Metropolis is a 1927 German expressionist science-fiction drama film directed by Fritz Lang. Written by Thea von Harbou in collaboration with Lang from von Harbou's 1925 novel of the same name intentionally written as a treatment, it stars Gustav Fröhlich, Alfred Abel, Rudolf Klein-Rogge, and Brigitte Helm. Erich Pommer produced it in the Babelsberg Studios for Universum Film A.G. (UFA). The silent film is regarded as a pioneering science-fiction movie, being among the first feature-length movies of that genre. Filming took place over 17 months in 1925–26 at a cost of more than five million Reichsmarks. Original release date: January 10, 1927.
Made in Germany during the Weimar period, Metropolis is set in a futuristic urban dystopia and follows the attempts of Freder, the wealthy son of the city master, and Maria, a saintly figure to the workers, to overcome the vast gulf separating the classes in their city and bring the workers together with Joh Fredersen, the city master. The film's message is encompassed in the final inter-title: 'The Mediator Between the Head and the Hands Must Be the Heart'.
A Trip to the Moon is a 1902 French adventure short film directed by Georges Méliès. Inspired by a wide variety of sources, including Jules Verne's 1865 novel From the Earth to the Moon and its 1870 sequel Around the Moon, the film follows a group of astronomers who travel to the Moon in a cannon-propelled capsule, explore the Moon's surface, escape from an underground group of Selenites (lunar inhabitants), and return to Earth with a captive Selenite. Its ensemble cast of French theatrical performers is led by Méliès himself as main character Professor Barbenfouillis. The film features the overtly theatrical style for which Méliès became famous. Original release date: September 1, 1902.
Scholars have commented upon the film's extensive use of pataphysical and anti-imperialist satire, as well as on its wide influence on later film-makers and its artistic significance within the French theatrical féerie tradition. Though the film disappeared into obscurity after Méliès's retirement from the film industry, it was rediscovered around 1930, when Méliès's importance to the history of cinema was beginning to be recognised by film devotees. An original hand-colored print was discovered in 1993 and restored in 2011.
A Trip to the Moon was an internationally popular success on its release, and was extensively pirated by other studios, especially in the United States. Its unusual length, lavish production values, innovative special effects, and emphasis on storytelling were markedly influential on other film-makers and ultimately on the development of narrative film as a whole. It was ranked 84th at the 100 greatest films of the 20th century by The Village Voice. The film remains Méliès' best known, and the moment in which the capsule lands in the Moon's eye remains one of the most iconic and frequently referenced images in the history of cinema. It is widely regarded as the earliest example of the science fiction film genre and, more generally, as one of the most influential films in cinema history.
Directed, Written, and Produced by
Georges Méliès
Based on
From the Earth to the Moon and Around the Moon
by Jules Verne
CAST
Georges Méliès as Professor Barbenfouillis
François Lallement as the officer of the marines
Henri Delannoy as the captain of the rocket
Jules-Eugène Legris as the parade leader
Victor André, Delpierre, Farjaux, Kelm, and Brunnet as the astronomers
Ballet of the Théâtre du Châtelet as stars and as cannon attendants
Acrobats of the Folies Bergère as Selenites
Metropolis (1927) The New Pollutants Score
Metropolis, released in 1927, is a seminal silent science-fiction film directed by Fritz Lang. This cinematic masterpiece is not only a landmark in the history of cinema but also a crucial subject of study in film studies classes. It is known for its groundbreaking visual effects, innovative storytelling, and profound influence on the science fiction genre.
PLOT
Metropolis unfolds in a dystopian future where society is sharply divided between the wealthy elite who live in luxury above ground and the oppressed workers toiling in grim conditions below the earth’s surface. The story follows Freder, the privileged son of the city’s ruler, who becomes infatuated with Maria, a compassionate worker advocating for better conditions. Freder’s pursuit of Maria leads him to uncover dark secrets and a plot that could threaten the entire city.
