DR MABUSE DER SPIELER (Masters of Cinema) (BLU-RAY)

Dr Mabuse The Gambler is a film that I purchased after watching Metropolis and Die Nibelungen. The fantastic creative style of these movies were truly unforgettable and I loved (nearly) every minute of each film. When I read about this film essentially being a crime thriller, I thought that the change in direction could be quite fascinating and it was.The premise of the expert gambler and hypnotist Dr Mabuse being hunted down by the police force is very well handled. I love the way the main character does his thing by switching between clever costumes and messing with the minds of his victims. There are some great effects moments, including a brutal shoot out at the end. Some of these scenes are a far cry from the previous Fritz Lang movies I have seen but did a great job of being visually spectacular.Much like the previously mentioned films, Dr Mabuse The Gambler is a lengthy two part movie that can seem a little tiresome in one sitting. With that said, the movie can easily be watched in two separate viewings and I do recommend that you do so. As much as I enjoyed the film, I would be hard pressed to watch it all in one go.I fully admit to being a little inexperienced with the silent movie genre of cinema, but I know what I like and this is definitely one of them. The film has a good story with numerous memorable characters, great music and just oozes with personality. I reckon if I can enjoy this then it is a must have for genuine movie enthusiasts.

Fritz Lang's silent masterpiece is split into two parts and lasts about four hours. But, like a lot of Lang's films, it sets off at a whirlwind pace with an attack and robbery of a secret, commercial treaty on a moving express train. Dr. Mabuse, a man who amuses himself though gambling with human lives and destinies, uses the stolen information to corner the stock exchange. This is just the beginning of a epic struggle between moral individualism and the seemingly invincible powers of an evil mastermind. The print is crisp, the soundtrack is great,( a jazzy, Kurt Weil-sh, Mack the Knife-like piano score). The intertitles are in the original German with an English translation; and here there is a minor annoyance with some titles being an almost literal translation along the lines of, ' since two days I am waiting now." but that is a small irritation in an otherwise excellent package. Sometimes the image presented reminds us how long ago it is; the First World war had been over for less than five years. It seems other wordly in some aspects, (such as the policemen all carrying swords ): but very modern in others, (malevolent terrorism for no logical purpose).Dr Mabuse is the prototype of every James Bond villain you have ever seen.Well worth the purchase: an excellent introduction to silent films.

I must honestly say i was very sceptic about a silent movie with a duration of 4,5 hours however this one knocked me off my feet. Fritz Lang is a master of the silent movie era together with the mighty F.W. Murnau. I saw the 2 parts of the entire movie over 2 days because i had to let it rest for a while before i was ready to undergo the second part. I have never seen the 2 follow up sequels made by Lang and after seeing the extra on this disc i might only be interested in the 2nd prequel because the 60ies and last part will not have the same atmosphere and impact on me i guess than this first part. Together with the sci fi silent classic Metropolis this is a true masterpiece. Seeing such a classic is a wonderful experience in a world of bigger, faster action movies which we now live in. I am a fan for slow movies or maybe i am just getting old, who knows, but i do know that i recommend everyone not to miss out on this Eureka! beauty. The packaging and booklet are again lovely as nearly always by The Masters Of Cinema.

Excellent upgrade of my old Kino DVD, Fritz Lang's seminal "Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler" is as spellbinding as ever. Essentially two films released about a month apart and running at 4.5 hours it is a two night event (for me anyway,) that never gets boring. Set in the uncertainty & unrest of Weimar era Germany, where getting rich quick and dire poverty went hand in hand--Mabuse is a psychoanalyst by day and criminal mastermind by night, that has minions all across Berlin. A city with a decadent night life that loves to party and gamble. It is a fabulous window into a troubling era.The image restoration by the Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Foundation is incredible. Though one can see where takes from alternate prints were used, the results are mostly seamless. "Dr. Mabuse: der Spieler" also has a wonderful score composed by Aljoscha Zimmermann. As I always tell people "silent films" were not meant to be viewed silently.Essential viewing for anyone interested in film, especially the cinema of Weimar Germany.

An interesting film, historically both in terms of the development of films and the attitudes and politics of the twentieth century - as well as illustrating the enigma and the skill of Fritz Lang himself.Technically impressive, lively ... effective ... but rationally and logically preposterous: impact and effect have been given precedence over coherence and sense of plot ... supernatural events allow the cutting of rational corners! There are also ambiguities and discontinuities ... poorly matched disparate plot lines? ... which are carried through on the vigour of the action but also reflect Fritz Lang's own ambiguities of intent (political? anti-nazi or not?) and his dubious accounts of dealings with Doctor Goebbels and the regime. The accompanying "documentary essay" is as interesting as the film itself..

This film marks the beginning of Fritz Lang's cinematic trilogy that spans across the ever evolving world of cinema. Whilst this film is around 4 hours and 30 minutes, it's an enjoyable experience that can be used to observe the purely practical aspects of cinema. I advise the music to be turned down or off entirely, its intrusion on the experience is irritating when the same track in played repeatedly for the whole film.