Culver City, Calif. (March 29, 2011) – Today, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment announced that they will unleash the harrowing 1981 epic World War II film, Das Boot, for the first time on Blu-ray on June 7, 2011 for the SLP of $34.95. Newly remastered for high definition, the director’s cut of this prized film adds 60 nail-biting minutes to the original version, which was nominated in 1982 for six Academy Awards® including Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Effects/Sound Effects Editing and Best Sound. Also included in the two-disc set is the original theatrical version of the film and almost three hours of all-new Blu-ray exclusive special features, including a retrospective documentary with Director Wolfgang Petersen.
The film follows the lives of a fearless U-Boat captain Capt.-Lt. Henrich Lehmann-Willenbrock (Jurgen Prochnow, The Da Vinci Code, Air Force One) and his inexperienced crew as they become engulfed in the “Battle of the Atlantic” during World War II. The crew confronts the constant and paralyzing fear of the unknown enemy above in the claustrophobic iron belly of a German U-boat. Variety likens the experience to “a descent into the pit of hell.” Director Wolfgang Petersen’s close and focused shots meticulously capture the gritty reality of pursuing rival ships from undersea in a blind environment, humid with sweat and rank with the bitter scent of metal.
Masterfully crafted by Petersen (Troy, Air Force One) and critically acclaimed as one of the best war films of all time, Das Boot is a masterpiece that should be part of every film enthusiast’s collection. The two-disc Blu-ray is tightly packed with special features including a retrospective documentary of the making of the film, seven vignettes taking viewers on an intimate tour of a German U-boat, two featurettes offering insights from wife and First Assistant Director, Maria Petersen and a look into the making of the Director’s Cut, historical material with footage detailing the evolution of submarine battles during World War II and a director’s commentary.
Das Boot Synopsis:
At the height of WWII, a young submarine crew heads out to sea on a top-secret mission that all but ensures most will never make it home alive. Ordered to patrol the Atlantic and destroy an allied armada bringing supplies to Britain, these raw recruits must band together, bracing themselves against a depth-charge assault from an unseen enemy. Oscar ® – nominated director Wolfgang Petersen’s epic adventure deftly explores tension as pressure builds to an explosive climax, packing a visceral punch few movies can match.
2-Disc Blu-ray Special Features:
– Wolfgang Petersen-Back To The Boat
– Going Deeper:
Maria’s Take
The Perfect Boat
– Captain’s Tour
Rooms Overview
Entry Conning Tower
Torpedo Room & Crew Quarters
Captain’s & Officers’ Rooms
The Control Room
Petty Officers’ Room & Galley
Diesel & Electric Motor Rooms
– Historical Material
Behind the Scenes (1981)
Battle of the Atlantic (1983)
– Director’s Commentary – Wolfgang Petersen