The film explores themes of class struggle, industrialization, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement. Its visual storytelling and set design remain awe-inspiring, with iconic scenes like the transformation of Maria into a robotic double.
MOONFLIX 2023 REMASTER
moonflix Restoration and Colorization
moonflix, in collaboration with breakthrough AI colorization software developed in-house, brings you this stunning 4K Blu-ray restoration and colorization of Metropolis. This restoration breathes new life into the film, bringing out details and nuances that were previously unseen.
The New Pollutants’ Original Rescore
Accompanying the restoration is the original rescore by The New Pollutants, which offers a fresh auditory experience while respecting the film’s historical significance. The haunting and atmospheric music adds depth to the viewing, creating an emotional connection between the audience and the characters.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Special Effects
Metropolis is celebrated for its groundbreaking special effects, especially for its time. Fritz Lang and his team employed innovative techniques to create the sprawling cityscape and the iconic robot, Maria. The use of miniatures, double exposures, and matte paintings set new standards for the industry, inspiring generations of filmmakers.
Themes
The film explores themes that remain relevant today, including the dangers of unchecked technological advancement, the dehumanizing effects of industrialization, and the stark divisions between social classes. Its visual motifs, such as the “Machine-Man” and the “Tower of Babel,” serve as powerful symbols that continue to captivate and intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike.
CREATORS
Directed by Fritz Lang
Produced by Erich Pommer
Screenplay by Thea von Harbou
Art Direction by Otto Hunte, Erich Kettelhut, and Karl Vollbrecht
Cinematography by Karl Freund and Günther Rittau
Music by The New Pollutants
Restored, colorized, and upscaled by moonflix, LLC
CAST
Gustav Fröhlich as Freder
Brigitte Helm as Maria / Robot
Alfred Abel as Joh Fredersen
Rudolf Klein-Rogge as Rotwang
Heinrich George as Grot
Fritz Rasp as The Thin Man
RECEPTION AND LEGACY
Upon its release, Metropolis received mixed critical reviews, with some praising its visual spectacle and others criticizing its complex plot. However, over the years, it has gained recognition as a cinematic masterpiece and a classic of the science fiction genre. Its influence can be seen in countless films that followed, including Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner.”
REMAKES
Metropolis has inspired several adaptations and reinterpretations, including the 2001 anime film “Metropolis” directed by Rintaro and the 2011 feature “Metropolis: Reconstructed & Restored,” which incorporated newly discovered footage.
Original release date:
January 10, 1927
Genres: moonflix Collaborators' Showcase, moonflix AI Colorized, New Arrivals, Movies, 1920's, Drama Films, Sci-Fi Films, Silent Films, Silent Films, German Classics, Drama Movies, ALL Movies
What happened to your original 4k Colorized version with Gottfried Huppertz score, widescreen and scrolling text? That is the best version by far.
Excellent, watching now. But the music is so great too. It really fits well, i really like the music and definitely the best I ever seen Metropolis. I am disappointed only that I can not buy the UHD from the site, I noticed other films are available to buy but not this one. The colour adds a lot to it and the higher resolution before…well with both it brings out a lot more from the film than we were getting before. You can even see the skin on the robots face so much clearer than before and where the robot suit begins. Also Rotwang always loooked completely out of his mind. But even more so in such more depth and detail.
I hope you do not mind me saying this but I do not think you should show the entire films on you site though as that wil reduce your sales. I tthink you should put a very good preview of each one.
This fourth color version is much better than before, but it still needs a lot of improvement,
I disagree with the ad that you posted before the movie, because the movie comes out of its original duration and this causes the subtitles, dubbing and other sounds of the movie to be out of sync and have to be re-synced with difficulty.
In my opinion, the same ad that you placed on the main duration of the movie in the past would have been better.
It is very interesting for me to know, do you use your own coding for your productions or do you use ready-made software, for example to increase the image size from TOPAZ software and for noise reduction from NEAT VIDEO plugin?