Rewind @ www.dvdcompare.net - Metropolis (1927)

R0 Australia - Madman Entertainment Special Edition Extras: DISC ONE * The Film Audio commentary by film historian Enno Patalas DISC TWO "The Metropolis Case" documentary (43:53) "The Restoration" featurette (8:50) Photo galleries: – "The Making Of 'Metropolis' Production Stills" (30 pictures) – "Missing Scenes" (27 pictures) – "Architectural Sketches" (16 pictures) – "Costume Designs" (13 pictures) – "Poster" (5 pages) 13 Cast and crew biographies "Facts and Dates" notes Bonus trailers for "La Strada", "The Leopard" and "Playtime" (8:10) Subtitles: English Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: PAL Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 (2001 recording of the original score) Music Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (2001 recording of the original score) Case type: Digipak Notes: 2001 restoration. The film is slightly windowboxed. All the extras are in German with English subtitles. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R1 America - Kino Lorber Giorgio Moroder Version Extras: 1984 featurette: 'The Fading Image' Gallery 'Complete Metropolis' Trailer 'Moroder's Metropolis' Trailer Subtitles: English Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: NTSC Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 (1984 Moroder score) Music Dolby Digital 2.0 surround (1984 Moroder score) Case type: Keep Case Special thanks to Rewind user Daniel_Rudolph for providing these specifications. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R1 America - Kino Video Restored Authorized Edition Commentaries: Audio commentary by film historian Enno Patalas Extras: "The Metropolis Case" documentary (43:49) "The Restoration" featurette (8:48) Photo galleries: – "The Making Of 'Metropolis' Production Stills" (30 pictures) – "Missing Scenes" (27 pictures) – "Architectural Sketches" (16 pictures) – "Costume Designs" (13 pictures) – "Poster" (5 pages) 13 Cast and crew biographies "Facts and Dates" notes Subtitles: English Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: NTSC Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 (2001 recording of the original score) Music Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (2001 recording of the original score) Case type: Keep Case Notes: PAL→NTSC conversion of the 2001 restoration. The film is slightly windowboxed. Comes with a 2-page leaflet containing lLiner notes by Martin Koerber. All the extras are in German with English, French and Spanish subtitles. Also available in the "Fritz Lang Epic Collection" boxset, containing "Metropolis", "Die Nibelungen", "Spies" and "Woman in the Moon". Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R1 America - Kino Lorber The Complete Metropolis Extras: "Voyage to Metropolis" documentary (54:17) Interview with curator of the 'Museo del Cine' Paula Felix-Didier "2010 restoration" trailer Subtitles: English Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: NTSC Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 (2010 recording of the original score) Case type: Keep Case Special thanks to Rewind user Daniel_Rudolph for providing these specifications. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R2 Benelux - Living Colour Entertainment The Complete Metropolis Extras: "Voyage to Metropolis" documentary (52 min) Subtitles: Dutch, French for German Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: PAL Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 (2010 recording of the original score) Music Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo (2010 recording of the original score) Case type: Keep Case Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R2 France - MK2 Special Edition Extras: DISC ONE * The Film Audio commentary by film historian Enno Patalas DISC TWO "The Metropolis Case" documentary (43:52) "The Restoration" featurette (8:49) Photo galleries: – "The Making Of 'Metropolis' Production Stills" (30 pictures) – "Missing Scenes" (27 pictures) – "Architectural Sketches" (16 pictures) – "Costume Designs" (13 pictures) – "Poster" (5 pages) 13 Cast and crew biographies "Facts and Dates" notes (5 pages) DVD credits (4 pages) Subtitles: English, French, Italian and Spanish (optional) for German Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: PAL Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 (2001 recording of the original score) Music Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (2001 recording of the original score) Case type: Keep Case Notes: 2001 restoration. The audio commentary and documentary are available in both English or German with optional subtitles. Special thanks to Rewind user cornelius666 for providing these specifications. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page	Buy this disc from Amazon France
R2 Germany - Warner Home Video 3 Disc Special Edition Extras: DISC ONE * The Film DISC TWO "Metropolis – the Restoration of a Classic Film" documentary (27:42) "Metropolis Refound" documentary (46:49) (in Spanish with optional German subtitles) "Voyage to Metropolis" documentary (52:26) DISC THREE Examples of the digital picture restoration (14:22) Examples of the digital reconstruction (35:49) Comparison between the intertitles of the German & Argentinian versions (10:14) Gottfried Huppertz as a bit-part actor and extra in Fritz Lang films (9:26) Motifs from Gottfried Huppertz' composition for Metropolis in Willy Schmidt-Gentners music for Cyankali (1930) (6:43) Quotations from Metropolis in Geza von Bolvarys Das Schloss In Flandern (11:45) Gramophone record with introduction by Lang and motifs from the composition of Huppertz (8:39) DVD-ROM - Mini-features about the special effects - Picture galleries Subtitles: German Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: PAL Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 (2010 recording of the original score) Music Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo (2010 recording of the original score) Case type: Special Case Notes: 2010 "The Complete Metropolis" restoration. Includes a 32 page booklet. