ADDITION: Masters of Cinema - Region 'B' Blu-ray - (November 2010) -  The Masters of Cinema Metropolis Blu-ray comes in two flavors; Both are 'reconstructed and restored' and both, presumably, the exact same 1080P transfer. One, however is a standard (with lone Blu-ray disc noted by the Blue-sticker) and the other is housed in a  'steelbook' case (noted by a green-sticker) and has the 2-disc DVD set (noted by a red-sticker) - available HERE - also included... and so labeled a "dual-format' package.

The visual differences between the US and UK Blu-rays is too minute to make issue with. I had my wife do a double-blind test, using my 60" system, on 3 separate scenes and I wasn't able to state with any certainty which edition one was playing. Technically we can give this to the Masters of Cinema transfer though which has a higher overall disc space size, larger file size for the 2.5 hour feature - by about 2.5 Gig - and hence, a higher video bitrate. Perhaps someone with a sharper eye or larger system could note any disparity.

NOTE: If you are keen enough to find a difference in the screen captures below - be aware that it is possible that I didn't match the exact frame and, more importantly, that in-motion these minor differences can be virtually imperceptible. Both are from the same source and both 1080 progressive.

Audio is likewise indistinguishable - both with two lossless DTS-Master tracks (5.1 and 2.0 channel) of the Gottfried- Huppertz score as performed by the Rundfunk Symphony Orchestra, Berlin - conducted by Frank Strobel. It sounds so majestic and rich - really magnificently supporting the onscreen visuals.

So, what are the differences? - well, like the DVD editions, Masters of Cinema have recreated the theatrical 'feeling' using the original German intertitles cards - with English subtitle translation optional. I rate this as a huge difference almost akin to a DUB vs. original language audio. Personally, I am put far deeper into the mood and aware of the historical significance of what I am watching. Also the Masters of Cinema subtitle translation is more complete and accurately worded (see our sample below). My Momitsu confirms that the UK disc is region 'B'-locked.

The other ginormous difference is in the extras.  The MoC matches the Kino with the never-before-seen 54-minute documentary on the making and restoration of Metropolis entitled The Voyage to Metropolis (Die Reise nach Metropolis) and the 2010 restoration trailer. What we lose is the 10-minute interview with Paula Felix-Didier, curator of the Museo del Cine, in Buenos Aires. BUT what we gain is fabulous - a full-length audio commentary, recorded in March of 2010, by David Kalat (who, generally, handles production history) and Jonathan Rosenbaum (discussing critical perspectives - also impressions from other journalists). They work very well together and discuss the enduring legacy of Lang's Sci-fi classic, revelations contained in the newly found footage, the power of the images and film language utilized by the iconic director among many other details. It's fabulous - fairly low key - but brimming with relevant information. Possibly this is my favorite commentary of the 2010 year. Lastly, included in the package is a magnificent 56-page booklet featuring archival interviews with Fritz Lang, a 1927 review by Luis Buñuel, articles by Jonathan Rosenbaum and Karen Naundorf, and restoration notes by Martin Koerber. Masters of Cinema handily wins in the supplements department.

It's hard to put into words the importance of this reconstructed film. With the incorporation of the newly found footage this is the most complete we have been able to see Metropolis since January 10th, 1927. With the important supplements the Masters of Cinema should rank as one of the top 3 packages of the entire year. It's a must-own for those in region 'B' or with region-free equipment. It has our highest recommendation! Bravo to Nick Wrigley and the MoC gang... you have my utmost respect.  

 - Gary W. Tooze

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ADDITION: Kino - Region FREE Blu-ray - (November 2010) -  Firstly, despite information to the contrary - this is indeed a region FREE Blu-ray.

This is the 'Complete' edition with the 25-minutes of found footage.

While I don't think the captures do justice to the image in-motion, I'd like to reserve the bulk of my comments for when we add the Masters of Cinema Blu-ray to this comparison. I have a sneaking suspicion it will 'best' the Kino... on every front. The Kino looks as good, or maybe slightly superior, to the TCM broadcast I saw the other night. It is impressive - contrast has improved over their flawed Kino DVD and we no longer have the improper standards conversion issue to deal with. No rounded corners or pictureboxing either. The 'found' sequences that are scattered throughout the film are pretty rough (see samples below) with extensive scratches and not full 1.33 frames.

We get two lossless tracks - both with the Gottfried- Huppertz score. A DTS-HD Master 5.1 at a buoyant 3022 kbps and a linear PCM in 2.0 channel at 2304 kbps. Both are performed by the Rundfunk Symphony Orchestra, Berlin - conducted by Frank Strobel. They sound great - very lively and the surround has some separations and deepness in the bass. Kino have the pre-translated intertitles and enforced subtitles for the German text segments. My Momitsu has verified it as being a region FREE disc playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide.

Kino haven't brought over the commentary and supplements include The Voyage to Metropolis: a never-before-seen 55-minute documentary on the making and restoration of Metropolis, an interview with Paula Felix-Didier, curator of the Museo del Cine, in Buenos Aires for less than 10-minutes and a 2010 restoration trailer. All are in HD!

Stay tuned - we will add significantly to these comments after we have added the Masters of Cinema 1080P edition.

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 - Gary W. Tooze