DIE FAHRTEN DES ODYSSEUS (1954) Blu-ray/DVD Film with Kirk Douglas
Product description
The listed aspect ratios are 1.33:1 and 1.37:1, placing this 1954 film in the classic widescreen-free presentation typical of older cinema. The product information lists Blu-ray and DVD/PAL, and describes a two-disc set, although the edition notes specifically refer to two DVD versions.
Directed by Mario Camerini, the film follows Odysseus on his journey home after the fall of Troy, with Kirk Douglas, Silvana Mangano, Rossana Podestà and Anthony Quinn among the cast.
What to know
The edition notes describe two cuts: a shorter version running for about 100 minutes, newly scanned from the cut original negative, and an expanded version of about 109 minutes. The longer cut adds scenes taken from an older 35mm cinema print, which the notes say were not newly scanned. Elsewhere, the listed runtime is 1 hour and 45 minutes and the theatrical cut is stated as 105 minutes, so the running-time information is not completely consistent. That distinction matters if you are choosing the set specifically for a particular cut.
The restoration information refers to a 4K scan of the original negative, but that does not mean the disc itself is a 4K release. Bonus material is listed, including a feature on Odysseus’s journey of about 43 minutes, a German cinema trailer, a picture gallery and an alternative cover image. Language information names English, German and Italian, the exact audio and subtitle allocation is not clear in the supplied details.
How it fits
This is aimed at viewers interested in a large-scale retelling of Homer’s Odyssey, rather than a contemporary action film. Its mythic encounters include the Cyclops, Circe and the Sirens, before Odysseus returns to Ithaca and contests the suitors for Penelope. The historical-adventure setting and the two-cut presentation give it appeal as a classic-film set, while the older source material behind the extended scenes is worth bearing in mind if consistent picture quality across every scene is important to you.
You’ll like it if you want the option of comparing a shorter cut with an expanded version and are drawn to classic stories of ancient voyages. Customer feedback is positive about the film and its picture, with one buyer specifically praising the restoration, comments on the acting are mixed, including praise for Mangano alongside reservations about some supporting performances. It’s not for you if you need an unambiguous Blu-ray-only listing: the title says Blu-ray, but the edition description also refers to a double-DVD set.
How to use it
Choose the shorter cut for a more compact viewing, or the expanded version if you want the additional scenes and longer presentation. The set is suited to a planned film night or a classic-cinema collection, especially if you enjoy comparing alternate cuts. Before buying, match the disc format and preferred language options to your player and viewing setup, as the format and language details are not fully specified consistently.
Questions before you buy
Are both versions included? The edition notes describe a shorter cut and an expanded cut on two discs, but the format information differs between the Blu-ray/DVD listing and the DVD-focused description.
How long is the film? The supplied details give 100 minutes for the shorter cut, about 109 minutes for the expanded version and 105 minutes for the theatrical cut elsewhere in the listing.
What bonus material is listed? Extras include a feature about Odysseus’s journey, a German trailer, a picture gallery and an alternative cover image.
Is it worth it?
The main reason to choose this edition is the combination of the restored shorter cut, an expanded version and supplementary material around a classic adventure film. It makes more sense for viewers who value alternate cuts and historical cinema than for anyone seeking a clearly specified single-format release. The conflicting format and runtime details are the key points to weigh, if those matter to your setup or collecting preference, the listing does not settle them cleanly.