The Big Parade

An undisputed silent classic, King Vidor's 1925 World War I drama capturing the horror and costs of war stars John Gilbert as spoiled American rich kid James Apperson, who sneers at service but joins up after witnessing the excitement of a recruitment parade. In a standard platoon-movie set-up, disparate characters from all walks of life go into basic training and find camaraderie in their dreams of glory, with plenty of romantic competition for a French peasant girl named Melisande (Renée Adorée), and lots of slapstick gags. The tone changes, however, once they're sent to the frontlines in France, a no-man's land of snipers, machine gun nests, and a bombed-out moonscape of mud and trenches and fallen dead. Vidor's direction is sophisticated and visually rich, with delicate portraits of romantic hope countered with harrowing images of death and destruction. Although Vidor leans on humor and even rewards viewers with an uncomplicated happy ending, The Big Parade is the first anti-war masterpiece of American cinema. Featuring a strong score compiled and conducted by Carl Davis, this hugely popular film was the top-grossing silent motion picture of the era. Debuting on DVD and Blu-ray with a luminous transfer from a restored print, extras include audio commentary by film historian Jeffrey Vance, archival audio clips of Vidor, and a vintage studio tour. Packaged in a digi-book with notes, stills, art, and advertising material, this is highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)