Search - The Deerslayer on DVD

Better Then Usual For Alpha

G. Ratcheson | Washington | 07/15/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"While still "collector's quality", this is a much better print then I would normally expect from Alpha (normally Alpha appears to have little to no quality control; their dvd's often look like they were mastered from a 5th generation VHS copy). Previously hard to find early Bela Lugosi film in MUCH BETTER quality then the public domain dvd's on ebay."

Interesting but Incomplete

Frank Kowal III | Hollywood, CA | 03/27/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I'm thankful Alpha Video was able to locate and release this early and little-seen film featuring Bela Lugosi. The print is clear and stable, but having just watched the film in its entirety I felt I should pass on a few observations.

However, the print used seems to be missing quite a bit of footage, making parts of the story difficult to follow. Characters refer to actions and scenes without us having seen them. Most telling are the repeated shots of a Boy Scout Troop reading a book around a campfire - presumably "The Deerslayer." There's no explanation to the Scouts' presence, and they're not given any dialogue at all. The music seems to be original but not scored for this film. It seems to repeat itself after every 15 minutes and doesn't reflect the action. I'd wager Alpha commissioned the music for another film and just used it here.

Despite the above omissions it's pretty doubtful a longer or more complete edition exists (this isn't "Metropolis" after all). But for any silent film or Bela Lugosi fan I'd recommend giving this one a look."