Berlin Alexanderplatz Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Berlin Alexanderplatz Blu-ray Movie Review

A new adaptation of the epic novel by Alfred Döblin.

Berlin Alexanderplatz is a new adaptation of the beloved novel by Alfred Döblin. The source material was previously given an acclaimed adaptation by Rainer Werner Fassbinder (The Marriage of Maria Braun, The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant). Produced by Leif Alexis (Stations of the Cross, Faith), Jochen Laube (What Doesn't Kill Us, Coconut Hero), and Fabian Maubach (When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, The Day I Was Not Born), Berlin Alexanderplatz is a compelling story well-told. A must-see.

Francis (Welket Bungué) is a down-on-his-luck African immigrant trying to find a way to survive in a bustling city in Germany. Attempting to find work and remain a good man, Francis has more difficulity finding such work than he bargained for – soon meeting the psychopathic and violent gangster Reinhold (Albrecht Schuch).

Reinhold promises Francis and other immigrants easy money in exchange for helping to sell illegal drugs to an addicted society. While the stakes are high and danger is imminent, Francis is tossed in to the underworld of Berlin, Germany. Can Francis find salvation and be his true self or will Reinhold lead him towards self-destruction?

The performances are extraordinary. If for no other reason, see this adaptation of Berlin Alexanderplatz for the first-rate performances. Welket Bungué delivers a remarkably compelling performance in the leading role. Bungué demonstrates all the human struggles of Francis: his yearning for success and survival. The role is remarkable and the performance meets the demands of the part. Albrecht Schuch is similarly impressive in Berlin Alexanderplatz but for a much different reason: Schuch showcases the corruption of Reinhold and the danger he poses to Francis.

A must-see adaptation.

Berlin Alexanderplatz has beautiful music composed by Dascha Dauenhauer (Blood Red Sky, Displaced). The score is a wonderful accompaniment to the filmmaking. The music gives a pulsating sense of life and vitality to the production. A outstanding effort by Dauenhauer.

The cinematography by Yoshi Heimrath (The Best of All Worlds, A Pure Place) leaves a solid impression as well. Berlin Alexanderplatz is a beautifully filmed creation: showcasing a compelling array of neon colors against the backdrop of the director's unique vision and approach to the material. Well done.

Edited by Philipp Thomas (The Albanian Virgin, Teenage Angst), Berlin Alexanderplatz is an epic in every sense of the world. At over three hours long, the film never feels overlong. The work never outstays its welcome. There is something rewarding about the precision of the edit.

The costume designs by Anna Wübber (Nothing Bad Can Happen, Goodbye Berlin) help the narrative unfold equally as well. Wübber put forth a great deal of effort in to the costume designs and making sure that these designs don't end up being forgotten. A great accomplishment by Wübber.

Written and directed by Burhan Qurbani (Faith, Women Interrupted), with co-writing by Martin Behnke (Latte & the Magic Waterstone, Christmas Crossfire), Berlin Alexanderplatz is a great production. The filmmaking is exquisite. Epic. Adventurous. Bold. Brave. There is so much to appreciate about this interpretation of Berlin Alexanderplatz. Don't miss it.

Berlin Alexanderplatz Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino, Berlin Alexanderplatz is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 widescreen. The release is exceptional. The picture-quality is outstanding. The encode is superb and doesn't struggle with presenting the vivid cinematography and the neon colors of the filmmaking. A great encode.

Berlin Alexanderplatz Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in German DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (with English subtitles). There is an alternative German DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo audio track too. The high-resolution audio sounds remarkable. The surround channels are actively engaged and help to expand the sonic soundstage of the filmmaking. Dialogue is crisp and clear throughout the presentation.

Berlin Alexanderplatz Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Introduction by Director Burhan Qurbani (HD, 1:57)

Trailer (HD, 2:17)

Berlin Alexanderplatz Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Berlin Alexanderplatz is a must-see film. Though previously adapted by the great Rainer Werner Fassbinder (The Marriage of Maria Braun), the new adaptation by Burhan Qurbani (Faith) is a ambitious undertaking the demands audience attention. The performances by Welket Bungué and Albrecht Schuch are remarkable. The Kino Lorber Blu-ray release has a wonderful video-audio presentation and an exclusive interview with the director. Highly recommended.