Undercrank Productions is a small company created by Ben Model, that produces, and restores classic silent films. Model not only restores many of these lost classics, but also composes the music for most of them as well. I figured his work, and the label deserved its own thread for discussion, and just to highlight the great, and important work that it puts out.
Best known today for his later roles as Captain Marvel (1941) and The Phantom (1943), this collection brings together two of Tom Tyler’s last silent features: The Man from Nevada (1929) and Law of the Plains (1929), unseen for over 90 years. Produced by J. P. McGowan and distributed by Syndicate Pictures, these B-westerns were the bread and butter of most small-town theaters in the 1920s and 1930s. Just as the careers of western stars like William S. Hart and Tom Mix were winding down, Tyler emerged as a new breed of wholesome cowboy hero.
In The Man From Nevada, Tyler gallops to the rescue of Natalie Joyce and her family, protecting them from a villian who threatens to rob their homestead. Tyler is a fast riding, straight shooting rancher in Law of the Plains, avenging the death of his father against a gang of outlaws led by J. P. McGowan.
New 2K restorations from original 35mm nitrate prints: The Man from Nevada by USC HMH Foundation Moving Image Archive, and Law of the Plains by Undercrank Productions.
The Man from Nevada (1929) – 45 min.
The Law of the Plains (1929) – 36 min.
Tom Tyler: A Life in Pictures (2024) – 4 min.
Format: Blu-ray
85 mins ● B&W/tinted ● Silent with score (stereo) ● 1:33:1 aspect ratio ● Not Rated ● Blu-ray is Region ABC (all-regions).
An Undercrank Productions/Library of Congress/USC HMH Foundation Moving Image Archive release. Produced for home video by Ben Model, Crystal Kui and Mary Della Valle.
Release date: May 6, 2025
Undercrank Productions on Blu-ray
(sorted by release date)
Expanded Details
When Knighthood Was in Flower (1922)
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When Knighthood Was In Flower (1922) was a huge super-production for Cosmopolitan Pictures, and its huge commercial success is what established Marion Davies as a Hollywood movie star. Marion Davies plays Mary Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII, whom the king aims to use for political gain by offering her hand in marriage to King Louis XII of France. Look for a young William Powell in his second movie role as one of the story’s villains. For period authenticity, no expense was spared on the production’s costumes, armor and tapestries or on Joseph Urban’s huge, lavish sets.
When Knighthood Was In Flower is presented here in a brand new restoration, with a new theatre organ score by Ben Model. The film was scanned from an original 35mm nitrate print preserved by the Library of Congress, its color tints have been reinstated and the hand-colored sequence has been digitally replicated. This is the first time the film has been seen as it appeared in the 1920s.
The package includes a 16-page illustrated booklet with film notes by historian Lara Gabrielle Fowler, as well as both Blu-ray and DVD editions of the film.
115 mins ● Color tinted ● Stereo ● 4:3 aspect ratio ● Not Rated ● NTSC ● Region 0 (all-regions)
Produced for DVD/Blu-ray by Ben Model/Undercrank Productions
Release date: July 25, 2017
Zander the Great (1925)
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Marion Davies stars in this charming light comedy as Mamie, whom we watch grow from a young orphan into a daring
young woman. Circumstances force her to embark on a road trip to the wilds of Arizona, along with a young boy in her care
named Zander, in hopes of finding his father. Finally arriving out West, she finds shelter at a ranch housing a cowboy,
(Harrison Ford) and his two pals, who have both the sheriff and marauding bandits hot on their trail. Part love story,
part rollicking Western, Zander the Great has more twists than a desert rattlesnake.
Zander The Great features a supporting cast of familiar faces like Harry Myers (City Lights), Harry Watson, Jr. (The Mishaps
of Musty Suffer) and Emily Fitzroy (Way Down East). The film is presented here in a new 2K scan of a 35mm preservation
from the Library of Congress, with its original color tinting reinstated. New theatre organ score composed and performed by Ben Model.