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R2 Germany - UFA/ Universum Film Deluxe Edition Extras: DISC ONE * The Film Audio commentary by film historian Enno Patalas DISC TWO "The Metropolis Case" documentary (43:52) "The Restoration" featurette (8:49) Photo galleries: – "The Making Of 'Metropolis' Production Stills" (30 pictures) – "Missing Scenes" (27 pictures) – "Architectural Sketches" (16 pictures) – "Costume Designs" (13 pictures) – "Poster" (5 pages) 13 Cast and crew biographies "Facts and Dates" notes (5 pages) DVD credits (4 pages) Subtitles: English, French, Italian and Spanish (optional) for German Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: PAL Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 (2001 recording of the original score) Music Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (2001 recording of the original score) Case type: Keep Case Notes: 2001 restoration. The audio commentary and documentary are available in both English or German with optional subtitles. Special thanks to Rewind user ElPampeGrande for providing these specifications. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R2 Japan - Culture Publishers Extras: "Yodogawa's 100 Classics" notes Subtitles: Japanese Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: PAL Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 2.0 Dual Mono Case type: Keep Case Notes: Note, many pre-1953 Japanese and non-Japanese films are considered to be in the public domain in Japan, including "Metropolis". Though this uses a non-authorized transfer, the release is perfectly legal in Japan. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R2 Scandinavia - Atlantic Film Extras: Film restoration demo (8:58) Subtitles: Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish for German Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.30:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: PAL Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo Case type: Keep Case Notes: 2001 restoration. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R2 United Kingdom - Eureka Masters of Cinema #8 Extras: DISC ONE * The Film Audio commentary by film historian Enno Patalas (in English) Audio commentary by film historian Enno Patalas (in German) DISC TWO "The Metropolis Case" documentary (43:52) "The Restoration" featurette (8:49) Photo galleries: – "The Making Of 'Metropolis' Production Stills" (30 pictures) – "Missing Scenes" (27 pictures) – "Architectural Sketches" (16 pictures) – "Costume Designs" (13 pictures) – "Poster" (5 pages) 13 Cast and crew biographies "Facts and Dates" notes (5 pages) DVD credits (4 pages) Subtitles: English, French, Italian, Spanish (optional) for German Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: PAL Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 (2001 recording of the original score) Music Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (2001 recording of the original score) Case type: Keep Case Notes: 2001 restoration. The audio commentary and documentary are available in both English or German with optional subtitles. Comes with a 28-page booklet containing extensive details on lost scenes and reprints of article interviews and film essays. Special thanks to Rewind user JaLe for providing these specifications. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R2 United Kingdom - Eureka [2017 Release] 90th Anniversary Edition Masters of Cinema #8 Extras: DISCS ONE & TWO (Blu-ray Copy) DISC THREE (DVD) * The Film (2001 Restoration) Audio commentary by film historian Enno Patalas (in English) Audio commentary by film historian Enno Patalas (in German) Subtitles: English (optional) for German Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: PAL Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 (2001 recording of the original score) Music Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (2001 recording of the original score) Case type: Keep Case Notes: The German commentary includes optional English subtitles. DISC ONE includes the 2010 Complete Version on Blu-ray. DISC TWO includes the Giorgio Moroder version on Blu-ray. Limited edition keep case with slipcase (2000 copies). Includes a 100 page book featuring extensive writings on the film; interviews with Fritz Lang and a stunning array of rare archival imagery. Available exclusively from Eureka! direct. Special thanks to Rewind user Matt_Bailey for providing these specifications. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R2 United Kingdom - Eureka Giorgio Moroder Version Extras: "The Fading Image" featurette (17:55) Subtitles: English Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: NTSC Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 Music Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Case type: Steelbook Special thanks to Rewind user ecc for providing these specifications. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R2 United Kingdom - Eureka Special Edition Extras: DISC ONE * The Film Audio commentary by film historian Enno Patalas DISC TWO "The Metropolis Case" documentary (43:52) "The Restoration" featurette (8:49) Photo galleries: – "The Making Of 'Metropolis' Production Stills" (30 pictures) – "Missing Scenes" (27 pictures) – "Architectural Sketches" (16 pictures) – "Costume Designs" (13 pictures) – "Poster" (5 pages) 13 Cast and crew biographies "Facts and Dates" notes (5 pages) Subtitles: English Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: PAL Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 (2001 recording of the original score) Music Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (2001 recording of the original score) Case type: Keep Case Notes: 2001 restoration. The film is slightly windowboxed. All extras are in German with English subtitles. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page
R2 United Kingdom - Eureka The Complete Metropolis Masters of Cinema #8 Commentaries: Audio commentary by film historians David Kalat and Jonathan Rosenbaum Extras: "Voyage to Metropolis" documentary (54:38) "2010 restoration" trailer (2:01) Subtitles: English (optional) for German Intertitles Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Picture Format: Non-Anamorphic TV System: NTSC Soundtrack(s): Music Dolby Digital 5.1 (2010 recording of the original score) Music Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (2010 recording of the original score) Case type: Keep Case Notes: Comes with a 56-page booklet containing archival interviews with Fritz Lang, a 1927 review by Luis Buñuel, articles by Jonathan Rosenbaum and Karen Naundorf and restoration notes by Martin Koerber. Also available in a double pack with "The Complete Metropolis" Blu-ray edition. Visitor Jon (Baggish) has confirmed that this release is NTSC. Also available in a Steelbook with the Blu-ray. Special thanks to Rewind user Daniel_Rudolph & Jon for providing these specifications. Have you spotted a mistake in these specifications? If so, let us know via our forums. Return to top of page

