Das Boot (The Original Uncut Version) (DVD)

It is Das Boot, and it is FIVE HOURS LONG! That's right, if you are any fan of this film this is the definitive edition as you now have the "Original Uncut Version" as director Wolfgang Petersen (Troy) intended you to see it in all its confining glory.

Originally released in 1982 and after receiving six Oscar^® nominations (Cinematography, Directing, Film Editing, Sound, Sound Effects Editing, Writing) I believe there are no more opportunities for another edition of this movie to come out as Amazon.com has three different versions available for purchase, but with this two-disc, five hour version there can't be any more. Right?

Now, this is the first time for me watching this film and although it is extremely well done and acted out it is just too much for me as Petersen takes the simplest of tasks and turns them into epics of their own. Just as well it seems that the same scene is done over and over again, I mean how many times can a plane zoom in as we are then greeted with shouts of "ALARM!!"

The "Director's Cut" DVD has a running time of 209 minutes while this version adds an additional 84, and since I have not seen either the theatrically released version or the Director's Cut I cannot tell you what has been added or taken away, but I can tell you that this is just too long.

As far as special features go there isn't really anything to tell you about except a "making-of" documentary that is passed its due date citing Air Force One as Petersen's next film, but it does add a little to the drama created as the cast and crew gives you some insight into the production and what it meant to them in bringing the submarine tale to life.

It would have been nice to get a commentary from Petersen, but then again I don't think I could have sat through the 5 hours to hear it.

There is no denying that Das Boot is an epic of epic proportions, but it is worth saying that if you are planning on watching this one you better sit down with a cup of coffee and five hours to spare because you aren't going anywhere.