78 mins ● B&W/tinted ● Stereo ● 1.33:1 ● Not Rated ● NTSC ● Region 0 (all-regions)
Produced for DVD/Blu-ray by Ben Model. An Undercrank Productions / Library of Congress release. Associate Producer Crystal Kui
Release date: February 1, 2022
Beverly of Graustark (1926)
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In the gender-bender comedy Beverly of Graustark, Marion Davies is an American co-ed whose cousin Oscar (Creighton Hale) is a Prince and heir to the throne of Graustark. In a twist of fate, she must switch places with him in order to prevent the conniving General Marlanax (Roy D’Arcy) from becoming King. Along the way, Beverly (as Oscar) meets goat-herd Dantan (Antonio Moreno), hires him as her bodyguard … and winds up falling for him. There are mistaken identities, intrigue, clothing swaps, a chase, a swordfight and more- and in the end Beverly winds up with the goat-herd, cousin Oscar becomes the new King, and there’s a big fancy ball.
Marking a stylistic shift from Marion Davies’ earlier features, Beverly of Graustark – expertly directed by Sidney Franklin – is more akin to her 1928 rom-corns Show People and The Patsy.
Beverly of Graustark is presented here in a brand new 4K restoration by the Library of Congress that includes the film’s original 2-color Technicolor ending. New musical score composed and performed on theatre organ by Ben Model.
77 mins ● B&W/color ● Stereo ● 1.33:1 ● Not Rated ● NTSC ● Region 0 (all-regions)
Produced for DVD/Blu-ray by Ben Model. An Undercrank Productions / Library of Congress release. Associate Producer Crystal Kui.
Release date: April 12, 2022
Lon Chaney: Before the Thousand Faces Volume 1
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Lon Chaney’s film work from the 1920s is well-known and — with the exception of the notoriously lost London After Midnight (1927) — is mostly available on home video. In contrast, only 19 of the 118 films Chaney made at Universal in the ‘teens survive, and only 11 are complete. For this DVD, Chaney historian Jon Mirsalis has selcted three rare titles that have been preserved by the Library of Congress, has reconstructed missing footage with titles based on contemporary reviews and copyright records, and has created new musical scores for each.
This is the first time that A Mother’s Atonement, If My Country Should Call and The Place Beyond the Winds have been made available in several decades, and each has been newly scanned from the only surviving 35mm prints, preserved by the Library of Congress.
DISC CONTENTS:
A Mother’s Atonement (1915) – 20 mins
If My Country Should Call (1916) – 24 mins
The Place Beyond the Winds (1916) – 39 mins
82 mins ● B&W ● Stereo ● 4:3 aspect ratio ● Not Rated ● NTSC ● region 0 (all-regions)
Produced for DVD, restoration and musical scores by Jon C. Mirsalis
DVD released by Ben Model/Undercrank Productions, in association with Greenbriar Picture Shows
DVD release date: October 17, 2017
Blu-ray release date: July 26, 2022
Lon Chaney: Before the Thousand Faces Volume 2
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Lon Chaney: Before the Thousand Faces – Vol. 2 contains five more rare dramatic silent films from 1914-1917 in which Lon Chaney has a supporting role, selected by Chaney historian Jon Mirsalis. Lon Chaney’s film work from the 1920s is well-known and— with the exception of the notoriously lost A Blind Bargain (1922) and London After Midnight (1927) — is mostly available on home video. In contrast, only 24 of the 111 films Chaney made at Universal in the ‘teens survive, and only about 13 are complete.
The films on this 2-disc set have been curated from the Library of Congress and private collections; missing scenes and titles have been reconstructed where possible, and new musical scores have been created for each by Jon C. Mirsalis.
In conjunction with the release of Volume 2, Undercrank Productions is issuing a Blu-ray edition of the first volume, which was released on DVD in 2017.
DISC ONE:
By The Sun’s Rays (1914) – directed by Charles Giblyn; starring Murdock McQuarrie, Lon Chaney, Seymour Hastings; 13 mins
The Oubliette (1914) – directed by Charles Giblyn; starring Murdock McQuarrie, Pauline Bush, Lon Chaney; 46 mins
The Millionaire Paupers (1915) – directed by Joseph De Grasse; starring Grace Thompson, Gretchen Lederer, Lon Chaney; 6 mins
DISC TWO:
Triumph (1917) – directed by Joseph De Grasse; starring Dorothy Phillips, William Stowell, Lon Chaney; 33 mins
The Scarlet Car (1917) – directed by Joseph De Grasse; starring Franklyn Farnum, Edith Johnson, Lon Chaney; 62 mins
160 mins ● B&W/tinted ● Stereo ● 1.33:1 ● Not Rated ● NTSC ● Region 0 (all-regions)
Produced for video, restored and scored by Jon C. Mirsalis.
