Das Boot... which version should I watch first?

BiscLimpkit · Post by **BiscLimpkit** » 23 Jan 2006, 13:09

I understand that the movie is edited down from the TV series? Is that correct? Or are they both totally different productions?

Has anyone seen both? Thanks.

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 23 Jan 2006, 14:08

Nope it was first a German TV Series at 293 minutes, then was edited down to 145 minutes for it's theatrical release.

In 1997 it was re-released in USA cinemas in a longer version at 210 minutes long of which most DVDs are based upon, this is the Director's Cut.

The 145 minute cut has never been released on DVD. Which leaves the Director's Cut Standard DVD, Director's Cut Superbit and Extended Cut (German TV Series).

* Standard DVD - R1 is a flipper, R4 only has German DD2.0. GET the UK R2 which is dual layer and has German DD5.1. All have the Making. of and a Director's Commentary.
* Superbit - DTS but split on to 2 discs
* Extended Cut (German TV Series) - The region isn't important. 2 discs and German DD5.1 It has the Making. of but not the Director's commentary

I'm not interested in the SB as I don't see why it needs to be split particularly:

* Standard DVD UK R2 - Is the DC and of importance has a full all out DD5.1 remastered soundtrack, for it's re-release they created a new 5.1 track.
* Extended Cut (German TV Series) - This loses the commentary and the DD5.1 track is said to be not a patch on the one on the DC DVDs BUT it is the longest cut.

I went for the UK R2 standard DVD as:

A: It has the proper DD5.1 track + Commentary
B: I don't always think extra footage is necessary. I'll watch the Director's Cut first and if I like it get the Extended Cut (German TV Series)

http://www.uk.imdb.com/title/tt0082096/ ... teversions

jimmyscab · Post by **jimmyscab** » 23 Jan 2006, 15:45

The bad thing about the standard UK R2 DC is the dubtitles. Also while the surround activity is very very good, I thought the overall sound quality sounded a bit thin, but its been a while since Ive watched it.

Remember the DC is the directors preferred version, hence the name. But many favour the extended versions for the extra scenes.

Ive only seen the DC and I think it excellent as it is. Although i would welcome watching the extended cut if someone gave it to me for free

bradavon · Post by **bradavon** » 23 Jan 2006, 16:04

The bad thing about the standard UK R2 DC is the dubtitles.

That's a pity I didn't know that. It is a very old release so that probably explains it.

Also while the surround activity is very very good, I thought the overall sound quality sounded a bit thin, but its been a while since Ive watched it.

It could be low bit-rate DD5.1 I suspect to fit it all on.

I also suspect the video bit-rate is low so if that bothers you get the SB but you'd lose all the extras.

jimmyscab · Post by **jimmyscab** » 23 Jan 2006, 17:35

Im quite happy about the video. It looks old and bit grainy. But thats how I like it

sky75 · Post by **sky75** » 26 Jan 2006, 15:05

I've never seen Das Boot but I picked up the Superbit for higher video quality and a DTS soundtrack. The DTS soundtrack is supposed to be head and shoulders above the standard Dolby Digital 5.1 especially during with the scenes with depth charges going off.

I'm not interested in the SB as I don't see why it needs to be split particularly:

Brad, at three-and-a-half-hours it's a bit of a squeeze on 1 dvd even without DTS

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 01 Feb 2006, 14:19

Das boot is German for like "that's good"?

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 01 Feb 2006, 14:23

No Eva, it means "The Boat"

EvaUnit02 · Post by **EvaUnit02** » 01 Feb 2006, 14:35

grim_tales wrote:No Eva, it means "The Boat"

Thanks.