Reviewed By Jason LockardPaul Leni the man who directed the classic "The Man who laughs", just under a year later would release his next film entitled The Last Warning. Sadly this would be his last film before his death. He was only 44. While the film received a little mixed reviews, over the years the film has been considered a classic.
Now the good folks at Flicker Alley has worked with Universal Pictures to bring us two Lemi films in a 4K remaster on Blu-ray and DVD. First The Man who laughs which you can read our review of that release here and The Last Warning. But is this release worth adding to your collection? Well, that's what we are going to look at in this review.
The film follows the unexplainable death of John Woodford. He dies during a stage performance, and his body disappears. Many of those present are suspects, but the one in leading lady Doris Terry. Yet after the investigation no one is arrested.
Five years later, Arthur McHugh plans to reopen the Woodford Theater and reunites Woodford’s cast and company. As the group settle in and begin to prepare, they receive a series of anonymous notes containing dire warnings of what will happen if they reopen the theater. Will they open they theater? Will they survive? Will some one or every one meet the same fate as John Woodford? You'll have to see the film to find out.
While not as strong as a story as Leni's masterpiece, The man who laughs. The last warning is still a very good film. The cinematography and style is undeniably Leni. This film is a mysterious adventure taking the viewer on a ride to the satisfying end.
Now for this release the 4K restoration. This film looks and sounds pretty amazing. There is some damage to the picture that just could not be fixed. But the picture still for the most part is beautiful. Fans of Leni films or silent cinema are going to be pleased with this restoration.
Now as good as the restored film looks, Flicker Alley didn't stop their they loaded this Blu-ray/DVD combo pack with bonus features. They include:
- Paul Leni and The Last Warning - A visual essay by film historian and author, John Soister on Leni’s final film.
- “Of Gods and Monsters” - An essay excerpt from the book of the same name by historian John Soister.
- "Notes On the New Score" - A short essay by composer Arthur Barrow on his new score for The Last Warning.
- Rare Image Gallery - A slide show presentation of vintage marketing materials and production stills.
Another amazing feature is a reversible cover artwork. You can choose the one shown above or one that has the original poster artwork.
So if your a fan of silent cinema or Paul Leni, your collection is not complete without his final film. And I have to admit there is no better way to add this film than with this 4K restoration.
If you'd like a copy for your collection you can get one by going to www.FlickerAlley.com today.
Audiences: Teens and Adults
Objectionable Material: nothing
Length: 1 Hour 18 Minutes
Genre: Drama
Blu-ray /DVD Rating: A
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