Before Director Wolfgang Peterson made such great films as "IN THE LINE OF FIRE," and "AIR FORCE ONE," he'd already demonstrated his ability to make an epic. "DAS BOOT" was originally shot for German television, and edited down for its original theatrical release in America.  While its American theatrical release was quite good, the additional footage actually succeeds in offering more depth to the film, and without ever resorting to pure "filler" to simply make money from a "new" cut of the film.

"DAS BOOT" is the story of the captain and crew of a U-boat in WW2.  We follow their perilous mission to sink Allied ships crossing the North Atlantic, and witness the horrors the commit, as well as the horrors brought upon them.  Peterson delves into the psyche of these men, and the audience really feels it, as they quietly, tensely await the fate of depth charges from a destroyer.  Sure, these types of scenes have been done in countless WW2 films before, but never with the realism achieved here!   It's a great film for many reasons, one of which is the way it depicts the politics of war.  When the Captain attends a dinner party, in disheveled form, those above him, have no real sense of what he and his crew have just been through, yet they have a look of disdain about them, as if superior. It's just one brilliant moment out of many. 

"DAS BOOT" has benefited from the "SUPERBIT" remastering process.  COLUMBIA TRISTAR has preserved the film's correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement.  Running 3 1/2 hours, it's been split over two discs, for lower compression.  It's a terrific transfer! In general, the colors are intentionally subdued.  However, there are scenes wherein the image is extremely vibrant and colors make the image glisten. Whether subdued or vibrant, the image always offers great detail.  Contrast is also excellent, with deep blacks and grays, allowing for impeccable clarity in the darkest scenes. Fleshtones appear natural throughout.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented both a Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 mix for the "SUPERBIT."  It's outstanding.  While the previous Dolby Digital 5.1 mix was impressive, surrounds appear more aggressive on both of these mixes in comparison.  There are many terrific directional effects utilizing all speakers, and there are also more the fidelity range is extraordinary.  Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion.  The DTS offers slightly better detail than the Dolby Digital mix. But, both are of demonstration quality!