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    Invelos Forums->General: General Discussion Page: 1 2  Previous   Next
german movies not available in US
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DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantkatharsis
Registered: March 13, 2007
United States Posts: 93
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So, I am planning a trip back to Germany later this year or early next year.
I am looking into buying a bunch of DVDs of good german movies before I get there (mostly ones I am not able to obtain in the US or some that do not have english subs)
I have been gone for almost 7 years now and missed out on a lot of movies that have been released since about 2000.  I would really appreciate if especially the german users of Profiler could tell me a couple of good titles.  Categories dont matter as I pretty much have a wild variety of Horror, Action, Sci-Fi down to Drama or Comedy...
Some that are currently on my "wish list" are:

Bang Boom Bang, Goldene Zeiten, Tattoo, Lammbock, Der Krieger und die Kaiserin, Sophie Scholl,

How about Stromberg, or Axel Stein material? Is that any good?

Also not sure if those ever saw a proper DVD release:  Die Vorstadtkrokodile, 23 (with engl. subs), Strassen von Berlin (mid to end 90s series of TV movies), Und tschuess... (Proll-Serie ), School's Out (90s teen movie about prom night and a band playing there, NOT that ridiculous horror flick)

So if anyone got some suggestions feel free to shoot them my way, open for anything and would really appreciate some feedback as I am missing some of german humor especially 

Any good places other than Amazon.de to get them at a good price?
- Life is just a form of animated death.
DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorDJ Doena
Registered: May 1, 2002
Registered: March 14, 2007
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Stromberg is a sort-of remake of the british show "The Office", but quite funny.

I'd advice, if you don't already have it:
Kleinruppin forever
Was tun, wenn's brennt?
Knocking on Heavens Door


Movies I don't personally know, but which seem to be good:
Der Untergang
Das Leben der Anderen
Das Parfüm

BTW: In which part of Germany will you go?
Karsten
DVD Collectors Online

 Last edited: by DJ Doena
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorTomGaines
Registered Sept. 24, 2001
Registered: March 13, 2007
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Quoting katharsis:
Quote:
Stromberg, or Axel Stein material? Is that any good?

Stromberg is, in my opinion, a well done German version of "The Office".
I would recommend "Goodbye Lenin", "Das Leben der Anderen". Huge successes in the comedy department were "Der Schuh des Manitu" and "Traumschiff Surprise". Recent surprise success was "Wer früher stirbt ist länger tot" but probably only in southern Germany (a really great movie in bavarian dialect).


DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorDJ Doena
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While I agree on "Der Schuh", I disagree on "Surprise". It has good CGI but like it's template (SW Episode 1) it lacks a good story.

"Goodbye Lenin" was not as funny as "Sonnenallee" IMHO.
Karsten
DVD Collectors Online

DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantkatharsis
Registered: March 13, 2007
United States Posts: 93
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Might pick up Stromberg then, I quite enjoy the Office (UK as well as US version)

All I own from the mentioned ones are Der Untergang, Knockin' on Heaven's Door, Schuh des Manitu, Sonnenalle (which is more hilarious since a friend born in East Germany did sort of an audio commentary for me)

I'll be in the Cologne area most of the time visiting familly then might go to Berlin for a week for more sightseeing and visiting a friend.

How about NVA, Was nicht passt wird passend gemacht, Blut der Templer, Der Tunnel, Der Eisbaer, Barfuss, Kampfansage, Kombat Sechszehn?
Can anyone remember a 80s (scandinavian?) animation movie about norsk gods and a boy and a creature called quark or quak?  I remember watching this as a child but it seems nowhere to be found.

Thanks for your "tips" 
- Life is just a form of animated death.
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributorhydr0x
Registered: April 4, 2007
Germany Posts: 884
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Quoting katharsis:
Quote:
How about NVA, Was nicht passt wird passend gemacht, Blut der Templer, Der Tunnel, Der Eisbaer, Barfuss, Kampfansage, Kombat Sechszehn?


