The Silent Film Thread

[kndy]

For those who are passionate about silent films, please discuss films that you have watched recently and give your thoughts, recommendations, or any discussion related to silent films, etc.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Silent films available on Blu-ray:

- Battleship Potemikin [KINO]
- City Girl [Masters of Cinema]
- The General [KINO]
- Metropolis [KINO & Masters of Cinema]
- Modern times [The Criterion Collection]
- Steamboat Bill, Jr. [KINO]
- Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans [Masters of Cinema]

Coming soon:

- Black Pirate [KINO]
- Our Hospitality [KINO]
- Sherlock Jr. [KINO]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

F.A.Q.

Are all silents now going the DVR-R route for releases?

You can expect major titles to be released on Blu-ray if there is considerable funding for major restoration (ie. "Metropolis"). But for silents and also classic films, we are now in the age where people are going towards digital streaming and Blu-ray, and unfortunately silent and classic films attract a niche and unfortunately, not a large enough niche that are willing to spend the cost that it takes to properly restore a lot of these films.

So, you can expect to see silent films being released on demand via pay for a DVD-R with no special features. Unfortunately, for many people, the thought of buying a DVD-R for $19.99 is absurd, while for the enthusiasts, they would rather have this than nothing.

In terms of silents, expect to see Warner release them via DVD-R through their Warner Archives and even Grapevine has begun releasing them on DVD-R as well. And keep your eyes on sales.

But for those who are patient, keep your eyes on releases from KINO Video, Flicker Alley, Criterion and others for silent films on DVD.

Where can I purchase silent films?

- The Criterion Collection
- Eureka!/Masters of Cinema
- Flicker Alley
- Grapevine Video
- Image
- KINO International
- Milestone Films
- Slap Happy Collection
- Sunrise Silents
- Unknown Video
- WarnerShop/Warner Archive

What are the best silent film books to purchase?

Everyone is in agreement that Kevin Brownlow's "The Parade's Gone By" is an essential book. But there are others and you may want to read here to get a better grasp on books on silent films.

What is all this discussion about film speed of silent films?

This is one that is hard to explain but it's best to read this article from Kevin Brownlow.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For fans of silent films, here are a few websites I recommend:

- NitrateVille.com (Forum)
- SilentEra.com
- Silentsaregolden.com
- The Silent Treatment

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For cinema fans who want to explore great films from other countries on Blu-ray.com, please visit:

- BFI Thread
- Criterion Collection Discussion Thread
- Official Golden Age of Hollywood Thread
- Masters of Cinema (MoC) Thread
- Official Anime on Blu-ray Thread
- The Official KINO International/KINO Video Thread
- The Official Oscilloscope Laboratories Thread
- Official Palisades Tartan Thread
- The Official Sony Pictures Classics Thread
- StudioCanal Collection Thread