Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

The Offer Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman January 26, 2024

There's no way that Francis Ford Coppola, or anyone involved in the production of The Godfather, could have possibly known that the making of the movie would one day be not just the focus of a simple documentary but rather a full-fledged TV show. Of course, part of that reason is because the TV landscape was dramatically different back then, but also part of the reason must have been that the filmmakers could have only hoped for a finished film that would be a hit and withstand the test of time. And do that the film has. It remains one of the great masterpieces of cinema (along with its sequel and perhaps even the third film in the new cut). It's quite the legacy and it's quite the subject for a cutting-edge TV show. The Offer tells the complex, emotionally charged, and character driven story of the making of The Godfather in a wonderful ten-episode series. It's dramatized, of course, and scripted for maximum effectiveness but offers a compelling glimpse into the complicated, and at times dangerous, moving parts behind the making of a movie classic.

Official synopsis: From Paramount Television Studios, 'The Offer' is based on Oscar-winning producer Albert S. Ruddy's extraordinary, never-revealed experiences of making 'The Godfather.' The series stars Miles Teller as Albert S. Ruddy, Matthew Goode as Robert Evans, Dan Fogler as Francis Ford Coppola, Burn Gorman as Charles Bluhdorn, Colin Hanks as Barry Lapidus, Giovanni Ribisi as Joe Colombo, and Juno Temple as Bettye McCartt.

The Offer is described as "a love letter to how hard it is to get a movie made." Indeed, the show is centrally about the making of The Godfather, but it is more broadly about the challenges of putting together a major motion picture. That is why the show's focus is more on the film's producer, Al Ruddy, and less its director, Francis Ford Coppola. While the two necessarily mesh and merge and overlap, and Coppola's part in the film is widely explored, this is more the story of the off-set maneuverings as it is the on-set craftsmanship. Certainly, there is a compelling story just about the nuts and bolts of how the movie was made, but The Offer goes well beyond the behind-the-scenes story to look at the business, politics, and other real-life considerations, and dangers, that go into the making of a movie and into this film in particular, which was both financially, for Paramount, and socially, for the world around it, critical. The show is wonderfully cast, meticulously designed, and often compelling, even if it can be a little too dense, at times. Still, there is no mistaking the draw to the story's complexities that tells the story of expert craftsmanship not only on both sides of the camera but also on both sides of the production.

The following episodes comprise season one. Summaries are courtesy of Paramount.

Disc One:

• A Seat at the Table: After ditching his job at the Rand Corporation for a shot in Hollywood, Al Ruddy wins the job to produce Mario Puzo's bestselling novel, "The Godfather" for Paramount Pictures.
• Warning Shots: With Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo penning the script, Al Ruddy and Bettye McCartt confront an ever-growing list of opposition to "The Godfather" including Frank Sinatra, LA Gangster Mickey Cohen, and the Colombo led Italian-American Civil Rights League.
• Fade In: Pressure mounts for the scripts' delivery after Ruddy is forced to sit down with Joe Colombo and Evans finds himself navigating hot waters with Gulf & Western's CEO Charlie Bluhdorn.

Disc Two:

• The Right Shade of Yellow: With Marlon Brando and Al Pacino in contention for leading roles in "The Godfather," Ruddy is caught in the line of fire between Evans and Coppola and must pick a side. After gaining Joe Colombo's support, Ruddy gets an uncomfortable glimpse of his new friend's loyalty. The rising stakes surrounding "The Godfather" continues to strain Ruddy's relationship with Francoise.
• Kiss the Ring: Ruddy and Bettye combat logistical nightmares with principal photography quickly approaching. As the Mob continues to ingrain itself in the making of the film, tensions rise between Colombo and notorious hot head Crazy Joe Gallo.
• A Stand Up Guy: Ruddy deals with the fallout from the disastrous press conference while Evans creates a plan to save Paramount. Bettye takes action as the first day of filming is compromised due to collisions with Gulf & Western, Paramount, and the Mafia.

Disc Three:

• Mr. Producer: Dissatisfied with the footage, Barry Lapidus orchestrates a potential coup as Ruddy initiates a bold plan to save both Coppola and Pacino's jobs. Crime boss Carlo Gambino questions Colombo's leadership as he holds another large Italian-American Civil Rights League rally.
• Crossing the Line: In the bloody aftermath of the Italian-American Civil Rights League rally, Gallo threatens "The Godfather's" production budget as Ruddy struggles to protect the funding for Sicily. Evans continues to spiral after the breakup of his marriage with Ali MacGraw, allowing Barry Lapidus to capitalize.
• It's Who We Are: As the production contends with the challenges of filming in Sicily, Ruddy leaves early to help get Evans back on track. Post-production disputes with Lapidus threaten Coppola's vision for the edit and Bettye starts to think about her next move.

Disc Four:

• Brains and Balls: "The Godfather" is released to rave reviews and box office records. Drama unfolds at the 45th Academy Awards. Al Ruddy looks to the future and his next project.

