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.

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.

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.

Extremely well packaged and presented. A classic of early cinema. I sold my soul in 2016, and got f*** all for it.

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.

An excellent video.

Husband was very happy with it.

LANG'S AND MURNAU'S WORKS SHOULD BE ALL RELEASED IN HOME VIDEO. I DON'T CARE IF THEY'RE IN BLURAY OR DVD FORMAT, BECAUSE THESE WORKS HAVE ALREADY BEEN TEXTBOOK FOR FILM INDUSTRY FOR A LONG TIME, AND THESE FILMS LED AND INSPIRED OLD AND NEW STANDARDS IN FILM HISTORY. GERMAN FILMS BECOME WORLD-RESPECTED BECAUSE OF THEM MAINLY. THEREFORE, IT WON'T BE TOO FAR TO SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

What an eye Murnau had recreating his visions on film. No CG, no matte tricks, but imaginative as hell. All done in-camera. Younger people should see these to get an idea on where their favorite films take their root in creativity.

A piece of historyStill relevant

Good movie.

Muy buena película.

No era para mi pero mi amigo le gusto mucho