Godfather: Don Vito's Opus, The

I created this account to watch this Opus and it did not disappoint. Like most American fans of cinema, I grew up with the Godfather ever present, a classic from the day it was released. Seeing this cut was like seeing it with new eyes.

The story of the Corleone family through the years is perceived differently as one ages. Watching an extended chronological cut (with deleted scenes improved and inserted masterfully) allowed for an even slower pace, a somber, tragic tempo --like the funeral band in the very first scene. I saw secondary characters and their story more clearly: Rocco Lampone joining Clemenza's crew, Willie Cicci the button-man ending up in a federal court, Johnny Lips becoming Hyman Roth. Sonny is fleshed out beyond being a hothead; his mistress Lucy Mancini and her bastard son Vincent carry more weight now. I could continue, but it's best to watch it yourself. This is the most enjoyment I've ever gotten out of part III, and a wonderful accomplishment by Wraith.

With the exception of a few brief moments where a transition was slightly less than perfect, I forgot completely what I was watching was not an official studio release. I'd long heard of but never seen the chronological cut of The Godfather, and I can't imagine there being a better version.

My reviews of the Opus 1 and 2 will be posted in both IFDB pages.

I loved both Godfather 1 and 2 (and even Godfather 3) a lot more in these edits compared to other versions of the movies. I was wrapped up in the world of the Corleone family once again and it was a sight to behold. I have never seen a chronological edit before and many may still prefer the nonchronological structure of the original versions (or the separate movies GF1 - GF2) but I loved the chronological structure more. By concentrating first on the ascendance of Vito Corleone and his inevitable end without being pulled into it all of a sudden from Michael's story in part 2, it made the story flow (at least for me) better and it felt more engaging as a result of that. Godfather 3 was more enjoyable thanks to the restoration efforts of Wraith and it felt more of an expansion of Godfather 2 while at the same time feeling like a unique story all of its own.

Thank you so much Wraith for making this version of the Godfather movies. In my opinion you have made Coppola proud and enhanced his and Puzo's creation!

Okay, folks. I've seen a number of "complete" Godfather edits, often keying off the chronological Saga shown in TV in 1977. With various sources like lasers, VHS rips and broadcasts they are sometimes a visual mixed bag and transitions have sometimes been jarring.

Wraith has managed to find supreme-looking sources here as well as extra bits and pieces (some not in that original cut) to fully flesh out the Godfather saga seamlessly here. Like Coppola's Apocalypse Now I feel this film always benefited from more material and nuance and grown to think the chronological telling of Vito's saga is as good as the original, especially with all the added call-backs.

Visual and audio transitions are very well done. Interesting minor editorial adjustments like not including the Saga's opening title card in Corleone explaining Vito's father's death via Don Ciccio (up to you to put it together). This is immersive and well worth your time. I watched the originals again right before I saw this to remind myself what was not originally included.

Quite simply one of the best Fan Edits I have ever watched in my life. It's simply one of those that will be spoken off for years to come.

When you have such a masterclass like The Godfather, great care and attention is needed to compile such a mammoth project.
Wraith's precise and delicate editing of this masterclass film deserves to be watched by all movie fanatics alike.

Do I recommend it?
Yes, absolutely! I think most people are not able to watch the full thing in one go, however there are intermission points within the films that people can pause and come back to.

Fascinating to see the additional material and chronological ordering, certainly does make you look upon the story differently, but am torn as to whether this works "better" than the original structure.

That is hardly the point though and as far as I can tell Wraith has characteristically assembled everything flawlessly, looking forward to watching Michael's Opus.