Stars: Hans Albers, Wilhelm Bendow, Brigitte Horney, Michael Bohnen, Hans Brausewetter

Director: Josef Von Baky

Summary: This film was commissioned by the German Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the German Film Studio, Ufa. Set in eighteenth century Venice, it tells the story of Baron Von Munchhausen, an eccentric historical figure who's amazing adventures are well documented. Restored and remastered. German dialogue with subtitles.

Released in 1943, this film was the product of the German Film Industry under the auspices of the Nazi Party and was intended to rival the most glamorous films being produced by the American Film Industry. It is the story of Baron von Munchhausen who, accompanied by his servant Kuchenreutter, embarks on a series of fantastical journeys across the world and along the way experiencing war, love, imprisonment and escape.

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Enjoying the dubious billing of being the Third Reich's "finest fictional moment", Münchhausenlives up to the hype. Commissioned by propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels to mark the 25th anniversary of the UFA film studio in 1943, director Josef von Baky was given every incentive artistic, technical and financial to create a state-of-the-art film outflanking Hollywood--and, in most respects, he succeeded. Hans Albers is understatedly right as the buccaneer aristocrat, his adventures over the centuries made possible by preternatural longevity. Hermann Speelmans gives sterling support as loyal manservant Kuchenreutter, while Brigitte Horney has appealing decadence as Catherine the Great. The spectacular Venice canal sequence and whimsical moon episode are balanced by strong scriptwriting from "Berthold Bürger" (Erich Kästner of Emil and the Detectivesfame), with Georg Haentzschel's lushly eclectic score scarcely inferior to those by his more famous Hollywood counterparts. A tendency to send-up non-German nationalities hints at Nazi ideology, but otherwise this is pure--though never soulless--escapism, produced to the highest artistic standards.

On the DVD:Münchhausenon disc is presented in a restored print which recaptures the original's breathtaking interplay of colour, and the soundtrack has been very adequately cleaned up. Just eight access points and subtitles in English only, but a photo gallery of over 100 stills and memorabilia to chart the course of the film in detail. R Dixon Smith's insightful documentary feature gives the lowdown on why the film was made. All the more remarkable, then, that it's survived the vicissitudes of its era so handsomely. --Richard Whitehouse

Aspect Ratio:	4:3
Main Language:	German
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Commentary, Photo Gallery, Original Theatrical Trailer
Subtitles:	English
Year:	1943
Release Date:	August 18, 2003
Runtime:	110 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	E K A 40063
Keywords:	Action, Subtitled, German, Adventure, Munchhausen
Genre:	Action/Adventure