Blut der Templer is a very crappy TV production, don't even consider spending money on it

Der Eisbaer is my favorite of that list, the others are OK
- Jan
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorMampfede
iphone app user
Registered: March 13, 2007
Germany Posts: 31
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Quoting katharsis:
Quote:
Can anyone remember a 80s (scandinavian?) animation movie about norsk gods and a boy and a creature called quark or quak?  I remember watching this as a child but it seems nowhere to be found.


That should be "Walhalla" (UPC: 4038637171554)

For more Comedy:
Movie: "Der Wixxer: Doppel Deluxe Edition"(Spoof of old Edgar Wallace Movies) (UPC: 828766326598) (better than the single Disc Version)
TV: Kalkofes Mattscheibe: Vol.1-3 (Knockout Editions and Explosive Edition) (4042564010213, 4042564010251, 4042564014754)
      Kalkofes Mattscheibe: Die Premiere Klassiker 1-3 (4042564013337, 4042564013344, 4042564014730)
      Kalkofes wunderbare Welt des Sports (4042564013412)
      Dittsche: Staffel 1-4 (5050582462791, 5050582469028, 5050582479287, 5050582490831)

Some Infos about Kalkofes Mattscheibe: http://www.granatenmaessigrecherchiert.de/infos.html

about Dittsche: http://www.wdr.de/comedy/sendungen/dittsche.phtml


Other Online Shop:
http://www.jpc.de


I forgot: "Das Wunder von Bern" (Post WWII Father/Son Movie with the Soccer WM 1954) (not comedy)
"They have a cave-troll"
Boromir
 Last edited: by Mampfede
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar ContributorDarxon
Vescere bracis meis
Registered: March 14, 2007
Germany Posts: 742
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Quoting katharsis:
Quote:

Die Vorstadtkrokodile,

Not available on DVD

23 (with engl. subs),

Not available with your desired subtitle track

Strassen von Berlin (mid to end 90s series of TV movies),

Not yet released on DVD, no mention of any plans to do so in the near future, either

Und tschuess... (Proll-Serie ),

See above

School's Out (90s teen movie about prom night and a band playing there, NOT that ridiculous horror flick)

Don't even know that one...

NVA,

IMO, overrated as is "Goodbye Lenin", if you like "Goodbye..", than you'll probably like this one, too. Although there are far better movies / comedies about the adventures of young men enlisting, for example the first part of "08/15", a classic b/w movie set in (pre)-WW II Germany.

Was nicht passt wird passend gemacht,

Not as good as "Bang, Boom, Bang", but from the same creative team. Better than "Goldene Zeiten", thoguh, also from the same creators. Great characters, and if you like Ralf Richter, get this one. There's also a TV-Series Box Set available, as this movie made it to a relatively succesful TV-Spin off.

Blut der Templer,

No Go

Der Tunnel,

OK, but not great

Der Eisbaer,

Haven't seen this one yet, although it's already old

Barfuss,

Supposedly good, although hard to believe, this being a Til Schweiger movie (I can't relate too well to his work. But his latest "Wo ist Fred?" is a more than decent comedy, with some truly hilarious moments. You should get "Wo ist Fred?" if you have to make a decision between these two...

Kampfansage,

Advertised as "the first German Martial Arts movie", it's really cheesy and trashy when it comes to acting, and dialogues, but the fight sequneces are IMO on par with good international productions. So, if you can look past the spoken words and concentrate on the grunting, it's a good pick. Also, it sells fairly cheap for a 2 Disc Limited Edition.

Kombat Sechszehn?

Don't know that one



Apart from these, don't go "Das Parfüm", the first 45 Minutes are very good, interesting and intriguing, after that, the movie gets very boring and carries on till complete after 145 minutes. Better read the book.

Also, try to get "Herr Lehmann", an awesome picture, very well written, extremely well played and very entertaining.

And you definitely NEED "Gegen die Wand", one of the best movies coming out of Germany in ages. Over the top acting, excellent story, fantastic characters and not for a second a bore.

"Der Wixxer" is an excellent choice if you're looking for good comedy, but it really helps if you know the old Edgar Wallace movies from the 50's and 60's. The second installment of the series should be out soon.

Also pretty big in the past years were the "7 Zwerge" movies, although for my taste, they're too stupid.

