Flicker Alley

[captveg]

Murnau's Phantom (1922) coming as a MOD BD-R on 3/9/21

Flicker Alley, in partnership with the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Foundation is proud to present, F.W. Murnau’s Phantom.

Phantom marked a major turning point in the influential career and the groundbreaking style of cinema poet F.W. Murnau. In this beautifully reconstructed and restored edition from an amazingly detailed, original 1922 negative, Alfred Abel (Metropolis, Dr. Mabuse) plays Lorenz Lubota, a man obsessed with

his own desires to achieve fame and wealth, who must confront the barriers of class keeping him from a woman (Lya de Putti) with whom he has had a fateful encounter.

Featuring a magnificent orchestral score by Robert Israel, this powerfully expressive and surprisingly insightful film is a triumph of German Weimar cinema and a wonderful collaboration of many of its most skilled artisans and recognizable performers. Through dazzling visuals and memorable characters, Phantom paints a portrait of the corrupting influence of money, the conformity of societal norms, and the redemptive power of family. Phantom was restored by L'Immagine Ritrovata, Bologna.

BONUS MATERIALS INCLUDE:
Invitation to Phantom – An examination of the artistry and production history of Phantom by UCLA film historian Janet Bergstrom.

Cast and Crew Biographies – Over 80 pages of biographical information and unique photographs of the major performers and technicians involved with the film.

[What A Disgrace]

Naturally, they're including the 2021 calendar in Phantom, a release of a film which has been on Blu-ray for several years now, and not the Laurel or Hardy box set.

If anyone gets this copy of phantom, please reveal the contents of the calendar?

[captveg]

Flicker Alley on Twitter:

Announcement: Currently there are only 20 units of our CHILDREN OF DIVORCE Blu-ray/DVD left in stock. Don't miss your chance to order a copy before it goes out of print! – An M.O.D Blu-ray edition of CHILDREN OF DIVORCE will follow later this year!

[What A Disgrace]

Has anyone peaked at Flicker Alley's 2021 calendar? These usually have some neat clues for upcoming releases, but the only 2021 release I have is Laurel Or Hardy, and it was released before the calendar...

[Saturnome]

I think only one title from last year's calendar got a release. At the rate they release titles, we would be looking at clues for 2024.

[yoloswegmaster]

2 November releases have been announced, both of which are Argentinian noirs:

The Bitter Stems (Los Tallos Amargos)
The Beast Must Die (La Bestia Debe Morir)

[Stefan Andersson]

Disc specs and info about the restorations of the two Argentinian noirs:
https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=28992

[knives]

2 November releases have been announced, both of which are Argentinian noirs:

The Beast Must Die (La Bestia Debe Morir)

Is this related to the Chabrol of a similar name?

[therewillbeblus]

2 November releases have been announced, both of which are Argentinian noirs:

The Beast Must Die (La Bestia Debe Morir)

Is this related to the Chabrol of a similar name?

A cursory google search shows that they are both adaptations of different source texts

[yoloswegmaster]

Is this related to the Chabrol of a similar name?

Both are based on the same novel written by Cecil Day-Lewis (writing as Nicholas Blake), with the Argentinian version coming out in 1952 and Chabrol version coming out in 1969.

[knives]

Is this related to the Chabrol of a similar name?

Both are based on the same novel written by Cecil Day-Lewis (writing as Nicholas Blake), with the Argentinian version coming out in 1952 and Chabrol version coming out in 1969.

Thank you. I figured it could be something like that. That’s my favorite Chabrol so now I’m excited to see another variation of this story.

[L.A.]

Wonderful news regarding those Argentinian noirs. I understand at least one more AR title should be coming(?) from FA, The Black Vampire (1953) which is inspired by Fritz Lang’s M.

[L.A.]

Their first release in the new Flicker Fusion series This is Francis X. Bushman coming in September.

Produced by the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum and written by Lon and Debra Davis, Flicker Alley presents This is Francis X. Bushman, an original documentary that utilizes numerous still images, rare materials from the silent era, and never-before-seen film clips to chronicle the life and career of one of the silver screen’s most prolific and fascinating stars; American actor and director, Francis X. Bushman.

Famous for his performance as Messala in the silent epic Ben-Hur (1925), Bushman's legendary career spanned six decades with over 200 film credits to his name. Narrated by the actor’s grandson, Academy Award–winning film technician Chris Bushman, and, courtesy of remastered audio recordings, by Francis X. Bushman himself, this engaging documentary aims to shine a light on one of the earliest and most sought-after Hollywood “megastars” in history.

Featuring an original score by Frederick Hodges and Richard Chon, this publication also includes four bonus films; The Thirteenth Man (1913), rescued by Serge Bromberg and restored by the Academy Film Archive, Dawn and Twilight (1914) & Two Men and a Girl (1911) courtesy of the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, and The Marriage Clause (1926), directed by Lois Weber.

