The Silent Enemy (1930) {Flicker Fusion Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

Nanook of the North told the story of the struggles of the Inuk man and his family in the Canadian Arctic. The film was a huge success. Almost 10 years later H.P. Carver wanting to duplicate that success decided to make a documentary film about the Native Americans.

Now Flicker Alley, Lobster Films and Blackhawk Films Collection have given this 1930 classic documentary film a Blu-ray release it so richly deserves.

In the Canadian Northwest, the winter is coming and the Ojibwe tribe struggles to find food before the season is in full swing. When hunter Baluk suggests to Chief Chetoga to move north toward the caribou herds, the chief agrees even though Dagwan, the medicine man disagrees with the decision. When the tribe arrives in the new territory the hunting proves no better. When Chief Chetoga dies Baluk is made the new chief, but soon the tribe turns against him.

The Silent Enemy does not rely on spoken words to get the story told. This silent film let's the beauty of nature to enhance the beauty. There is just a very short spoken introduction by Chauncey Yellow Robe who is billed as "Chief Yellow Robe". I have seen a lot of great silent films over my years, including Flicker Alley's release The Man who Laughs. But The Silent Enemy's cinematography is literally a gorgeous cinematic experience.

Flicker Alley has transferred this film is presented in 1080p in it's original full screen format. There is two orchestral audio options both in PCM 2.0. One composed by Siegfried Friedrich and a new orchestral score compiled and performed by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra. Both of these score are beautiful, but my personal favorite is Siegfried Friedrich's score.

Flicker Ally's Flicker Fusion Blu-ray transfer is from a new HD scan from the original 35mm nitrate film. I must say for a film that is almost 100 years old, it looks remarkably good. While there is some imperfections I believe it is completely forgivable when thinking of the age of this film print.

Flicker Fusion's release doesn't stop at a newly HD scanned print. This Blu-ray release has some pretty nice bonus features. Take a look at what is included.

* Choice of Two Musical Scores – an original orchestral score composed by Siegfried Friedrich and a new orchestral score compiled and performed by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra

* Audio Interview – an edited series of vintage interviews with the film’s producer, W. Douglas Burden, conducted by celebrated author and film historian Kevin Brownlow. This serves as an audio commentary running the length of the film.

* Image Gallery – slideshow presentation featuring original production and promotional materials

* English SDH Subtitles

* A fold out booklet with a write-up about The Silent Enemy

Watch a Clip from The Silent Enemy:

The Silent Enemy was ahead of it's time as it used indigenous actors, but some may deem the portrayals as offensive in this generation. Personally I felt the film was a beautifully told story and is one that deserved to be preserved and I am so glad Flicker Alley did just that with this Blu-ray.

If you love early cinema Flicker Alley's Flicker Fusion Blu-ray The Silent Enemy is for you. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.