Sometimes anniversary releases are just put out to celebrate a film and nothing more. There’s nothing wrong with that, as it puts the film out there for new audiences and fans will possibly get a cool looking new case and maybe one or two new special features. But then there are anniversary releases like The Godfather Trilogy. A release that has a mind-blowing amount of remastering work behind it, which is something that’s often saved for films that are viewed as some of the best to have ever graced the silver screen.
This is the 50 year anniversary of the Francis Ford Coppola trilogy, and Paramount has made sure to pull out all the stops for the first ever 4K release of the films. Being overseen by Coppola himself, Paramount and American Zoetrope (Coppola’s production company) worked together to meticulously restore all three Godfather films over the course of three years. The last time that these films were upgraded was back in 2007 on Blu-ray when they were restored by film historian and preservationist Robert Harris. Using his work as a blueprint, this latest round of remastering saw the team go through each film frame by frame, spending over 4,000 hours fixing stains, scratches and other noticeable issues with the negatives.
For those wondering if all of this was time well invested, I can assure you that it was. As technology has grown it’s given studios the chance to go back and clean up film that otherwise would’ve simply deteriorated beyond repair. Now instead of losing these pieces to time, we’re instead treated to upgrades when technology allows it that can make the film feel brand new. While we’ve always enjoyed movies at home, and often didn’t complain when we only had DVDs because DVDs were the best quality of home viewing available. But then DVD couldn’t compare to a remastered Blu-ray, and now a remastered Blu-ray isn’t in the same ballpark as a full 4K Blu-ray restoration.
While I can’t say that we won’t ever get any better than this, I will say that it’ll truly be amazing if we reach that point. With thousands of hours being poured into this release of The Godfather Trilogy, fans of the Corleone family shouldn’t be asking if they should double dip in this 4K box set, but where can they order it as soon as possible.
I won’t delve into the films themselves too much in this review, because odds are you’ve seen them – and if you haven’t then this release is the absolute best time to join the crew. In short, the trilogy follows the Corleone family, a mafia family whose patriarch, Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), works his way up to being one of the major players in organized crime. The true arc of the three films belongs to Vito’s youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino,) who becomes Vito’s successor, despite being someone who initially wasn’t involved in the family business. It’s a masterfully told story of family, loyalty, love, loss, betrayal and revenge based off the novels by Mario Puzo.
To say that the 4K restoration of the trilogy is astonishing simply doesn’t do this set justice. The team that worked on these films has not only breathed new life into them, but they also made sure to keep the original look and feel of the films intact. So while the films have never looked better, they also haven’t lost the filmic look that was how the film was originally meant to be viewed. They also spent over 1,000 hours on colour correction, as so much has changed in that department, allowing the films to look more dynamic than ever, while also being respectful of cinematographer Gordon Willis and Coppola’s original vision.
It’s always amazing when films hit this level of restoration to the point where they look like they could’ve been filmed yesterday. The amount of details that become visible on the actor’s faces is astonishing, and words truly can’t express how taken back fans will be by the love and care that was invested into this release. This is anything but an anniversary cash grab, and it’s a must-buy no matter how many previous copies of these films you already own.
The packaging is beautiful for those looking to pick up the regular 4K trilogy. Each disc has its own cardboard case, with art from the film on the front of the case, and the most famous quote from each film found on the backside. Within each we have the disc, as well as a collage of images from the films that are showcased in the colour designated for that film. The packaging is simple in its materials, but gorgeous from a stylistic approach.
There’s also a separate case for the trilogy’s special features, and also found within it is a disc that holds The Godfather: Part III, which holds newly remastered and restored versions of both the original theatrical cut and Coppola’s 1991 cut. If you’re wondering why these are found in the special features package, it’s because the 4K restoration is of Coppola’s definitive vision of the trilogy’s conclusion, The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone.
My review of the Blu-ray can be found here if you want my thoughts on the latest – and final – cut of the third film, but rest assured, those who may not have seen it yet will be happy that it was the one to receive the 4K restorative treatment once they do. If it’s not clear already, there’s no better way to celebrate The Godfather’s 50th anniversary than to pick up the 4K Ultra HD Collection and enjoy the films in all their immaculate glory. It’s clear that a lot of work went into making this set the best it could be, and in the end it truly is an offering you can’t refuse.
4K Blu-ray Video and Audio Review
As mentioned throughout this review, the work done on the restoration of these films by Paramount and American Zoetrope is absolutely phenomenal. The Dolby Vision colour grading that they’ve done is just masterful, and it breathes new life each film, adding even more depth to the added textures brought to the forefront in this 4K release. The colours are just so full and it really is hard to put into words just how superb these movies now look. Willis would be proud at how his vision has lived on, and been reinvigorated in the most impressive way since these films were originally released theatrically.
