vito refuses to join the other mafia families in the emerging drug trafficking business, he becomes a target for an attempted assassination. The plot fails, but it sets off a bloody gang war as Vito's sons take out their revenge. Although Michael was the one son with a chance of escaping the mafia lifestyle, it turns out that he is also the only one who can carry on the family business. After a sabbatical in Sicily, Michael returns and ultimately takes over as Don, becoming everything he detests for the sake of maintaining the family name. The second film is the rare sequel that improves upon the original. Back in 1974, non-linear storytelling wasn't quite as common as it is today, so it took the public and the film community some time to truly appreciate The Godfather II for the masterpiece that it is. The film employs a dual narrative that switches back and forth in time, chronicling the rise of young Vito Corleone (played by the incomparable Robert DeNiro) and the fall of Michael (Pacino, once again turning in a mesmerizing performance). If the first film could be considered to glorify violence and organized crime, this one shows the consequences of that life. It also serves as a thinly veiled metaphor for American capitalism and its destructive effect on family, cultural heritage, community identity and morality. There are many ardent fans of the first two films who would prefer to pretend that the third was never made, but there's no getting around it when it's sitting there in the DVD case next to the first two. Consider it a bonus gift with purchase. Produced in 1990, The Godfather: Part III continues the story of Michael as he tries to take the family into legitimate business. The problem is, as the famous line goes, "they keep pulling [him] back in." Among Coppola's mistakes making the film, and there are many, he cast his own daughter Sofia as Michael's daughter, Mary, in the film. The happy ending to that story is that she turned out to be a much better director than an actress. Of course, no one knew that at the time, and she became the subject of some pretty stinging ridicule.Read full review
The Godfather is considered, by many, to be one of the greatest movies ever made. After watching it for the first time in years I find myself agreeing with that assessment. Not only was this a classic but it was followed by a sequel that delivers just as much entertainment as the first. This series is unparalleled as far as quality of storyline throughout films. From the opening lines to the dramatic finish, the screen oozes with spectacular acting ability and well crafted writing. Coppola hit a home-run, stepped back up to the plate and smacked another one right out of the park. If you have never seen the masterpiece that is The Godfather, I suggest you make plans to do so. You will not be disappointed, unless you just don't like good movies...
Brand new in original packaging. Hard to find 4-DVD set with out takes and actors comments. Coppola restoration makes it all look great. I'm very satisfied! Great source for hard to find movies.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
God father is a classic... I've seen it for years on tv with dozens of dumb commercials. Now I can watch the entire series...start to finish. I thought I bought a new set but the box it came in was worn on the edges and then repackaged...kinda disappointing
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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