As one of the all-time classics of German silent-film impressionism, Kino's release of F.W. Murnau's The Last Laugh in a new double-disc deluxe restored edition is a cause for celebration. The story of an aging hotel doorman (played by the great Emil Jannings) who loses his job and struggles to regain his dignity, The Last Laugh represents the art of silent film at its technological peak, boasting special effects and camera techniques that were as innovative in 1924 as Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey would be 44 years later. Disc one features the fully restored German original version (with a new orchestral recording of Giuseppe Becce's score), while the second disc offers an unrestored export version (featuring a later score composed and conducted by Timothy Brock) that illustrates how Murnau and his editors used different takes for the film's international distribution. DVD extras include an excellent bonus “making-of” documentary, originally produced for German television, as well as an image gallery. An essential addition for any serious film collection, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (J. Shannon)[Blu-ray/DVD Review—Nov. 28, 2017—Kino Lorber, 2 discs, 90 min., not rated, DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $29.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 1924's The Last Laugh features a great transfer and a stereo soundtrack on the Blu-ray release. Extras include audio commentary by film historian Noah Isenberg, a “making-of” featurette (41 min.), a new musical score by the Berklee Silent Film Orchestra, the original 1924 score (orchestrated by Detlev Glanert in 2003), and a bonus DVD including the un-restored export version with music performed by the Olympia Chamber Orchestra. Bottom line: this classic German silent film makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]
The Last Laugh
Kino, 2 discs, 90 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95 Volume 23, Issue 6
The Last Laugh
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