- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,437
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
When one thinks of the silent films era and epics, one of its earliest purveyors comes to mind - D.W. Griffith.
But beyond his works, there were also huge productions both foreign as well as here in the Colonies.
Casts of thousands became important as hundreds of productions vied for the interest of the public, as well as a location at a large venue.
Domestically, beyond Griffith, were the M-G-Ms - The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse (1921), Ben-Hur (1925), Greed (1924), Paramount's The Ten Commandments (1923).
For foreign productions, we can go back to 1914 and Cabiria, Lang's Die Nibelungen (1924), Metropolis, and then Gance's Napoleon - a huge production from 1927.
And this new release from Flicker Alley, Alexandre Volkoff's 1927 French production, which was drastically cut for its U.S. release, and is finally presented close to original at 159 minutes, based upon original 35mm elements. Beyond original tinting, there is an especially interesting reel of hand-stenciled footage that comes about two hours into the film.
Partially photographed by Leonce-Henri Burel, who also worked on Napoleon.
The point should be made that this is both a reconstruction as well as a restoration, but you'll not find a desire to remove every scratch, nick and splice line. Much of that has been left as is, and it works just fine.
Based upon a fine grain from an analogue restoration, along with diacetate footage, and supported by a new orchestral score by Guntar Buchwald, performed by the San Marco Orchestra, this is an Event Blu-ray.
Your purchase supports film restoration, as well as Flicker Alley. We want to see them release more silents.
Image - 4
Audio – N/A
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Highly Recommended
RAH
But beyond his works, there were also huge productions both foreign as well as here in the Colonies.
Casts of thousands became important as hundreds of productions vied for the interest of the public, as well as a location at a large venue.
Domestically, beyond Griffith, were the M-G-Ms - The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse (1921), Ben-Hur (1925), Greed (1924), Paramount's The Ten Commandments (1923).
For foreign productions, we can go back to 1914 and Cabiria, Lang's Die Nibelungen (1924), Metropolis, and then Gance's Napoleon - a huge production from 1927.
And this new release from Flicker Alley, Alexandre Volkoff's 1927 French production, which was drastically cut for its U.S. release, and is finally presented close to original at 159 minutes, based upon original 35mm elements. Beyond original tinting, there is an especially interesting reel of hand-stenciled footage that comes about two hours into the film.
Partially photographed by Leonce-Henri Burel, who also worked on Napoleon.
The point should be made that this is both a reconstruction as well as a restoration, but you'll not find a desire to remove every scratch, nick and splice line. Much of that has been left as is, and it works just fine.
Based upon a fine grain from an analogue restoration, along with diacetate footage, and supported by a new orchestral score by Guntar Buchwald, performed by the San Marco Orchestra, this is an Event Blu-ray.
Your purchase supports film restoration, as well as Flicker Alley. We want to see them release more silents.
Image - 4
Audio – N/A
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Highly Recommended
RAH
