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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r |
directed by Chris Welsby
UK 1972
The BFI's British Artists' Films series
produced in partnership with arts documentary producers
Illuminations and Arts Council England features a wide
selection of important film and video work by British
artists from the last thirty years. |
DVD Review: BFI - Region 2 - PAL
DVD Box Cover |
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Distribution |
BFI Region 2 - PAL |
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Video |
1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio |
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Audio | Silent (Dolby Digital 2.0) | |
Subtitles | None | |
Features |
Release Information: Studio: BFI Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details: |
Comments |
The second in their Artists Film series, the BFI's "Chris Welsby" disc explores the short films of the titular instillation artist. Welsby's primary focus in these shorts is nature, with rivers, wind, and the sky often the stars of his films. Indeed, when there are people, as in "Park Film", they are the incidental background images in a natural world that is the main character. Because his films lack all plot characters, dialogue, etc., watching his films can be a rather demanding task, but for those that are able to make it through you'll find some tremendously intricate work, with shots often recorded over days if not weeks. Of course, the complexity and uniqueness of these works can only go so far. While the concept of fixing a camera to a weather vane and allowing the wind to dictate your shots (for instance) is utterly novel, unless you have a fascinating subject the film won't work. Fortunately, Welsby wisely keeps the films relatively short and doesn't overstay his welcome too often with repetitive shots.
Most of the shorts in this set
were filmed in the 1970’s and their image reflects their age.
There are some instances of damage or dirt in the older prints
and the generally soft image betrays the fact that the films
were likely shot on 16 mm stock. Of course none of this reflects
badly on the BFI. Indeed, as another reviewer noted, given
Welsby’s involvement, they probably used the best available
prints of each film, and even anamorphically enhanced two of the
shorts. So, we have what we have and it’s good enough. |
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DVD Box Cover |
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CLICK to order from: |
Distribution |
BFI Region 2 - PAL |