Das Cover zur “M (aka: M – Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder)” [D 1931, Fritz Lang] Blu-ray hatte Masters of Cinema bereits im Oktober über Twitter verbreitet. Mittlerweile stehen auch die Ausstattungsdetails zur Blu-ray und zur DVD auf der Label-WebSite online. Die beiden Discs sollen im Februar 2010 in Großbritannien in den Handel kommen.

Of all Fritz Lang’s creations, none have been more innovative or influential than M, the film that launched German cinema into the sound era with stunning sophistication and mesmerising artistry. A spate of child killings has stricken a terrified Berlin. Peter Lorre gives a legendary performance as the murderer Hans Beckert, who soon finds himself chased by all levels of society.

From cinema’s first serial killer hunt, Lang pulls back to encompass social tapestry, police procedural, and underworld conspiracies in an astonishingly multi-faceted and level-headed look at a deeply incendiary topic. One of the greatest psychological thrillers of all time, M remains as fresh and startling almost 80 years on. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present a stunning high-definition restoration of a definitive classic of world cinema.

• Blu-ray #9: Stunning, restored 1080p high-definition transfer in the correct 1.19:1 ratio, with restored sound
• DVD #92: Stunning, restored high-definition transfer in the correct 1.19:1 ratio, with restored sound
• Two audio commentaries: one by German film scholars Anton Kaes and Eric Rentschler; the other featuring film restoration expert Martin Koerber, filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich, historian Torsten Kaiser and excerpts from Bogdanovich’s 1965 audio interviews with Lang
• The original 1932 British release version of M, presented in its entirety, recently rediscovered after 70 years, featuring different actors, alternate takes and Peter Lorre’s first performance in English
• Zum Beispiel Fritz Lang, a 1968 documentary with Fritz Lang discussing his career in German cinema
• 48-page illustrated booklet, including writing by Fritz Lang, historian Robert Fischer, details of a missing scene, behind-the-scenes stills and production drawings

 
Zwar bieten die neuen Discs zwei Audiokommentare, die britische Verleihfassung von 1932 und die 1968er Dokumentation “Zum Beispiel Fritz Lang“, bis auf den Audiokommentar fehlen allerdings alle weiteren Extras der “Ultimate Edition”-Doppel-DVD von Eureka aus dem Jahr 2003. Die Ausstattung des alten 2-DVD-Sets laut rewind:

DISC ONE

• Audio commentary by transfer supervisor of the restored cut Torsten Kaiser, film restoration supervisor Martin Koerber, filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich with excerpts from his 1965 interview of director Fritz Lang
• “The Restoration Of M” with IML Digital Media’s Peter Campbell documentary (23:07)

DISC TWO

• 1965 “Audio Interview of Fritz Lang” with Peter Bogdanovich (37:12)
• “For Example: Fritz Lang” (in German, with optional English Subtitles) 1960s documentary (27:30)
• “Lending Order To Terror- M” Visual Essay by R. Dixon Smith (17:40)
• More About M:
  • “About Nero Film” (text-based feature)
  • “Restoration Of M” by Martin Kroeber & Torsten Kaiser(17:53)
  • Storyboard To Screen Comparisons (2:03)
• Photo Gallery:
  • “On The Set” (8:37)
  • “Advertising Billboard Posters” (0:42)
  • “Theatrical Programmes” (4 pages)
• Biographies and Filmographies:
  • Peter Lorre
  • Fritz Lang
  • Gustaf Gründgens