Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler

Fritz Lang's first truly classic movie—1922's Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler, originally released in two parts (which is how it's presented here)—bows in a meticulously restored version sporting added footage and looking substantially better than previous home video editions. Dr. Mabuse, the Gambler reflects multiple influences, among them the lurid thrillers of early American pulp fiction, the melodramatic serials of pioneering French filmmaker Louis Feuillade, and such German Expressionist classics as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Lang synthesized the best elements of each and added his own touches to this delirious film revolving around the misadventures of the titular underworld crime lord in pre-Nazi Germany. The extensive DVD extras include several featurettes, the most interesting of which covers Mabuse's creator, travel-book writer Norbert Jacques, who sold for a pittance all rights to the character, even though readers had purchased some 250,000 copies of the original Mabuse novel in just two years (it's implied here that Jacques was essentially blackmailed into selling out by Thea von Harbou, Lang's then-wife and scripter of the film). Composer Aljoscha Zimmermann, whose all-new score is the one weak link in an otherwise exemplary presentation, also rather pompously holds forth here. Rounding out the extras on this double-disc set are film notes, a gallery of stills, and a Lang bio and filmography. Kino, the leader in classic silent film releases, rates more kudos for this must-have “restored authorized edition.” Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)[Blu-ray Review—Sept. 20, 2016—Kino, 2 discs, 270 min., not rated, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1922's Dr. Mabuse: The Gambler features a fine transfer with LPCM stereo sound. Extras include a three-part “making-of” documentary (52 min.). Bottom line: Lang's classic makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]