Topic: Metropolis (1927)

[W0m6at]

I've got the dual-format steelbook on order, but I'm not concerned with extras.

Although it didn't come into the equation at the time, a positive is that it has the original intertitles. It seems silly, but I've been burnt by English intertitles before (font is too modern or image too stable and it comes across anachronistic). Funny that language becomes a deciding factor for me on a silent film. If I were the sort to listen to commentaries, I think the MoC is the version to go for. It includes two versions of the commentary (German with subtitles and English dubbed).

From a personal standpoint (and not relating to this particular release), I understand that Eureka! are a very small outfit with an intense love for what they do, and in-principle I like to support them. Kino do some excellent work too (I have their Dr. Jekyll & Mr Hyde 1920 DVD, and will upgrade my public domain versions of any other movies I like to stuff they've released).

I hope that helps.

Edit - Kino are stating on their Facebook page that the region-free status was a mistake, and many people are calling BS on that. They pushed Eureka! to region-lock, then went region-free themselves (although they're claiming they'll region-lock all future pressings). It makes me even more inclined to encourage you to buy the Eureka! release.

[Dr. Hasslein]

That's all very interesting. I think I'll go with the Eureka release.
Now being that Metropolis is a film that was made in 1927, do you think there will be a significant difference in picture quality between the DVD and Blu-ray?

[W0m6at]

That's all very interesting. I think I'll go with the Eureka release.
Now being that Metropolis is a film that was made in 1927, do you think there will be a significant difference in picture quality between the DVD and Blu-ray?

That comes down to the source material (how deteriorated it has become), the particular restoration and what setup you're watching it on. No matter the age, anything shot on film has the potential for the Blu-ray to brutally outshine the equivalent DVD. (Film is essentially unlimited resolution).

Eureka's trailer:

[Achim]

Darn, that region lock on the Eureka release shuts me out. Will have to get the Kino release. The special features on the disc seem to be mainly the same (well, I am looking at the featurette detailing the restoration, which is what I am most curious about), so from that point of view I am fine, the physical swag I don't actual needed here.

[W0m6at]

I watched this on Blu-ray the other night, and was blown away!

Having previously watched the cut version, which left me underwhelmed, I decided to take a chance on the restored edition. The story is strong and makes sense; the reinstated soundtrack is great, and the picture (excepting the re-inserted scenes) looks like it was shot yesterday. The reinserted scenes are certainly watchable, but do suffer by comparison to the rest of the image.

A challenger for my favourite movie from the 1920s (anything will struggle to topple Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, especially since it's my #2 of all time).