The Godfather is returning to cinemas this February to mark its 50th anniversary

Virgin Radio

14 Jan 2022, 09:15

It came out half-a-century ago, and is generally considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time, and now Francis Ford Coppola’s epic mob masterpiece is going to be available to watch on the big screen again.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Godfather, the stone-cold classic has been restored under the watchful eye of its director, and will hit our cinema screens for a limited run next month.

Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Mario Puzo’s novel stars two massive Hollywood legends, with Al Pacino playing Michael Corleone and Marlon Brando playing Don Vito Corleone. Also included in the stellar cast are James Caan, John Cazale, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Sterling Hayden, Richard Conte, Talia Shire, Abe Vigoda and Al Lettieri.

With its story of the head of a mafia family deciding to hand over his empire to his youngest son, the film won big at the Academy Awards, taking out Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

In a statement, the director said: “I am very proud of The Godfather, which certainly defined the first third of my creative life.”

The statement continued: “It’s also gratifying to celebrate this milestone with Paramount alongside the wonderful fans who’ve loved it for decades, younger generations who still find it relevant today, and those who will discover it for the first time.”

And if enjoying The Godfather Part I at the cinema isn’t enough for you, then you’ll be excited to learn that all three films in the trilogy have been meticulously restored under the direction of Coppola, and will be made available in a 4K Ultra HD box-set for the first time ever from 21st March.

The three movies, The Godfather, The Godfather Part II and The Godfather Part III, were painstakingly restored over three years, and the new release will also include Mario Puzo's The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone - which is a re-cut version of the third film. 

Coppola said: “With this 50th anniversary tribute, I’m especially proud Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone is included, as it captures Mario and my original vision in definitively concluding our epic trilogy.”

The Godfather 50th Anniversary edition will be released in select UK cinemas from 25th February. The Trilogy box set will be available on 21st March.