Search - Munchhausen on DVD

Buy this one!!!

Steve | Boston, MA USA | 07/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For years I have been familiar with the dog-eared 1978 reissue version of Munchhausen,apparently pieced together from different 16mm prints, from annual showings at Harvard's Carpenter Center, but this new DVD is a revelation.It almost looks new. The color is clear instead of blotchy, the image is clean instead of liney, and scenes that I had read about but not seen are now back in the film.The '78 edit had some crude jump cuts, which are smoothed over and repaired in this version,taken from an original negative that was perhaps only found some time after the previous restoration had been completed.The picture quality is amazing,the reds particularly vivid.Thanks to the F.W. Murnau foundation we can finally see what Munchhausen looked like in 1943, or at least a close approxamation.Contrary to reports, Munchhausen HAS been released on video in the U.S. previously, in a disappointing transfer [probably a 16mm print copied through a film chain]by an outfit called 'Video City'in the early 80's.But a few things about Kino's liner notes:Erich Kastner was a banned author, but he was not Jewish.Kino stresses that Munchhausen was not classified 'politically valuable'but that didn't matter very much:many films otherwise approved were not, and Munchhausen played right up to the German surrender.The bonus animation is also quite impressive, also with brilliantly preserved color.Other bonus clips will give you a glimpse of Nazi-era[and after]diva Marika Rokk, who just died at 90."

BRAVO! DAS IST WUNDERSCHON. BRAVO!

Minnie and Henery Krumb | Wormwood Scrubbs | 07/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"MADE when 'You know Who' ran the country [sounds like a line from 'Wicked...'] this beautifully restored little gem of a fantasy is FINALLY forgiven and available on an extraordinary DVD.

SO many fascinating extras are included not about only this vehicles resporation but others too - thanks to UFA and the WF MAURAU Institute.

There's even quite a good cartoon - 'Winter Journey' preceding the feature.

MORE OR LESS A FAUSTIAN TALE, we follow the Baron through the ages, from Cathy [Catherine] the Great ~ Brigitte Horney {stunning - literal}, to the topless - for 1943 - harem girls, etc - all very very tasteful.

I especially find the opening reels MASTERFUL - the deception about time ....

SAD history about this flic - the anonymous Jewish artists who also worked and contributed to this gem ... and here it is. The costumes are quite memorable, as is the superb score and color by AGFA.

There's also a great deal of melahcholy about the movie -or story - as immortality strikes us - we watch the loved ones fade away.

PLOTLINE [carbon of the Gilliam version - but more pathos here].

HANS ALBERTS [especially those pale green eyes] ignite the screen!

A MUST FOR THE SERIOUS AND NOT TOO SERIOUS COLLECTOR .... and really fit for all.

BRAVO KINO - keep 'em coming!"

"Emil and the detectives"

cgnbooks | Cologne | 09/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some of you might remember German author Erich Kaestner, famous for his lyrics, a novel "Fabian" and his childrens books: Emil and the detectives, Das doppelte Lottchen ... He wrote under pseudonym Bertold Buerger ("Bert Citizen") the script and all those wonderful funny dialogues. Look out for the famous Wagnerian operasinger Leo Slezak and all the other UFA-celebreties. It's a true all star vehicle in wonderful Agfa-colour. Except Russia all szenes were filmed on location: Venice and Canale Grande - Wow!"

Munchhausen, a long hidden treasure

Kevin Keech | Brea, CA United States | 05/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a fan of fantasy, old movies, or a history buff, I highly recommend this film. Though produced during the later days of the Nazi empire as a showcase film to rival Technicolor, the movie contains no politics. Given the times, the special effects were amazing. The DVD is presented in its native German, with English subtitles.

Hans Albers is excellent as the Baron, who is both sophisticated and philosophical, traveling through history to a bittersweet end.

There is some minor nudity (topless) so I'd probably not recommend this for kids under 15.

The DVD contains some very interesting extras that discuss the Ufa Studio, Agfa Color, history of the Munchhausen story, production during WW II, and technical restoration of the movie.
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