The Godfather Trilogy : Remastered Collection - Limited Edition Steelbook Metal Packaging (Exclusive To Amazon.co.uk) [1971] [DVD]

I've owned the previous 5-Disc Set of the Godfather (2001 Release), and I can safely say that the Coppola Restoration is well worth getting, especially at this price, and even better in this limited steelbook package.

I've compared the pictures of the two sets on a Plasma, and there is a huge difference between the two, the print on this new dvd set is far better than the other, a huge differnce in the brightness of the picture, enables the viewer to see clearly and slightly more of the picture.

In addition, Part 2 is in one Disc as opposed to two, which is great, as now we don't need to change the DVD mid-way through. Instead, they've devoted the extra 5th Disc on New Bonus Features which talk about the restoration, along with the original special features, from the previous set, being on Disc 4.

This is surely a great buy at this price at the minute; even if you have the previous set - this one is still worth getting!

The movies speak for themselves; Part I & II are classics, and the much maligned part III is still good in it's own right but obviously not in the same league as the first two. However get this limited "steelbook" edition while you can as it's very cool. I wondered how they were going to get all 5 discs into a slimline case but they managed it! Discs 1-3 are the movies. It's worth noting that Part II is now all on 1 disc (and it's all on one side, it isn't a "flipper"), whereas previously the film was spread across 2 discs. Disc 4 is all of the extras from the last boxset, and disc 5 is the all-new supplementary material. I already owned the previous boxset so wasn't sure if it was worth "double-dipping" for this release. However if you factor in the restored prints, new extras, Part 2 on being on 1 disc, the cool steelbook design, and a very reasonable price I'd say it's worth getting.

There is not a lot to be said about this film that hasn't been already said.
The Godfather has the word classic written all over, it is many a peoples lists of top five movies of all time; IMBD has it at no 1 of all time - that in itself is some accolade. When you watch it, and it stands up to repeated viewings, you can understand why it is rated so highly.
The actual story is first rate, Coppola and Puzo have done a fine job in adapting the book, the acting and cast is superb, the score adds to the atmospheric mood of the film and without being a film student of any type -the direction is fantastic.

There are many a famous scene in this movie - the infamous horse scene being just one - and without giving a synopsis of the movie and ruining plot before viewing all I'd say as an initial statement is - find three hours to sit down and watch this movie. You will not regret it and you will not get bored - instead you'll want to move directly onto Godfather Part II.
Al Pacino gives an amazing performance as Michael Corleone as the Military brother who initially wants nothing to do with his family and what they stand for, and of course the much heralded performance by Marlon Brando as Don Corleone.
It might be at a slower pace than a more modern mafia film, but its better for that, you can get to know the characters, you get a better sense of what is to come instead of spending your whole time trying to work out what the hell is going on and who the guy just popped up on screen actual is. The violence is more than graphic and portrays the strengths and flaws perfectly - espeically of Sonny and later Michael.

Ignore cretins who publically state they only watched the film for 20 minutes and then rate it one star, by 20 minutes of the film you aren't even properly introduced to the family - it's called an introduction - for which the next 150 minutes are better with the added insight to the family.
The Godfather has justified its reputation, it's truly magnificent.

Part II can be seen as both a continuation and a prequel - De Niro (who won an Oscar for the part) plays Don Corleone some 40 years previous - he shares no screen time with the continuation story and the parts are cut throughout the film. Without ruining plot lines / stories both are interesting enough - De Niro's concerning the arrival of Corleone in American and the struggles he goes through initially etc. Pacino's screen time magnifies the changes in Michael from the start of Part I, as he, now Don of the family, seeks to expand the Corleone Empire into areas he would not have dreamt about during the first movie.
It would be incomprehensible to watch Part II without seeing The Godfather first so please do these films in order.
Everything you got in the first film you get again, Part II is certainly on par with the first film and again is essential viewing, epic, violent and wonderful.

Part III is written off as the bad part by many, and yes it is nowhere near the standard of the first two films - but if you ask me it's still a good film and well worth seeing. Don't expect a classic but it's a good mafia movie.

The films do look a little dated now, but do not let that deter you - this is compelling, scintillating viewing and a must see for any film lover.
Apparently these are new versions for 2008 - I imagine just digitally remastered and without too many extra features that only someone with better ears/eyes then myself would notice the difference from the release a few years ago, but issues aside, this trilogy is magnificent. A must buy.