Robert J. Flaherty " Nanook of the North " Criterion - Region 0

directed by Robert J. Flaherty
USA/Canada 1922

Robert Flaherty’s classic film tells the story of Inuit hunter Nanook and his family as they struggle to survive in the harsh conditions of Canada’s Hudson Bay region. Enormously popular when released in 1922, Nanook of the North is a cinematic milestone that continues to enchant audiences.

Gary W. Tooze

Posters

Theatrical Release: June 11th, 1922

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DVD Review: Criterion - Region 0 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Criterion Collection - Spine # 33 - Region 0 - NTSC
Runtime	1:18:15
Video	1.31:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 6.75 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	Music (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
Subtitles	None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Criterion / Home Vision Aspect Ratio: Original aspect Ratio 1.31:1 Edition Details: • Excerpts from TV Documentary "Flaherty and Film" (8:13) • Stills Gallery of Flaherty's Arctic Photos • 6 page liner notes by Dean Duncan DVD Release Date: January 26th, 1999 Keep Case Chapters: 12

Comments:

Okay from the horse's mouth - this transfer was created from a fine-grain master positive made from a 35mm restoration negative, derived from five positive nitrate prints from the camera negative. Robert Flaherty's personal print, preserved since 1939 by the British Film Institute, is the primary source and also the matrix for the tinting, which is electronically recreated here. The editing follows the original director's cut, and at a running speed of 21.5 frames per second, this edition matches the original projection time. Timothy Brock’s score was digitally recorded in May 1998. Film restoration and transfer supervised by David Shepard.

Now saying all this one cannot possibly fault the appearance of the film, as it is better than one could possibly hope for... BUT, where I do have a small issue is with the DVD, which has a black border surrounding it, hence not maximizing the full resolution to fill the screen (Yes, some people may actually project on a large screen). I don't know how much of a difference that would make, but I'll wager if it was re-done today (highly unlikely) it would fill the full 720 resolution. It is a minor point and one that I am sure an expert could somehow refute. The "Flaherty on Film" extra is short but a very worthwhile addition. The audio is wonderful. I'm sure this does not sell as well as "The Lord of the Rings" but for those keen on the historical nature of this entire production (the film), it is mind-blowing. Do yourself a favor and read-up on it before you indulge - you will be riveted at entering a whole new cinematic world. So fascinating you have trouble turning away... honestly. out of