Blu-ray/DVD disc release produced by Ben Model.
An Undercrank Productions / Library of Congress release. Associate Producer Crystal Kui.
Release date: August 2, 2022
Frank Borzage: 1922 Silents
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Frank Borzage, winner of the first Academy Award for Directing, is perhaps best known for Seventh Heaven (1927), Street Angel (1928), and Lucky Star (1929). The two features on this 2-disc set, both released in 1922 by Cosmopolitan Productions, show Borzage’s mature style emerging.
Back Pay is the tale of Hester Bevins (Seena Owen), a restless small-town girl who leaves town and boyfriend Jerry (Matt Moore) behind for luxury in the big city. But that luxury comes at a terrible cost. Frances Marion’s scenario is based on Fanny’ Hurst’s story. The film is presented here in a new 2K digital scan of the Library of Congress’ 35mm materials.
The Valley of Silent Men, on disc for the first time, is an adventure story based on James Oliver Curwood’s novel, shot entirely on location in Canada. Following a series of bizarre and identical murders, suspicion falls on the mysterious Marette Radisson (Alma Rubens). Or is the man who loves her – Corporal James Kent of the Mounties (Lew Cody) – the killer? Audiences at New York’s Rialto Theater in 1922 burst into applause at the film’s stunning mountain vistas. The film is presented here in a new 4K scan of the Library of Congress’ 35mm preservation materials. Missing scenes have been reconstructed from the novel, reviews, and existing stills.
New piano and theatre organ scores composed and performed by silent film musician Andrew Earle Simpson. Bonus features: video essay on Borzage at Cosmopolitan, and a subtitle commentary track with background and shooting location into.
BLU-RAY/DVD CONTENTS:
Back Pay (1922) – 82 mins
The Valley of Silent Men (1922) – 56 mins
Bonus Feature: A Turning Point: Borzage at Cosmopolitan (2022) – 11 mins
Total: 149 mins ● B&W/color ● Silent with score (stereo) ● 1.33:1 ● Not Rated ● NTSC ● Region 0 (all-regions) – 2 discs
Produced for DVD/Blu-ray by Andrew Earle Simpson and Ben Model.
An Undercrank Productions / Library of Congress release. Associate Producer Crystal Kui
Release date: March 1, 2023
Raymond Griffith: The Silk Hat Comedian (1925-1926)
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Raymond Griffith is one of the best kept secrets of silent comedy. During a twenty-five year career he not only wrote, directed and produced movies, but was also the star of nine comedy features for Paramount. Because of the disappearance and unavailability of his work he’s been forgotten, but now this release of two of his best comedies puts the spotlight on Mr. Griffith and serves as an introduction to his many talents.
PATHS TO PARADISE is the most overlooked silent comedy classic of the 1920s. A clockwork-timed crook comedy that presents Griffith in all his smarmy elegance, it’s expertly written, directed and acted by a top-notch comedy ensemble. Griffith and co -star Betty Compson play rival jewel thieves who form an alliance to steal a valuable jewel.
YOU’D BE SURPRISED stars the top-hatted bon vivant as a police coroner who’s called in to solve the murder of an important district attorney. Dorothy Sebastian is the leading lady who helps Mr. Griffith sort through numerous red herrings to find the killer. Veteran supporting players add comic seasoning to the proceedings of one of the most recent rediscoveries of the lost Griffith films.
Both films are presented in new 2K digital restorations of archival 35mm prints preserved by the Library of Congress, and feature new musical scores by Ben Model.
Also included is a video essay about Raymond Griffith that uses film clips and still photos to examine his life and career, as well as to highlight the two featured films.
Paths to Paradise (1925) – 67 mins
You’d Be Surprised (1926) – 65 mins
Bonus Feature: Raymond Griffith: Silent Comedy’s Silk-Hatted Secret (2023) – 12 mins
Format: Blu-ray / DVD
144 mins ● B&W/tinted ● Silent with score (stereo) ● 1:33:1 aspect ratio ● Not Rated ● Region ABC (all-regions) for Blu-ray ● NTSC Region free for DVD
An Undercrank Productions/Library of Congress release. Produced for home video by Ben Model.
Associate Producer: Crystal Kui.
