The Threepenny Opera - Criterion Collection (DVD)

The sly melodies of composer Kurt Weill and the daring of dramatist Bertolt Brecht come together on-screen under the direction of German auteur G. W. Pabst (Pandora's Box) in this classic adaptation of the Weimar-era theatrical sensation. Set in the impoverished back alleys of Victorian London, The Threepenny Opera follows underworld antihero Mackie Messer (a.k.a. Mack the Knife) as he tries to woo Polly Peachum and elude the authorities. With its palpable evocation of corruption and dread, set to Weill's irresistible score, The Threepenny Opera remains a benchmark of early sound cinema. It is presented here in both its celebrated German and rare French versions. Special Features: New, restored high-definition digital transfer, made from a new film restoration element from the Bundesarchiv in Germany Audio commentary by scholars David Bathrick and Eric Rentschler L'opera de quat'sous, Pabst's French-language version of the film, starring Albert Prejean and Florelle A multimedia presentation by film scholar Charles O'Brien on the differences between the English and French versions Archival introduction by Threepenny stars Fritz Rasp and Ernst Busch New exclusive documentary on Threepenny's controversial journey from stage to screen Archival interview with Fritz Rasp Galleries of production photos by Hans Casparius and production sketches by art director Andre Andrejew New and improved English subtitle translation PLUS: A new essay by film critic Tony Rayns Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.