I recently watched this for the first time. Man, what an intense film! It's beautifully shot from the opening bar scene, to the ship yard/docks, to the scene where they flee the sinking ship with the men swimming to them for help, to the irony of the gut wrenching ending. It's set up perfectly so that you're actually pulling for these Nazi bastards to survive. (At least I was. I don't know whether an Allied WWII survivor would feel that way.)

I picked up the Superbit Director's Cut for 9.99 over the weekend. I saw U-571 a couple of years ago and while I enjoyed it during the moment, it didn't have the staying power that Das Boot has. I couldn't tell you the U-571 plot, but I don't think I'll soon forget Das Boot.

The Director's Cut is very detailed. Which means it's long, but it's never boring. It takes an emotional toll, however, so it may be awhile before I watch it again.

Most of you film nuts around here have seen this and have commented favorably. Thanks for the recommendations. I'm glad I finally watched it. As for the rest of you guys, don't let the subtitles scare you. Check it out.