Al Padrino

Okay, so since I saw the cover art for this a couple months back, I've been intrigued and after checking out what it was about and all that, couldn't wait for 5/18 to get here. Anyway, I was in Ann Arbor yesterday and dropped by Borders (since we don't have one). I was almost shocked to see that they had two copies of the DVD, even though it's not due out until Tuesday. I was contemplating ordering it online last week, but held off, even though I figured they wouldn't have it, since it's breaking street date. Not having a Borders here, I'm not sure if this is something they do often. Since it's not a real mainstream title, I suppose not many will notice.

Anyway, now that the backstory is out of the way, I'm wondering: is this a movie that I can watch with having seen M or Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler? Since both flicks have ties to Testament, I was curious as to whether I should see those two films before watching Mabuse?

Also, did anyone else find this early? And for those of you who've picked it up, thoughts on the film and DVD? I can't wait to watch it, but until then, my two cents will be held off.

Linn1

but Borders tends to carry Criterion dvds far more than most chains. I saw the dvd there about a week ago actually.

FilmFanSea

Testament can stand on its own--you don't need to have seen Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler first. Any background you need will be available by David Kalat's no-doubt excellent and exhaustive commentary (he also does the commentary for Image's release of Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler). My copy is still on order. Enjoy!

John Sinnott

FilmFanSea is right, you don't need to have seen the first movie. Any background details that you need are provided in the movie itself.

It's a great movie, and anyone on the edge about this title should go ahead and snag it. The commentary is excellent too.

You can read my review of the title here:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=10674

slop101

If you like Testament, make sure you catch 1,000 eyes of Dr. Mabuse - it was Lang's last film, and the 3rd in his Mabuse trilogy.

LorenzoL

Criterion has released the "Testament of Dr. Mabuse" and there's a version of the "Gambler" by Image. Is the "1000 eyes" also out on DVD.

How's the quality of the Image DVD?

marty888

The Image release of Dr. Mabuse is great - a two-disc set with very good picture quality, and a non-stop commentary that is fascinating and informative. They did a great job with this release.

slop101

Yes, 1000 Eyes is out on a great dvd - the video is a solid anamorphic B&W transfer. For sound, it has both the original German and the English dub. It has a making-of, trailers, a nice little insert, and a commentary by David Kallat - the same guy that does the tremendous commentaries on both the Image and Criterion Mabuse dvds.

Here's a link to buy:
http://www.digitaleyes.net/Details.c...fo=ADED9649DVD

and a thorough review:
http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s127mabuse.html