The Offer Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Paramount's 1080p Blu-ray release of The Offer may not be irrefusable, but it's a solid presentation, anyway. The digital shoot offers a fairly clean image where noise is present but usually not overly dense or intense. There are some softer shots and elements, but for the most part the image is crisp and efficient in delivering nicely presented detailing to core basics like faces and clothes. The image shines in capturing all of the dense period specific odds and ends that really bring the show to life, like office furniture and knickknacks and even various shooting elements and familiar pieces from the making of The Godfather. Colors are nicely presented. The temperature and contrast are adjusted to give a modest period feel, but there is plenty of vitality and life to bolder tones and nice depth to more reserved browns and reds. Black levels depth is fine, whites are bright and crisp, and skin tones are healthy. There are no real source issues or encode flaws of which to speak.

The Offer Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack delivers a nicely engaging listen, one that present a satisfying spread of core dialogue, music, and ambient support that is occasionally punctuated by some heavier elements. The track is largely straightforward and defined by dialogue, which is always well prioritized and centered, presenting with fine clarity and lifelike distinction. Support ambience takes full advantage of side stretch and surround wrap to effortlessly drop listeners in various settings, from movie sets to restaurants and from offices to homes. There are some nice directional effects and grounded imaged sounds as well. Clarity to these elements is first-rate. Musical engagement pleases for width, modest surround extension, and definition. This is not a whiz-bang sort of track, but it handles its core pieces with fidelity and to sonic satisfaction. The ear will always be pleased.

The Offer Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This Blu-ray release of The Offer contains episode-specific recap and exploration extras on all four discs, as well as some deleted scenes scattered around, though disc four contains all of the production featurettes. No DVD or digital copies are included with purchase. This release does not ship with a slipcover.

Disc One:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "A Seat at the Table" (0:27) and "Fade In" (0:34).
• Backstories (1080p): Quick plot recaps for each episode and explorations of behind-the-scenes content: crafting the narratives, the history behind The Godfather, great moments in the show, performances, and much more. Included are shorts for "A Seat at the Table" (3:38), "Warning Shots" (4:05), and "Fade In" (4:12).

Disc Two:

• Backstories (1080p): Quick plot recaps for each episode and explorations of behind-the-scenes content: crafting the narratives, the history behind The Godfather, great moments in the show, performances, and much more. Included are shorts for "The Right Shade of Yellow" (4:01), "Kiss the Ring" (3:32), and "A Stand Up Guy" (4:09).

Disc Three:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Crossing That Line" (2:08) and "It's Who We Are" (0:56).
• Backstories (1080p): Quick plot recaps for each episode and explorations of behind-the-scenes content: crafting the narratives, the history behind The Godfather, great moments in the show, performances, and much more. Included are shorts for "Mr. Producer" (3:11), "Crossing That Line" (3:33), and "It's Who We Are" (4:18).

Disc Four:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Brains and Balls" (1:43)
• Backstories (1080p): Quick plot recaps for each episode and explorations of behind-the-scenes content: crafting the narratives, the history behind The Godfather, great moments in the show, performances, and much more. Included is a short for "Brains and Balls" (4:16).
• Crafting The Offer: Wardrobe & Costume Design (1080p, 4:24): Costume Designer Amy Stofsky, as her title and this supplement's title suggests, talks about the clothing seen in the film.
• Crafting The Offer: Music Composition (1080p, 4:27): Composer Isabella Sumers discusses her musical contributions to The Offer
• Crafting The Offer: Production Design (1080p, 4:46): Production Designer Laurence Bennett and Set Decorator Lisa Alkofer discuss their roles on and contributions to the show's aesthetics.
• Crafting The Offer: Prop Design (1080p, 4:24): Property Master Doug Fox explores the film's period-specific props ad how they fit into and enhance the show's authenticity.
• Crafting The Offer: Hair & Makeup Design (1080p, 4:11): Makeup Department Head Katy Fray and Hair Department Head Renee Vaca discuss how their contributions help the actors get in character and look the part.
• Meet Al Ruddy (1080p, 3:58): The real Ruddy, as well as various cast and crew, discuss the role of a producer generally and Ruddy's work on The Godfather specifically.
• Directing The Offer (1080p, 4:41): Dexter Fletcher discusses the directorial process and his work on select episodes.
• Parallels: Art Imitates Art (1080p, 8:45): Various homages to the film which are found in the show.
• The Offer: Sending a Message (1080p, 6:56): Discussing cast and crew responding to key moments from the film.
• No One Can Refuse: Making The Offer (1080p): A four-part feature.
  
  
  • Chapter One: An Ice Blue, Terrifying Movie About the People You Love (16:44): Deeply exploring key characters involved in and key moments in the making of the story of The Godfather, including Al Ruddy.
  • Chapter Two: Hollywood Cutthroats, Filmmaking Genius and the Mob (19:23): Cast and crew discuss the key characters in the show, performances, arcs, and more.
  • Chapter Three: Creative Contrast (23:19): Looking at some of the production elements. This piece covers much of the same territory as previous extras, but also offers plenty of new material as well.
  • Chapter Four: A Family Forged (7:36): Cast and crew respond to character details, story specifics, The Godfather's legacy, and more.

The Offer Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

This is a show about the making of The Godfather. It's often compelling but at times overstuffed yet...a very well-done exploration of the dense history behind the making of one of the crown jewels of cinema. Another show like this centered on Star Wars would also be very interesting and potentially very good. The Blu-ray release is excellent, offering high tier video and audio paired with a very good selection of extra content. Recommended!