Blu Tuesday is a weekly column where we review the newest Blu-ray and 4K releases, along with a brief rundown of the included bonus material, to determine whether they’re worth buying, renting or skipping.
Pick of the Week: “The Godfather Trilogy”
There’s not much to say about Francis Ford Coppola’s celebrated crime saga that hasn’t already been said. “The Godfather” and “The Godfather Part II” are among the greatest films in American cinema history, and although the lesser third film (in this case, Coppola’s recently re-edited version, “The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone”) doesn’t quite hold the same importance, it’s nevertheless a fitting end to the trilogy. Most movie fans have probably owned these films in one form or another over the years, but this new five-disc box set celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original 1972 classic is definitely worth the upgrade. Meticulously restored under the direction of Coppola and beautifully remastered in 4K, all three movies look better than ever, especially the much beloved first two films, which have improved dramatically since the last restoration in 2008. This is about as close to the definitive “Godfather” collection as you’re bound to find — it even includes remastered versions of the theatrical and 1991 cuts of “The Godfather Part III” that are exclusive to this release — and as such, it’s an absolute must-have for any self-respecting cinephile.
Extras include an introduction to “The Godfather” by director Francis Ford Coppola, a featurette on the film’s restoration process, a collection of archival images from photographer Steve Schapiro with accompanying commentary, hours of legacy bonus material from previous releases and more. FINAL VERDICT: BUY
Also Out This Week:
“Nightmare Alley” — Based on the novel of the same name, which was previously adapted into a 1947 movie starring Tyrone Power, “Nightmare Alley” is the kind of project that feels tailor-made for someone of Guillermo del Toro’s unique sensibilities. The director really leans into his gothic tendencies (both aesthetically and narratively) to deliver a seedy, sinister and hugely atmospheric neo-noir that grows more macabre as it goes on. Though it’s a rather simple story, it’s told incredibly well thanks to some sumptuous cinematography and production design, as well as a stellar cast led by Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett, both of whom deliver top-notch work in their roles. The movie runs a little long, even for the type of slow-burn thriller that it’s emulating, but del Toro ensures that it’s one you won’t soon forget with a hard-hitting finale that will haunt you for days. Extras include a behind-the-scenes look at making the film. FINAL VERDICT: BUY
Disclosure: Bullz-Eye was provided a copy of the above titles for review purposes.
