The new trailer for The Godfather Part III director’s cut promises a better ending to the revered trilogy's final film. Francis Ford Coppola released the movie in 1990, sixteen years after the release of the Oscar-winning and highly critically acclaimed The Godfather Part II.
Unfortunately, while the first two Godfather films are widely accepted as masterpieces, the third film arrived with less of an impact. Coppola’s mafia family chronicle built up a fascinating and dangerous world for audiences to immerse themselves in. Still, by the third entry, the famed director decided to focus the story on Michael Corleone’s (Al Pacino) later years, in which the life decisions he’s made ultimately consume him. The film arguably lacks the intensity and immediate watchability of the first two, and its convoluted subplot involving the Catholic church can’t match what’s come before. However, as the film gets set to celebrate its 30th anniversary, Coppola has prepared an extensive director’s cut, complete with a new beginning and end. The new cut hits select theatres on December 4 for a limited engagement before moving on to a digital and Blu Ray release as of December 8.
Fans of the beloved crime trilogy have been patiently waiting for this new version of The Godfather Part III ever since it was first announced. With the release date just around the corner, the first trailer has been revealed, courtesy of Paramount Movies’ YouTube channel. The trailer kicks off with a quote from Coppola, explaining that an all-new beginning and end have been added to the director’s cut (as has a new title): The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone. Claiming that “The picture has been given new life,” Coppola’s film looks drastically improved – at least in terms of its image quality:
As for how much of a difference the film’s new beginning and end make, the trailer doesn’t give away any secrets. It will be interesting to see if Coppola’s additions transform the film, but whether or not the beginning and end were the only problems with The Godfather Part III is another matter altogether. As many of us already know, some acclaimed filmmakers can fall into the trap of tinkering with their work – as was the case with Coppola’s long-time friend, George Lucas, and his franchise. Whether or not Lucas’ alterations were welcome by fans is a matter of opinion. Still, the issue itself certainly has been no stranger to controversy in the years leading up to Lucasfilm's sale to Disney.
What truly matters for fans of The Godfather trilogy is that there is a new version to check out, sixteen years after the last film arrived. It’s currently a difficult time for cinemas everywhere, and with The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone opening only in select theatres, it’s unlikely to break any box office records. However, it’s the Blu Ray and digital releases that will truly show the demand for the director’s cut, especially with the Christmas season rapidly approaching.
Source: Paramount Movies via YouTube