2024 Silent Movie Physical Media Wishlist

It has been a wonderful year for physical media and independent releases in the silent movie world, so I wanted to post a little roundup of the treasures that are available on disc.

I haven’t done one of these in a while, so my picks may bleed into 2023. Also, I received review copies from Undercrank and Kino Lorber. All releases are North American, so check compatability before ordering internationally.

This list isn’t everything released this year, they’re just the films that make me very, very happy and I want to share them with my fellow silent film fans.

Upgrades

These films have been available on home media but there are new releases that will upgrade your viewing experience with restorations, new scores and more.

The Bat from Undercrank Productions

The 1926 Old Dark House mystery The Bat has been available on home media for years but only as a blurry VHS transfer. Undercrank Productions has come through with a 2K restoration from UCLA Film & Television Archive’s 35mm material and a score by Ben Model. A high quality release of this picture has been on my wish list for years (those beautiful sets hidden under those old smeary transfers– a crime!) and I was delighted to see it finally arrive. (Purchase links from Undercrank.)

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari from Kino Lorber

Kino’s ultra HD release isn’t a huge visual upgrade from their previous Bluray release but this version has three, count ’em, three musical scores from DJ Spooky, the University of Music Freiburg, and Jeff Beal, so there’s sure to be something to tickle your fancy. (Order from Kino.)

The Enchanted Cottage from Grapevine Video

This crowdfunded release by Edward Lorusso uses materials preserved by the Library of Congress and features a score by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, which suits this soft and lovely film perfectly. (Order from Grapevine.)

New Releases

Movies that are either making their home media debut or new collections.

Billy Bevan: Silent Comedian from D&D Productions

A crowdfunded collection of Bevan’s shorts produced by Dave Glass and the late David Wyatt. Billy Bevan was a whimsical Australian comic in Hollywood and this set showcases some of his best surviving work. Perfect for the comedy fan in your life. (Order here.)

Laurel and Hardy Year Two from Flicker Alley

The Boys really hit their stride in 1928 and this collection gathers together their films, including You’re Darn Tootin’, which is my personal favorite L&H short of that year. Essential for any fan of the duo. (Order from Flicker Alley.)

Annie Laurie from Kino Lorber

This film has never seen home media release. It’s a Scottish fantasy starring Lillian Gish and Norman Kerry and the former declared her utter indifference to it but doesn’t that make it more interesting? And a Robert Israel score, yum yum! (Order from Kino.)

Vitagraph Comedies from Kino Lorber

I love my Vitagraph comedies! This collection features stars like John Bunny and Larry Semon but my heart belongs to the subtler works of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Drew and Edith Storey. I am delighted to see Vitagraph receiving high quality releases like this! Custom scores, too, of course. (Order from Kino.)

Francis Ford: The Craving plus Three Shorts from Undercrank Productions

Undercrank has done it again, showcasing the work of a comparatively forgotten talent. Francis Ford was a famous director in his own right during the silent era but he has been overshadowed by his little brother, John. This high quality release with scores by Ben Model is a treat! (Purchase links from Undercrank.)

Frank Capra at Columbia Collection

This is the big enchilada: 22 films from Frank Capra, four of them 1928 silents. That Certain Thing is a delicious rom-com and his Columbia debut. The other silents are So This Is Love, The Way of the Strong, and Submarine. (I am a bit sad they didn’t include the excellent journalism drama The Power of the Press.) The set also includes his famous talkies, so superfans will find a lot to love. I have not purchased this one yet because I am trying to decide if I want to splurge for four films but I thought it was a big enough deal to share here. (Purchase link.)

Phew! That’s my list, I hope you have found it helpful and that you will support these releases so that we can keep the physical media train rolling. Happy watching!

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