HOME TRAILERS 2023 SCHEDULE 2024 SCHEDULE SHORT FILMS REVIEWS PODCAST INTERVIEWS NEWS FEEDS ABOUT US

LATEST NEWS

Restored Version of Metropolis Hitting Theaters in Summer

by Alex Billington
February 13, 2010
Source: AICN, THR

What many people may not know about me is that I am a huge fan of Fritz Lang's Metropolis. I love the sci-fi genre and have an immense respect for Metropolis, not only for its influences on the genre, but also because it's just a wonderful movie. If you didn't know, Metropolis (originally released in 1927) has been butchered over the years with re-edits and different cuts that Fritz Lang himself has come to denounce. Eventually, part of the original version became lost, and it wasn't until another unedited original print was found in Buenos Aires that it could be restored to the original version that Lang intended audiences to see.

The Berlin Film Festival hosted a screening of the "reconstructed and restored" Metropolis right in Pariser Platz near the Brandenburg Gate (which is where the photo below comes from via In Contention) yesterday night. There was also a streaming version of the event online (watch a recap here), but for those of you that want to actually see this movie in its original form on the big screen, you may have the opportunity to do so soon. Ain't It Cool News says they've heard that "there will be a summer theatrical premiere around the world with a DVD/Blu-Ray release to follow this Fall/X-Mas season." It's heading back to theaters!

Reactions to that premiere in Berlin yesterday have been incredible, as the new footage is said to contain pieces that are crucial to the films overall understanding. Some have called it "absolutely marvelous" and say it's the "most satisfying version of this classic to date." We don't know when it'll be hitting theaters this summer, but you can be sure we'll definitely let you know all the details once they're announced. I have a feeling it'll be a very limited opening in a few cities, not nationwide, but we'll see soon. As a fan, this is an event I can't wait for, and I hope anyone who hasn't seen Metropolis takes this opportunity to see it as well.

Find more posts: Movie News, Opinions

17 Comments

2010 is looking like a good year for re-release First Evil Dead, now Metropolis. Now that we're at it, lets get a Leone movie out there.

Al on Feb 13, 2010

I love it when films like this are restored to their original cut; it's almost like being thrown back in time. Will definitely buy this when it comes out.

Daniel on Feb 13, 2010

loved this movie. cant sit through it again but loved it

DoomCanoe on Feb 13, 2010

Metropolis is a film for all time. I absolutely cannot wait to see this restored version of the film.

LINKFX on Feb 13, 2010

I enjoy M better by Fritz Lang. I would keep my eyes peeled for that, I don't know about Metropolis though. But any restored print of a classic film is a good thing, I reckon.

Ben on Feb 13, 2010

#5 - totally agree with you. M is my Fritz Lang's #1.

huik on Feb 13, 2010

AWESOME...this always was and will be one of my favorite movies.....just sit there and imagine that this one is over 80 years old....!! If you watch carefully to all the sets and the amazing storyline...you will sure realize that Fritz Lang was ahead his time....in every part of film business....still blows me away....actually I even know a lot of young people who really enjoed this one....btw Im 48...

arno on Feb 14, 2010

what a sci-fi classic.

DEADPOOL,MERC WITH A MOUTH on Feb 14, 2010

Wow Resturation looks Good on Metropolis.

Cineprog on Feb 14, 2010

THEY JUST ANNOUCED THEY ARE CONVERTING THE ORIGINAL MOVIE TO 3D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so like Metropolis 3D how amazing is that?

Spider94 on Feb 14, 2010

I saw this restored version thursday on TV (ARTE, in France). It was really amazing!! Can't wait to see it in a bigger screen.

Vivian on Feb 14, 2010

I am happy.

Angry Chief on Feb 14, 2010

YES!!! cant wait to see this on the big screen!!! They will be showing this in April at the TCM classic film festival in cali..but Im in florida and broke so I hope to see it here sometime. Last year they re-released "Wizard of Oz" on the big screen for one day on its 70th anniversary and it rocked!! While I really love Fritz Langs "M", Im not sure if i like it MORE than "Metropolis" due to its scale and vision and the fact that it uses so many special effects and tricks than "M" I think M is a great intro to fritz lang but metropolis is his opus, my fav in order: Metropolis, M, Fury, White Heat! I hope they provide a good soundtrack to the restored version also!! there have been so many soundtracks released (unofficial) from rock to techno to experimental noise(Winter music conference 1998 by Io & Audionaut), the soundtrack really helps shape the experience...

Lando on Feb 15, 2010

The biggest change in the film is the way these rediscovered scenes improve its narrative flow. While the Yoshiwara sequence is my personal favorite among the new scenes, the biggest impact on storytelling comes from the expansion of the workers' revolt and the children's rescue from the flooded. It's the difference between reading the cliff notes for a classic and the complete novel.

Raymondo on Feb 22, 2010

#5 - Ben So you haven't seen Metropolis but you're claiming that M is better? How many dicks do you chew?

SlashBeast on Mar 3, 2010

APRIL 25TH! APRIL 25TH!! The North American premiere of the restored Metropolis will happen at Graumann's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. I am told that it will be presented with a live orchestra. They have announced a legit DVD release for December 2010.

Brian White on Apr 6, 2010

If you're near Tampa, FL come see the restored Metropolis on our big screen. I'm so excited that we got this! Tampa Theatre Sunday, August 30 at 3pm Featuring live musical accompaniment with Steven Ball at the 1,400-pipe Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ http://www.tampatheatre.org Tampa Theatre: "One of America's 21 Wonders" -- LIFE magazine "Top Ten Iconic Showplaces” on the planet – DELTA SKY magazine

Tara Schroeder on Apr 21, 2010

New comments are no longer allowed on this post.