31 Films in 31 Days - Horror Challenge Subset
#27
This might actually be the first time that I've seen the restored version. The town-plague scenes didn't seem to ring a bell to me when I watched it this time around. It felt like every other version I've seen cuts to the chase (Literally) when Knock escapes from the asylum. Therefore eliminating all the townspeople scenes.
This is also the first time that I've watched the movie on a widescreen TV. Loved that glorious shot of Nina on the beach.
This is also the first time that I've watched the movie on a widescreen TV. Loved that glorious shot of Nina on the beach.
#28
DVD Talk Legend
The remake is excellent. Only an actor as dedicated and, let's face it, insane as Klaus Kinski could ever hope to fill Max Schreck's sizable shoes. I really like the Popol Vuh score, especially in the film's final scene. A bit of trivia, courtesy of IMDB: 'schreck' is German for 'terror'!
#29
DVD Talk Legend
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Somewhere Hot Scoville Units: 9,999,999 Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Posts: 12,259
Received 811 Likes
on
316 Posts
I think everyone knows that Nosferatu is available all over the internet for free, but just in case here is a link.
Really need to pick up that MoC version.
#30
There never is a big closeup of Orlock's face in this movie, correct? Probably the only thing closest to him getting a fullframe closeup is at the dinner table when he slides the paper down his face, but only stopping at his eyes. Yet, on many DVD/Laserdisc/VHS covers and still galleries of the movie, boom! His face tends to almost take up all the room!
I'm guessing audiences might have been so shocked at the sight of him that Murnau made a decision to keep his looks in the distance.
I'm guessing audiences might have been so shocked at the sight of him that Murnau made a decision to keep his looks in the distance.
Last edited by Mondo Kane; 10-02-08 at 05:16 PM.
#31
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
I'm figuring a closeup would reveal it was all grease paint and yak hair. Medium and far shots preserve the illusion and Orlock is the creepiest vampire ever.
#32
Challenge Guru & Comic Nerd
Thread Starter
Nosferatu
And yes, I need to get at least one of the versions. Sounds like there are at least two releases that do a good job on the transfer and have tons of extras.
Last edited by Trevor; 10-20-08 at 07:51 AM. Reason: add title
#33
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
The region 1 Kino version is fine. The difference between it and the MOC isn't as big as the Metropolis. The nature of changing the speed makes interlacing necessary and you don't see artifacts unless you pause it.
#34
DVD Talk Legend
#36
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: May 2002
Location: The unknown world of the future
Posts: 5,525
Received 461 Likes
on
275 Posts
I watched my Kino version of Nosferatu during the second challenge, so this year I went with an unwatched el-cheapo version I have. There wasn't a soundtrack on that copy, but I usually turn down the crappy music on PD silents anyway, so that was no big deal. Plus, I think it let me concentrate more on the movie itself.
Also, all the character names had been changed to their Dracula names, which was a little odd.
I followed that with Shadow of the Vampire and the 1979 remake (which I hadn't watched with the German soundtrack since I first saw it in the theater back in '79).
Also, all the character names had been changed to their Dracula names, which was a little odd.
I followed that with Shadow of the Vampire and the 1979 remake (which I hadn't watched with the German soundtrack since I first saw it in the theater back in '79).
Last edited by Dimension X; 10-02-08 at 11:13 PM.
#37
Needs to contact an admin about multiple accounts
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm not a huge fan of Nosferatu. I respect it for it's achievements and creepy scenes, but for me personally, it doesn't age as well as many silent films, horror or otherwise.
However, I'm glad that it was placed on the list to be watched on the 1st, otherwise I likely would not have rewatched it this year. It deserves to be watched by anyone that considers themselves a cinephile, and I certainly do not mean to say that I believe that it's bad, it's just not a favorite silent work.
Every scene and image of Count Orlak himself is riveting, but I've always felt that pacing wise it is good, until he gets to London (I forget the name of the town they use in Nosferatu). I want an interaction between him and Ellen that isn't just staring across the road or influence in the night, while I do want those as well, but I miss the sexual in person tension that is palpable from the Lugosi version on.
