Official Silent Films on Blu-ray Thread

[MifuneFan]

Great thread! What about Moroder's version of Metropolis. Would that still count? I know the soundtrack has audio now, but it's still applied to a silent film.

[jasonjl]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Great thread! What about Moroder's version of Metropolis. Would that still count? I know the soundtrack has audio now, but it's still applied to a silent film.

Thank you, update made.

[RandyK]

Just wanted to pop in here and I say I love this thread. Been really getting into silent films lately and it's nice to have a convenient place where I know what's out.

Thanks jasonjl!

[bigshot]

I recommend the Pickford set. Sparrows is a fantastic film. It has tragically UN-hip lead ins designed to make silent films relevant for kids. But you can skip past those.

[charlieray1]

What about The Jazz Singer -- it's mostly silent, with audio for several songs.

Actually saw that last night for the first time. Wonderful disc -- the film looks great and the sound portions are very clear. Corny maybe, but a very enjoyable film. And an important part of movie history.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by charlieray1

What about The Jazz Singer -- it's mostly silent, with audio for several songs.

Actually saw that last night for the first time. Wonderful disc -- the film looks great and the sound portions are very clear. Corny maybe, but a very enjoyable film. And an important part of movie history.

The Jazz Singer was the first feature-length talkie (with spoken dialogue), and paved the way for all future ones. It's success was in effect what started the decline of the silent era.

[noirjunkie]

Great thread. Thanks for making it.

[charlieray1]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

The Jazz Singer was the first feature-length talkie (with spoken dialogue), and paved the way for all future ones. It's success was in effect what started the decline of the silent era.

I'm well aware of that -- I was just saying that other than the synchronized songs it's silent. About 80% of it. But, point taken.

[tallrichard]

Originally Posted by charlieray1

What about The Jazz Singer -- it's mostly silent, with audio for several songs.

Actually saw that last night for the first time. Wonderful disc -- the film looks great and the sound portions are very clear. Corny maybe, but a very enjoyable film. And an important part of movie history.

Can you imagine what movies would be like today if The Jazz Singer had crashed on it's premiere?

[zbinks]

Originally Posted by tallrichard

Can you imagine what movies would be like today if The Jazz Singer had crashed on it's premiere?

There wouldn't be much need for all the "Silence is golden" trailers, nowadays.

In all seriousness, it might have set back the sound movement, but I doubt it would have ended it altogether. Somebody would have eventually figured out a winning formula for "talkies."

[Boob-Ray]

Originally Posted by bigshot

I recommend the Pickford set. Sparrows is a fantastic film. It has tragically UN-hip lead ins designed to make silent films relevant for kids. But you can skip past those.

Sparrows was on TCM's Silent Sunday Night (the best thing on TV!) the other night. Really got into it... but had to tap-out since us on the East Coast do have to work in the morn!

But, it was really good. Sucked me in, had me cursing Monday!

[John_Drake]

Brilliant list. Thanks for making it.

Wouldn't Blancanieves fit the "Post Silent Era" category?



and by all means add the fabulous French discs mentioned by bruceames:



There is also the very rare German release (w/ English intertitles) of Lubitsch's silent Loves of the Pharaoh (1922). Their site is here



Also, Flicker Alley's upcoming We're In the Movies has The Lumberjack (1914), Our Southern Mountaineers (1918), In the Moonshine Country (1918), and Mountain Life (1918) as well as two documentaries, one of which is the fantastic Palace of the Silents by Ian Kennedy which documents the history of L.A.'s Silent Movie Theater.



Also, the BFI releases of The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926) and Phantom of the Opera (25/29) would be welcome additions.



Keep up the good work!

[Boob-Ray]

I watched Criterion's The Freshman the other day. I was floored by how unbelievably gorgeous it looked. An 89 year old film, that looks like it was filmed yesterday. GREAT movie too. Wonderfully enjoyable. Great pacing, great comedy, timeless subject -- quintessential 1920s.

It's an essential purchase for anyone who wonders into this thread -- and an absolute masterpiece of silent comedy. One of those times that you forget you're watching a nearly 90 year old silent movie. I sat mesmerized seeing that roaring bygone era captured in such a pristine presentation.





Likewise, The Penalty with Lon Chaney -- a 94 year old film -- looked amazing too. Chaney is simply brilliant. I believe this was the movie that made him a star? Either way... he owns it. Really cool movie too.