Also very nice is "Basta", but that one's originally from Austria. Still, a very good flic in my book, lots of laughs and crime.

I bet you already have the "Anatomie" movies, if not, the first is a must see, so is "Lola rennt" and "Der bewegte Mann" (both also available in the US, I think).

I also enjoyed "Antikörper", a thriller from last year. It got some bad reviews, but not really justified IMO.

"Kleine Haie" and "Echte Kerle" are also good comedies to pick up, and also moderately priced.

Better stay away from German made Action movies, too cheesy IMO. Same goes for a bunch of thrillers.

Obviously, German cinema is currently best at comedy and drama.

BTW, do you have "Christiane F."? If not, get that one, too.

As to where to buy: try Saturn and Media Markt for local stores, also (if available) Müller is a good place to check out. Try Weltbild as well, but better check that one online, their selection in the stores isn't too big, but they're cheap sometimes.

Hope I could help.

I'm living in Essen, about 45 mins from Cologne, if you need a scout, holler...
Lutz
 Last edited: by Darxon
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantgoodguy
Sita Sings the Blues
Registered: March 14, 2007
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To put some "art house" into the mix:

L'Amour (2000) DVD: Epix 2004

Sophiiiie! (2002) DVD: Epix 2007

Gegen die Wand (2004) DVD: Universal 2004

Gespenster (2005) DVD: Piffl Medien 2006

Der freie Wille (2006) DVD: Kinowelt 2007
Matthias
 Last edited: by goodguy
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantStar Contributorhydr0x
Registered: April 4, 2007
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about the Müller stores, they are a very good choice for shopping but they are hard to recognize if you don't know them

Here's the website, look out for their logo. And don't be worried if the store looks like a drugstore, their dvd department is usually on the 1st/2nd-Floor.

http://www.mueller.de/
- Jan
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantPeter von Frosta
Registered: March 14, 2007
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Kombat Sechzehn is actually quite good, but lacks english subs (as most german movies in general).

Die Apothekerin is a very cool black comedy, however no english subs either.
 Last edited: by Peter von Frosta
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantrincewind
phpmyprofiler dev
Registered: March 13, 2007
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Quoting katharsis:
Quote:
School's Out (90s teen movie about prom night and a band playing there, NOT that ridiculous horror flick)?

Sadly not available on dvd.
Never argue with an idiot. He brings you down to his level, then beats you with experience.


Wir gegen die Gier - Joseph Weizenbaum (1923 - 2008):
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Es sei denn: Wir organisieren den Widerstand gegen die Gier des globalen Kapitalismus.
DVD Profiler Desktop and Mobile RegistrantStar ContributorSH84
Registered: March 13, 2007
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Sad but true, almost any German production has English subs...
German Movies with English Subs
Schultze gets the blues


Regions: 2, 4

Released: 25.11.2005

Anamorphic 1.85:1




Berlin is in Germany


All Regions

Released: 17.11.2003

Anamorphic 1.85:1




Was tun, wenn's brennt?


Region 2

Released: 03.09.2002

Anamorphic 2.35:1




Das Boot: The Original Uncut Version


Regions: 2, 4, 5

Released: 17.05.2004

Anamorphic 1.85:1




(okay this is the British DVD, but I bought it month before the German DVD came out)
Barfuss


Region 2

Released: 13.10.2005

Anamorphic 2.35:1






BTW: Many German DVDs haven't a German Sub either...

Deutsches DVD Profiler Forum: www.dvdprofiler-forum.de
DVD Profiler Unlimited RegistrantLux
Registered: May 13, 2007
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I would have to second the tip on GEGEN DIE WAND. as well as GOODBYE LENIN

A truly great film.

I also liked DER TUNNEL.
If you are interested in History I'd also check out SOPHIE SCHOLL and DER NEUNTE TAG

LOLA RENNT is also worth owning esp. since you should be able to pick it up for about 5€

SOWEIT DIE FUSSE TRAGEN and STALINGRAD are classics that might be interesting as well (both are available for under 10€)

DAS EXPERIMENT is also interesting
You will have to be careful about subtitles if you need any. Many of the ones I mentioned only have german subs (or none).

