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BFI Region 2 - PAL |
Inspired by the popular success of the BFI's
Silent Shakespeare films, Dickens Before Sound is a unique
collection of early adaptations of perhaps Britain's
favourite and (after Shakespeare), most adapted author. |
Poster
DVD Review: BFI - Region 2 - PAL
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CLICK to order from: |
Distribution |
BFI Region 2 - PAL |
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Runtime | 180:00 | |
Video |
1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio |
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Audio | Silent, English (Dolby Digital 2.0) | |
Subtitles | English, None | |
Features |
Release Information: Studio: BFI Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details: |
Comments |
Like their release of “Silent
Shakespeare” from a few years ago, the BFI’s “Dickens Before
Sound” is a collection of shorts and fragments of silent era
adaptations of Charles Dickens’s work. However, the highlight of
the set is undoubtedly the full version of Frank Lloyd’s 1922
adaptation of “Oliver Twist” starring Jackie Coogan in the
titular role and Lon Chaney as Fagin. The films themselves are a
diverse lot, including early animation in the form of narrated
lantern slides, shorts created throughout the entire silent era
(including one by D. W. Griffins), and excerpts from an early
talkie version of “Grandfather Smallweed” (an adaptation of
“Bleak House”). Overall, this is a great set for those
interested in early cinema or Dickens’s work, featuring some
truly memorable adaptations of the some of the greatest work in
19th century British literature.
Since this is largely a silent
set, the focus of the audio discussion should be on the scores
commissioned for the set. Unsurprisingly, they are quite good,
reflecting the action on the screen and nicely accompanying the
story. The mono soundtrack always competently presents Neil
Brand’s score. Two of the films, “Gabriel Grub” and “The
Pickwick Papers” also feature optional voice over narration of
the original text as read by Ken Campbell, which sound similarly
clear and free of unwanted background noise. Optional subtitles
are provided for the narration and unobtrusive. |
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DVD Box Cover |
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Distribution |
BFI Region 2 - PAL |
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