Berlin Alexanderplatz (Criterion Collection)

Alfred Döblin's acclaimed novel is brought to the screen by iconoclastic filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder in this sprawling interpretation originally made for television. The audacious tale, set in Weimar-era Germany, centers on the travails of an ex-convict (Günter Lamprecht) attempting to rehabilitate his shattered life in the midst of a society itself in the throes of transformation. Karlheinz Braun, Hanna Schygulla also star. 15 2/3 hrs. total on seven discs. Standard; Soundtrack: German Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English; documentaries; interview; more. Includes the bonus feature "Berlin─Alexanderplatz" (1931). In German with English subtitles.