Faust (Murnau) (Masters Of Cinema)

Star Review

This highly impressive special edition of one of the classics of European cinema was made possible by a newly-found domestic German print of Murnau's film, and the resolution of the images totally belies the age of the film. The sheer grasp of cinematic technique here has rarely been equalled, and the imagery (while undoubtedly dated) still has the power to take a breath away.

R. Dixon Smith on 9th June 2006

View all 19 of R. Dixon Smith’s reviews

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Film Description

Murnau's version of the Faust legend was incredibly the cinema's 26th shot at the story, and the director extends his art with epic scene following magnificent epic scene. The film stands at the pinnacle of the silent era, with its barrage of visceral and apocryphal imagery contrasting with the simplicity and directness of its spiritual theme. It features Emil Jannings as truly horrendous Mephistopheles, Gosta Ekman as a somewhat feeble Faust and a young heroine to wrench our hearts.

[ Show Star Review ]

This highly impressive special edition of one of the classics of European cinema was made possible by a newly-found domestic German print of Murnau's film, and the r... more >

This highly impressive special edition of one of the classics of European cinema was made possible by a newly-found domestic German print of Murnau's film, and the resolution of the images totally belies the age of the film. The sheer grasp of cinematic technique here has rarely been equalled, and the imagery (while undoubtedly dated) still has the power to take a breath away. < less

View all 352 of Barry Forshaw’s reviews

This highly impressive special edition of one of the classics of European cinema was made possible by a newly-found domestic German print of Murnau's film, and the r... more >

This highly impressive special edition of one of the classics of European cinema was made possible by a newly-found domestic German print of Murnau's film, and the resolution of the images totally belies the age of the film. The sheer grasp of cinematic technique here has rarely been equalled, and the imagery (while undoubtedly dated) still has the power to take a breath away. < less

View all 30 of Clinton Morgan’s reviews

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DVD Extras

• 2 discs
• Newly found domestic German print featuring completely different takes and much better resolution than the previously seen export print released outside of Germany
• Progressively encoded transfer, with original German intertitles
• Full-length audio commentary by critics David Ehrenstein and Bill Krohn
• Tony Rayns on Faust ? a 20-minute video piece
• Faust: The different versions ? a 20-minute video comparison by R. Dixon Smith
• Improved optional English subtitles
• Production stills and promotional art gallery
• 28-page booklet with a new essay by Peter Spooner, and archive reprints.

Film Details

Cast

Emil Jannings

Technical Details