Release date: June 13, 2023
Tom Mix: Sky High / The Big Diamond Robbery (1922-1929)
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Tom Mix was one of the silent era’s biggest stars, appearing in 83 feature-length films from 1918-1929 – most of which are lost. His name, his face and trademark white 10-gallon hat are known to classic film fans, but most people have never seen one of Tom Mix’s iconic Westerns. This release presents two of his surviving features, Sky High (1922) and The Big Diamond Robbery (1929) in new 2K digital restorations.
In Sky High (1922) Tom battles a ring of corrupt jewel smugglers who have also kidnapped the daughter of the businessman bankrolling their operation. The film features breathtaking scenes filmed on location at the Grand Canyon, adding a stunning backdrop to this action-packed adventure. Sky High was added to the National Film Registry in 1998. A wealthy tycoon hires cowboy Tom in The Big Diamond Robbery (1929) to break his roaring-20s daughter of her thrill-seeking habits. When her prized diamond necklace is stolen by gangsters, Tom and the young woman go in pursuit of it out west. This was Tom Mix’s last silent film, and has not been seen since its original release by FBO in 1929.
Both films are presented in new 2K restorations of archival 35mm elements preserved by the Library of Congress and Lobster Films, and feature new theatre organ scores by Ben Model.
Sky High (1922) – 58 min.
The Big Diamond Robbery (1929) – 65 min.
Format: Blu-ray / DVD
123 mins ● B&W/tinted ● Silent with score (stereo) ● 1:33:1 aspect ratio ● Not Rated ● Region ABC (all-regions) for Blu-ray ● NTSC Region free for DVD
An Undercrank Productions/Library of Congress release. Produced for home video by Ben Model.
Associate Producer: Crystal Kui.
Release date: July 18 2023
Accidentally Preserved Volume Five (1925-1927)
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This 5th volume of rare silent films draws on the archive of film collector and accompanist Jon C. Mirsalis. In "Lorraine of the Lions", Patsy Ruth Miller is a female Tarzan in a tale that anticipates King Kong; the antics in "Love at First Flight" finds Lige Conley in trouble in a plane and on the beach; in "Hoofbeats of Vengeance" equine star Rex, King of Wild Horses is out for retribution over his owner's murder; and in "The Fourth Commandment" Belle Bennett is caught in a power struggle with her mother-in-law when she moves in with the couple and their son. Each of these 4 films are presented in new 2K scans made by the Library of Congress from vintage 16mm prints made in the 1920s - the only surviving copies of each of these rare silents - and are accompanied by new musical scores by Mirsalis. - During the 1920s, '30s and '40s, rental libraries made 16mm copies of silent movies for home movie enthusiasts to rent and watch at home. Because these movies were printed on 16mm safety stock, many of them have outlived the original 35mm nitrate prints of silent films that are now lost or extremely rare. It's as if these movies were..."Accidentally Preserved". Unavailable to the public for decades, these obscure silent era gems are now back onscreen, entertaining fans all over again!
Francis Ford: The Craving (Plus 3 Shorts) (1911-1920)
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You may know Francis Ford for his roles as an old drunk veteran or crusty barkeep in more than twenty of director John Ford’s films, but you may not know that between 1910 and 1920 Francis Ford was a silent film star and renowned director of westerns, cliffhanger serials, mystery thrillers, and dramas.
This release presents four of his silent films in new 2K digital restorations by Undercrank Productions featuring new musical scores by Ben Model.
In 1918, Francis Ford used his movie fortune to start an independent company and produced the five-reel feature The Craving. A drama of obsession and addiction, The Craving demonstrates Ford’s abiding interest in the use of special effects like double and triple exposures to make psychologically-tormented characters face their fears and obsessions. He incorporated footage from his lost 1915 short of the Indian rebellion, The Campbells Are Coming, as well as found footage from other Universal films to craft a sharp criticism of the needless slaughter of troops in the first World War.
Also included in this collection are three short films: Ford’s one-reel western comedy produced by Gaston Melies’ Star Films company, When the Tables Turned (1911) co-starring Edith Storey; the two-reeler The Post Telegrapher made for the Bison Film Company; and the jewel thief caper Unmasked (1917), originally released in 1913 as The Black Masks, with the actress and scenarist Grace Cunard, who starred in dozens of Universal films with Ford.
