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S E A R C H    D V D B e a v e r

(aka "The Adventures of the Three Reporters" )

 

directed by Fyodor Otsep
Soviet Union 19
26

 

Flicker Alley, in collaboration with Blackhawk Films and Turner Classic Movies, is proud to present the astonishing Miss Mend, a 1926 three-part serial / adventure film from Soviet directors Boris Barnet and Fedor Ozep.

Widely regarded by the official Soviet press of the time as a prime example of shameless “Western-style” entertainment, the serial was nevertheless hugely popular, becoming one of the most successful Soviet films of the 1920s. Miss Mend is an energetic, fast-moving serial which opens a window on the phenomenon of Soviet Americanism and reveals a little-known side of early Soviet cinema. This new edition was mastered in high definition from superb original 35mm elements produced by David Shepard and Jeffery Masino, with digital restoration and editing being carried out by Eric Lange of Lobster Films, Paris. Featuring a “dream cast” of 1920s Soviet films stars and special bonus features by film historians Ana Olenina and Maxim Pozdorovkin.

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DVD Review: Flicker Alley (2-disc) - Region 0 - NTSC

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Distribution

Flicker Alley

Region 0 - NTSC

Runtime 2:55:12 + 1:14:21
Video

1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 6.12 + 5.14 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

Disc 1

Bitrate

Disc2

Audio Silent (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles English (non-removable)
Features Release Information:
Studio: Flicker Alley

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen - 1.33:1

Edition Details:
• Miss Mend: A Whirlwind Vision of an Imagined America - A brand new, 21-minute documentary exploring the creative forces and cultural influences behind Miss Mend
• The Music Behind Miss Mend: The Invisible Orchestra - Go behind the scenes of Robert Israel’s brilliant new score in a new, 12.5-minute documentary featuring the actual Miss Mend recording sessions
• Booklet Miss Mend and Soviet Americanism – A new booklet essay by historians Ana Olenina and Maxim Pozdorovkin

DVD Release Date: December 15th, 2008
Transparent Keep Case

Chapters 24 + 12

 

Comments

Once again Flicker Alley, along with Turner Classic Movies and Blackhawk Films, have brought us another silent masterpiece. This three-part serial adventure is non-stop action covering over 4 hours of wonderful entertainment. Mastered in high-def from original 35mm elements - the image quality is exceptionally strong considering the film's age. Due to the frame-rate conversion the transfer is interlaced (see last capture). This is an English-titled edition without original title-cards. Tinting is minimal and while damage, obviously, exists - it is usually frame-specific. Detail and contrast are very well-rendered to two dual-layered DVD discs.

 

The audio, a newly recorded - large orchestra score by Robert Israel, too is outstanding. It suits the content well and proves to be an ideal accompaniment to the image. Two supplement features on the second disc - Miss Mend: A Whirlwind Vision of an Imagined America - is a brand new, 20-minute documentary exploring the creative forces and cultural influences behind Miss Mend. The Music Behind Miss Mend: The Invisible Orchestra - ventures behind the scenes of Robert Israel’s brilliant new score in a new, 12-minute documentary featuring the actual Miss Mend recording sessions. There is also a 16-page booklet; Miss Mend and Soviet Americanism – with a new essay by historians Ana Olenina and Maxim Pozdorovkin.

Overall, this is an outstanding 2-disc set that silent cinema aficionados will undoubtedly desire for their digital libraries. It reminded me somewhat of Louis Feuillade's Les Vampires with all the covert action and adventure. Absolutely recommended!

 - Gary Tooze

 



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  Interlacing evident

 


DVD Box Cover

CLICK to order from:

 

Distribution

Flicker Alley

Region 0 - NTSC

 

 





 

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