The restored Metropolis (Fritz Lang) and more:

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My wife and I traveled some distance this past weekend to catch a couple of classic silent films in an appropriate venue (i.e., the vintage Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas). The first, screened Friday evening, was the highly anticipated "Metropolis" restoration which is being shown in selected cities as part of a limited engagement tour before a home video release in early 2003. I must say that the 35mm print is STUNNING and is probably the most complete version of this influential film shown since the late 20's. With rare exception the footage appears remarkable clean and absent damage. Occasionally, there are segments which were obviously derived from inferior source materials, but this is the rare exception rather than the rule and these are in great shape as well (i.e., albeit with a bit more grain and contrast limitations). The remaining scenes which have presumedly been lost since the film's premier are augmented by black frames and story branching; this BTW, isn't a hinderance to appreciation the film since the rather simplistic allegorical story isn't essential to enjoyment of the films remarkable imagery.
One final point needs to be made about the music track with this F. W. Murnau Society approved "Metropolis" restoration. It is my understanding that it's the original score written for the film and performed by a symphony orchestra at it's premier; all I can say is that this newly recorded performance is awesome and totally fits the mood! I heartily recommend that you see this film if it comes to a venue near you and just be sure to pick up the Kino DVD release for your collection early next year.
The second classic silent film we viewed over the weekend was a nice nearly complete 35mm print of Douglas Fairbank's "Thief of Bagdad" with a live six piece orchestral accompanyment (The Thousand & One Nights Orchestra). This was an exceptional presentation as well for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was the remarkable good and highly appropo live music. The print quality of "Thief of Bagdad", while not of the restroation calibre of the aforementioned "Metropolis," was very nice overall with only scattered segments showing emulsion damage or noticeable jumps from unfortunate splices of damaged film elements. In addition to joy of Fairbank's swashbuckling prowess and humor, and the timelessness of the story, there's the incredible William Cameron Menzies sets to hold viewers in constant awe. Upon consideration of the fact that "the most expensive movie in Hollywood" cost $1,000,000 to make in 1924 dollars it's easier to appreciate how inflated movie costs are now!
FTR, I already own the Image Entertainment DVD of "Thief of Bagdad" which is actually quite nice, but I have it on good authority that another more definitive restoration is in progress complete with a fine symphonic score composed by the Monte Alto Orchestra more befitting what is arguably Fairbank's greatest filmed performance. In any case, viewing a decent 35mm print of this classic is also highly recommended, especially if you can see it with appropriate musical accompaniment.
Cheers,
AuPh

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Topic - The restored Metropolis (Fritz Lang) and more: - Audiophilander 09:45:31 08/26/02 (5)

Re: The restored Metropolis (Fritz Lang) and more: - Dave 09:16:08 08/28/02 (1)

The added footage... - Audiophilander 09:56:47 08/28/02 (0)

It's playing here for two weeks, and... - clarkjohnsen 07:42:41 08/28/02 (0)

Metropolis - gware 21:17:32 08/26/02 (0)

Guess I am spoiled... - Klaaren 18:37:28 08/26/02 (0)

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