Fritz Lang Mabuse Box (MoC #89-91) in October

[NoirFan]

From the Criterion Forum:

089 - 090 - 091
THE FRITZ LANG MABUSE BOX
October release

We're working closely with David Kalat on this set, he's providing newly recorded, updated commentaries for all three films. Should be a sexy box.

[AGameWithStones]

Uh, are you sure about that? Phantom is neither Mabuse nor Lang. Don't you mean The Thousand Eyes of Dr. Mabuse?

EDIT: I've known that Phantom is coming from MoC eventually for a while now, but its nothing to do with Mabuse.

[Dr. Forrester]

I've got the Image and Eureka! version of The Gambler and the Criterion of issue of Testament (never picked up 1000 Eyes), but I'd more than likely pick up this box set, if only for a full, updated commentary on the first film (Image version is cut) and to finally get 1000 Eyes.

Kalat is easily one of my favorite commentators, especially on the Mabuse series. Here's to hoping this box set pans out!

[zombeaner]

Hmm, I have the US versions of The Gambler and Testament, and it'll take something pretty special to interest me in upgrading.

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by AGameWithStones

Uh, are you sure about that? Phantom is neither Mabuse nor Lang. Don't you mean The Thousand Eyes of Dr. Mabuse?

Yes. Yes I do.

"Talk amongst yourselves. I'll give you a topic. Phantom is neither Mabuse nor Lang. Discuss."

[NoirFan]

Wow, I just checked Amazon and the OOP All Day Entertainment disc of 1000 Eyes of Dr. Mabuse is fetching $54.99 and up. Selling that alone ought to take care of a good chunk of this set's expected price. It's too bad the Eureka Fritz Lang box has no listing on Amazon US, it's priced at a whopping 300 pounds on Amazon UK.

[Dr. Forrester]

From the Criterion Forum thread:

I actually thought the three films in question would be "Spieler" Pt.1 & 2 and "Testament", considering there are only three spine numbers. Nick, can you confirm whether "1000 Eyes" is in the set?

We're counting both parts of SPIELER as one spine number. Yes, 1,000 EYES is the third film.

As suspected, but nice to have the confirmation.

[gglass4269]

forgive me for being a noob, but are these R2 only?

[manicsounds]

MoC is not really consistent with NTSC/PAL, region 2 or region 0

Their releases are mixes of NTSC Region 2 or 0, PAL Region 2 or 0, just depends on the release.

[NoirFan]

[Subgeniusguy]

Nice

[obscurelabel]

I never picked up the All Day 1,000 Eyes, but it sounds intriguing. I've only seen Testament, which is amazing. I think I read that the All Day 1,000 Eyes had to use a PAL video tape for the last few mintues, as they couldn't find a film source? Maybe a better source was found and they can improve the transfer?? (fingers crossed).

[NoirFan]

SPECIAL FOUR-DISC BOX SET INCLUDING:

* Original German-language intertitles for Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler., along with newly translated English-language subtitles for each film.
* Newly recorded feature-length audio commentaries on all three movies by film-scholar and Fritz Lang expert David Kalat.
* Three video-featurettes totalling an hour-and-a-half in length on: the score of Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler.; the creation of Norbert Jacques' 'Mabuse' character; and the motifs running throughout the works.
* 2002 video interview with Wolfgang Preiss, the star of Die 1000 Augen des Dr. Mabuse.
* An alternate ending to Die 1000 Augen des Dr. Mabuse taken from the French print of the film.
* Optional English-language dub track for Die 1000 Augen des Dr. Mabuse.
* Three lengthy booklets containing a new translation of Fritz Lang's 1924 lecture on 'Sensation Culture'; an essay by critic and scholar Michel Chion on the use of sound in Das Testament des Dr. Mabuse; new writing on Die 1000 Augen des Dr. Mabuse by critic David Cairns; extracts from period interviews with Fritz Lang; an abundance of production stills, illustrations, and marketing collateral and more!

[Steve]

i thought the Kino version of Gambler was the most complete. No?

Will this new release be the definitive?

I have 1000 eyes, testament. and Dr. Mabuse from Image (which I thought the commentary was great).

I was just thinking of maybe getting the Kino to get a more complete version.

Comments?

This is the part of watching movies that I hate. Trying to ensure that I have the best version possible. Without this being on blu-ray, I may not take the plunge.

[Zizoujuve]

Mabuse cover art is up on masters of cinema's website. Absolutely stunning and definately a must buy.

[NoirFan]

Here's a review.

[NoirFan]

DVD Outsider review:

As box sets go, this is a doozy, eight hours of thrilling and painstakingly restored film entertainment, a further eight hours of densely informative commentary, well over an hour of stand-alone DVD extras and three booklets. Individually I'd be enthusiastically recommending each one, but as a box set they're an absolute treat. Very highly recommended.

Can't wait for this to arrive next week.

[TheDoug]

Yeah, my box set just shipped from Amazon.uk, and I'm counting the days!!!

[Nth Power]

Is the shipping to the U.S. for this affected by the UK mail strike?

I'm hesitant to order if it means not seeing it until who knows when.

[manicsounds]

check amazon uk's main page. It says international orders won't be affected.

[Nth Power]

Originally Posted by manicsounds

check amazon uk's main page. It says international orders won't be affected.

Excellent. Thanks!

[MooMooMooMoo]

I've been told that I can't post a full review here, but i will briefly say that I have the set & have written a lengthy review for another forum (scroll down to post #6) & the set is excellent.

[TheDoug]

Originally Posted by MooMooMooMoo

I've been told that I can't post a full review here, but i will briefly say that I have the set & have written a lengthy review for another forum (scroll down to post #6) & the set is excellent.

Great review MooMooMooMoo! My set just arrived, and this will be my Halloween treat to myself! (That's an interesting forum site as well...just what I need, to add another forum to my favorites list!!!)

[MooMooMooMoo]

Doug, thanks for the compliment!