Woyzeck

Starring:Klaus Kinski, Eva Mattes, Wolfgang Reichmann, Willy Semmelrogge, Josef Bierbichler, Paul Burian, Volker Prechtel, Dieter Augustin, Irm Hermann, Wolfgang BÃ¤chler, Herbert Fux, Rosemarie Heinikel
Director: Werner Herzog
Studio: Anchor Bay
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The six-film Herzog/Kinski boxed set is a sleek compilation of a visionary cinematic collaboration. The history of cinema is dotted with great directors who have found an actor whose face, voice, and style capture that director's point of view: Josef Von Sternberg and Marlene Dietrich; John Ford and John Wayne; Martin Scorsese and Robert DeNiro. In 1972, the German director Werner Herzog cast Polish actor Klaus Kinski in Aguirre, the Wrath of God--the result was perhaps the definitive film for both. Kinski had previously made almost 100 films, but his malevolent role--as a Spanish conquistador obsessed with finding gold--shot him into international stardom. Though Herzog and the volatile Kinski were at each other's throats through much of the filming, seven years later the director cast Kinski as the tortured vampire of Nosferatu, Phantom of the Night (a color remake of the silent horror classic) and the title character of Woyzeck, based on the classic expressionistic German play about a jealous, unstable soldier who murders his lover. Both films continued the Herzog-Kinski trademark of intense unflinching emotion and the palpable presence of the raw physical world.

In 1982, Fitzcarraldo carried this ethos to new heights as Kinski portrayed a man who, in order to bring grand opera to the depths of Peru, has a huge steamship hauled over a mountainside using ropes, pulleys, and human endurance. The mad ambition of the film matched that of its hero as Herzog repeatedly placed crew and actors at risk of their lives. Nonetheless, the love-hate relationship between the director and his star carried them into one last film, the uneven but still remarkable Cobra Verde, about a Brazilian bandit sent to Africa to reopen the slave trade. After Kinski's death in 1991, Herzog made a documentary, My Best Fiend, about their decades of collaboration; the result rivals their previous work as a testament to human extremity. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

WOW!.......2007-05-18

The quality of the DVDs is among the best. Picture and sound is great. I had only ever seen "Nosferatu" before getting the set. "Fitzcaraldo" has become one of my favorite all time movies since getting the set. The documentary "My Best Fiend" is wonderful.

Good Value.......2007-02-23

I already had two of the films in this set, "Nosferatu" and "Aguirre", so I looked into buying the others separately. Buying the set was less expensive, so that's what I did and gave the duplicates to the local library. I compared the disks before giving them away, and the ones in set were the same as the individual editions. Highly recommended for Herzog and Kinski fans.

BUY THIS!.......2006-03-03

I can't help but add my voice to the chorus of positive reviews for this set. It is without a doubt the most well put together dvd box set I have ever seen. Even the packaging is awesome. Whoever is responsible for the physical look of this collection should win a product design award or something. All the movies (except Woyzeck) have very entertaining and insightful herzog commentary and most of the movies have english tracks aswell. I'm not sure what restoration was done on these movies but they all look great! I would say that if you are thinking of buying any of these movies alone on DVD just go ahead and opt for the box set. Chances are, if you like and understand the Herzog aesthetic, you will love all of these movies! Cobra Verde, which I once thought was the weakest of the Herzog/Kinski efforts, has become my favorite upon multiple viewings. Could not have a higher possible recommendation!

Kinski, One Of The Greatest Actors Of His Generation?.......2006-03-03

I think that he is, his on screen presence is as powerful as any actor I have ever seen. From the dark ferocity, burning evil of Kinskis portrayal of 'Nosferatu'; without question he is the greatest 'vampire' to have ever graced cinema. To the manic depressive/shockingly haunting eyes of his portrayal of 'Woyzeck' his character in the films name-sake; indeed one of the most troubled yet somehow believeable characters seen on film.

Woyzeck versus Travis Bickle?....that would be an interesting answer.

Outstanding.

A Match Made In Hell.......2005-09-14

It is said that all drama stems from conflict and there was certainly no shortage of it between Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski. Their relationship reminds me of a troubled romance that is doomed to eventually fall apart, but ignites with such passion when the two are together that it's more than worth the grief. One would expect an arrangement of this nature to result in one or two films before the rift became so great between director and actor that they could no longer tolerate one another. Yet, there exists an undeniable sense of brotherhood between these cinematic legends that underlies their artistic struggle.

I can't tell you how pleased I am to have this set after all these years. Including "My Best Fiend" in this set is absolutely essential for a complete appreciation of the unique relationship Herzog and Kinski shared. As has been mentioned before regarding the documentary, there is a sense of one-sided storytelling as Herzog lays out Kinski's many flaws. And, yes, one has to wonder just which man had the larger ego after hearing some of Herzog's rather polished explanations. While it would have been nice to have Kinski there to argue his side of the story, it's still a unique and fascinating look into the creative lives of two very different sort of men.