HTH
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantkatharsis
Registered: March 13, 2007
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Awesome!  Thank You all for the feedback.  Looks like I'll be having a rather larger shopping spree.

I know that most german productions unfortunately do not have engl. subs (for whatever reason - think it might be easier to offer them to a broader audience that way) there are a few I wish would have subs, so my wife can enjoy them as well, but it looks like I'll be "dubbing" them while watching 

Most of the movies I have mentioned I either saw in someone's collection or I have been browsing german Amazon by production country (halfway through the 4000 titles by now  )
Some sound interesting, most seem "cheesy", especially the made for TV movies or action flicks.
Really looks like Germany is doing well with Comedy and Drama as of lately.  I'll definitely be picking up most of the titles that have been mentioned.

Thanks to Mampfede for finding Walhalla (already put that one into the cart).  What kind of comedy is Dittsche?  I have been visiting the site and read some reviews and am a bit confused.  Is it staged or like improv?

Still need to check out some that have been mentioned here that I've never heard of before.
Also just found a Mueller store in Aachen - never heard about this as well, but I surely will give it a try.

By the way the School's Out I am looking for is also known as Nacht der Naechte.  No release though.  I taped it on VHS at some point, but who knows where that one is by now, been quite some time...
- Life is just a form of animated death.
DVD Profiler Unlimited Registrantkatharsis
Registered: March 13, 2007
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Quoting Darxon:

Apart from these, don't go "Das Parfüm", the first 45 Minutes are very good, interesting and intriguing, after that, the movie gets very boring and carries on till complete after 145 minutes. Better read the book. 
Yeah, seems like a lot of people I asked about this one said the same thing, I'll probably wait for a proper US release and give it a try as a rental.

Also, try to get "Herr Lehmann", an awesome picture, very well written, extremely well played and very entertaining. 
Been highly suggested to me and sounds really good.

And you definitely NEED "Gegen die Wand", one of the best movies coming out of Germany in ages. Over the top acting, excellent story, fantastic characters and not for a second a bore. 
Really enjoyed this one, the US release is titled Head-On.

"Der Wixxer" is an excellent choice if you're looking for good comedy, but it really helps if you know the old Edgar Wallace movies from the 50's and 60's. The second installment of the series should be out soon. 
Love those old Wallace movies and have actually been thinking about picking up the boxsets, anyone know if there is a complete Masterworks collection or something similar? They seem to be split in so many different sets, which is odd.

Also pretty big in the past years were the "7 Zwerge" movies, although for my taste, they're too stupid. 
Not a big Otto fan, so probably pass on this one.

Also very nice is "Basta", but that one's originally from Austria. Still, a very good flic in my book, lots of laughs and crime. 
Basta - Rotwein oder Totsein, is that the title?

I bet you already have the "Anatomie" movies, if not, the first is a must see, so is "Lola rennt" and "Der bewegte Mann" (both also available in the US, I think).
Will check out the der bewegte Mann, own the first two.

I also enjoyed "Antikörper", a thriller from last year. It got some bad reviews, but not really justified IMO.
Seems pretty good as well

"Kleine Haie" and "Echte Kerle" are also good comedies to pick up, and also moderately priced.

Better stay away from German made Action movies, too cheesy IMO. Same goes for a bunch of thrillers.

Obviously, German cinema is currently best at comedy and drama.

BTW, do you have "Christiane F."? If not, get that one, too.
Bought the US Version a while back, but the sound quality was really bad mono transfer and I found a better R2 release.

As to where to buy: try Saturn and Media Markt for local stores, also (if available) Müller is a good place to check out. Try Weltbild as well, but better check that one online, their selection in the stores isn't too big, but they're cheap sometimes.
Saturn, Media Markt are my usual stops, picked up a couple for really cheap at Pro Markt last year.  Just found a Mueller in the area, never heard of before and will check Weltbild online.

Hope I could help. 
That was lots of help! Thank You so much!

I'm living in Essen, about 45 mins from Cologne, if you need a scout, holler...
Been to Essen several times for concerts, Zeche Carl, Konzerthalle etc... great locations, although a longer drive, much better than the venues in Cologne though!
- Life is just a form of animated death.
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