An Offer One Better NOT Refuse

I never saw the Godfather before. I always wanted to see it when I was younger, but for some reason something always prevented me from doing so. My family (being Italian), and some of my friends, and other people around me always told me that these movies were great (with the exception of Godfather Part 3....more on that later). When I learned that this DVD Collection was coming I saw this as my chance to finally see one of the best movies ever made. Not only that, but I would be able to experience it first, not on that abysmal VHS, but on the format that would let me see it in the best way possible, DVD. I made an EXCELLENT choice. This DVD set is marvelous. "The Godfather", "The Godfather Part II" and "The Godfather Part III" are included as well as a full, jam-packed disc full of "Bonus Material". In this review I will briefly summarize and review each movie, and take a look into the bonus materials disc.

The Godfather
The story begins in New York in 1946. It tells the story of the present day Vito "Don" Corleone (Marlon Brando) and his "family business". There are 5 families against each other, competing against each other too see who become the most powerful. The Corleone family "owns" a certain part and people in New York, and those deals make him his money. When Sollozzo offers the Don a chance to make more money selling drugs, he rejects the offer, saying he dislikes drugs, its a "dangerous business". The Tattaglias and Sollozo start going after family partners, and are taken out. Then, an attempt is made on the Don's life. It's up to Michael (Al Pacino) and his brothers to avenge him. Problems arise for others when the Don survives the attack.

REVIEW
The movie may have been 175 minutes long, but let me tell you, it FLEW right by. This is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. I now feel like I have lived. The acting was excellent, and the story all came together extremely well. I really enjoyed Al Pacino in this movie as well, he did such a great job with the role of Michael Corleone. This movie was extremely enjoyable. I really did enjoy every minute of this movie. I actually felt like I was right there with the Corleones as time went by.

Video Quality:9
I thought the transfer was much better than anything I saw from the Godfather on TV and definitely on VHS. (Keep in mind I did see parts of it on VHS from an english project). The DVDs transfer, while being really clear and new looking, still seemed to be not as clear as it could've been, and was a little grainy only in a few places. Never-the-less however, take my word for it that the movie indeed looks really really good.

Sound Quality:10
Again, making sure that I say I am no sound expert, I can tell you that it sounds really good with the 5.1 Dolby Surround. The sound is really crisp and clear.

Overall:10
The movie alone is worth the purchase. This movie is one of the greatest of all time. I really enjoyed this movie to the fullest extent. The Menus in this one only have "Set Up" and "Scene Selection". The main menu also has 3 different backgrounds that come on randomly...each having its own music. With a good transfer of video and sound to this excellent movie, this box set starts out REALLY WELL and remember, there are still 2 more movies and a bonus disc to go. The story is so well told here, not just from what was adapted from Mario Puzo's novel, but through the art of film making.

The Godfather Part II
This movie is NOT a sequel.....what I mean is, it shouldnt be treated like one. It really just goes with the first one. This one shows where where Vito Corleone came from from the time when he was nine years old in 1901. It also shows 12 years after the first film left off. This movie has a full returning cast. Al Pacino also plays an excellent role once again as Michael. And Vito Corleone is played by Robert DeNiro, who in my mind, stole the show. Robert DeNiro has most of his lines spoken in Italian, but he did a wonderful job at being the young "Don". This movie is 200 minutes long and is a MUST SEE as well as the first one.

Video Quality:9
Same as the first film. Less grainy skies in this one. Looks really good again though. DVD is the best.

Sound Quality:10
Great 5.1 Dolby Surround sound. Same as the first film.

Overall:10
I liked this movie a lot. This movie and the first one really compliment each other. I just saw the second one for the first time as well, and I think it was just as good as the first. I think Robert DeNiro does a great job as Vito, and his story is very entertaining. This movie is much more involved than the first, and by that I mean that you have to remember all the people from that one, and remember what was said to understand the portions of the movie pertaining to Michael. Al Pacino has done such a wonderful job in this movie....you can see how hes transformed from the beginning of the Godfather all the way until you see him in this one. Oh, and one annoyance is that it is on 2 DISCS, so you have to change to DISC 2 after about 2 hours. I understand why they did that though....if they forced it onto one disc, they would of lessened the picture and sound quality, so...its ok with me.

NOTE
I'm not going to review "The Godfather Part III" and my reason for that is simple. Some big fans of the series have not seen it, and some fans of the series do not like it. Although I will see it, I feel that if you are debating on whether or not to buy this collection of movies THAT YOU BUY IT SIMPLY TO GET THE GODFATHER PART I AND PART II and the Bonus Disc. Those first two movies are worth every dime that this set costs. Those two movies were really excellent, timeless pieces or art.

BONUS MATERIALS
Behind the Scenes
-The Godfather Family: A Look Inside
-On Location
-Francis Ford Coppola's Notebook
-The Music of The Godfather
-Coppola and Puzo on Screenwriting
-Gordon Wills on Cinematography
-StoryBoards from PART I
-StroyBoards from PART II
-Behind The Scenes 1971
RATING:A
Its very extensive. Very Interesting Info.

Additional Scenes/Chronology
RATING:A
I Like the chronology a lot, really helps to put events in the movie together, especially if you forget the years. There are 41 ADDITIONAL SCENES!!! Have fun.

The Family Tree
-Character Biographies
-Cast Biographies

Photo Galleries (2 Galleries Total)

Theatrical Trailers (3 Total)

Acclaim and Response
-Academy Award Acceptance Speeches
-List of Awards and Nominations
-1974 Network TV Introduction
-DVD Credits
RATING:A
Just a lot of nostalgic information here.

Filmmaker Biographies

Bonus Disc OVERALL
Why am i putting this section? You can decide for yourself! If you are a person who likes extras then this is the set for you. It is packed as you can see with A LOT of information. This one disc will keep you busy for a long time. If you are a fan of these movies, it is a really excellent disc to get into it even more than before.

BOX SET OVERALL
This set is really AWESOME. It has TWO inceredibly awesome movies, PART III, and a loaded bonus disc to compliment it. Not only have these movies been remastered and look really excellent, but they are great movies that not one person can say anything bad about. My ONLY ONLY ONLY slight peeve is that each disc is in its own cardboard casing and not its own plastic keepcase. I forsee problems a few years down the road when the cardboard gets weak and maybe the bindings will want to rip...I dont know, maybe it could happen. None the less however this collection will look so great in your library of DVDs, and it is DEFINITELY WORTH THE PURCHASE. Go out and get it right away!!! If you've seen these movies a hundred times, you'll want it, if you've never seen it before (like me), but you have interest in "mafia" type movies (oh I am SO SORRY for saying Mafia...they avoid that word in the first movie completely). Its a great buy!

A Final Note...I don't think this movie is suitable for children. I mean, it has some disturbing scenes involving some killings, but other than that, they really have to be able to follow the films. If you think that they would be interested and can handle these kinds of films, then let them see it. My father wanted me to see it when I was "old" enough....but it all depends on what you call "children" and the maturity of yours. I think I could've seen this when I was 13 personally, but I think of myself as being more mature and so did my father. So I leave it up to you.