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

ADDITION: Flicker Alley Blu-ray (August 2019): A title card that precedes the Blu-ray presentation states that, "FRAGMENT OF AN EMPIRE was produced by the Leningrad Sovkino factory and released in the Soviet Union on 28 October 1929. The original length of the film was six reels (2,203 meters). This restoration is based primarily on a 35mm Dutch distribution nitrate print conserved at EYE Filmmuseum, Netherlands. Supplementing the Dutch print, an incomplete 35mm nitrate print from Cinematheque suisse provided the original Russian titles for acts 2-6 as well as a small number of shots that were not present in the primary source.
Titles that were not present in the Swiss print have been reproduced based on text recorded in the license and montage list in the collection of Gosfilmofond of Russia. These reproduction titles are identified by the year 2018 in the lower right corner.
This restoration was completed in May 2018 as a partnership between EYE Filmmuseum, Gosfilmofond of Russia, and the San Francisco Silent Film Festival."

In the booklet notes included with the Blu-ray, the following is said regarding this release, "This restoration was completed in May 2018 as a partnership between Eye Filmmuseum, Gosfilmofond of Russia, and the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. The restoration is based primarily on a 35mm Dutch distribution nitrate print preserved at Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Of all surviving materials worldwide, the Eye print was selected due to its completeness and superior image quality. However, there were two challenges to overcome with the Dutch print. The print did not include the original Russian intertitles but instead had translated Dutch intertitles. In fact, only one of the surviving sources included the original titles. The second problem with the Dutch print was that it was missing several shots in the iconic "Jesus wearing a gas mask" sequence, the shots presumably excised by Dutch censors when it was exhibited in Netherlands. Both of these deficiencies were remedied by inclusion of material from a print held by Cinematheque suisse. This print not only included flash-frames of the original Russian titles but also included the missing shots from the gas mask sequence. Unfortunately, the Swiss print was incomplete and missing the first reel. For that reason, the intertitles in the first act are recreated in the style of the originals with text based on the montage list in the collection of Gosfilmofond of Russia. These recreated titles are identified in the restoration by the designation "2018" in the lower right corner."

Flicker Alley offer up the 1929 film, "Fragment of an Empire" on a dual-layered Blu-ray. The film is presented in the original aspect ratio of 1.34:1 (with rounded corners left intact). The picture also benefits from a high (almost maxed-out) bitrate that supports the integrity of the image while in motion. What is immediately apparent is the film's sumptuous high contrast Black & White photography. The nightmarish opening sequence is bathed in shadows and darkness, while later sequences show a fine detail that would be remarkable even for a film shot in this day and age. When watching the extra feature on the restoration, it is stunning how much effort has gone into this restoration process, and everyone involved deserves all the kudos. Flicker Alley continue to impress with their high standards for Blu-ray releases.

NOTE: 16 more full resolution (1920 X 1080) Blu-ray captures for Patrons are available HERE.

The film is accompanied by a choice of two musical scores, both in 24-bit 2.0 DTS-HD Master audio. The first is a new score composed and performed by Stephen Horne and Frank Bockius, the second is an adaptation of Vladimir Deshevov's 1929 original piano score and is performed by Daan van den Hurk. They sounds great and wonderfully support the video presentation. There are optional English descriptive titles for when Russian text is on screen. This is a Region 'Free' Blu-ray from Flicker Alley.

There are a few bonus features on this Blu-ray from Flicker Alley, starting with a commentary track featuring Russian film historian and curator Peter Bagrov and film restorer Robert Byrne. "Restoring Fragment of an Empire" is a 13-minute demonstration by film historian and preservationist Robert Byrne on the film’s restoration, and is a must-watch. Following is a poster gallery with a handful of artwork for the film. Also included is a 20-page glossy souvenir booklet featuring as essay by Russian film historian and curator, Peter Bagrov, on the historical importance of this film in Soviet Cinema. The booklet also features “Notes On the New Score” a short essay by composers Stephen Horne and Frank Bockius on their new score for the film. Also included in the 20-page booklet is “Adapting Vladimir Deshovov” a short essay by composer Daan van den Hurk on his recent adaptation of Vladimir Deshovov’s 1929 original piano score.

"Fragment of an Empire" is a title that had never crossed my path until now, and I must thank the fine folks at Flicker Alley for once again giving a long-lost film a stellar A/V transfer. I highly recommend picking this Blu-ray up, especially for fans of silent cinema. It's a keeper. 

Colin Zavitz