A Legacy of Laughter Revived

Read Time:4 Minute, 15 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Vitagraph Comedies
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 1907-1922, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 9h 25m
Director(s): Graham Baker, Sidney Drew, "Mort" Peebles, Larry Semon, Norman Taurog
Writer(s): various
Cast: John Bunny, Frank Daniels, Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Drew, Larry Semon, Edith Storey
Where To Watch: available May 14, 2024; pre-order here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Venturing into the heart of where cinematic comedy first took its baby steps, VITAGRAPH COMEDIES emerges as a crucial anthology. It delves into an era rich with an unmistakable charm and laughter that paved the way for giants like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. With a keen eye for the gems of the early 1900s, curator Rob Stone gathered together a sampling of the legacies of unsung comedy pioneers, whose work under the banner of Vitagraph Studios now receives a glorious second chance, some for the first time in any format since their original film presentation.

The anthology's strength lies not just in its entertainment value but also in its profound educational impact. It offers a lens into a bygone era's comedy and innovative storytelling techniques. Films like Larry Semon’s “The Disintegrated Convict” and “The Sawmill” showcase early cinematic craftsmanship, blending slapstick humor with influential narrative flair. Preservation and accessibility are vitally essential and underappreciated aspects of this film period.

Enriched by the powerful and poignant scores of Dana Reason and Andrew Earle Simpson, the collection offers an immersive experience that transcends just being a silent movie collection. The musical accompaniment enhances the humor and drama, drawing viewers deeper into the whimsical world of early film comedy.

Spotlighting trailblazers such as Florence Lawrence, Earle Williams, Maurice Costello, and many more, VITAGRAPH COMEDIES serves as more than just an archive; it acts as a portal that shines a light on the talents whose contributions have been mainly overshadowed by time. Through careful restoration and passionate curation by figures like Rob Farr, Lynanne Schweighofer, and George Willeman, these films are presented with a vision that honors their original splendor.

The anthology also challenges and expands the boundaries of traditional comedic roles with performances in groundbreaking, gender-defiant roles by Edith Storey and the dynamic duo Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Drew. Their performances not only entertain but also provoke thought about the social norms of their times.

As the series unfolds, its themes' universal charm speaks volumes about humor's timelessness. The subtleties of silent acting and masterful visual storytelling create a sophisticated tapestry of laughs that resonates with today’s audience just as effectively as it did with viewers a century ago. Although some humor may not translate to someone’s idea of “funny” in the modern day, many of these films were groundbreaking for their time.

Produced under Bret Wood's watchful eye and backed by a talented team of music supervisors, including Qingye Wu and Chris Rorrer, VITAGRAPH COMEDIES recreates the ambiance of the silent film era, bridging a gap between historical authenticity and contemporary appeal.

The anthology not only highlights Vitagraph Studios as a crucible of creative brilliance but also underscores the meticulous efforts of the Library of Congress in preserving these cinematic treasures and Kino Lorber’s dedication to making film history available to the modern audience. This careful preservation ensures that each film is watched and experienced, allowing audiences to appreciate early filmmakers' intricate artistry and ingenuity.

VITAGRAPH COMEDIES is a tribute to the pioneering spirits who forged the path for the comedy we cherish in today’s cinema. This anthology ensures that the legacies of its featured comedians continue to inspire laughter and joy, affirming that despite the march of technology, the simple joy of laughter remains a timeless, universal language.

Product Extras:
Interviews with curator Rob Stone, archivists Lynanne Schweighofer and George Willeman, and film historian Rob Farr
Audio commentaries by film historian Anthony Slide

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.]

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