Metropolis was released in Europe in 1927. It was then drastically cut for the US release and the original version was lost for over 80 years. Then unexpectedly in 2008 a nearly complete 16mm print was discovered in Buenos Aires. That version was intercut with the original US print and digitally restored. In the meantime two other “restorations” were completed, one in 1984 by music titan Giorgio Morodor. He colorized scenes and used music from well known 80’s musicians with the film. A new digital restoration was completed in 2001 but it lacked the complete footage of the 2010 version that resulted from the find in Buenos Aires. You can watch both the 1984 and 2010 versions on Netflix streaming. Bob and I discuss the differences between the two and arrive at the conclusion that the 2010 version is the definitive and superior version. No shock there. You can learn all about the history of the film at the www.metropolis1927.com website. Enjoy!

Up next…

The Thief of Bagdad (available on YouTube) and then it’s City Lights (also available on YouTube).

Here’s a link to the IMDB page for Metropolis and the IMDB page for The Thief of Bagdad.