On the audio side of things we’ve got the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless soundtrack brought over from the Blu-ray release in 2007, which still holds up beautifully. It’s as rich as the images that accompany it, and both help create the best viewing experience for viewer. They’ve also gone and restored the original moon tracks on The Godfather and The Godfather: Part II. It’s not as powerful and all-encompassing as the 5.1 surround delivery, but it’s still clear and impressive and a nice bonus for those who will benefit from it.
Special Features:
First I’ll cover the special features that were just added for this release, before giving a summary of the legacy features brought over from the original Blu-ray release. There are a few really nice new additions that fans will enjoy, on top of the abundance of previously released content. I’ll say that even if they only released the 4K restored films themselves this set would be a must buy, so having all of these features in one place is just gravy.
NEW Special Features for the 4K UltraHD Collection Release:
The Godfather: Part III — The newly remastered and restored versions of both the original theatrical cut and Coppola’s 1991 cut are only available as a part of this 4K UltraHD Collection, which is a nice bonus for those who may prefer the original cut, or want to at least have the best version of it available.
Introduction to the Godfather by Francis Ford Coppola – This is a 3-minute intro, which sees Coppola talk about the impact the film has made on cinema, working with Mario Puzo, how the cast and crew are what help the film hold up today, as well as touching on the third film. It’s brief, but it’s still nice to hear from Coppola about his most notable works.
Full Circle: Preserving The Godfather – This feature comes in at just over 16 minutes in length and covers the exhaustive restoration process that went into making this 4K collection. It’s a really fun, interesting piece that touches on how technology has evolved, and how they’re able to bring older films into the modern age by using it. Fans of the films and movies in general will love this one.
Capturing the Corleones: Through the Lens of Photographer Steve Schapiro – This feature is just over 13 minutes in length and has set photographer Schapiro shares his memories of being there during the making of this film. There are some wonderful images found within this piece, on top of some interesting facts and conversation with Schapiro.
The Godfather: Home Movies – Here we’ve got 9-minutes of 8mm home movie footage shot in 1971 that allows us to get a glimpse into how it was on set during the filming of The Godfather. This is just great stuff, and so nice to have and get to enjoy five decades later.
Restoration Comparisons – This is fairly self-explanatory, but here we get to see just how much of an overhaul this restoration process was compared to the previous one done in 2007. There are two found here, one for The Godfather, and one for The Godfather: Part II. Both just over five minutes in length, but impressive to see the quality difference.
Legacy Special Features:
Here is a list of the features brought over from the Blu-ray release for you to enjoy once again, or for the first time if you’ve yet to see them. I won’t break them down individually, but know that there’s a lot of viewing material here, so set some time aside if you’ve yet to see them.
The Masterpiece That Almost Wasn’t
Godfather World
Emulsion Rescue – Revealing The Godfather
…When the Shooting Stopped
The Godfather on the Red Carpet
Four Short Films on The Godfather
GF vs GF Part II
Riffing on the Riffing
Cannoli
Clemenza
The Corleone Family Tree
Crime Organization Chart
Connie and Carlo’s Wedding Album
Behind the Scenes
A Look Inside
On Location
Francis Coppola’s Notebook
Music of The Godfather
Coppola & Puzo on Screenwriting
Gordon Willis on Cinematography
Storyboards — Godfather Part II
Storyboards — Godfather Part III
The Godfather Behind the Scenes 1971
Additional Scenes
Scenes (1901-1927)
Scenes (1945)
Scenes (1947-1955)
Scenes (1958-1979)
Galleries
Trailers
Photo Gallery
Rogues’ Gallery
Acclaim & Response
Additional Materials
James Caan Screen Test
The Sopranos
Puzo “For the Money”
The Godfather Around the World
Cosa Nostra & Coppola
The Filmmakers
Francis Ford Coppola
Mario Puzo
Gordon Willis
Dean Tavoularis
Nino Rota
Carmine Coppola
Godfather Chronology
2008 Credits
DVD Credits
Paramount Pictures Presents The Godfather Trilogy 4K Collection. Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola. Based off the novels by: Mario Puzo. Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, James Caan, Talia Shire, Diane Keaton, Bridget Fonda, Andy Garcia. Running time: 537 minutes. Rating: 14A. 4K Blu-ray Collection Released: March 22, 2022.
