The Godfather (DVD 2004)

Quite simply, the greatest movie ever made. Though I hesitate to use the tired allusion, it must be said: This is the movie Shakespeare would've written had he been born 400 years later. It has become one of a very few films that has etched itself deeply into the fabric of society. There are countless lines that are immediately recognizable (and still often used) by every English speaking male on the planet. I stress "male" because this is a decidedly masculine movie. "The Godfather" offers everything, except sex, a man could possibly hope for in a film.

At a time when we've become content if a filmmaker can develop and maintain a single idea throughout a movie, "The Godfather" is an embarrassment of riches. Respect, trust, power and importance of family are just a few of the main themes woven together to form this magnificent tapestry. Actually, the movie is a collection of individual episodes, any one of which could have been developed into a whole separate film. Instead, they are all tied together into a brilliant air-tight bundle of a plot. The basic storyline is the waning power of Don Vito Corleone, a New York City mob boss in the 1940s, and the emergence of his sheltered youngest son, Michael, as the new head of an even stronger family, but it's impossible to give the film justice with a short synopsis.

Looking back at the whole, it's amazing so much was crammed into one movie. It's more like six films in one, but never feels cramped or confused (but it is long so pack a lunch). Then it ends with one of the best closing shots of all time as Michael's wife, Kay, stares back in horror as she finally realizes what her husband has become. Despite the length, it still leaves us wanting more.

DVD Review:
This new DVD is enhanced for 16:9 TVs but isn’t loaded with extras. Not that that matters – you don’t purchase a DVD of this classic for the extras. It does, however, include Francis Ford Coppola’s commentary, which is superb and blows away the majority of the extra features that pollute today’s DVD sets.

Most fans of this extraordinary film and of filmmaking in general will hang on Coppola’s every word. Coppola tells a captivating story of how difficult it was to make the movie, giving details of the studio’s many efforts to fire both him and Al Pacino. In the end, though, Coppola won most of the battles and left us with this masterpiece.

Not only is this a GREAT film but, in my opinion, THE BEST movie ever made.
There are scenes that will stay in your memory forever, the music is fabulous and the plot/storyline original. Indeed THIS is the benchmark movie by which ALL other 'gangster' movies are judged. Many have tried to copy but The Godfather is a classic. Buy it!

If not the best movie ever made, it is atleast the best mob movie ever made. Marlon Brando is just stunning as the godfather, and I deeply missed him in part 2 and part 3. I don't think it was wise to kill off the godfather so soon in the triogy, and Al Pacino really doesn't hold a candle to Brando. Apart from that, the Godfather is the ultimate movie which deserves all your attention when watching.

great movie,classic mafia style. marlon brando at his best,the movie has an all star cast,and, it's age only adds to it. in fact,it is a timeless classic movie.

I bought this dvd because I love all al Pacino films, Al-Pacino is one of my best acter. the DVD is in a very good condition. many thanks and wish all the success in your work. A++++++

This was an excellent film, I totally loved it. The best bit was the middle. I originally decided to buy it because the price was just £4, but having watched it I'd be willing to pay £10!

Must have watched it 100 times over the last decade, simply sublime.The Godfather part II is equally as good, possibly the best sequel ever made.

As scary as it is intelligent, as funny as it is touching, The Godfather is a prime example of the way cinema should be: excellent telling of complete stories. It is the film to top all films, one of the finest motion pictures not only of our time but of any time. As trite as all of these labels may sound, they are true. The Godfather has already stood the test of a quarter century, which equates to a quarter of the history of film. It will stand the test of time as time continues to plod on. As long as they teach cinema, they will teach The Godfather.

Definitely one of the best gangster movies ever made, with a host stars that had either made their name (Brando) or were about to (Pacino, Caan, Keaton). Outing the Mafia as Mario Puzo's book and transferring it top film was accurate.Although they were the bad guys it exhibits the southern European strong family bonds that have disappeared in much of northern European society. Brando's diction was a little difficult to follow but made it all the more lifelike.

An excelent film. Amazing acting from Marlon Brando. I only saw it once. I must see it again a couple of times.

My all-time favourite movie!!! A wonderful, ground breaking film. The cast is amazing, Al Pacino absolutely wonderful, and Marlon Brando is unforgetable. The script and cinematography are incredible from start to finish. You cannot help to be captivated by this film, it is a classic, and is as enjoyable today as it was over 30 years ago, now that's saying something!!!