DVD Verdict: Silent Films

Nude In Dracula's Castle

2009-09-11

Reviewed by Gordon Sullivan
Quote: "The breadth of shorts available on these two discs is impressive, and it's almost worth buying for the music alone."

Prometheus Triumphant: A Fuge In The Key Of Flesh

2009-03-13

Reviewed by Gordon Sullivan
Quote: "It's certainly an impressive attempt to evoke a bygone era of silent filmmaking. However, it's also a difficult to swallow exercise showcasing creative energies which might be better spent elsewhere."

Houdini Restored: The Man From Beyond

2008-09-19

Reviewed by Mac McEntire
Quote: "It's a must-own for anyone with an interest in Houdini. This DVD delivers just what it promises -- a chance to see the man in action."

The Last Bolshevik / Happiness

2008-07-24

Reviewed by Ben Saylor
Quote: "The Last Bolshevik and Happiness may not appeal to a broad audience, but those who are interested in Soviet-era filmmaking (and the history of the USSR itself) should really do themselves a favor and see these films."

The Dragon Painter

2008-03-27

Reviewed by Jim Thomas
Quote: "It's easy to see why Hayakawa had such success in the silent era. There's a remarkable, compelling intensity in his visage. He radiates strength when on the screen, and manages to keep the histrionics to a minimum."

Diva Dolorosa

2008-03-25

Reviewed by Daryl Loomis
Quote: "Like Delpeut's highly lauded Lyrical Nitrate, Diva Dolorosa is a composition of found silent Italian film footage, dating from 1914 to 1920, in which the 'Diva film' was a popular genre, though often risky for its stars."

The Films Of Kenneth Anger: Volume One

2008-02-25

Reviewed by Joe Armenio
Quote: "Anger is a Hollywood-raised surrealist, an artist whose interest in dreams and the irrational is inseparable from his love of the glamour and artifice of the movies."

The Jazz Singer: Three-Disc Deluxe Edition

2007-11-08

Reviewed by Mike Pinsky
Quote: "The Jazz Singer is definitely worth a look on its own, but packaged up with a great commentary track and enough extras to teach a film history course in early Hollywood, it may be one of the best DVD releases of the year."

The Man From Beyond

2007-08-06

Reviewed by Brett Cullum
Quote: "If you're curious, it is a whole lot of fun to see Harry Houdini in a silent movie. While The Man From Beyond will be remembered for little else than some great escapes, it is a chance to stare at the world-famous magician. The 'Super Restoration Series' is a great find, releasing titles with great care taken in making sure they are complete and clear. There's certainly nothing to complain about. The film is almost a hundred years old, and it remains a curiosity simply because of one man's name."

Peer Gynt

2007-02-16

Reviewed by Eric Profancik
Quote: "As a student film, Peer Gynt is an exceptional piece of work. David Bradley showed awesome potential in tackling this daunting material."