HOT 4K NEWS
PARAMOUNT PICTURES celebrates the 50th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola’s Academy Award-winning masterpiece “The Godfather,” with a limited theatrical release in Dolby Vision beginning on February 25 in Dolby Cinema at AMC Theatres.
And 25 days later, all three films in the epic trilogy, which have been meticulously restored under the direction of Coppola will be made available on 4K Ultra HD on March 22.
The monumental effort included the following:
Over 300 cartons of film were scrutinized to find the best possible resolution for every frame of all three films.
Over 4,000 hours were spent repairing film stains, tears, and other anomalies in the negatives.
Over 1,000 hours were spent on rigorous color correction to ensure the high dynamic range tools were respectful of the original vision of Coppola and cinematographer Gordon Willis.
In addition to the 5.1 audio approved by Walter Murch in 2007, the original mono tracks on “The Godfather” and “The Godfather: Part II” have been restored.
All work was overseen by Coppola.
Newly restored and remastered in Dolby Vision, all three films in the landmark trilogy will be released together with HDR-10 on 4K Ultra HD Digital and 4K Ultra HD for the first time ever. The 4K Ultra HD box set will include “The Godfather,” “The Godfather: Part II,” and Coppola’s recently re-edited version of the final film, “Mario Puzo’s THE GODFATHER, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone.” The disc set includes legacy commentaries by Coppola, as well as access to Digital copies.
In addition to the widely available 4K Ultra HD box set, a 4K Ultra HD Limited Collector’s Edition will also be released in deluxe packaging and includes a hardcover coffee table book featuring stunning photographs, as well as portrait art prints on archival paper.
EXTRAS:
NEW BONUS FEATURES
Introduction to The Godfather by Francis Ford Coppola
Full Circle: Preserving The Godfather
Paramount Pictures archivists detail the incredible restoration process with archival footage showing the evolution of the film through various home entertainment incarnations as picture and audio technologies make quantum leaps over the decades.
Capturing the Corleones: Through the Lens of Photographer Steve Schapiro
In this reflective and frank discussion, special photographer Steve Schapiro shares his unique perspective and cherished memories as a witness to the making of this seminal film. Commentary on curated archival images makes for a fascinating, never-before-seen addition to the production’s history.
The Godfather: Home Movies
An assortment of 8mm home movie footage shot in 1971 offers a candid glimpse into the production of The Godfather. Shot on location at the Norton family estate on Staten Island’s Emerson Hill, this is the first time it’s been made available to the public.
Restoration Comparisons
Before and after highlights showcase extensive picture quality improvements to The Godfather.
LEGACY BONUS CONTENT:
Commentaries by Francis Ford Coppola
The Masterpiece That Almost Wasn’t
Godfather World
Emulsional Rescue—Revealing The Godfather
…when the shooting stopped
The Godfather on the Red Carpet
Four Short Films on The Godfather
The Godfather vs. The Godfather: Part II
Cannoli
Riffing on the Riffing
Clemenza
· The Family Tree
· Crime Organization Chart
· Connie and Carlo’s Wedding Album
· 2008 Credits
· Behind the Scenes
A Look Inside
On Location
Francis Ford Coppola’s Notebook
Music of The Godfather
Nino Rota
Carmine Coppola
Coppola & Puzo on Screenwriting
Gordon Willis on Cinematography
Storyboards – The Godfather: Part II
Storyboards – The Godfather: Part III
The Godfather Behind the Scenes 1971
· Additional Scenes
· Galleries
· Trailers
· Acclaim & Response
· Additional Material
· The Filmmakers
· The Godfather: Part III—newly remastered and restored versions of the original theatrical cut and Coppola’s 1991 cut (note: these are exclusive to the 4K Ultra HD Collections)
SPECS:
Video – 4K remastering from the original camera negative (1.85:1 aspect ratio). HDR10 and Dolby Vision grading on all three films.
Audio – Six-channel DTS-HD soundtrack and the original mono tracks for “The Godfather” and “The Godfather: Part II.”
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