Of the films themselves, I'm most fond of Nosferatu and Woyzeck, but Aguirre, the Wrath of God and Fitzcarraldo are truly magnificent epics. I just have to find myself in a particular mood to watch the latter, where the former always hold my attention. In my opinion, Woyzeck is the most overlooked of the Herzog/Kinski collaborations. Certainly Cobra Verde is an inferior film, but it at least has a reputation. Considering Woyzeck was finished in just 18 days with only 27 cuts, I like to think of it as a little miracle.

I've seen Kinski in other films and I've seen works by Herzog without Kinski and it's clear to me that, with a few exceptions, their best work came when they worked together. So, do yourself a favor and pick up this set, then settle in for some intense viewing. And, whatever you do, don't pass on the documentary!

Average customer rating:

An Under-rated Classic
Not Bad.
A caustic tragedy!
Not Herzog's best - but still good...
Essential Herzog

Woyzeck
Starring: Klaus Kinski , Eva Mattes , Wolfgang Reichmann , Willy Semmelrogge , and Josef Bierbichler
Director: Werner Herzog
Manufacturer: Starz / Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Aguirre, the Wrath of God
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Fitzcarraldo
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ASIN: 6305970971
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Amazon.com

The films of Werner Herzog are often marked by physically punishing circumstances that test the endurance of the characters. In Woyzeck, based on the classic German expressionist play by Georg Buchner, all the punishment is within. Klaus Kinski stars as Woyzeck, a disturbed soldier subjected to dubious scientific experiments and maltreatment from his superiors. His only solace is his lover, Marie (Eva Mattes)--so when he begins to suspect her of infidelity, his jealousy swiftly turns murderous. The movie is shot with unusual simplicity, often in long sustained shots that demand focused, disciplined performances. Both of the main actors rose to the task; Mattes was awarded Best Supporting Actress at the Cannes Film Festival and Kinski creates a harrowing portrait of fragile desperation. It's a reminder that, though best known for his volcanic frenzies, Kinski could vividly portray all sides of the human condition. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

An Under-rated Classic.......2007-01-08

While many Herzog/Kinski fans may have difficulty with the pace of this film, I find this to be one of Kinski's most gripping performances. From the opening sequences of the film one can see that Kinski has totally transformed himself into the hapless Woyzeck. As the film goes on, it is clear that Kinski is performing at a level that is both transcendental and peerless.

Herzog's decision to limit the editing and shoot longer scenes really forces the actors to search deep inside themselves to give performances that are rarely brought to the screen these days. This has also given the characters an added dimension that would otherwise be lost with dubious cutting. You would be hard pressed to find an actor like Tom Cruise to have the discipline to give a convincing performance in this climate.

Some of Herzog's shots, like the marching band slowing approaching the camera on the town cobblestone streets, are so visually compelling that they would make great oil paintings (but maybe that's just me). The town itself has a flesh colour to it, illustrating an almost human quality. There is also a certain brightness of the sets that enhance the performances of the scenes and bring out subtle details and nuances.

Scenes of Woyzeck breaking down in the middle of a wheat field, being humiliated in the tavern by his rival, and confiding in his only friend in the bunkhouse are emotionally highly charged (which is an understatement) performances by Kinski. The most incredible scene, however, is when Woyzeck murders Marie in a long slow-motion sequence. It is truly something that has to be seen to be believed. The soundtrack during this sequence in spot on perfect and adds a trancendent quality to the scene. I've watched this scene over and over again and couldn't help but be in total awe. Any student of film should study this scene in great detail, because there has never been a performance more dramatic or inspiring in the history of film. This is possibly THE greatest highlight and example of genius created between the union of Herzog & Kinski in both their careers (this is not an overstatement).

To sum it up, Woyzeck is a highly under-rated classic with performances that are unparalleled in film. Klaus Kinski deserves so much more than a mere footnote in the history of film, because he is truly one of a kind. I'm glad that Herzog had both the stamina and intelligence to be able to harness the madness and harvest the genius.

Not Bad........2005-10-16

'Woyzeck' was a slow-moving but interesting film about a German soldier trying to control his nerves before he loses his mind. The story is set in a tiny German town during what seems like World War I. There seems to be underlying Anti-Semitism growing within the psyche of the town. Every character fully developed in the story has something wrong with him or her. Woyzeck seems like your typical, clueless, brain-washed soldier, but underneath the shallow exterior, he has interesting insights about life. A doctor he know is impressed with the way he sees things.
At the same time, Woyzeck looks like he is about to snap at any moment. Something in his past or something happening in his life has permanently destroyed his fragile mind forever. What I liked about this film was that I could feel like I was living in that time period in that country. There was a certain level of authenticity to the film that was comforting. Many people will be bored by the movie, while others might be confused at to what the point is. The film is more of a psychological study of a group of people of a town, rather than trying to show a certain point.

A caustic tragedy!.......2005-09-25

Buchner was possibly a premature flame that vanished too soon. His irreparable loss meant a sensible enigma in the German Literature. He died at 23 but his talent and conceptual maturity anticipated by far almost a century respect to his fellows colleagues.

