Karl May Collection 2 (1964 - 1965)

3 film, 3 disc collection of German Karl May Westerns, based on a classic series of Old West novels. Ufa R0 German boxset.

The Films - links to individual film reviews where available.

Under Vultures (1964)

The Oil Prince (1965)

Old Surehand, Chapter 1 (1965)

In Brief:

Anyone famous in it?	Former Hollywood star Stewart Granger and French actor Pierre Brice play the lead roles. Look out for euro-cult stars Elke Sommer, Letícia Román and Terence Hill.
Who is it for?	Existing fans of the Karl May Westerns will certainly be interested in this trio of films. For newcomers, this set will certainly appeal to those who are big Western fans, but anyone looking for the epic adventure films in the series, the Shatterhand films will appeal more.

The DVDs

Visuals	All films are in Original Aspect Ratio (2.35:1) and Anamorphically Enhanced. The picture quality is good, with generally light grain and minimal print damage.
Audio	Parts I and III have German and English language audio, part II has just German audio. Generally sounds strong.
Subtitles	German HOH English (this track translates the English soundtrack, so there are some discrepancies when watching the German as the translations are different) - only in parts I and III.
Extras	All the discs include a collection of trailers. Disc 3 also includes: Documentary on the Surehand films, including interviews with various actors, including Götz George Pierre Brice, with lots of clips. (20 minutes) German only. Documentary interview with producer Horst Wendlandt (18 minutes). German only. Original trailers for all the Surehand films. Original newsreel/TV report on the shooting of Old Surehand with some interesting behind the scenes footage. (2 min) Stills photo gallery for all the Surehand films. Restoration comparison shots. EASTER EGG: A scene showing the restoration process and some interesting original camera negative from Under Vultures. The boxset also includes a 20 page booklet - all German, but with some interesting illustrations.
Packing	Digi-pack in cardboard sleeve - the box is patterned and textured in the style of an old hardback book.
Region	Region 0 - PAL
Other regions?	There are other German DVDs of these films but without English language options.
Cuts?	All films are believed to be fully uncut including scenes cut for US market. Print language is German.

Summary

The three Surehand films - solid entries and all enjoyable for fans of the series, also recommended to newcomers who like their films with less adventure and more of a Classic Western feel.

Unfortunately, although the boxset contains lovely looking prints of all three films, only two have English options, with part 2 in German only. The interesting looking extras are similarly unsubtitled although the clips can be watched on their own. The set is worth getting, as there are no proper English language versions of the films out yet.

Return to main menu.

All text in this review written by Timothy Young - November 2006.
Text from this review not to be used without authorization.

Please contact: