Customer Reviews

Godfather 1902-1959 Complete Epic [VHS]

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I'll preface this by saying that it's best you watch the originals first (though most have already seen them). The first theatrical release is legend. The Godfather II was also remarkable, providing the incredible backstory for Vito as a child and how he came to be. It reveals the details of his past that most were anxious to discover after viewing Godfather I. As such, the slower pacing and darker qualities of the second film were not a liability. This epic version was edited chronologically, which means you actually see mostly Godfather II for the first third of the epic. For some first-time viewers this version may not work as well.

I actually own the DVD box collection with films 1,2 and 3. When I'm in the mood to watch The Godfather I & II films however, I always find myself pulling out this version on VHS instead. I much prefer watching this family's story unfold over time.

I sincerely hope that they release a DVD version soon. I'm afraid that my VCR player might eat the tape someday from too many viewings. Godfather - The Complete Epic is a must for fans of these films.

This is a wonderfully done re-edit of the first two movies of the Godfather, with extra footage added in. The story is told in entirely chronalogical order except for one flashback at the very end, scenes are added and the story takes on a much more historical/familial feel to it, particulary at the end of the second movie with Michael all alone.
Not a movie for anyone who hasn't seen the Godfather trilogy in it's orginal format. really wish this movie would be re-released by the studio on DVD.
In terms of editing quality and addition of subtle depth to the story lines the most recent example of a well done re-edit on the lines of this movie was the masterful job on the extended versions of Lord of the Rings trilogies. Everyone who loves the Godfather trilogy as much as I do should see this movie.

I purchased the "Godfather Epic" years ago. After watching it I felt as if I had seen the godfather for the first time. Now I am praying for a DVD presentation to be released. Kieth J Joyce gives a very accurate review and I couldn't agree more with it. Now, if the studio would just release a DVD version......

For the 'Godfather' afficianado, this is the film for you. The story was well adapted for film from Mario Puzo's sweeping saga and even more so, gives veiled insights into real life mafia events. Although the studio produced the 'Epic' without Francis Ford's full consent, Mr. Coppola should be more than proud of the praise this version received. I have heard that Mr. Coppola refuses to let this version be reissued in DVD format, but I hope that not only is it released in the future, but that 'all' additional footage is restored. By that, I mean that I have seen additional footage on the TNT and TBS versions of the film that was not even released in the Epic. So, to all who revere this film, keep your fingers crossed in hopes that the future will bring us 'The Godfather Saga'.

This is a marvelous way to experience The Godfather I and II. In the 1980s these two classic films were broadcast on television with the events from both films placed in chronological order, and with added scenes not used in the theatrical releases. These include a pivotal scene with Brando and Pacino in which we learn why Michael entered the family business after returning from Italy. We see De Niro's Vito hunt down the two men who hunted him as a child, the violence placed in stark contrast to the gorgeous imagery Coppola created. And we get to see the fate of Fabrizio,the traitor responsible for the death of Michael's first wife, in scenes omitted from the second film. In this video version the portions censored for television have been restored. While Francis Ford Coppola went on record as saying he did not like the films presented in this way, I greatly enjoy seeing the Corleone saga from start to end. It is a great pity the films have not been released in this format for DVD.

Who do we petition to get this released on dvd?!? This is the only reason we must still keep a VCR in the house! And this is the only way to watch the trilogy. Of course I enjoy watching 1 and 2 in their separate forms, but I don't ever put in #3. In the chronological version, it all just flows and is the best single film of all time. I mean really, what is the hold up or hesitation of getting these out on dvd?

Loving the originals, I love this chronological version more. It is the best movie experience, to my mind, exhilarating and endlessly fascinating, both for the story and the art. I used to watch the whole thing every Labor Day. Alas, the tape has worn out, and I bought a used version which was nearly unwatchable because of the deterioration.

Please, please, powers that be, please put this on DVD. It is understood, the director has artistic reasons for not doing so. But can he be so adamant, that he would deny movie-lovers the pleasure of seeing what they regard as an additional masterpiece of his?

Maybe for the 30th ann in 2012 they might put this out. This blows away the 3 films separately. Come on studio exec's! Release this on DVD, if not just a low budget straight from VHS to DVD copy.

I love this version of the Godfather Trilogy. Actually it isn't a trilogy. It is the entire Godfather Epic shown in chronological order from the time that they killed Vito's father and his entry through Ellis Island through Michael's death in The Godfather III.

Fans of the trilogy may be a little confused at first because most of the beginning of the epic version is from The Godfather II.

My Sister and I made a day of it and watched the entire 9 hours in one day. Of course we had to take a break here and there to eat, etc. but we had a wonderful time.

I am one of the lucky ones. I purchased this version on laserdisc and it actually has a serial number inside the box. I don't know if the VHS version has the extras but the laserdisc has interviews with Al Pacino and Coppola and other material sort of like "the making of" for DVDs.

Maybe if enough people write to Paramount to express their interest in this version Coppola will release this version on DVD.

I would suggest to whoever has the final say in this matter, that there is a large audience that is waiting, and has been waiting for a long, long time for this superior version of the two films to be released on DVD/Blue Ray.
It has been many years since I viewed the "Epic" but have longed for a another opportunity. To see this story played out in chronological fashion is, in my opinion, the best way to view this great adventure.