This is Francis X. Bushman is the inaugural title in Flicker Alley’s new “Flicker Fusion” series, a new publication line that brings new projects, lesser known rarities, and archival restorations to light. With a nod to the steady stream of images that motion pictures utilize in creating the magic of moving images, our “Flicker Fusion” series will be an on-going way to offer high quality, pressed Blu-ray Disc publications at an affordable price, with more titles to be announced soon.

BONUS MATERIALS INCLUDE:

• “Why Francis X. Bushman?” – Video introduction by Lon Davis discussing the forty-year journey of bringing Francis X. Bushman’s story and legacy to fruition.
• The Thirteenth Man (1913) (fragment) – A one-reel drama starring Francis X. Bushman, derived from existing 35mm materials. Musical score compiled and arranged by Frederick Hodges.
• Dawn and Twilight (1914) – A complete one-reel Essanay drama featuring Francis X. Bushman, restored from a rare 8mm print, derived from 35mm materials. Musical score provided by Frederick Hodges and Richard Chon.
• Two Men and a Girl (Love Conquers All) (1911) – One of the earliest uncovered films of Francis X. Bushman’s career, from 16mm materials provided by the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum.
• The Marriage Clause (1926) (fragment) – Produced by Carl Laemmle and directed by Lois Weber, this backstage drama starring Francis X. Bushman and Billie Dove is presented from a surviving 16mm abridgment from the Library of Congress collection.
• Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925) Trailer – Original promotional trailer for the film Francis X. Bushman would become best known.
• Suspense: “The City That Was” (1957) – A CBS radio drama about a murder set in old Hollywood, narrated by Francis X. Bushman.
• Image Gallery – Slideshow presentation featuring seventy-two rare images of Francis X. Bushman, covering his entire life.

[L.A.]

In The Shadow of Hollywood - Highlights from Poverty Row coming October 19th.

Independent films produced in the shadow of Hollywood’s major studios were given the less than complimentary nickname “Poverty Row,” which existed in Hollywood between the 1920s and 1960s. They were usually produced on small budgets, at rented facilities, and on a short production schedule. Despite being overshadowed by bigger studio projects, many of these films have since been rediscovered and appropriately hailed as exceptional and inventive. In fact, more than a few notable names were featured in these films, such as Humphrey Bogart, Fay Wray, Erich von Stroheim, Sterling Holloway and others. Each of these new restorations, from archival 35mm material, feature a film scholar commentary that offers production history, historical context, and an opportunity to explore this under-appreciated part of film history - an enriching experience for film enthusiasts of all ages!

Featured in this premiere Flicker Alley publication are four entertaining and beautifully restored films that explore crime, romance, horror, and mystery - all Poverty Row hallmarks:

Midnight aka Call It Murder (1934), Directed by Chester Erskine and starring Sidney Fox, O.P. Heggie, and Humphrey Bogart – Jury foreman Edward Weldon (Heggie), a firm believer in following the letter of the law, is caught in a complicated situation when his daughter, Stella (Fox), admits to having committed a murder.

Back Page (1934), Directed by Anton Lorenze and starring Peggy Shannon – A young reporter, Jerry Hampton (Shannon), leaves her job at a big city newspaper for a position as the editor of a newspaper in a small California town. Political complications ensue as she struggles to keep the paper from being forced out of business.

Woman in the Dark (1934), Directed by Phil Rosen and starring Fay Wray and Ralph Bellamy – John Bradly (Bellamy), recently released from prison, and attempting to live a quiet life, has his plans interrupted by a new love interest and a false murder accusation, causing him to flee the authorities. The film is an adaptation of Dashiell Hammett’s mystery novel, Woman in the Dark.

The Crime of Dr. Crespi (1935), Directed by John H. Auer and starring Erich von Stroheim – The Crime of Dr. Crespi is the story of a respected surgeon, Dr. Andre Crespi (Stroheim), who, when asked to operate on another surgeon that he believes stole the affection of the woman he loved, invents a serum that will induce a catatonic state, in order to bury his enemy alive. The film is an adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe’s short story, The Premature Burial.

BONUS MATERIALS INCLUDE:
● Feature Audio Commentaries

○ Midnight aka Call It Murder: By author and film scholar Leah Aldridge

○ Back Page: By author, professor, and expert on women in the Hollywood studio system, Emily Carman

○ Woman in the Dark: By crime author and film studies instructor, Jake Hinkson

○ The Crime of Dr. Crespi: By film historian and scholar Jan-Christopher Horak

● New Booklet Essay By Jan-Christopher Horak

[domino harvey]

Interesting release. I’ve only seen Woman in the Dark, which is not a lost classic, I assure you

[agnamaracs]

Looks like fun. Also, note that they seem to have adopted a new design template that will be used on this release and the Argentinean noirs. I like it.

[L.A.]

