Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Munchhausen Blu-ray Movie Review

A fantasty-adventure featuring a lead performance by Hans Albers

Münchhausen is a German production made in 1943 as a celebration of the film studio Universum Film AG reaching 25 years of production. With a star performance by Hans Albers as the remarkable Baron Münchhausen, the feature is a generally lighthearted fantasy exploring a series of unexpected tales with the adventurous hero of the story. Produced with an almost unlimited budget, the huge spectacle was a popular success in Germany.

The story of the film focuses on the misadventures of the comical Baron Münchhausen as he traverses the world while encountering a host of characters that include Catherine the Great and the lightning-fast runner Der Läufer (who can speed across land almost as fast as the animated icon, the Roadrunner). Finding surprising detours along the way (including a trip inside an elaborate palace and a cannonball flight), the Baron finds himself continually tossed into surprising events that shape his destiny. A blend of surrealist fantasy and comedic-hijinks.

"Misfire?"

For the modern viewer, one may be surprised to learn that the film was produced under Nazi rule with the original intention of being a propaganda film for the Nazi party. Despite the original intentions it seems something changed along the way to cinemas. The story is rather light on politics and was a success in Germany at the time. The hugely expensive Agfacolor production has a sense of creativity that sparks imagination with the special effects work (especially the cannonball scene, which has some lighthearted whimsy).

The adventurous screenplay was actually written by Erich Kästner (Paradise for Three, Emil and the Detectives), a writer whose hiring at the time was controversial. He was refused the right to join the Nazi-ruled writers guild (and his books were frequently burned by Nazi's). Somehow, Kästner was brought into the production of the film and the results are impressive. The story is lighthearted and surprisingly charming. The script never takes itself too seriously and seems designed to please both families and children.

Josef von Báky (Der Ruf, Annelie) did a generally solid job crafting the film. The production merits were impressive for the time-period. Though the film is never as spectacular as Terry Gilliam's underrated 1988 classic The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, the fantasy elements are still impressive for the time-period. And the wonderful casting of Hans Albers in the lead role was the perfect choice: the actor gives the film a sensibility of wonder which simply works. Münchhausen is neither perfect (nor a disaster) and is worth a watch.

Munchhausen Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from distributor Kino Lorber, Münchhausen features a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37: full frame. The release features a new 4K restoration of the film which was completed by Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung and Anke Wilkening. The presentation is somewhat inconsistent but looks impressive for the most part and will satisfy viewers.

The original German negative did not survive the passage of time. As a result, the new 4K restoration was sourced from multiple negatives. Certain sections of the restoration were from a faded Agfacolor print with inconsistent color – these sequences are not terrible in any regards, but do have somewhat faded color when stacked up against other portions of the presentation. In regards to the color grading on the new restoration effort, both a postwar print and export negative were utilized as sources during the extensive restorative process, and the bulk of Münchhausen appears spectacular with impressive colors and impressive detail in the cinematography.

The scan is mostly crisp and clear throughout and has sharp detail that brings the imagery to life in an impressive way. There are occasionally moments where thin scratches can still be seen. While this 4K remaster shouldn't be considered a flawless presentation, Münchhausen looks largely marvelous and viewers will find this an impressive 4K restoration for the most part.

Munchhausen Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release features a lossless German DTS-HD Master Audio mono audio soundtrack. The audio quality is generally fantastic sounding throughout the entire presentation. The sound restoration work was taken from the original sound master. The track is generally crisp, clear, and highly satisfactory. Dialogue was easy to understand. Presented in German with optional English subtitles.

Munchhausen Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary featuring film historian Samm Deighan

Münchhausen: An Introduction (SD, 17:39) is a behind-the-scenes documentary which explores the production of the film and the restoration effort taken for Münchhausen. Any viewer with an interest in film preservation who wants to know more about production steps taken in classic film restoration and the history of Münchhausen will find it a fascinating piece.

Animated Short (SD, 7:05) is a interesting piece of animation produced in 1944. This untitled animated short film was created by Hans Held.

Restoration Samples (SD, 5:01) showcase the impressive restoration work of Agfacolor. It's obvious which sequences are more impressive with these side-by-side demonstrations. Worth a look.

Münchhausen Theatrical Trailer (SD, 3:56)

Munchhausen Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Featuring an abundance of unique creativity and style, Münchhausen is a compelling adventure-fantasy with a strong lead performance by Hans Albers. There are many sequences in the film which have a startling amount of technical wizardry which is rarely seen in films of this era. The experimental approach to some of the scenes is breathtaking. The Blu-ray release features an impressive 4K restoration, lossless audio, and a selection of engaging supplemental features which round out an already fantastic package. Recommended.