Search - Cinema Europe - The Other Hollywood on DVD

Brilliant documentary on early film

11/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brownlow & Gill's documentary series was originally broadcast in 1996 by the BBC to celebrate 100 years of cinema. Not only is it incredibly interesting as a history lesson but top marks must go to the archive researchers who have dug up some incredibly rare footage (such as Dietrich's screen test for THE BLUE ANGEL). All 6 episodes are on this 1 disc and although there are no extras, you do get 6 hours of pure magic, masterly narrated by the excellent Kenneth Branagh. The quality of the archive footage is amazing and anyone contemplating studying film for education or academic reasons really should start with this disc, for it starts with footage circa 1895 (including the Lumiere bros) through to the advent of sound over 30 years later. It's all very well to read about this stuff in textbooks but seeing it on your TV really does make a difference. It is truly amazing just how much stuff has survived considering the time that has elapsed and the chemical volatility of early nitrate film stock. All in all this is well worth watching, masterfully put together and nicely presented. It is also worth noting that contrary to the technical information on the page, this disc is in fact not region coded so will play in any DVD player in any country so you really have no excuse not to get it (however the U.S. appears to be the only country where this series is available as a DVD).This disc is must for any film student or historian!."

Incomparable documentary on European silent film

audrey | white mtns | 01/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are interested in film and want to learn more about the early days, you will be enthralled, from start to finish, by this remarkable six-hour documentary, the last joint project by film historians Kevin Brownlow and David Gill. Intelligently written and wonderfully narrated by Kenneth Branagh, each hour is filled with rare film clips and fantastic interviews.The only weakness here is a lack of extras. A documentary or commentary track about how these clips were found, etc., would have been wonderful. Also, a documentary package like this would be made even more valuable with the addition of a comprehensive index of the actors and films."

Brilliant History of European Silent Film

A. Ranusch | Clinton Township, MI USA | 05/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this series when it first appeared on television on TCM. Its filled with excerpts from both classic and less well known films from this genre. The commentary by Branagh is both well informed and interesting. I highly recommend it to all lovers of world cinema."

Another Must From Brownlow and Gill!

Edwin Graf Diemer | Red Bank, NJ USA | 10/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kevin Brownlow and David Gill created wonderful documentaries together, and this, their last work together is no exception! Amazing archival footage and lively narration that will make the most jaded film buff salivate. The only problem here is omission-the pair wanted to make this a 13-hour epic like their "Hollywood" (wonderful!), but were forced to do it in 6. For example, Russian silents are hardly mentioned. But what is here is astounding."