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The Baader Meinhoff Complex aka Der Baader Meinhof Komplex [Blu-ray]
(Uli Edel, 2008)
Review by Gary Tooze
Production: Theatrical: Constantin Film Produktion Video: MPI Video
Disc: Region: FREE! (as verified by the Momitsu region FREE Blu-ray player) Runtime: 2:29:41.472 Disc Size: 47,723,155,334 bytes Feature Size: 41,159,110,656 bytes Video Bitrate: 31.52 Mbps Chapters: 24 Case: Standard Blu-ray case Release date: March 30th, 2010
Video: Aspect ratio: 1.85:1 Resolution: 1080p / 23.976 fps Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio German 2255 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 2255 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 24-bit) DTS-HD Master Audio German 958 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 958 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 16-bit)
Subtitles: English (SDH), none
Extras: Blu-ray disc • How the Film Came About: The Baader Meinhoff Complex (29:47 German with English subtitles)• Trailer (2:14) 2nd disc DVD: • 3-part Interview with author Stefan Aust (approx. 40-minutes in total) • 2-part Interview with writer and producer Bernd Eichinger (approx. 25-minutes in total) • The Actors on their Roles (37:49 German with English subtitles) • Scoring Baader (11:56 German with English subtitles)• On Authenticity (20:39 German with English subtitles) • Behind the Scenes (12:58 German with English subtitles)
Bitrate:
Description: Germany in the 1970s: Murderous bomb attacks, the threat of terrorism and the fear of the enemy inside are rocking the very foundations of the still fragile German democracy. The radicalised children of the Nazi generation led by Andreas Baader (Moritz Bleibtreu), Ulrike Meinhof (Martina Gedeck) and Gudrun Ensslin (Johanna Wokalek) are fighting a violent war against what they perceive as the new face of fascism: American imperialism supported by the German establishment, many of whom have a Nazi past. Their aim is to create a more human society but by employing inhuman means they not only spread terror and bloodshed, they also lose their own humanity. The man who understands them is also their hunter: the head of the German police force Horst Herold (Bruno Ganz). And while he succeeds in his relentless pursuit of the young terrorists, he knows he s only dealing with the tip of the iceberg.
The Film:
Like the name of the West German radical terrorist organization whose
tale it tells, "The Baader Meinhof Complex" is a fascinating hybrid of a
film. Even though its purpose couldn't be more serious, its style could
hardly be more pulp. Which is probably fitting for a group that started
out with high-minded goals and ended up robbing banks and blowing people
away.
Imbued with the spirit of youthful rebellion that seized Europe in 1968 but also burdened by a particularly German fear that saw a revival of fascism latent in every government action, Baader Meinhof virulently opposed U.S. involvement in Vietnam and believed it was, as one of its member says, "going to change the political situation or die trying." Excerpt from Kenneth Turan at the Los Angeles Times located HERE
The Baader Meinhof Complex looks excellent on Blu-ray from MPI. Previously available overseas this makes it's digital debut for 1080P edition and SD-DVD (available HERE) in North America - both packages offered as 2-disc releases. The art direction here is excellent and brings relevancy to the film's period with colors often subdued. Skin tones seem true and contrast exhibits healthy black levels. Detail is strong and defined in the many close-ups of the film. The Blu-ray disc is dual-layered with the 2.5 hour film taking up over 40 Gig. The transfer is at the higher end with a very competent rendering of a deceivingly good looking film.
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Audio :The disc sports a lossless DTS-HD Master 5.1 track, in original German, at 2255 kbps. While not the most dynamic track I've heard it appears to get the job done with a lot of activity from explosions to gunshots showing decent range and bass response. It's no demo but competent and supports the film well. There are optional English subtitles and m y Momitsu has identified it as being a region FREE disc playable on Blu-ray machines worldwide. Extras :The package is stacked with a separate DVD including about 2.5 hours of extra features. On the Blu-ray disc we get the lone supplements - How the Film Came About: The Baader Meinhoff Complex running 30-minutes - in German (as are all features) focusing on the film's roots and a theatrical trailer (2:14). On the 2nd disc DVD we get a 3-part Interview with author Stefan Aust (approx. 40-minutes in total) and a 2-part Interview with writer and producer Bernd Eichinger (approx. 25-minutes in total). Both excellent vieiwing. There are production details and historical accuracies discussed in The Actors on their Roles, Scoring Baader (Peter Hinderthür and Florian Tessloff), On Authenticity and some Behind the Scenes clips. In the absence of a commentary for the fairly long film these extras cover an immense amount of ground and I would only want some further historical details and/or vintage clips. As it stands we get a bucket-full for those willing to indulge.
Second disc DVD
BOTTOM LINE: Gary Tooze March 17th, 2010
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About the Reviewer: Hello, fellow Beavers! I have been interested in film since I viewed a Chaplin festival on PBS when I was around 9 years old. I credit DVD with expanding my horizons to fill an almost ravenous desire to seek out new film experiences. I currently own approximately 9500 DVDs and have reviewed over 3500 myself. I appreciate my discussion Listserv for furthering my film education and inspiring me to continue running DVDBeaver. Plus a healthy thanks to those who donate and use our Amazon links.
Although I never wanted to become one of those guys who
focused 'too much' on image and sound quality - I
find HD is swiftly pushing me in that direction. So be
it, but film will always be my first love and I list my
favorites on the old YMdb site now accessible
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