INTRO It's 1941,World War ll and the battle for the Atlantic is turning against the Germans. Nevertheless the German high Command orders more and more U-boats (submarines) into battle from their ports in occupied France.
40,000 German sailors served on U-boats during World War ll.
30,000 never returned.
DAS BOOT (THE BOAT) This Film was first broadcast back in 1981 on German television as a mini series which became so popular that it has now been viewed all over the world. This mini series was cut down by almost half, to be made into a feature film (plently long at 200mins). Das Boot, The Director's cut takes you onboard a claustrophobic submarine during the mayhem of 1941 when british destroyers (ships) were getting much more sophistocated with radar and sonar thus being able to detect deeper into the sea. The atmosphere on the U-96,one of the famed German U-boats known as The Grey Wolves is captivating and as the film proceeds you will begin to enjoy the entrancing ride of these sailors as they launch torpedos and endure heavy depth charges in retaliation (make sure you've got the volume up). All the German crew and especially the Capt-Lt Henrich Lehmann-Willenbrock (Jurgen Prochnow) give truly enthralling performances. This film really does take you on a journey with many edgy moments including an emotional trip to the sea bed when they are hit by a depth charge.
THE DIRECTING The director Wolfgang Petersen does an outstanding job to keep you inches from the action inside the submarine,all the cameras are in the right places at the right time. The panning shots that follow the crew running from one end of the submarine to the other are breathtaking. I was a bit disappointed that it didn't pick up an Oscar for best director as in my books the direction is unparalleled, it however was nominated for best Director, best Cinematography.
THE MUSIC The music is second to none,absolutely spot on with the help from Klaus Doldinger. when I hear the opening music to Das Boot it always gives me goose pimples (very stimulating). .To me the music from Das Boot is as absorbing, if not more, than the famous music in Jaws the film.
LANGUAGES Das Boot was filmed in German and for me that's the best format (watching with subtitles) although if you're feeling lazy you can opt for dubbed English which is done very well.
DAS BOOT (SUPERBIT) I had the pleasure to watch this film at my relatives,who has an HD television and a superbit DVD player.and I cannot stress how much better it is. The picture and sound are stunning, razor sharp and its hard to believe that what your watching is not live in your room. I will definitely be buying this Superbit technology when the prices come down a little.
DVD INFO Running time 200mins Sound 5.1 DTS /surround Dolby Digital Widescreen 1:85. Rated 15
EXTRA FEATURES Director's Commentary (Wolfgang Petersen) Featurette Theatrical Trailer
SUMMARY Das Boot (Director's cut) DVD is a Masterpiece,down as one of my best films of all time. With its mesmerizing music and riveting tense wartime action that will keep you spellbound for the full 200mins. I fully recommend this film and with Superbit technology it's awesome. The price of Das Boot (Superbit) DVD is £16.99 at choices UK but always compare prices when buying DVD's (kelkoo.co.uk) also ebay is great for finding a bargin.
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