Metropolis (Restored Authorized Edition)

I thought I’d add in my own two cents about this fine film. This version features scenes not found in most dvd/vhs versions of Metropolis. I am not talking so much about the scenes of, say, the two guys fighting over Maria in the Yoshiwara Nightclub I am rather speaking about scenes of Freder’s feverish delusion of Maria at Rotwang’s. This scene features moments we didn’t see in other dvd/vhs versions (like Freder pointing and then saying something like "Death Descends on the City"). But it also lacks moments we did see on the others like Maria opening her dress real wide just as she starts her erotic dance. The reason is that this film is made up of scenes that were in the 1927 German release and most other versions have outtakes of the film. Other differences are that in the dance of the dead the skeleton Grim Reaper lifts his hands up before he starts his bone/flute  playing but in most versions he swings his bone/flute back and forth before beginning the dance. Also, the guardians of the Moloch machine look at each other here whereas in the outtake versions they lower their arms. Personally, I prefer the outtake versions to this. However, this version is brilliant for many reasons too. It is by and far the closest version to the original in being complete (with subtitles to fill in where footage is still lost from the original). It has the haunting original score and it is crystal clear (a whole mini-documentary is on the dvd where they explain how they got the film back in tip/top shape). The only version of Metropolis coming close to this is the one by Giorgio Moroder in the 1980’s (which had it all pretty clear and used the honestly superior outtake footage along with a terrific, surprisingly fitting enough rock score). Best version is this version but the many very available inferior versions are still worth a glance or two as well. Other special features on this dvd are good too, btw.

PS On a cheaper outtake version the note Freder holds in his hand with Rotwang’s name on it is written I think in German. In this more "authentic" version the note is written in English. That can’t be the shot of the note on the film’s original 1927 German release. Also, a cheaper outtake version by Front Row Entertainment (I believe that is the dvd company’s name) lists actor Fritz Rasp as playing the Foreman. Actually, Rasp plays Slim the butler/spy in the film. The foreman Grot is played by Heinrich George (sp?). At least the kino version gets this right about Rasp.