I guess I'm glad I didn't give a fiery response to people. Best to be silent first - then others can step in and defend you. Though I must respond to MichaelB (the 'can't fathom' comment), by directing him towards the Rosemary's Baby thread, or most every other recent Criterion thread.
I'll also say that I'm not a packaging fetishist (I think you failed to read my words correctly, Bürgermeister. That's a bit of a rude notion on your part) and am perfectly happy with the cover and lack of Tshirt and Poster, though it really does seem odd to have Testament (as good as it may be) get a better special treatment than Nibelung. It seems like a perfect opportunity to give some classy packaging - and I'd gladly pay whatever price for it. Just throw Siegfried and Kriemhild sharing a water bowel, and it'd be great. I guess I'm trying to make the case - so that MOC reconsider passing over this one. Yeah, that didn't help my non-packaging-fetishist argument (especially since I've bought all the MOC Steelbooks), but I nary think I'm the only one who thinks it odd that MOC didn't at least treat this better than Testament
Tommaso wrote:If it's the film called "Das Erbe der Nibelungen" which they showed on TV together with the broadcast of the resto, then it's a general documentary on "Die Nibelungen" and its influence on silent filmmaking in Germany in the 20s. Of course there's something on the new resto as well, but certainly not exclusively. The running time of 60 minutes makes me strongly suspect it will be that documentary. And it's a good one.
I suppose I should learn what exactly is involved with the documentary before I denounce it. Usually, "restoration demonstration" are not words to get your heart pumping (one can only sit through so many times at the wet gate). I knew it must have been something more than that if it were an hour - but I am still curious as to how in depth it goes. Typically, a Kalat commentary would come in for the rescue, and it's a shame that he 'retired' before getting to Nibelung. Perhaps it's because my professor is such an expert on the films and source that I feel rather spoiled.
I can see if I can get him out of the woodwork to do some commentary or other supplement. Yeah, I know what you think, boring professor, but he's quite the personality. There's quite a bit to cover, that I would think would be glossed over or absent from a general documentary (the restoration one) - though, to be fair, I haven't seen this documentary. Tommaso, how in depth does it go - say with - the source material? the Nazi connection? Wagner connection? etc.
I guess I'll lastly explain why I'm so crazed about the Gaylord Carter score. I suppose there's my appreciation for his organ scores -which are too often dropped from new releases of silent films. There's also my appreciation for his great talent and for what he did for silent films - giving them new life so that we could appreciate them - rather than tossing Toccata or Grieg onto a silent film. He has also been completely unappreciated for his contributions - which is quite sad. Lastly, and most easily to rationalize everything - I have a rather personal story with the score and this film. I met my S.O. thanks to this film and its' Carter score. Having both attended the same screening, we met randomly elsewhere and recognized each other - and both held the film in great esteem. So, we routinely make reference to the score (typically the Attila encampment song) and opening - which have both remained so iconic. So the film and the Carter score are quite personal to me, thus explaining my crazed attempts to constantly push this score for its' release (and no, we're not renaissance fair people). I know one sappy story isn't enough to add a score to a film (unless you want me to get engaged in some creative way while using the score or use it for a wedding march - just as long as Tommaso doesn't appear randomly and toss a spear at me). If you want better justification, then you can use the Carter score to better connect the film to Wagner and that interpretation of the story and film. I don't believe any new footage has been discovered since, so I would assume that the score would at least be easily added (unless it was composed for a different frame rate - which I don't think is the case either). And yes, MOC hasn't made any announcement either way about the score (yeah, the Huppertz is a given, but I would have thought any additional score would have been mentioned at this point- as is the case for Jeanne). So hopefully that explains my great passion and fervor for that plucky organ score.
So, sorry if it appeared I was overly critical of MOC and this release. I've been waiting several years for this (getting by on an old VHS copy while in anticipation)- so I was bound to be disappointed by anything less than a 10 disc set with a packaged book of the original German & English Nibelungenlied text. This is certainly the release of the decade for me, so don't think that I'm unappreciative of the film or seeing the new restoration.
I just feel that there's some things missing from this release that could/should be present (even some of the Kino extras would have been welcome). I'll still push for the Carter score until I hear a definitive no from MOC, then I'll probably bug Kino to death about it, then perhaps the Germans. Sorry if my ramblings annoyed y'all and thanks TMDaines for defending me. This is probably my favorite film - so I feel justified in seeming overly insane when referring to it.
So hopefully that clears that matter somewhat.
Edit-
Also to be noted, I just discovered this on the Amazon UK page, and it states that more extras are to follow:
Amazon UK Page wrote:SPECIAL FEATURES:
Long-awaited expert HD restoration by the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung, Germany
Immaculately presented in the film's original frame rates and aspect ratio, in 1080p on the Blu-ray
Newly translated optional English subtitles for the original German intertitles
An hour-long documentary: The Heritage of Die Nibelungen
Illustrated booklet featuring the words of Lang, rare archival imagery, and more
Further details to be announced nearer the release date!