The Craving (1918) – 52 mins
Unmasked (1917) – 11 mins
The Post Telegrapher (1912) – 24 mins
When the Tables Turned (1911) – 11 mins
Screen Snapshots (1920) excerpt – 2 mins
Bonus Feature: Francis Ford, Film Pioneer (2023) – 9 mins
Format: Blu-ray / DVD
107 mins ● B&W/tinted ● Silent with score (stereo) ● 1:33:1 aspect ratio ● Not Rated ● Region ABC (all-regions) for Blu-ray ● NTSC Region free for DVD
An Undercrank Productions release. Produced for Home Video by Kathryn Fuller-Seeley and Ben Model.
Associate Producer: Crystal Kui.
Release date: July 2024
The Bat (1926)
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A mysterious master criminal known as The Bat witnesses a midnight bank heist and trails the robber to a dark and spooky mansion. Once there, The Bat terrorizes the inhabitants of the estate to get his hands on the stolen money in this stylized horror-comedy. -THE BAT is one of the best and most enjoyable examples of the popular old dark house genre. A stylish combination of laughs and thrills, Mary Roberts Rinehart's classic had thrilled audiences on stage before it came to the screen in 1926. Director Roland West was a master visual stylist with a penchant for the macabre. In THE BAT he expertly manipulated light and shadow, and assembled a top-notch production crew that included expert art direction by William Cameron Menzies, and stunning photography by Arthur Edeson and Gregg Toland. The cast, which includes Louise Fazenda, Jack Pickford, Jewel Carmen and Arthur Housman, deftly support the ominous mood while providing plenty of amusement. A hit when it opened, the film was also influential, as the masked figure of the master criminal 'The Bat' had a profound effect on the young Bob Kane, who cited this film and it's sound remake as one of his main inspirations for the creation of Batman.
THE BAT is presented in a new 2K digital restoration by Undercrank Productions from 35mm film elements preserved by UCLA Film & Television Archive, and features a new musical score by Ben Model. Also included are the 1926 comedy two-reeler A FRATERNITY MIXUP, and a short documentary on the life and career of director Roland West.
The Bat (1926) – 86 mins Special Features:
A Fraternity Mix-Up (1926) – 18 mins
Roland West: Cinematic Man of Mystery (2024) – 9 mins
Total running time: 113 min. B&W/tinted. Silent with score (stereo). 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Not Rated. Region ABC (all-regions).
Format: Blu-ray / DVD
113 mins ● B&W/tinted ● Silent with score (stereo) ● 1:33:1 aspect ratio ● Not Rated ● Region ABC (all-regions) for Blu-ray ● NTSC Region free for DVD
An Undercrank Productions/UCLA Film & Television Archive release. Produced for home video by Ben Model.
Associate Producer: Crystal Kui.
Release date: October 15, 2024
Tom Tyler Silent Film Collection (1929)
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Best known today for his later roles as Captain Marvel (1941) and The Phantom (1943), this collection brings together two of Tom Tyler’s last silent features: The Man from Nevada (1929) and Law of the Plains (1929), unseen for over 90 years. Produced by J. P. McGowan and distributed by Syndicate Pictures, these B-westerns were the bread and butter of most small-town theaters in the 1920s and 1930s. Just as the careers of western stars like William S. Hart and Tom Mix were winding down, Tyler emerged as a new breed of wholesome cowboy hero.
In The Man From Nevada, Tyler gallops to the rescue of Natalie Joyce and her family, protecting them from a villian who threatens to rob their homestead. Tyler is a fast riding, straight shooting rancher in Law of the Plains, avenging the death of his father against a gang of outlaws led by J. P. McGowan.
New 2K restorations from original 35mm nitrate prints: The Man from Nevada by USC HMH Foundation Moving Image Archive, and Law of the Plains by Undercrank Productions.
The Man from Nevada (1929) – 45 min.
The Law of the Plains (1929) – 36 min.
Tom Tyler: A Life in Pictures (2024) – 4 min.
Format: Blu-ray
85 mins ● B&W/tinted ● Silent with score (stereo) ● 1:33:1 aspect ratio ● Not Rated ● Blu-ray is Region ABC (all-regions).
An Undercrank Productions/Library of Congress/USC HMH Foundation Moving Image Archive release. Produced for home video by Ben Model, Crystal Kui and Mary Della Valle.
Release date: May 6, 2025
Raymond Griffith: The Silk Hat Comedian (1925-1926)
Quote:
Raymond Griffith is one of the best kept secrets of silent comedy. During a twenty-five year career he not only wrote, directed and produced movies, but was also the star of nine comedy features for Paramount. Because of the disappearance and unavailability of his work he’s been forgotten, but now this release of two of his best comedies puts the spotlight on Mr. Griffith and serves as an introduction to his many talents.
