| "You must become Caligari” |
| |||||
Cabinet of Dr Caligari, The - Collectors Edition
DVD/APPROX. 72 MINS/1919/GERMANY PG
DVD/APPROX. 72 MINS/1919/GERMANY PG
10
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Well ladies and gentlemen, what we have here is a genuine classic, not just of the genre but of film itself. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, one of the
first great horror films as well as one of the first masterpieces of German Expressionist filmmaking. Remade no less then three times as everything
from a straight horror film to a hardcore porn to a modernization with green screened backgrounds replacing the original hand drawn ones, even
the band Rainbow got into the act referencing it in the video for “Can't Let You Go”. This is one of the most influential films in history. And now it is
out in a “Collector's Edition” from Beyond Home Entertainment. Shall we look inside the cabinet and see how well it stands up to the test of time?
While it seems pretty cliché now, at the time Caligari's plot was very new and innovative, right down to the twist ending that we still see used
today. The film's narrator Francis visits a travelling fair with his friend Alan. They meet the good doctor and Cesare whom Caligari says can answer
any question. So of course Alan has to ask how long he'll live. He's not to thrilled to hear he'll be dead before dawn. And I'm sure he's even less
thrilled when it comes true.
Of course Francis has to investigate this. As he does a rash of murders breaks out. It seems Caligari has Cesare under his power and using him to
do his dirty work. And when Caligari tells him to kidnap Francis's girlfriend Jane things really start to get messy. Cue the mob of villagers and the
“twist” ending.
Remember, this was made in 1920. Much of this wasn't cliché at that time. Indeed this was new and ground-breaking at the time and 89 years
later we're still seeing its influence in the form of what are now clichés.
The print is in wonderful condition for a film that's almost 90 years old. The film's tinted black and white photography still looks great and convey
the scripts terror and madness beautifully. Mix it with the odd camera angles and the strange, hand drawn backgrounds and you have images
that matches the character's madness. Indeed the visuals give the film an unsettling edge that's still present in these days of high tech visual and
sound effects.
Being a silent film there's no actual dialogue, just the occasional title cards. And the acting is in the usual overly melodramatic style of the time. In
this case though, it works well with, and actually enhances the film's air of madness. The film's musical score is effective and is excerpted as an
extra on the disc.
And speaking of extras, this is a “Special Edition” that lives up to its name. It comes in a nice fold out case with a 12 page illustrated booklet on the
film and its making. Apart from the movie itself the disc contains a commentary by film scholar Mike Budd. The commentary is a little dry at times and
does give the ending away, but is worth it for those looking for background and information on this classic.
Other extras include “Genuine: The Tale of a Vampire”, a short film also directed by Robert Wiene, the film's soundtrack, and a gallery of
photographs and advertising art for the film. All in all a nice little package.
Many people will probably be turned off by its slower pace and lack of violence. But for those who appreciate the classics and have an interest in
the roots of not only the horror genre but of film itself this will be an excellent buy.
first great horror films as well as one of the first masterpieces of German Expressionist filmmaking. Remade no less then three times as everything
from a straight horror film to a hardcore porn to a modernization with green screened backgrounds replacing the original hand drawn ones, even
the band Rainbow got into the act referencing it in the video for “Can't Let You Go”. This is one of the most influential films in history. And now it is
out in a “Collector's Edition” from Beyond Home Entertainment. Shall we look inside the cabinet and see how well it stands up to the test of time?
While it seems pretty cliché now, at the time Caligari's plot was very new and innovative, right down to the twist ending that we still see used
today. The film's narrator Francis visits a travelling fair with his friend Alan. They meet the good doctor and Cesare whom Caligari says can answer
any question. So of course Alan has to ask how long he'll live. He's not to thrilled to hear he'll be dead before dawn. And I'm sure he's even less
thrilled when it comes true.
Of course Francis has to investigate this. As he does a rash of murders breaks out. It seems Caligari has Cesare under his power and using him to
do his dirty work. And when Caligari tells him to kidnap Francis's girlfriend Jane things really start to get messy. Cue the mob of villagers and the
“twist” ending.
Remember, this was made in 1920. Much of this wasn't cliché at that time. Indeed this was new and ground-breaking at the time and 89 years
later we're still seeing its influence in the form of what are now clichés.
The print is in wonderful condition for a film that's almost 90 years old. The film's tinted black and white photography still looks great and convey
the scripts terror and madness beautifully. Mix it with the odd camera angles and the strange, hand drawn backgrounds and you have images
that matches the character's madness. Indeed the visuals give the film an unsettling edge that's still present in these days of high tech visual and
sound effects.
Being a silent film there's no actual dialogue, just the occasional title cards. And the acting is in the usual overly melodramatic style of the time. In
this case though, it works well with, and actually enhances the film's air of madness. The film's musical score is effective and is excerpted as an
extra on the disc.
And speaking of extras, this is a “Special Edition” that lives up to its name. It comes in a nice fold out case with a 12 page illustrated booklet on the
film and its making. Apart from the movie itself the disc contains a commentary by film scholar Mike Budd. The commentary is a little dry at times and
does give the ending away, but is worth it for those looking for background and information on this classic.
Other extras include “Genuine: The Tale of a Vampire”, a short film also directed by Robert Wiene, the film's soundtrack, and a gallery of
photographs and advertising art for the film. All in all a nice little package.
Many people will probably be turned off by its slower pace and lack of violence. But for those who appreciate the classics and have an interest in
the roots of not only the horror genre but of film itself this will be an excellent buy.
| BUY DVD @ EZYDVD.COM.AU |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||
| Search Review Database: |
| All written material is © from 2006 to Present at DVD Resurrections. This website is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The opinions which are expressed within these pages are solely those of DVD Resurrections. No copyright infringement is intended or implied. |