OVERALL: Draw

2010 Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung "Complete" restoration:
- The R2 German "3 Disc Special Edition" has the 2010 restored version of the film with the most extras. Though note it is not English friendly.
- The R1 US "Complete Metropolis" includes an exclusive interview, though note it doesn't include the original German Intertitles.
- The R2 UK "Complete Metropolis" includes an exclusive audio commentary.
2001 Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung restoration:
R0 SE Australian and R2 SE France/Germany/UK are proper transfers of the shorter 2002 restored version of the film, and come with significant extras. Among these note that the UK SE comes with a booklet.
R1 “Restored Authorized Edition” should be avoided since it is a PAL→NTSC conversion, and with everything on a single disc.

1984 Giorgio Moroder Version:
The US Kino Lorber "Giorgio Moroder Version" and the UK Eureka "Giorgio Moroder Version" releases are currently the only releases we have specs for. Only minor differences between the releases.

General film notes:

Metropolis has a very convoluted release and re-edit history, but for practical purposes there are only three versions worth considering and all are available on authorized home video:
- 2010 Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung "Complete" restoration (150 min, 24 fps) - with new recording of the original 1927 premiere Gottfried Huppertz orchestral score (The Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Frank Strobel)
- 2001 Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung restoration (124 min, 24 fps) - with new recording of the original 1927 premiere Gottfried Huppertz orchestral score (The Rundfunksinfonieorchester Saarbrücken, conducted by Berndt Heller)
- 1984 Giorgio Moroder Version (83 min, 24 fps) - adds tinting, some special effects and a modern rock/pop soundtrack

The film has always been fully copyrighted worldwide except for the US, where it fell into the public domain between 1953-1995. Information on the copyright can be found on the "Metropolis" Wikipedia entry and this detailed article at Plagarism Today.

Warning!
There are many unauthorized poor quality DVD bootlegs and all should be avoided. These are from labels such as Alpha Video (US), Catcom Home Video (US), Classic Media Holdings (US), Delta Entertainment (US), Diamond Entertainment (US), Films sans Frontieres (France), Force Video (Australia), Front Row Entertainment (US), Madacy Entertainment (US), Navarre Corporation (US), Platinum Disc Corporation (US), St. Clair Vision (US), Synergy Entertainment (US), TGG Direct (US), Triad Productions (US) and others.

