Plot: What’s it about?
The Origins of Film is a three disc release which looks at some early silent films, which might have been overlooked otherwise. Each of the discs is divided into two sections, with each section focusing on a specific segment of silent cinema. The first disc holds two volumes of content on The African American Cinema, which consists of two feature length films and a short film. The feature films are Within Our Gates (1919) and Scar of Shame (1926), while the short film is titled Noble Sissie and Eibie Blake (1923). The second disc starts with a look at the Origins of American Animation, which includes twenty-one complete animated pieces, as well as two incomplete options. From stop motion to hand drawn pieces, this collection offers a look at all types of animation, very impressive indeed. Also on disc two is Origins of the Fantasy Feature, which includes the feature films The Patchwork Girl of Oz and A Florida Enchantment, both made in 1914. The third and final disc kicks off with America’s First Women Filmmakers, which hosts four shorter films from two of the finest silent era female directors, Lois Weber and Alice Guy-Blanche. The films included here are How Men Propose (1913), Matrimony’s Speed Limit (1913), A House Divided (1913), and Too Wise Wives (1921). Also covered on disc three is Origins of the Gangster Film, which includes the films Alias Jimmy Valentine (1915) and The Narrow Road (1912), two terrific though short pictures.
As I mentioned above, this is a three disc release from Image Entertainment, with a wealth of varied materials from the dawn of cinema. I found this to be a very interesting series of volumes, with a lot of material to cover and all of it well worth a look. I liked the gangster movies, fantasy films, and animation most, but even the pieces I didn’t like much were nice to see, if just for reference sake. I was very taken in by The Patchwork Girl of Oz, which was a lot of fun and a terrific little fantasy picture. It was also very cool to be able to see D.W. Griffith’s The Narrow Road, which was worth a look and Alias Jimmy Valentine, which was lost for almost a century, now immortalized within this terrific three disc set. This is a treasure trove of material for fans of silent cinema, as well as those folks interested in the early works of motion pictures. I admit that the content isn’t always excellent, but it is nice to see the films here nonetheless. And with such a nice selection of varied genres and styles, there’s bound to be some pieces here for everyone, if just to see some once lost silent pictures. I know the price is a little steep here, but given the content involved, it is more than justified and I give this release a very strong recommendation.
Video: How does it look?
These films were made between 1912 and 1926, so while the prints used here are the best available, some flaws still surface to lessen the experience. But if you’re used to watching films from this time period, you won’t be let down, as these look better than most, I think. The prints have damage, debris, and dirt, but not so much as to ruin the experience by any means, the image is more than viewable and better than I expected in most cases. Of course, some look better than others, but in the end, I think this is collection is well presented and looks as good as you could want, thanks to the intricate and effective restoration work involved here.
Audio: How does it sound?
These are all silent films and a such, the only audio presence comes from the musical scores. The scores have all been recreated in a new stereo mix for this release and sound terrific, very pleasant to listen to indeed. The scores were composed and performed by Philip Carli, who comes through here in all respects, very good work all around. Not much else to discuss here, as the music is well presented and no other audio elements are present.
Supplements: What are the extras?
A booklet with notes on all the films has been included, but no real supplements were packed onto the discs.
