The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari Restored Authorized Edition

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (German: Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari) is a 1920 German silent horror film, directed by Robert Wiene and written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer. Considered the quintessential work of German Expressionist cinema, it tells the story of an insane hypnotist (Werner Krauss) who uses a somnambulist (Conrad Veidt) to commit murdersFor the sake of transparency I will make it explicitly clear that I am reviewing the original form of this film, and have yet to watch the restored versions of it. with that said, modern renditions of this movie are readily acceptable onlineThis work has been cited as a significant source of inspiration for artists (like Tim Burton) that embrace elements related to fantasy that are fairly described as dark and perhaps even gloomy; The set and character design are indicative of a genuine understanding of how certain visual elements can make an audience feel, and thus make it an illustrious piece of work. Despite being a film with no audible dialogue, strategic uses of light and other characteristics that can be taken for granted (costume and makeup related direction, etc) guide the audience's emotion as the plot develops over time . Not only does this give me the impression that there is some amount of self-awareness regarding the inevitable shortcomings films like this can have, but is also the result of attempting to overcome these as well in a way that is practical and engaging.First impressions may leave people thinking that the overall plot of this film is juvenile, but it's a success and genius is in the various themes that are seamlessly included without feeling forced. For one, It has been expressed that this film is an allegory regarding thoughtless compliance to authority, and aims to explore the dangers of doing so in a manner that is polite and easy to swallow. In addition to this, ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’ Includes some interactions meant to expose and inspire conversations regarding the duality of man by intentionally blurring the lines between characters that could otherwise be categorized as evil or good. As this film arrives to its conclusion in a slow crawl the story embedded also transforms into a piece related to the plight of those considered (Or, more importantly, labeled) mentally ill and subliminally encourages its viewers to address the needs of people affected by these conditions in a way that is responsible and respectful.As I mentioned earlier, significant characteristics involving the narrative technique in the ‘Cabinet of Dr. Caligari work to make its plot easy to understand. I don't think there was a moment in this film where music was not present, and despite that I wouldn't consider it as being overbearing or as a necessary evil. Scenes in which some amount of dialogue or the setting significantly changes are paired with frames that narrate or summarize the overarching context in which certain interactions are taking place. Because of this, this film is also relatively easy to follow and patches any holes that could otherwise be poked through and easy to fall in to if not approached with caution.Could I complain about this film? The answer to that is most certainly, but to do so would ignore the time in which it was created and ignore the significant impact it has had on movies released even a hundred years from its conception. To complain would require some ignorance regarding the tools available to the team responsible for this work, and it just goes to show the amount of perfection that is possible when left to our own devices.In closing, I choose to ignore my critiques that would be appropriate thrown at films from a more modern era, and I silently remind myself:It’s not the resources we have, but how we choose to use them that makes a difference.I would recommend!

Considering that this is a 100 year old movie, it is still a great watch.I must admit I was skeptical at watching a silent movie, but was quite thrilled with the plot twist and incredible set designs.I can definitely see Tim Burton being inspired by some of the great set and art designs.Do yourself a favor and give it a watch!

Finally there is a version of THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI that shows it in such a way that it is now possible to understand the impact that the film must have had on audiences in 1920. Of course in order to fully achieve that effect it is necessary to try and view CALIGARI as a product of its time and realize that it is more an example of Expressionist art than a traditional movie yet its influence was profound. This new Blu-ray incarnation featuring the latest digital restoration techniques really brings out the artistic design of the sets with their harsh painted images and distorted angles. Never has the movie more resembled a work of art than it does here. In addition to the stylized sets, the remarkably theatrical make-up worn by Caligari (Werner Krauss) and Cesare (Conrad Veidt) has never been more available for study. Freeze a frame or two during their first appearance together and see how flamboyant and intense it is.Although the immediate horror impact of CALIGARI has long been diminished by the more explicit movies that have followed in the nearly 100 years since it was made, it still remains the stuff of nightmares as its images seep into your subconcious mind and will linger long afterwards even if you aren't fully aware of it. That is something that CALIGARI's creators were striving for. For those who aren't familiar with the story, it's a relatively simple one. A series of horrific murders in a small town can be traced to a mysterious doctor at the local fair and the sleepwalker he exhibits. The allegorical nature of the symbolic figures of the film with what happened to Germany as a result of World War I are easy to see and show how it is possible for the power of genuine art to transcend time and space and remain valid although in a different way than when it was first created.In addition to the quality of the restored images, what makes this release so valuable is the 52 minute documentary on the making of the film and an overview of German silent cinema. The restoration comparisons between now and 30 years ago shows just how far film preservation has come and how it is possible for these movies from another time and place and from a completely different mindset to still have the power to enthrall, move, and enlighten us. Of the many fine efforts from the F.W. Murnau foundation which has brought us quality versions of METROPOLIS and NOSFERATU and the DOCTOR MABUSE films, this version of THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI now takes top honors. An absolute essential to anyone interested not only in the cinema of the Weimar Republic but in the history and the power of the movies themselves.

