The Birth of a Nation (BFI) (Photoplay Restoration) (D.W. Griffith)

[bigshot]

The BFI one is the version to get, not the Kino or MoC.

[Rich Pure Doom]

Originally Posted by bigshot

The BFI one is the version to get, not the Kino or MoC.

Gotta wait for a severe price drop before ordering though.

[Vidya]

Finally got around to watching this one. Definite improvement in visual quality.

It's been a while since I watched the Eureka release, but upon starting the feature on the BFI release I immediately noticed that the opening cast credits are now gone. This has got me curious about any other notable differences between the Photoplay restoration and the cut that Eureka/Kino accessed. Anybody have any more info?

Another thing I noticed (again, it's been a while since I viewed the Eureka disc) is that the framerate seemed to be more variable in speed. I assume this is inherent to the source or was done to compensate for the score.

[bigshot]

I think the BFI tries to get as close to the original roadshow presentation as possible. Griffith continued editing BoaN for months after it was released, and there are so many different cuts, it's not possible to say any one is definitive.

[Vidya]

I see.

Now, were my eyes playing tricks on me or are some chunks of the movie running below 16fps for extended periods? I also noticed (albeit at a much lower frequency) that there were moments where the framerate felt higher (possibly 24fps?). I'm still learning about silent film framerates and such.