There are a few brief cuts from the film, namely - as stated above - Michael flashing back to Fredo’s death while receiving the Order of Saint Sebastian honor from the church and some of Mary’s more stilted dialogue from the balcony scene with Vincent ( Andy Garcia). (The establishing shot of New York City in the late-'70s, complete with the Twin Towers, has been removed entirely.) We then hear Michael’s voiceover as he writes a letter to his daughter Mary and his son Tony (Franc D'Ambrosio). This decision helps the audience make sense of the at-times confusing Vatican plot and sets it in motion much quicker and with more urgency. Instead of the flashback to the Lake Tahoe compound where Michael Corleone’s ( Al Pacino) brother Fredo (John Cazale) was killed at the end of Part II, it begins with the scene where Archbishop Gilday (Donal Donnelly) asks Michael for money, which didn’t arrive until about 40 minutes into the movie. You’ll immediately notice a difference when you start the film. The Coda release is actually shorter than the original by four minutes. So what exactly has changed, and was it worth it? Let’s take a closer look at Coppola's changes from the original cut to this new version and you can decide whether it’s worth another shot.įirst off, if you’re looking for more of the Godfather saga, you’re going to be a little disappointed. This was a welcome opportunity for him to right the wrongs. For a variety of reasons, The Godfather, Part III never lived up to its predecessors and its stigma of damaging what should have been the best trilogy ever made has always gnawed at Coppola. Coming up with a satisfying conclusion to any beloved story is difficult (just ask the people who made The Sopranos), but even more difficult when the two prior chapters are among the best movies ever made. This was welcome news for both Godfather and film fans because, well, The Godfather, Part III isn’t a very good movie.