Three Silent Classics by Josef Von Sternberg (Underworld / Last Command / Docks of New York) (The Criterion Collection)

The three films included in this set - UNDERWORLD, DOCKS OF NEW YORK and THE LAST COMMAND represent some of Josef von Sternberg's greatest work from the time before he discovered Marlene Dietrich, and clearly show that he was already a master at his art. His trademark style in the use of light and shadow, complex mis en scene, slow lap dissolves, deceptively simple storylines and characters of psychological depth are in full bloom during this late silent period.Josef von Sternberg was unquestionably a unique genius among film directors, and as such is frequently misunderstood by those who are accustomed to a more conventional approach to how movies are made. In terms of visual style and sustained atmosphere he virtually has no equal, even though others have tried to imitate him and have borrowed many of his ideas in their own films. For example in UNDERWORLD, one can see foregleams of plot devices that figured prominently in the gangster genre that emerged during the 30's, particularly in the films from Warner Bros. Von Sternberg already laid the groundwork. In DOCKS OF NEW YORK there is the romantic relationship between George Bancroft and Betty Compson, but von Sternberg achieves it with little, if any, passionate embracing or kissing between the couple. This is typical von Sternberg and is part of what makes his screen romances different from other directors. His protagonists share a psychological bond more than a physical one, and yet one senses a potent eroticism that seems to permeate all of his films. In THE LAST COMMAND we have a wonderful example of life imitating art imitating life within the background of a motion picture studio as a former Russian general, played by Emil Jannings, is demoted to an extra recreating his past glories in a Hollywood production. The film presents the irony of life that von Sternberg liked to explore in so much of his work.Criterion did a terrific job with all three films as well as with the supplemental material, and I highly recomended this DVD set to anyone interested in true cinematic art.Now if only someone would put out THE SALVATION HUNTERS...

It has been a long time in coming but at last Josef von Sternberg's three legendary silent masterpieces are coming to DVD and in a Criterion edition no less. I'm not quite sure how or why Paramount agreed to this but I'm certainly not complaining. As others have pointed out, DOCKS OF NEW YORK and THE LAST COMMAND were available on home VHS some 20 years ago. They were high quality transfers accompanied by newly recorded Gaylord Carter organ scores. UNDERWORLD has never been available in a first rate transfer of any kind so that alone makes this set extra special. In addition, all three films will have 2 new scores to accompany them which will only enhance the viewing experience even more. Too bad the Gaylord Carter scores weren't included as they were models of their kind. Throw in the Criterion extras like the 96 page booklet and a 1968 interview with von Sternberg himself and you have something no silent movie enthusiast or film buff should be without.For those of you unfamiliar with these films the stories are as follows. UNDERWORLD, the first of the three, can rightfully be considered the first gangster feature as it chronicles the rise and fall of crime boss Bull Weed and his associates. It also offers silent comedy fans a rare opportunity to see Larry Semon in a more serious role which was one of his last film appearances. Film number two, THE DOCKS OF NEW YORK, positively oozes atmosphere as it takes us into BLUE ANGEL territory with its vivid depiction of a lowlife bar full of smoke and fishnets and the poor souls who inhabit it. The best of the three, THE LAST COMMAND, features Emil Jannings' greatest American performance as a Russian general traumatized by the Russian Revolution and reduced to appearing as an extra in Hollywood movies. William Powell scores as a former revolutionary who is now a movie director. If you don't want to purchase these then get your Netflix queues ready for they are indispensible.

First let me say I am not a very patient person with respect to entertainment. It takes a well-polished presentation to maintain my interest due, I suppose, to years of watching blatantly ingratiating sitcom episodes. So when I purchased Three Silent Classics produced by Josef Von Sternberg, I did not actually believe that I could make it through even one of the movies. I was pleasantly surprised. These movies are quite slick and polished. Everything is "right:" the music, the dialog, the acting, the plot, the camera angles and lighting. These movies are not double speed, shaky, dust covered, cheap reproductions with carnival-like 1920's jazz. They are high quality films that will capture your attention and keep your interest. One star taken off for the price, but otherwise I highly recommend this DVD set.

This set includes the following films: THE DAMNED OCEAN (The Docks of New York), with George Bancroft and Evelyn Brent, THE LAST COMMAND (Twilight of Glory, 1928, with Emil Jannings, Evelyn Brent and William Powell) and UNDERWORLD (Nights Chicago 1927, with George Bancroft and Betty Compson). Three masterpieces beautifully restored and directed by Joseph von Sternberg in the late silent. The box is accompanied by a rich booklet in English only. It is undeniable that these three films are among the many masterpiece that produced silent films in the late 20s. The height is in my view reached by The Wretched of the ocean that combines a refusal of sentimentality with a splendid picture.