Aunque esta versión circula sin autorización en YouTube y otros servicios, compré esta copia para obtener la mejor calidad en HD de la restauración de la Murnau Stiftung y Bologna. Obtuve además un estupendo documental y un producto integralmente bueno como prácticamente todo el catálogo Kino-Lorber. El precio fue menor al de cualquier BluRay importado en tiendas.

El producto llego en excelente estado,

Classico di Robert Wiene nella sua edizione definitiva in italiano grazie alla Cineteca di Bologna (che vinse l'appalto di restauro mi pare nel 2014). Un film dove dimensione onirica (ma meglio dire "da incubo") e realtà si intersecano indissolubilmente, nel pieno del movimento Espressionistico teutonico la sua opera più famosa ed incisiva (assieme al successivo "Nosferatu" di F. W. Murnau del 1922), scenografie "assurde" bidimensionali che tuttora sono nell'immaginario collettivo come la figura del sonnambulo Cesare (interpretato da Conrad Veidt, che alcuni ricorderanno anche in "Casablanca", 1942). Per chi vuole fruire la pellicola con sottotitoli in italiano questa è l'edizione di riferimento (con bel libro allegato) e, probabilmente, definitiva.

"...DAS CABINET DES DR. CALIGARISSSSSS" "CA LI GA RI!!!!!"... Citazioni e riferimenti fantozziani a parte, con cui è facile anche ridere, il film è una vera e propria pietra miliare nel mondo del cinema. Film sperimentale, di importanza storica ABNORME in questo campo. Il prodotto, oltre al film presenta anche un magnifico libretto in cui viene spiegata un po' la storia di come fu realizzato, la sceneggiatura e il suo restauro, con immagini eccezionali. Un acquisto fenomenale, lo consiglio ad ogni vero appassionato di cinema. Personalmente, metto per importanza questa pellicola di Wiene assieme al Nosferatu di Murnau e al Dracula di Tod Browning (ovviamente anche altri titoli ma non è questo il luogo). Ottimo il corriere, come sempre.

Primo film horror in assoluto della storia del cinema, “Il Gabinetto del Dottor Caligari” diretto da Robert Wiene del 1920.La pellicola monocromatica presente tre colorazioni: gialla (Luce solare e artificiale), blu (crepuscolo e notte ) e rosa (Alba e tramonto). Rimasterizzato in 4K e restaurato dalla Friedrich-Whilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung, fondazione dedicata al regista conosciuto per il bellissimo “Nosferatu” del 1922.Con una nuova colonna sonora elettroacustica di Edison Studio comprendente la rumoristica e alcune parti parlate e un’altra diametralmente opposta scritta da Timothy Brock ed eseguita dalla Brussels Philharmonic orchestra, coadiuvato dalle allucinati, fantastiche scenografie realizzate con strane prospettive che ricordano molto Lovecraft... risulta essere ancora più claustrofobico. Il doppio dvd (attualmente la miglior versione italiana in commercio) è comprensivo di numerosi contenuti speciali, tre documentari è un libro in italiano di 55 pagine.Una pietra miliare nella storia del cinema... al suo inizio. Da non lasciarsi di certo sfuggire!!!