Das Boot - The Director's Cut (DVD, 1997, Keep Case)

I'd lost my VHS copy (probably in a box in storage) and several buddies have been bugging me (for years) to "find it and let's all get together for a guy's night".
Every time I went to my storage unit, I pulled down a few boxes to look for the tape. No luck - for several years! Finally, it dawned on me to check eBay, and lo - there were several "Das Boot - Director's Cut" available on DVD! I don't know why it took me so long! I guess I'd thought the "director's Cut" would be impossible to find. Anyway, I ordered it, it arrived in 4 or 5 days and the next Friday night was all testosterone (and beer, pizza and wings!) Up PERISCOPE!
The original movie (1982)is widely considered the most realistic WWII sub movie ever made. The "Director's Cut" (1998) improved incredibly on this by adding 60 minutes of additional footage, going digital and widescreen, and creating new - improved sound effects, all in digital surround-sound. What an experience!
No romantic back-story, psychological navel-gazing, "Politically Correct"ness, cuteness or puppies! If that's your thing, watch "Friends" reruns. If you like Subs, Torpedoes, Destroyers and Depth Charges - I recommend "Das Boot, Director's Cut".

This is truly one of the all-time best WWII submarine movies ever made. It was
nominated for six Oscars and follows the trials of a German U-boat crew during
their mission in the war. When it was re-released in 1997, an hour was added
to te original film, which further augmented its impact (so you want to buy
the 1997 or later edition). This movie was also shown as a six hour ministry
in Germany. The realistic and gripping battle scenes and the true life aboard
the German Submarine makes this movie a must see for all WWII students and War
Movie lovers. Great for students of history also-as this is a one of a kind
movie that shows the struggle of humans during the war.

"Das Boot" still endures as one, repeat one, of the great submarine movies ever, and Petersen's "Director's Cut" only accentuates its reputation. It renks with several equals of the genre including "Run Silent, Run Deep" and "The Hunt for Red October, and trailed by "Crimson Tide" and several others who titles aren't immediately recalled.

Not merely "a view from the other side" of the Battle for the Atlantic during WW2, it is also realistic sharpshooting at the cinematic myths of war's glory, and a harsh look at the futility and tragedy of decent warriors doing their duty. The "Director's Cut" has only sharpened the focus by adding new footage absent from the first American showings that will disgust and enfuriate some viewers, and leave others gasping with laughter or amazement.

"Das Boot" is a classic. This film couldn't be more intense and emotionally draining. It is a work of genius. Jurgen Prochnaw gives a spectacular performance as the German U-Boat Captain. The acting is first rate as the cast of characters is as realistic and believable as it gets. Don't watch this film unless you are absolutely prepared to immerse yourself into the drama of life as a crewman aboard a German submarine during war. This is a very rare portrayal of battle through the eyes of our enemy and will actually have you cheering for the "bad guys" at times. This is a one of a kind movie that must be seen to be believed. Words in a review cannot describe the experience of "Das Boot." A tremendous film! A 12 on a scale of 10!

This is a film that I've been wanting to purchase for some time now. It was the dirfector's cut which means that it is the film the director wanted to release for public viewing before the censor's had it edited. It is an extremely long film, but it has to be in order to tell the story of a German submarine crew. 209 minutes of story telling. This may be one of the longest running films ever made. I purchased it so as I can critic it for my college class. It is perfect for my need and it is intertaining. I don't care aboout all the extra behind the scenes film which is included. I haven't watched them yet and if and when I do, I may change my mind.