Das Boot (German pronunciation: [das ˈboːt], German meaning "The Boat") is a 1981 German epic war film written and directed by Wolfgang Petersen, produced by Günter Rohrbach, and starring Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer and Klaus Wennemann. It has been exhibited both as a theatrical release and as a TV miniseries, and in several different home video versions of various running times.
Note: The English dubbed version is an excellent version of this film. This film has been reiterated into several versions. I am of the opinion that the Directors Cut is not an overall better version of this film; saw that version in a theatrical release.
I've seen the 3.5h version, in original German. I could not watch this dubbed same as would never watch dubbed Stalingrad 1993 it would kill the movie vibe in some way. It it one of the best ww2, war, navy movie ever made. And it brings so much perception of crew life in that time.
Who likes this movie should read following books; Iron Coffins and Sharks and Little Fish.
One reason I suggested the English version (without subtitles) is because the film won an award for the transfer. I certainly can relate to your point.