Information on differences between the 2001 restoration and the 2010 restoration can be found at Movie-Censorship.

Visual comparisons are available on ChiaroScuro, Caps-A-Holic and on DVDBeaver through the following link:
CUTS:
- R0 Special Edition Australia- Madman Entertainment - 2001 Murnau Foundation 75th anniversary restored version (118:39 PAL).
- R1 Giorgio Moroder Version America- Kino Lorber - 1984 Giorgio Moroder version (82 min NTSC).
- R1 Restored Authorized Edition America- Kino Video - 2001 Murnau Foundation 75th anniversary restored version (118:24 PAL->NTSC).
- R1 The Complete Metropolis America- Kino Lorber - 2010 complete version (149 min NTSC).
- R2 The Complete Metropolis Benelux- Living Colour Entertainment - 2010 complete version (144 min PAL).
- R2 Special Edition France- MK2 - No cuts – 2001 Murnau Foundation 75th anniversary restored version (118:32 PAL).
- R2 3 Disc Special Edition Germany- Warner Home Video - 2010 complete version (144:03 PAL).
- R2 Deluxe Edition Germany- UFA/ Universum Film - 2001 Murnau Foundation 75th anniversary restored version (118:32 PAL).
- R2 Japan- Culture Publishers - Unidentified version.
- R2 Scandinavia- Atlantic Film - 2001 Murnau Foundation 75th anniversary restored version (118:37 PAL).
- R2 United Kingdom- Eureka - 2001 Murnau Foundation 75th aniversary restored version (118:32 PAL).
- R2 90th Anniversary Edition United Kingdom- Eureka - 2001 Murnau Foundation 75th aniversary restored version (118:27 PAL).
- R2 Giorgio Moroder Version United Kingdom- Eureka - Giorgio Moroder Version (83:00 NTSC).
- R2 Special Edition United Kingdom- Eureka - 2001 Murnau Foundation 75th anniversary restored version (118:38 PAL).
- R2 The Complete Metropolis United Kingdom- Eureka - 2010 complete version (150:09 NTSC).
Do you own a release not listed? Then please visit our forums and let us know!
Comparison added by Craig on 18/07/01
Comparison last updated by James-Masaki_Ryan on 25/03/23

UPDATE LOG:

04/02/11: Comparison clean-up and addition of the "Complete Metropolis" US, Benelux and UK editions.
09/02/11: Typo correction.
13/12/11: Added R1 Kino release of the Moroder version.
09/03/12: Changed the R2 UK "Complete Metropolis" to NTSC.
27/07/12: Added R2 UK Giorgio Moroder Version.
30/08/13: Addition of the R2 Scandinavian edition.
10/03/16: Addition of German 3 disc, ASINs, minor runtime updates on UK MoC, US Restored.
05/11/18: Removed "No cuts", removed unauthorized editions, updated notes, capsaholic.
05/02/23: Updated notes with Movie-Censorship.
25/03/23: Added UK 90.
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Metropolis (1927)

R0 Australia - Madman Entertainment
Special Edition

R1 America - Kino Lorber
Giorgio Moroder Version

R1 America - Kino Video
Restored Authorized Edition

R1 America - Kino Lorber
The Complete Metropolis

R2 Benelux - Living Colour Entertainment
The Complete Metropolis

R2 France - MK2
Special Edition

R2 Germany - Warner Home Video
3 Disc Special Edition

R2 Germany - UFA/ Universum Film
Deluxe Edition

R2 Japan - Culture Publishers

R2 Scandinavia - Atlantic Film

R2 United Kingdom - Eureka
Masters of Cinema #8

R2 United Kingdom - Eureka [2017 Release]
90th Anniversary Edition
Masters of Cinema #8

R2 United Kingdom - Eureka
Giorgio Moroder Version

R2 United Kingdom - Eureka
Special Edition

R2 United Kingdom - Eureka
The Complete Metropolis
Masters of Cinema #8

OVERALL: Draw

CUTS:

UPDATE LOG: