The Godfather Collection (1990)

Throughout his long, wandering, often distinguished career Francis Ford Coppola has made many films that are good and fine, many more that are flawed but undeniably interesting, and a handful of duds that are worth viewing if only because his personality is so flagrantly absent. Yet he is and always shall be known as the man who directed the Godfather films, a series that has dominated and defined their creator in a way perhaps no other director can understand. Coppola has never been able to leave them alone, whether returning after 15 years to make a trilogy of the diptych, or re-editing the first two films into chronological order for a separate video release as The Godfather Saga. The films are our very own Shakespearean cycle: they tell a tale of a vicious mobster and his extended personal and professional families (once the stuff of righteous moral comeuppance), and they dared to present themselves with an epic sweep and an unapologetically tragic tone. Murder, it turned out, was a serious business. The first film remains a towering achievement, brilliantly cast and conceived. The entry of Michael Corleone into the family business, the transition of power from his father, the ruthless dispatch of his enemies--all this is told with an assurance that is breathtaking to behold. And it turned out to be merely prologue; two years later The Godfather, Part II balanced Michael's ever-greater acquisition of power and influence during the fall of Cuba with the story of his father's own youthful rise from immigrant slums. The stakes were higher, the story's construction more elaborate, and the isolated despair at the end wholly earned. (Has there ever been a cinematic performance greater than Al Pacino's Michael, so smart and ambitious, marching through the years into what he knows is his own doom with eyes open and hungry?) The Godfather, Part III was mostly written off as an attempted cash-in, but it is a wholly worthy conclusion, less slow than autumnally patient and almost merciless in the way it brings Michael's past sins crashing down around him even as he tries to redeem himself. --Bruce Reid Amazon.com essential video

A Masterpiece

Parts 1 & 2 rate a full 5 stars. Part 3 not as good in comparison, give it 3 stars. Still recommend the bundle. Goodfella's is still my fave ganster flick, though. July 13, 2008

Excellent offer

This dvd collection is great! We received some super coupons with our shipment that were unexpected. Definitely a good buy! July 8, 2008

Very poor picture quality.

I was very disappointed with this box set because of the terrible picture quality. My old letterboxed VHS set had better picture quality than whats on these DVDs. Great movies, inferior product. July 8, 2008

Makes an excellent gift

A must have collection and makes a great gift for someone who loves this masterpiece. July 4, 2008

Save your $ -- Restored Set Due in Sept. '08

Just a PSA -- Paramount has announced that a new restoration of all three films will arrive in September 2008, coming on DVD and Blu-ray Disc.

This 2001 set is adequate, but that's about it. Save your money and pick up the restored version at the end of summer. June 30, 2008

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