Die Nibelungen
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Movie Reviews of Die Nibelungen
Movie Review: Great Films, Great DVD
Summary: 5 Stars
These are fascinating films, and it is great to have them widely available in this format. The prints are in very good shape, the scores for both films are excellent. The DVD transfers are admirable, and the extras are worth a look.But ultimately what makes these DVDs worth owning are the films. Fascinating, entertaining, disturbing, and sure to repay multiple viewings.
Much has been made of the still dazzling special effects and huge sets, and that rather clunky but impressive dragon. Don't let that fool you. Die Nibelungen is a film about people, and it is to director Fritz Lang's considerable credit that the acting is across the board excellent, with Rudolph Klein-Rogge turning in an astonishing performance as Attila the Hun. Klein-Rogge's work is one of the highlights of silent film acting. He never goes too far, never over-emotes in that stereotypical "silent film acting" kind of way. His Attila is a fascinating lovesick warrior wanting to please his wife but still bound by traditions that he just can't break.
If you care at all about silent films, or films in general, you should buy this set. It is worth every penny.
Movie Review: Death of a Hero, Revenge of a Widow
Summary: 5 Stars
Director Fritz Lang was one of the truly great artists of World Cinema. While he created a number of excellent films after coming to this country when the Nazis took power in his native Germany (especially film noir, SCARLET STREET, WOMAN IN THE WINDOW and THE BIG HEAT are prime examples), it was the epic that he was best known for in the Twenties. Specifically METROPOLIS, the first great science fiction film, and DIE NIBELUNGEN, an ambitious two-part sword and sorcery saga. Hero Siegfried slays the dragon and bathes in its blood, thereby rendering him invulnerable, except for a spot where a leaf has fallen on his back, behind a shoulder. Warrior Hagen learns of this, and uses his knowledge to exact the fatal deed. But little does he realize that his act will set in motion events that result in a terrible toll for all involved. Viewers more accustomed to CGI and more modern depictions of fantasy may have a hard time with this, but for the seasoned cinephile with an appreciation for classic black and white cinema Kino's release is a feast.Movie Review: Superb film(s)
Summary: 5 Stars
Fritz Lang's Die Nibelungen can definitely be called the Lord of the Rings of the silent era. Siegfried and Kriemhild's Revenge are stunning films in an epic scale; visually lush with amazing special effects, for the time. Most importantly though, both films have compelling story lines and are genuinely entertaining.The score composed by Gottfried Huppertz is amazing, albeit a bit repetitive. It is fittingly composed in a Wagnerian style. There does seem to be some problems with the recording on Kriemhild's Revenge though - the original tapes must have been damaged because there are some ripples in the sound, especially noticeable when high woodwinds are playing. Overall, it doesn't distract that much though.
Also, the special features are interesting, eventhough I would have liked some sort of commentary or lengthy "behind-the-scenes" programme on the films.
Overall a terrific set from Kino. Highly recommended to all fans of silent cinema.
Movie Review: A mythical icon
Summary: 5 Stars
With this movie Fritz Lang show once more why the movies can be a genuine proof of art in its purest expression.Think just fifty years before when Wagner built Bayreuth for showing us all his works.
And the most powerful of them , the quintessential of the set was precisely The Ring .
Lang made a sublime adaptation of this work . 1924 was the year of this landmark picture.
Inspired in the powerful mythologic essence , Lang keeps the expressiveness, the force and the soul of this legend.
Believe or not , but I've always thought that you never will be capable to appreciate in his wholeness Metropolis , if you are not involved by the mythical spirit of this film.
A must for all the viewers really interested not only in the cinema evolution , but in the soul of the art.
Movie Review: a triumph
Summary: 5 Stars
Watch this movie, soak in the lush forests and beautiful landscapes. Follow the life of the greatest germanic hero Siegfried as he surrenders the hort to the poor citizens of Worms and cry when he is betrayed and brutally killed - remember that no good deed goes unpunished.
Die Nibelungen, and especially Siegfried, is one of my favorite movies. Some of you may laugh but Lord of the Rings doesn't come close to Fritz Lang's breath taking masterpiece. Truly a story that sparks something wonderful in the dark human soul. You can almost hear the gutteral strains of beerhall songs at oktoberfest and witness the mad nazi propoganda of the 20's and 30's.
Do yourself a favour and purchase this movie.