Silent Borzage

[Scharphedin2]

This news just up:

Is this perhaps the beginning of a flood? I dunno whether this is likely to complement next year's MoCs or treads on its toes. But it's a start.

It is a beauty, eh David!? I have it on pre-order, and can't wait to have it in my little mits... the additional early shorts are almost as exciting as the reconstructed feature, and then the docu on Murnau and Borzage sounds like a great extra.

I just cannot imagine that it will in any way step on any plans of MoC or anyone else to release more of Borzage's work. Au contraire... more films released = more interest = even more films released (I hope).

I mean, there is a truckload of films to dip into. Has this particular title been mentioned by MoC as forthcoming? Any of the other late silents (7th Heaven, Street Angel and Lucky Star) would seem to be more in the label's vein (being complete extant films). But then BFI mentioned these at one point, as far as I remember.

But then there are probably a lot of other silent films from Borzage's ouevre that would be interesting rediscoveries, if a label like MoC did decide to release them. I saw Lazy Bones recently in a very worn VHS to DVDR copy, and even so I was surprised at how recognizably Borzagian the film was, and actually very viewable and entertaining for a film (in that condition) from 1925. I would buy it in a heartbeat from any label that saw it fit to release.

David, did you see the other announcement a little while ago... from Fox? Basically they stated that if the Ford at Fox Box did good business, Borzage and Murnau could be up next for the same treatment. Can you imagine us sitting here next year this time with a huge Borzage at Fox Box in our clammy hands?

[HerrSchreck]

Well Janet Bergstrom (Id already mentioned this on another thread) told me that Fox has Borzage in it's sights, and possibly a Murnau Box, with Sunrise & City Girl, with a couple of other films in there "showing the Murnau influence". Obviously Borz STREET ANGEL & 7th H, and Fords ...BROTHERS. We discussed this in tandem with the idea of how perfect 4Dev's would be to compliment such an enterprise.

I don't think she'd mind me mentioning this, but it all seemed pretty solid. As to when, I realy couldnt say.

[Tommaso]

Sharph, where did you preorder it? I can't find it on both jpc or amazon.de, and there's no "Buy" button on filmmuseum's site for it yet (and generally, at least jpc is cheaper inside Germany anyway).

[Scharphedin2]

Tommaso, David, Sorry for the late response, I just saw your posts now.

It is really, really odd. I am certain that I went online (at JPC), when this was first announced and pre-ordered the disc right away. However, the option is clearly not there now, and my account with JPC does not show any outstanding orders, so my mind must be playing games with me.

In any event, the release must be right around the corner, non? Have you heard anything since posting above, Tommaso?

[Tommaso]

Nothing from jpc or amazon, but the filmmuseum site says release date is now January 14.

Why are these people so terribly slow....? They keep watering my mouth with their release schedule and planned releases, and it always takes ages for the discs to materialize. I want Ruttmann and Kornblum, NOW!

Okay, the 'Buy Now' button has appeared at filmmuseum's site, so "The River" is now available. 29,95 Euros, damn expensive.... I'm sure this can be had cheaper at jpc, but nothing from them yet.

[Scharphedin2]

Screen captures posted.

As the description above suggests, this is a treat for all the Borzage lovers out there. The condition of The River is rough and incomplete (missing segments bridged with title cards and stills). Yet, some of the glory survives, as I think the captures show.

There are three of Borzage's early two-reeler westerns included in the release (in which the director also starred), and I have posted stills from a pair of them as well. When doing the caps, I noticed some of what those-in-the-know call "combing" on these films.

Also included, of course, is a nice half hour documentary on Murnau and Borzage at Fox. Tons of stills, marketing materials, and text documents.

A great release!

[tryavna]

Many thanks for the update, Scharph. Sounds fantastic!

The docu on Murnau and Borzage sounds interesting. What exactly is its central premise? Did Murnau end up influencing Borzage in the same way he did John Ford? Or what?

[denti alligator]

I received and watched The River yesterday. Fantastic film. It wasn't nearly as "erotic" as the descriptions led me to believe, in fact it was kinda tame. One of the reels looked much, much better than the rest, which, as Scharphedin2's caps show, are in pretty bad shape.

A fine release, though, especially with the docu and the westerns. When we will see a Borzage and Murnau at Fox set??

[Arn777]

Is this only available to purchase on the Filmmuseum website? I looked at Amazon.de and can't find it.

[Tommaso]

Yes, I have the same problem, nothing at amazon, jpc, or BOL. Nor on ebay, for that matter. I find filmmuseum's prices at their website somewhat exagerrated, at least the double discs used to be much cheaper at other outlets. Hmm.... I somehow fear I can't wait much longer...

[Arn777]

Thanks. I don't mind the price so much and at least they get all the funds, but shipping even within Europe is pricey, but nevermind, will order it from them.

[Zazou dans le Metro]

Thanks. I don't mind the price so much and at least they get all the funds, but shipping even within Europe is pricey, but nevermind, will order it from them.

They seem to have a basic rate of 16 euros for a single dvd up to a box load (I just received 4 for this price) so it might be worth bulking up.

[Arn777]

Yep, I added Blind Husbands to my order since shipping was the same.

[Scharphedin2]

...I added Blind Husbands to my order...

Another excellent disc!

There is a fascinating feature on this release, detailing the differences between the domestic and export prints of the films. The two sets of frames are shown side by side, and on the American version of the film, the screen would go black every time a shot was shortened or omitted compared to the European version. I was amazed at how much different the two versions of the film actually were.

[Tommaso]

You almost got me convinced, Sharph, as I'm still missing that disc as well. Also, in general, filmmuseum is a good place to order some of the silents from the DFI. Just in case anyone wants to save even more on shipping

[rohmerin]

Please, I need orientation. I'm going to Cologne and Bonn this month. Where can I buy this or good dvds in a good store? I mean, I know media market because on the Spanish town where I live, there's one, but media market is for commercial American films, and I search Italian gems and this Borzage.

Gracias.

[der_Artur]

What do you mean by "Italian gems"?

A rather good place for DVDs in Cologne is the "Saturn" next to the train station "Hansaring" (U15 and U12). On the second level there is a section for "classics" (that simply means older films in the language of German stores).

The Traumathek at Engelbertstraße, 45, has a small amount of DVDs on sale, although it is mainly a great video rental store.

[rohmerin]

Thank's for the reply and the orientation.

With Italian gems, I meant for example Ettore Scola's Dramma della gelosia, that is on dvd in Germany by WB and it's not in Italy. I don't know if there are more hard to find Italian films edited in your country.