It's still a great film and a must watch, just not one that's ever completely enticed me.
However, I'm glad that it was placed on the list to be watched on the 1st, otherwise I likely would not have rewatched it this year. It deserves to be watched by anyone that considers themselves a cinephile, and I certainly do not mean to say that I believe that it's bad, it's just not a favorite silent work.
Every scene and image of Count Orlak himself is riveting, but I've always felt that pacing wise it is good, until he gets to London (I forget the name of the town they use in Nosferatu). I want an interaction between him and Ellen that isn't just staring across the road or influence in the night, while I do want those as well, but I miss the sexual in person tension that is palpable from the Lugosi version on.
It's still a great film and a must watch, just not one that's ever completely enticed me.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BTW for anyone who bought the Iron Man Best Buy exclusive, you have the option of spending your gift card on this.
#40
DVD Talk Special Edition
Your a bit too early for Suspiria talk, movie talks the next morning after the film. So for instance todays chat would be about Shadow of the Vampire.
#41
DVD Talk Gold Edition
I love the film, especially the more I see it. It is slow but I really enjoy the performances and the images are striking. I much prefer The Cabinent of Dr. Caligari as far as german silent horror films go.
Last edited by Drop; 10-03-08 at 10:35 AM.
#43
Challenge Guru & Comic Nerd
Thread Starter
Nosferatu / Shadow of the Vampire
Big thanks to whoever had the idea of watching these two back to back. I had contemplated not going for 100, but just concentrating on the 31, watching them with all the extras, multiple versions if available, just really soaking in the classics. It's too late for that, my OCD has taken over, but if I had stuck to that plan I'd be happy. I could easily watch these two again, or explore the extras, if I didn't have 90 other films to get thru.
Maybe I'm easily impressed, but the whole concept of the 2nd film was just amazing. The movie probably could have had horrible acting, directing, lighting, whatever, and I'd still love the frigging movie because the idea is just so darn cool to me.
Maybe I'm easily impressed, but the whole concept of the 2nd film was just amazing. The movie probably could have had horrible acting, directing, lighting, whatever, and I'd still love the frigging movie because the idea is just so darn cool to me.
#44
DVD Talk Special Edition
Yeah I didnt think i would dig Shadow, but I actually did. Funny thing is after waching it, I thought about Nosferatu more and went back and edited my rating for it, giving it a higher one. Definite good idea for both to be played back to back nights.
#45
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Nosferatu / Shadow of the Vampire
I missed these two movies so I am probably going to watch both back to back tonight.
Question... would it benefit me at all to watch them in reverse?
Question... would it benefit me at all to watch them in reverse?
#46
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Millville, New Jersey
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 0
Received 24 Likes
on
16 Posts
The Shadow of the Vampire movie is one of my favorites. I like movies that aren't set in our present day. This one of course being in 1921. It's a very dark movie. What I didn't understand though was how in the movie when the producers found out that Shrek was a real vampire they all just kind of went " ok", we'll just go with the flow. No need to panic that there is an actual vampire on the set killing people and we could be next but it doesn't really matter. There is a great line in the movie that I picked up on when the producer asks Shrek why he had to kill the movie camera man instead of the script girl. Then Shrek said, " Oh yeah, the script girl, I'll eat her later." Great line.
#48
Needs to contact an admin about multiple accounts
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What I didn't understand though was how in the movie when the producers found out that Shrek was a real vampire they all just kind of went " ok", we'll just go with the flow. No need to panic that there is an actual vampire on the set killing people and we could be next but it doesn't really matter.
#50
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: May 2002
Location: The unknown world of the future
Posts: 5,525
Received 461 Likes
on
275 Posts
Shadow of the Vampire
I'd like to thank whoever suggested Shadow of the Vampire for the list. I had rented it back when it first came out on DVD and liked it enough that I later bought a copy (which I've had for almost seven years and hadn't watched until yesterday). Pretty good movie.
"Die you fucking rat bastard... vampire pig!... schwienhund!... shit!"
"Die you fucking rat bastard... vampire pig!... schwienhund!... shit!"
Last edited by Dimension X; 10-03-08 at 06:21 PM.