PATHS TO PARADISE is the most overlooked silent comedy classic of the 1920s. A clockwork-timed crook comedy that presents Griffith in all his smarmy elegance, it’s expertly written, directed and acted by a top-notch comedy ensemble. Griffith and co -star Betty Compson play rival jewel thieves who form an alliance to steal a valuable jewel.
YOU’D BE SURPRISED stars the top-hatted bon vivant as a police coroner who’s called in to solve the murder of an important district attorney. Dorothy Sebastian is the leading lady who helps Mr. Griffith sort through numerous red herrings to find the killer. Veteran supporting players add comic seasoning to the proceedings of one of the most recent rediscoveries of the lost Griffith films.
Both films are presented in new 2K digital restorations of archival 35mm prints preserved by the Library of Congress, and feature new musical scores by Ben Model.
Also included is a video essay about Raymond Griffith that uses film clips and still photos to examine his life and career, as well as to highlight the two featured films.
Paths to Paradise (1925) – 67 mins
You’d Be Surprised (1926) – 65 mins
Bonus Feature: Raymond Griffith: Silent Comedy’s Silk-Hatted Secret (2023) – 12 mins
144 mins ● B&W/tinted ● Stereo ● 1:33:1 aspect ratio ● Not Rated ● Region ABC (all-regions)
An Undercrank Productions/Library of Congress release. Produced for home video by Ben Model.
Associate Producer: Crystal Kui.
Release date: June 13, 2023
Tom Mix: Sky High / The Big Diamond Robbery (1922-1929)
Quote:
Tom Mix was one of the silent era’s biggest stars, appearing in 83 feature-length films from 1918-1929 – most of which are lost. His name, his face and trademark white 10-gallon hat are known to classic film fans, but most people have never seen one of Tom Mix’s iconic Westerns. This release presents two of his surviving features, Sky High (1922) and The Big Diamond Robbery (1929) in new 2K digital restorations.
In Sky High (1922) Tom battles a ring of corrupt jewel smugglers who have also kidnapped the daughter of the businessman bankrolling their operation. The film features breathtaking scenes filmed on location at the Grand Canyon, adding a stunning backdrop to this action-packed adventure. Sky High was added to the National Film Registry in 1998. A wealthy tycoon hires cowboy Tom in The Big Diamond Robbery (1929) to break his roaring-20s daughter of her thrill-seeking habits. When her prized diamond necklace is stolen by gangsters, Tom and the young woman go in pursuit of it out west. This was Tom Mix’s last silent film, and has not been seen since its original release by FBO in 1929.
Both films are presented in new 2K restorations of archival 35mm prints preserved by the Library of Congress and Lobster Films, and feature new theatre organ scores by Ben Model. DVD and Blu-ray are NTSC, Region-free.
Sky High (1922) – 58 min.
The Big Diamond Robbery (1929) – 65 min.
123 mins ● B&W/tinted ● Silent with score (stereo) ● 1:33:1 aspect ratio ● Not Rated ● Region ABC (all-regions)
An Undercrank Productions/Library of Congress release. Produced for home video by Ben Model.
Associate Producer: Crystal Kui.
Release date: July 11, 2023
Thanks. Think Lloyd Hamilton was the first one. Of those releases (up to 4 including the new one they're currently crowdfunding), which were done via a kickstarter thing, I only have the Lupino Lane one (2nd one) as I didn't hear about the first one & so missed out on it & the 3rd one (an Australian comedian) I stupidly forgot to do it & I don't think I had enough money either. Will be doing the 4th one (Monty Banks) next month considering the vinegar Syndrome sale is currently on.
You can participate towards the 4th one if you want. It has definitely gone past it's goal by almost 5 grand & there's 14 days left (ends 10th June 1pm UK time). The more they go past the goal the more stuff there might be on this Monty Banks BD release.
Just saw this - in honor of Undercrank's 10th anniversary, they're having a sale on Amazon/DeepDiscount and other retailers with most of their previous titles being on sale, up to 40% off.
DeepDiscount link
Interview with Ben Model about Undercrank's anniversary, future and the sale here.
Just saw this - in honor of Undercrank's 10th anniversary, they're having a sale on Amazon/DeepDiscount and other retailers with most of their previous titles being on sale, up to 40% off.
