While watching the films as originally intended is initially essential, Francis Ford Coppola has made available different ways to experience his iconic The Godfather films. Back in November of 1977, NBC aired The Godfather Saga, a version which puts the story of the first two films (all that was available at the time) in chronological order with additional deleted scenes, but was partially censored as it was airing on television.
With a few other editions over the years, nearly four decades later, we finally have the best version possible of the aforementioned edit as HBO has premiered The Godfather Epic, which marks the first time an uncensored, commercial-free version with 5.1 audio and full HD has become available. Airing last night and now available to stream on HBO GO through January 28th, it clocks in at 424 minutes, just over seven hours.
One can check out the trailer below and HBO Go members can stream it here. We’ve also included a TV spot from 1977 and a selection of deleted scenes, but you’re much better off clicking play on HBO in full HD. For those curious, Wikipedia has a list of the deleted scenes, and for more on the making of the film, read our extensive recent interview with Coppola and watch a behind-the-scenes documentary.