Think about the historic period.: 1836. The nationalist movements invade the exacerbated and febrile imagination of a big literary current. Lord Byron, Goethe and Chateaubriand represented the outpost writers in Europe signed by the Operatic spirit and Romanticism was the fashion emblem.

So under this perspective you have to adjust your glasses and visualize the hyperbole and excesses so typical of this movement. An ordinary man plunges into madness and murder with plain conscious. In many ways this unrestrained outburst of self destruction is linked to Existentialism Literary and German Expressionism with seventy years of advantage. A premonitory and incisive study of the inner demons who haunt in most of us. As always Klaus Kinski gives a stand out performance with this personage who as Atlas has to carry this heavy burden. Herzog is towering behind the camera.

Not Herzog's best - but still good..........2004-10-29

Do not expect the same level of greatness and general quirkiness in this Herzog film as you will find in his classics (Aguirre, Fitzcarraldo, Nosferatu, Heart of Glass) - however, this is a pretty good adaptation of Woyzeck - with Klaus Kinski still looking manic as ever. I don't think even Herzog felt this one was truly special - there is no commentary track, for example, when most of the subsequent dvd releases of his films have included this feature. Maybe it is because this one is pretty straight forward. The costumes, dialogue, and acting are all good. It just feels like it's missing something...

Essential Herzog.......2004-02-15

Many fans of Aguirre seem to have trouble with this film, which has only 27 edits. One need not have a stalwart attention span to endure this film, only an interest in insanity, a recurring theme of Herzog's work. The performances are really brought to the fore in this film, making it's theater origins all the more apparent, particularly with the solilioquies that several of the characters give when they are alone. But just as cinema was borne of theater, there are some quintessentially cinematic scenes that more than make up for any staginess elsewhere. I rank Herzog up there with Kubrick and Scorsese as directors who understand better than anyone else the power of music combined with psychically compatible images. The opening sequence is a prime example. While this is not one of his very best films, it is one of his most difficult and well-acted. B+

Average customer rating:

One of the best films ever made

Woyzeck
Starring: Lajos Kovacs , Peter Haumann , and Alekszandr Porohovscsikov
Director: Janos Szasz
Manufacturer: Bunyik Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000MKXF0U
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Description

Georg Buechner's world-renowned play of oppression and dehumanization and has been magnificently captured in this stark update by Hungarian director Janos Szasz. Set in modern-day Budapest, the story follows the wretched Woyzeck as he ekes out a meager existence as a lowly worker in a railyard. In a striking performance by Lajos Kovacs (Wings of Desire), Woyzeck is an unkempt outcast who earns extra money by running errands for a bullying army captain and acting as a guinea pig for a local doctor. When his wife begins an affair with a policeman, Woyzeck experiences one humiliation too many and snaps. Using genuine black and white film stock, cinematographer Tibor Mathe exploits the rich blacks and graded grays for maximum atmosphere turning a dark, bleak tale into visual poetry

Customer Reviews:

One of the best films ever made.......2001-02-03

Although it might seem like an exaggeration, but in my opinion this Hungarian version of Georg Büchner's "Woyzeck" is one of the ten best films ever made. It is comparable to such a films as "Citizen Kane". János Szász hasn't tried to make a film which is only a cinema version of Büchner's play. He just uses the atmosphere and creates a whole new setting for the film. Woyzeck (Lajos Kovács) works as a railroad employee, surrounded by a surrealistic environment. An impressive film in brilliant black-and-white pictures, containing discouraging metaphors. The suggestive decelerated style of narration leads the spectators to a somber end of the road, the place of a final humiliation. In contrast to Klaus Kinski (BRD 1979, director: Werner Herzog) Lajos Kovács plays the part of Woyzeck not less superb, but a lot more gloomy.

Woyzeck [Non-US Format, PAL, Region 2, Import]

Average customer rating:

Woyzeck [Non-US Format, PAL, Region 2, Import]

ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 8373005099

Product Description

Werner Herzog Box Set 1(6 DVD Edition) [PAL, Region 2, Import]

Average customer rating:

Werner Herzog Box Set 1(6 DVD Edition) [PAL, Region 2, Import]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

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Product Features:

Region 2, PAL (Europe, Japan, South Africa and the Middle East including Egypt)
Requires multi-region DVD player for the US.

ASIN: 8388056379

Product Description

Featuring: 'Aguirre' which finds a band of Spanish conquistadors searching for gold in the Amazon. 'Nosferatu The Vampire' finds one of the most terrifying of all Dracula stories, set in Germany. Johnathan Harker arrives at a large gloomy castle, and is confronted by Count Dracula... 'Woyzeck' finds an abused soldier going mad and committing murder; based on a powerful adaptation of a play by Georg Buchner. 'Fitzcarraldo' finds a man obsessed with the dream of building an opera house in the Peruvian jungle. 'Cobra Verde' finds a man sent to Africa as a slave trader, as punishment for seducing his employer's young daughters. 'My Best Friend' is Herzog's tribute to his friend Klaus Kinski.

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