NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Milestone Films Blu-ray (August 2023): Milestone Films have transferred Herbert Brenon's The Spanish Dancer to Blu-ray. The source(s) are cited as "THE SPANISH DANCER, starring Pala Negri, only survived in incomplete or radically shortened versions. The longest surviving version in the world was found at EYE, but this vintage print contained only 64% of the original version. EYE has reconstructed and digitally restored THE SPANISH DANCER using prints from four European archives. The story was reconstructed using the best available element, following the original continuity script. The restored version has brought together 95% of the original film, revealing an intricate plot and humorous tone. "

The Spanish Dancer was restored by the EYE Film Institute in the Netherlands, and the film was shown at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., on August 5th, 2012.

There is still damage (see samples below) - marks, scratches, warping and some inferior 16mm sourced scenes - but it was great to see this restoration in 1080P - at 95% of the original epic film. There are a variety of tints utilized. Hopefully the captures below will give you an idea of the quality. I was appreciative and not deterred by the predictable inconsistencies.

NOTE: We have added 48 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Milestone Films offers options of DTS-HD Master 5.1 and 2.0 channel stereo (both 24-bit.) The Spanish Dancer has a delightful new orchestral score by Bill Ware. He is a jazz vibraphonist that has collaborated with Steely Dan, John Zorn, Deborah Harry, the BBC Concert Orchestra, Elvis Costello, Arturo O’Farrill, Andy Summers, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmore among others. The score was very supportive, frequently subtle, without attempting to supersede the film - I enjoyed it very much via the lossless transfer. Wonderful moods. Milestone Films offer the original English intertitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Milestone Films Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Scott Eyman for the first hour - he discusses the sources that this restoration was derived, shooting at the Lasky Ranch near Hollywood, stars Pola Negri, Antonio Moreno, Wallace Beery, Adolphe Menjou and much more. It's very informative. The remainder of the film (3/4 of an hour) continues the optional commentary - but by dance historian Naima Prevots (author of Dancing in the Sun: Hollywood choreographers, 1915-1937 - Theater and dramatic studies.) Among other details she talks about the Ballet dancer and choreographer Ernest Belcher often referred to "Father of Ballet in Southern California." Also included is a 22-minute interview with the composer Bill Ware - who describes his approach to creating the score for The Spanish Dancer - and a short restoration piece showing a split-screen of the four sources.. 

Herbert Brenon's The Spanish Dancer has the distinction of starring the expressive icon Pola Negri. As Wikipedia described her: "She achieved worldwide fame during the silent and golden eras of Hollywood and European film for her tragedienne and femme fatale roles. She was also acknowledged as a sex symbol." Every time we have Pola Negri in an HD presentation it is time to celebrate. The Spanish Dancer is full of action, has witty humorous interludes, and a romantic melodrama edge. There are extensive sets and a cast of thousands - truly an 'epic'. It is so gratifying to have this restored film in 1080P with new Bill Ware score to Milestone Films Blu-ray with the revealing commentary and other extras. Strongly recommended!

Gary Tooze