DeepDiscount link
Interview with Ben Model about Undercrank's anniversary, future and the sale here.
Thanks for the heads-up, some great prices there. It stacks with DD's 10% off code (SHARKIE) too.
I noticed this Lupino Lane set was in that Undercrank sale, but it appears to have been released by a D&D Productions. Is this a Ben Model company, or was it added to the sale erroneously? It seems to share the same initial UPC numbers as some Undercrank releases.
Edit: Not a Ben Model company. D&D is for Dave Glass and Dave Wyatt who released it via a crowdfunding campaign. Looks good though, so I may just pick this one up as well.
The D&D blu-rays are fantastic. I support all of their projects now.
I missed the third kickstarter so I dunno how I'm gonna get the disc. And it looks like there is a fourth kickstarter right now.
Shame that Griffith is not out yet since I would have bought this one with the discount.
I'm not too sure on the DVDs tough since I found that Ben replied this in January 2022:
"Yes, this is our 2nd Blu-ray. Current plan for 2022 is to make all Undercrank Productions releases in both formats (as either/or, but not combo pack). I now have the capability to author Blu-rays. It's entirely possible I may go back to the catalog and reissue some titles on Blu-ray, mainly ones mastered in 2K or HD from 35mm materials.
I missed the third kickstarter so I dunno how I'm gonna get the disc. And it looks like there is a fourth kickstarter right now.
Shame that Griffith is not out yet since I would have bought this one with the discount.
I'm not too sure on the DVDs tough since I found that Ben replied this in January 2022:
"Yes, this is our 2nd Blu-ray. Current plan for 2022 is to make all Undercrank Productions releases in both formats (as either/or, but not combo pack). I now have the capability to author Blu-rays. It's entirely possible I may go back to the catalog and reissue some titles on Blu-ray, mainly ones mastered in 2K or HD from 35mm materials.
I missed the third kickstarter (an Australian comedian) as well & really want that. I also missed the first one as I didn't know about D&D releases till the Lupino Lane one was mentioned on here in the UK section & would love to get that one too.
In regards to Lupino Lane, I highly recommend getting this compilation CD of his Music Hall recordings which you can get from the link below. If you like Music Hall/variety recordings the link also has loads of compilations of stuff from said recording period (1890s all the way up to 1963 - with Max Miller's death in 1963 being considered the end of Music Hall/Variety) split into 4 categories & there's even a DVD about said period on the site as well.
Thanks for starting this thread! It's very heart-warming to see the interest in our filling-out-the-landscape catalog.
To clarify about the Lloyd Hamilton and Lupino Lane DVDs/Blus: the D&D releases are from D&D Productions, to be sure, by Dave Glass and the late David Wyatt; I'm using Undercrank as sort of an umbrella for these, enabling two of their releases to remain available as MOD discs after the shuttering of Amazon CreateSpace's DVD/Blu platform a couple years ago. Dave Glass is a friend and a colleague and I wanted to help him out on the Hamilton and Lupino discs.
There's more press coming for the 10th anniversary. This just posted, a new episode of "Cinema Junkie" on KPBS San Diego public radio – "Bringing Silent Films To Life"
Hello Ben and thanks for the answers!
I was wondering if you could post futur incomming projects on this thread too, since I saw that you are very vocal about them on nitrateville forums.
Hello Ben and thanks for the answers!
I was wondering if you could post futur incomming projects on this thread too, since I saw that you are very vocal about them on nitrateville forums.
I'd be happy to. I'm still making my way thru how the site works, and did see that the Griffith and the Tom Mix disc releases got announced elsewhere on the site a few days after we added pages for them on our website, and I'm glad (honored, too) that there's an Undercrank Prods. thread here.
BTW, there's a nice review about the Raymond Griffith Blu-ray in Cineaste Magazine's new summer issue.
BTW, the Raymond Griffith Blu-ray may not be part of the 10th anniversary sale, but it isavailable at 38% off at DeepDiscount right now, a promotion I'm assuming they have because it's a new release.
ALSO: street date for TOM MIX has been moved to July 18, 2023.
It's a steal!
Got a question for you Ben, and I'm sure it already got answered somewhere. When you score a silent film or short, what is your inspiration? Is there, sometimes, any original sheets of music for those that you can use? Are you going free style and go with the flow? Do you repeat and repeat until you got something that works well with what you see on screen?
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