The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

[pgm80s]

If anyone has seen this movie perhaps you could help.

 

I recently bought this movie on DVD and my version says that it is 82 minutes running time on the back and yet the movie was accually only about an hour and six minutes or so. There was a more expensive version on DVD but I bought the cheaper by Alpha Video which is alright but it lacks in great quality. The IMDB has several times listed and I suppose mine would be the 67 minute version, I just thought it odd the case said 82.

 

Does anyone know or have seen the different versions and if so am I missing much?

[professorecho]

It's always very difficult to estimate exact running times of silent films because of the various speeds at which they are run on a projector. Most systems are not calibrated to run them at the proper speed which is why you often see people in the films moving around at an unusual pace. My guess is that Alpha, in their infinite wisdom, has optimistically increased the running time for unsuspecting buyers looking for a bargain. Most sources indicate the running time at between 69-75 minutes. I was very sad to hear that you opted for the inferior DVD version of this masterpiece when it is available in truly pristine quality from KINO VIDEO. Yes, it's more money, but for a film like this, it's worth it. In addition to the hour plus of supplemental features, the KINO edition includes the original intertitles, which were magnificent. Each one was hand-lettered and illustrated. They were thought to be lost for decades when the entire reel of them was found, in of all places, Japan! They were on 16mm and blown up to 35 for a re-release of the film, which I saw here in L.A. at UCLA. This same print was used for the KINO DVD. I highly recommend it and also that you stop patronizing Alpha Video, no matter how much of a bargain it may seem.

[pgm80s]

Hey thanks a lot prof!

 

Since my version wasn't that expensive I might sell it and get the KINO version instead, that was the other version I had mentioned.

 

I've noticed KINO has many other silents out too. Are they all of pretty good quality. Worth the price?

[kenwal34]

I have prints from Kino.They take a lot of care and pride in restoring their prints.Try " Blue Angel" and you will see the quality i'm speaking of.[on dvd]

[professorecho]

The only drawback to some of KINO's titles is that they often can't afford to have a full orchestra accompany the film, so sometimes you get a solo piano, which I don't like, or, even worse, a synthesizer meant to sound like an orchestra. It can be very distracting, but it's understandable when you consider what a full union orchestra would charge for a recording session these days. Overall, KINO and IMAGE produce the finest silent film DVDs in the market, with isolated releases from major companies like Warners and their TCM Lon Chaney Collection equally good. If you have to choose between the same silent film on either an IMAGE or KINO DVD, try to look up an online review, such as those that are at www.silentera.com or Google the title for a DVD review. Sometimes one or the other will have used a more complete print or one might have better extras, etc. I don't think you can really go wrong with KINO at any time, though watch out for those scores. For example, I understand that their ROBIN HOOD starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr. is a excellent DVD in every respect, but it supposedly has a terrible music score. I myself have a large collection of both KINO and IMAGE DVDs of silent films, so don't ever hesitate to ask my advice before you buy one. Hope this helps at least a little!