The Godfather:
45th Anniversary Edition
review Bobby Blakey
There are few films in history that are as iconic as Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 masterpiece The Godfather starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, James Caan, Talia Shire, Richard S. Castellano, Diane Keaton, Abe Vigoda, Gianii Russo, and John Cazale. Now the film is celebrating its 45th anniversary with an all-new Blu-ray release of both the original and 1974 sequel The Godfather Part II thanks to Paramount Pictures.
If you are one of the few that have never seen the film, The Godfather follows the aging head of a famous crime family who decides to transfer his position to one of his subalterns when a series of unfortunate events start happening to the family, and a war begins between all the well-known families leading to insolence, deportation, murder and revenge, and ends with the favorable successor being finally chosen. I hadn’t sat down and watched this film in a long time and it still holds up to perfection showcasing why it is so highly regarded in film history. There is nothing about this film that you cannot love from the betrayal and inner family turmoil, to the warring mafia all coupled with the romance and rise to power and ultimate transfer of power that all comes together brilliantly.
I love everything about this film and this latest release looks great. It isn’t a special restoration or anything, but still looks excellent in hi-def. The overall quality of this release makes the film all the better as you revisit the brilliance of it all. I was hoping for more bonus features, but it only includes commentary from Coppla. This will likely keep the cost lower and in all reality this is worth buying for the film alone. If you have never seen it or just need to add it to your collection this 45th anniversary edition is the perfect chance to check out the easily one of the greatest films of all time.
Grab your copy of The Godfather: 45th Anniversary Edition available now from Paramount Home Entertainment.