Interesting release. I’ve only seen Woman in the Dark, which is not a lost classic, I assure you

I was thinking ”domino has definitely seen these or at least some of them.”

[Furstemberg]

afaik Midnight was Universal and Woman In The Dark was RKO. Were those titles actually independent productions then distributed by those studios, or does Flicker Alley just not know what Poverty Row was?

[DeprongMori]

afaik Midnight was Universal and Woman In The Dark was RKO. Were those titles actually independent productions then distributed by those studios, or does Flicker Alley just not know what Poverty Row was?

Midnight seems to have been produced by Chester Erskine’s All Star Productions, and only distributed by Universal.

[Timec]

Flicker Alley is having a flash sale.

Take 30% off Flicker Alley publications
exclusively at our official web-store catalog!
(Pre-orders, Flicker Fusion and M.O.D. titles not included)

Simply use the code
HELLOFALL2021
upon checkout.

Hurry! Sale ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday (09/24/21)

[L.A.]

Their first release in the new Flicker Fusion series This is Francis X. Bushman coming in September.

Produced by the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum and written by Lon and Debra Davis, Flicker Alley presents This is Francis X. Bushman, an original documentary that utilizes numerous still images, rare materials from the silent era, and never-before-seen film clips to chronicle the life and career of one of the silver screen’s most prolific and fascinating stars; American actor and director, Francis X. Bushman.

Famous for his performance as Messala in the silent epic Ben-Hur (1925), Bushman's legendary career spanned six decades with over 200 film credits to his name. Narrated by the actor’s grandson, Academy Award–winning film technician Chris Bushman, and, courtesy of remastered audio recordings, by Francis X. Bushman himself, this engaging documentary aims to shine a light on one of the earliest and most sought-after Hollywood “megastars” in history.

Featuring an original score by Frederick Hodges and Richard Chon, this publication also includes four bonus films; The Thirteenth Man (1913), rescued by Serge Bromberg and restored by the Academy Film Archive, Dawn and Twilight (1914) & Two Men and a Girl (1911) courtesy of the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, and The Marriage Clause (1926), directed by Lois Weber.

This is Francis X. Bushman is the inaugural title in Flicker Alley’s new “Flicker Fusion” series, a new publication line that brings new projects, lesser known rarities, and archival restorations to light. With a nod to the steady stream of images that motion pictures utilize in creating the magic of moving images, our “Flicker Fusion” series will be an on-going way to offer high quality, pressed Blu-ray Disc publications at an affordable price, with more titles to be announced soon.

BONUS MATERIALS INCLUDE:

• “Why Francis X. Bushman?” – Video introduction by Lon Davis discussing the forty-year journey of bringing Francis X. Bushman’s story and legacy to fruition.
• The Thirteenth Man (1913) (fragment) – A one-reel drama starring Francis X. Bushman, derived from existing 35mm materials. Musical score compiled and arranged by Frederick Hodges.
• Dawn and Twilight (1914) – A complete one-reel Essanay drama featuring Francis X. Bushman, restored from a rare 8mm print, derived from 35mm materials. Musical score provided by Frederick Hodges and Richard Chon.
• Two Men and a Girl (Love Conquers All) (1911) – One of the earliest uncovered films of Francis X. Bushman’s career, from 16mm materials provided by the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum.
• The Marriage Clause (1926) (fragment) – Produced by Carl Laemmle and directed by Lois Weber, this backstage drama starring Francis X. Bushman and Billie Dove is presented from a surviving 16mm abridgment from the Library of Congress collection.
• Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925) Trailer – Original promotional trailer for the film Francis X. Bushman would become best known.
• Suspense: “The City That Was” (1957) – A CBS radio drama about a murder set in old Hollywood, narrated by Francis X. Bushman.
• Image Gallery – Slideshow presentation featuring seventy-two rare images of Francis X. Bushman, covering his entire life.

Blu-ray.com

[What A Disgrace]

I just received shipping confirmation for two items that I received several years ago.

[arsonfilms]

I just received shipping confirmation for two items that I received several years ago.

I just got a similar email for an order placed in 2015. Hopefully the glitch doesn’t end up being a costly one for them.

[What A Disgrace]

I'm hoping they got the numbers mixed up and actually shipped the order I placed last week.

[What A Disgrace]

Dear Flicker Alley customers,

It has come to our attention that some customers have received email notices today regarding past orders made through flickeralley.com. An error beyond our control has occurred with one of our partners involved with order processing, which has resulted in these notices.

We want to express our sincere apologies for any confusion this may have caused, and assure you that these shipments are not being processed, and no additional charges have been made. Additionally, please be assured that no personal banking or financial information has been compromised.

The order processing partner we work with is reviewing and resolving the issue with us to make sure that this does not happen again. In the meantime, if you have any additional questions, please let us know.

We greatly appreciate your past and on-going business. Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,
The Flicker Alley Team

Nate
Martin
Josh
Leslie
Jeff