HOLLYWOOD (4 DVDs) can be pre-ordered from
www.hmv.co.uk for the amazing price of GBP £17.99 (far cheaper than anywhere else). I don't know their international shipping costs - I'm in the UK so shipping is free.
Network are releasing more silent treasures at amazing prices: on Feb 27, a 6 DVD set THE BUSTER KEATON CHRONICLES (or BK COLLECTION) which seems to include all Keaton's pre-MGM silent features and (oddly) all but two of his non-Arbuckle shorts. The editions of OUR HOSPITALITY and THE GENERAL are the Thames Silent editions which, in my opinion, have the best scores for these films (esp. THE GENERAL). This is staggering value at GBP £17.99 from HMV (compare the price of the similar Kino set). It even includes the 1968 documentary THE GREAT STONE FACE.
And on March 20 Network release their DW GRIFFITH COLLECTION which (according to
www.play.com) will contain THE BIRTH OF A NATION, INTOLERANCE, BROKEN BLOSSOMS (Thames Silent versions I expect), plus WAY DOWN EAST and THE AVENGING CONSCIENCE. I don't know which editions of the latter two - I don't think the Poe-inspired 1914 feature THE AVENGING CONSCIENCE has been available on DVD anywhere before. I had hoped the set would also include Kevin Brownlow's DW GRIFFITH - FATHER OF FILM documentary series but this doesn't appear to be so. Anyway, this is again terrific value at GBP £13.99 from HMV.
There is even a suggestion that Brownlow's HAROLD LLOYD: THE THIRD GENIUS may be released soon in the UK (Network again?) It was included in a February (printed) newsletter from Bensons World but I cannot find it on their or any other website, so it's either been delayed or dropped.
Bizarrely, we still await UNKNOWN CHAPLIN here in the UK!
