All I can say is WOW! This was quite the historical find - it was considered one of the great "lost" films from the Hollywood golden age. An astounding rediscovery by the Netherlands Filmmuseum that made some headlines last year - restored and it was also shown at Cannes later that year. Director Sam Wood (some may know from The Pride of the Yankees with Gary Cooper) shoots a real romance/epic touring viewers to the English countryside, Paris, London, the Swiss Alps and the Sahara Desert. I was immensely impressed - not only by the image but the film - but the sweeping melodrama with that recognizable performance intensity of silent films - especially this with two of the biggies - Swanson and Valentino sharing the screen.

How could we possibly fault the image quality? - but we will describe: With frame rate adjustment we often see very slight a 'combing' or 'trailing' effect and this film has it. Is it because it was not transferred progressively? I'm not 100% sure but I suspect it may not have been. The image is light sepia for most of the film, with one short scene of a dull purple. It looks remarkably good - the intertitles and credits were redone, as well as some text sequences (letters etc.), and there are optional French and Dutch subtitles. There are a couple of instances of damage - in the form of nitrate deterioration which consumes the entire frame, but it does not last too long (see sample in last large capture below).

One of the most amazing things about this restored film and DVD is the new score by Henny Vrienten  - it is outstanding! OUTSTANDING! I listened to the 5.1 track was was blown away. It is brilliant - both simultaneously lilting and intense.

Extras: Martin Scorsese gives a brief introduction. Of all the extensive extra features that I enjoyed - the 3 minute featurette on the creation of the music is memorable for being both beautiful and educational. The Delicious Little Devil is a 50 minute Valentino vehicle from 1919. The story is about a poor hat-check girl (Mae Murray), who loses her job and is forced to work as a dancer at a roadhouse. There then she falls in love with the son of a rich businessman. It is a decent silent and enjoyable with some comedy and drama. Giovanna Fossati gives and amazingly detailed commentary during a featurette on the restoration of the film. Truly fascinating. There is an 85 minute recording of Swanson from 1955 and some publicity material and  a still gallery.

Overall I was totally enthralled with this DVD. We give it one of our strongest recommendations! This is tons of fun and it appears almost impossible not to get swept up in the grandeur of the film or the historical significance of its incredible find and restoration.

Gary W. Tooze