Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Audiophilander (A) on October 01, 2010 at 00:10:47

In Reply to: RE: Don't like silent film? This one, "The Last Command," will change your mind. posted by tinear on September 29, 2010 at 13:39:04

Off-hand, the only thing I can possibly add to your impassioned review of this great film is a recommendation for the recent DVD set of Josef Von Sternberg silents from Criterion that includes "Underworld," "The Last Command" and "Docks of New York." His genius is apparent in each of these films, and what's even more amazing is that he was just getting warmed up for an equally impressive breakthrough in "talkies."

This Criterion set is a wonderful, with only one possible caveat (given the nice quality of the 35mm elements and transfers): these early Sternberg classics should've been offered simultaneously as a BD set at a slightly higher premium. I presume that those will be released on BD later on, much to the chagrin of double-pip deploring collectors like myself. *Sigh* -Oh, well.

While discussing Josef Von Sternberg's film career I have one slightly off-topic recommendation (see link below): If you can find a reasonably priced copy (HC or PB) of his autobiography "Fun in A Chinese Laundry" I suggest snapping it up. This clever, warts and all expose of Hollywood from the great Director's perspective was NOT ghost written; every wry, sarcastic comment clearly comes from Von Sternberg's jaded POV. One of the most entertaining 'reads' you'll ever come across on the subject of movies and the film industry.

Cheers,
AuPh

• Fun In a Chinese Laundry...   (Open in New Window)