Box set worth the wait

The eagerly anticipated "The Godfather" trilogy DVDs are finally released, and fans of the series will be happy to hear it was well worth the wait.\nThere are five discs in the collection -- one disc for both parts I and III, two discs for part II and a bonus disc chock full of interesting supplementary materials. \nThe supplementary disc is truly a revelation. It includes a documentary entitled "The Godfather Family: A Look Inside," that is immensely informative and includes the active participation of many of the film's stars.\nThe bonus disc also contains "Francis Coppola's Notebook," "Coppola and Puzo on Screenwriting," "The Godfather Behind the Scenes 1971," storyboards from parts II and III, photo galleries, theatrical trailers, an in-depth "Family Tree" that includes both cast and character biographies, filmmaker biographies and Academy Awards acceptance speeches. The DVD medium is constantly evolving to include more information and insight into the filmmaking process, but "The Godfather DVD Collection" raises the bar.\nUnlike many directors of his prominence, Coppola has chosen to include a running audio commentary with the films. Especially illuminating is the commentary that accompanies the much-maligned third installment. Coppola doesn't go so far as to defend the film, but he describes it as both "a meditation on one's own mortality" and a prologue to parts I and II. \nThe film's transfer to DVD leaves a tad to be desired, but blows away previous VHS releases and the prints that were released in 1997 to celebrate the first film's 25th Anniversary. The transfer is rather dark, but given the age and rumored care of the films they look quite good. The sound is stellar as supervised by Coppola and presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. \n"The Godfather DVD Collection" gives viewers the opportunity to experience two of the best movies ever made, and their deeply flawed, yet masterful follow-up in the highest quality picture and sound they may ever be available in. For that reason alone, the set is more than worth its hefty price tag. This collection is a necessity for any avid DVD collector.