FAUST (Masters of Cinema) BLU-RAY

I have to say that the more I delve deeper into these silent movies, the more I am impressed by the art direction, attention to detail and the over all quality of these movies. I bought Faust on the strength of Nosferatu and I have to say that I was most certainly not disappointed. The first thing I will say about this film is how nicely simple the story is. The plot is pretty basic with some nice religious themes, love, betrayal and some more dark elements thrown into one big mixed bag. But the director has done a great job of taking these qualities and making it so easy to follow that the pacing was absolutely perfect. My favourite thing about this movie is the visual element. There are a lot of heavy religious themes, most of which are fairly stereo typical old time Christianity. On top of that you have a fantastic intro sequence featuring the Devil and an Angel, this sequence alone is absolutely beautiful and had me taken back. The rest of the film features some beautiful set work all of which had a magnificent use of lighting. It didn't matter whether the set was made to look heavenly, devilish or to emphasise the look of death and decay, it looked absolutely gorgeous without, and all this is without mentioned some of the incredible visual effects sequences. Those are a sight to behold. Extremely impressive for the technical limitations of the day. Those looking for a stunning fantasy movie about selling your soul to the devil, falling in love and reaping the consequences will absolutely adore this film. The bluray transfer whilst scratchy in places (it is 90 years old after all) still looks very sharp and is well suited to modern high definition television sets. I had an absolute blast with this movie and I couldn't recommend it more.

This is a wonderful domestic European cut of Faust presented as Murnau wished it to be seen. The Kino export version is also included and the extra material makes some scene-by-scene comparisons and contrasts between the two versions. The great clarity of detail and sharper focus in the individual scenes {both in camera work and direction} in the domestic version become quite obvious. The domestic version also contains a vital scene at the end missing in the export copy which emphasises the themes of sacrifice and redemption. Since both versions are there, complete, you can choose which one you wish to see. There are two complete sound backings; the full orchestral score of the Kino restoration and also a new and beautiful harp accompaniment. No one who loves this film should be without this issue.

Well, the Faust legend never looked so good. Above all, this film is a master class about lighting techniques. I have never seen in my whole life a film where the lighting and illumination techniques are taken to the limits as they are taken in Faust. It is like the last lesson Murnau taught us before moving to the USA. Only for this Faust must be considered a masterpiece. And well, about the Faust Legend, what to say?. Remember Marlowe and Goethe. The fight between good and evil, the eternal youth, how to get everything you want and the price to pay...... Eternal questions. The performance of the actors is top notch. The cynicism of Mephistopheles is immense, from clown to monster; without losing his smile. Highly recommended.

"Faust" is one of the great films from the silent era and F.W. Murnau's last "German" film, before he moved to the USA. Shot in 1926, "Faust" is the timeless story of sin and redemption, Murnau style. His directing qualities, the usage of special effects and the acting, make this film a unique interpretation of the old German folk legend. Moralistic and long winded at times, overall I found "Faust" an exciting film. The visual effects are still stunning after almost a century and the play with light and dark make this unmistakably a Murnau film. Emil Jannings, playing Mephistopheles is the star of this film and, as the face of evil, he is for me in the same category of Lang's Doctor Mabuse. As always with the excellent "Master of Cinema"-series, the DVD comes with an exciting amount of extras, including a thick booklet full of interesting background information about "Faust", a restored German version shot from a slightly different angle and an alternative soundtrack. All in all, "Faust" is still watchable and should be part of any film historian's or early movies fan's collection.

