Product guide

The Threepenny Opera (Criterion Collection) DVD

The Criterion Collection’s The Threepenny Opera is G.W. Pabst’s 1931 black-and-white film adaptation of the Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill work. This two-disc DVD listing includes the German film and a French-language version, along with documentary and other supplementary features described in the listing.

At a glance

The listing describes a two-disc edition with a French-language version of the film on the second disc.
Supplementary material described includes a 48-minute documentary, commentary, a version comparison, and an introduction.
The story follows Mack the Knife and the beggar king’s daughter, with music by Kurt Weill and a libretto by Bertolt Brecht.

Price

$19.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$39.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

View offer

Often bought together

The Threepenny Opera 1954 New York Cast Blitzstein Adaptation

$9.99

Pros and cons

Pros

The two-disc presentation offers both the German film and a French-language version, according to the listing.
The listed documentary and comparison feature provide contextual material for viewers interested in the film’s adaptation and alternate version.

Cons

The accompanying description says the film cuts much of Weill’s music compared with the stage score, which may disappoint viewers seeking a fuller musical adaptation.

Technical specifications

15 specifications

Film and edition
Genre	Comedy
Director	G.W. Pabst
Contributors	G.W. Pabst, Lotte Lenya, Rudolf Forster
Actors	Lotte Lenya, Rudolf Forster
Studio	Criterion Collection
Release date	September 18, 2007
MPAA rating	Unrated (Not Rated)

Disc and playback details
Media format	Black & White, Digital Sound, Dolby, Multiple Formats, NTSC, Subtitled
Languages	English, German
Subtitles	English
Runtime	1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of discs	2
Aspect ratio	Unknown

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 2.4 ounces

Item identification
Model number	CRRN1713DVD

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The listing states a 1 hour and 50 minute runtime for the title, while its description mentions a separate 48-minute documentary. The product details list aspect ratio as unknown. Confirm the exact disc contents and playback requirements if those details are important.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers exploring Weimar-era cinema, G.W. Pabst, or Brecht and Weill adaptations.
Collectors who want both the German film and the listed French-language version, plus documentary and comparison extras.

Less suited to

Viewers seeking a complete version of the stage score, since the supplied description says the film cuts a great deal of Weill’s music.
Buyers who require a confirmed aspect ratio or detailed technical information for every disc.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.2 / 5 · 92 ratings

5 stars57%57%
4 stars22%22%
3 stars10%10%
2 stars6%6%
1 star5%5%

Aggregate customer ratings lean positive overall, with most ratings in the four- or five-star categories, but a smaller share falls in the one- to three-star categories. The figures do not show what customers liked or disliked, so they offer limited guidance beyond indicating varied satisfaction with this film edition.