Some who have lamented that old movies were made in black and white should look at this remake for an explanation of why black and white was often appropriate! I have never seen such gatish color in sets and costumes. It all distracts from the story.
Subtlety in costumes and set design are virtues.
With full respect for browser8's opinion 're: garish color in the sets and costumes and how this detracted from the story
There were more important differences between the two film's than the use of 50's era Technicolor.
The timeframe shift from pre WW-2 Wiemar Republic Germany to post WW-2 West Germany is to me the most significant. This legitimizes the choices in production design.
The 're-write of the story has a few changes that drastically affect the tenor and delivery of the original work, particularly the climatic ending.
Development of the characters was,for me, what really separated the two films. Mai Britt's Lola Lola seemed far less thick skinned than Dietrich's. It seemed that she had real love for Professor Rolf, which of course diminished proportionally as his obsession with his new Wife increased. This obsession reduced him by eliminating his self respect making the affection Lola Lola had for him turn to disgust.
I agree with you. The acting in this version is so much better. The scene that really gets to me is when he finally snaps you can really feel his anguish, it brings me to tears everytime I watch it. I own it now it's just that good.
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