Not very much to add to the comprehensive and effusive reviews already here. I would like to praise the sets and lighting. How is it that these old film can be so perfect in this respect? And I can't tell how much is genuine ancient Germany and how much built sets. No matter: the balance and composition and atmosphere generated by them is wonderful and so evocative! I recall the 'Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' had the same ability to grab and drag you into the period and into the story. I'm not sure about Faust as a young man: not helped by his age or looks or hat and make-up, however authentic. But Gretchen is the very embodiment of the beautiful and innocent virgin. I would make one further remark about the choice of background music of which we have three choices. I chose the harp for my first viewing, feeling that it would be less intrusive than full orchestra. However I found it to be too lightweight for the drama of the piece, too colourless, and sometimes an irritation. Auditioning the full score I would make this my first choice - though I haven't heard the piano as yet - being good music, appropriate to and enhancing of the actions. It's great when cinema becomes an art-form: so rare in modern films which mostly care only about making mega-bucks.

A piece of history Still relevant

Questo film è una straordinaria visione gotica del creatore di Nosferatu. Sono immagini che si mescolano ad una sensazione di incubo. Da non perdere anche per la doppia versione DVD e Blue Ray.

到着予定日より早く届いてたから良かったです。問題無いです。

Faust DVD o.k. rarität

Familiarity with neither Marlowe's "Tragedy of Doctor Faustus" nor Goethe's "Faust" will prepare you for this Murnau masterpiece. It is a film that truly surprises, clearly echoing its protagonist's own journey from greatness to aimless indecision, unintended disaster, and finally a strong resolution. This insanely brilliant yet highly uneven work is a clear and beautiful transition from the fantastic expressionistic horror of Murnau's " Nosferatu " to the dark and stunningly beautiful tragic romance of " Sunrise ." It is almost schizophrenic in its scope, but it pays off masterfully in the end. "Faust" begins as a stylized satanic horror film, rife with the most absolutely jaw-dropping special effects that would not be outdone for decades to come. At the heart of this first act is (unsurprisingly) Faust, a spiritual, saintly man who is forced to play Job to a quarreling Angel and Devil. Unfortunately, Faust has his breaking point and descends, brilliantly, into the world of the damned. For the first hour of the film, we are subjected to cinematic wonder after cinematic wonder as Murnau and crew constantly manage to top each and every visual that they throw at you. Even when Faust signs away his soul and seems to lose all of his dramatic potential, the visuals keep you glued to your seat. About an hour into the film, though, the film takes an abrupt turn. Just as Faust becomes bored and indecisive with his newfound powers, Murnau seems to become bored and indecisive with the direction of his powerful film. It descends into a black comedy which, although humorous at points, feels highly tedious and out of place. Fortunately, as this chapter wraps up after approximately 30 minutes, it's purpose becomes clear. The film then transitions into a gritty tragedy about Gretchen, Faust's love interest introduced in the previous act. Like the previous one, this dark and depressing act seems to come out of nowhere, not even featuring Faust and seemingly having little to do with the story begun in the first act. However, just as Gretchen's fortunes take an even greater turn for the worse, the film makes a stunning transition, leaping to life with brilliant action, drama, effects, camera work, and acting. For the rest of my life, I doubt that I will ever forget Gretchen's primal cry for Faust, visually transcending distance and the boundaries of Hell itself. The film ends soon after, but not before delivering gorgeous, dramatically saturated moment after moment. The end leaves you with a feeling of elated sorrow -- something I never would have expected from what began as an expressionist horror film. In the end, Faust is a wonderfully cruel love tragedy, soaring with emotion even higher than it ever soared with the best cinematic imagery of its day. "Faust" is a must see for anyone that shares an equal love for satanic horror and divine tragedy. You'll get both in equal measure, here. Regarding the transfer itself, Kino does an adequate job, but there's certainly room for improvement. The transfer has its share of jumps, scratches, imperfections, and minor over-all graininess, all while suffering from seemingly poor contrast. It's absolutely watchable, but I'd love to see the Murnau Foundation take this film to the next level, making it shine in the way that it deserves to. I do have to say that the score on Kino's release is incredible, though, absolutely complimenting and nurturing every aspect of Murnau's masterpiece with a Wagner-inspired energy. I'd hate to watch this film without it. **Note: This review pertains to the 2001 Kino release. Kino has since released a newly remastered edition with a different score.