Stella Maris (1918) Blu-ray/DVD Review

During cinema's silent era there were many iconic names, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Rudolph Valentino, Lillian Gish and cinema's sweetheart Mary Pickford.

The Mary Pickford Foundation and the Paramount Film Archive partnered to restore her films in 4K. VCI Entertainment and MVD Visual have joined forces to release one of Mary Pickford most amazing films Stella Maris. Now for the 105th year anniversary we are seeing a new Blu-ray/DVD combo release of this silent classic.

Stella Maris is a beautiful, crippled girl, who is cared for by a rich family. They shield her from the harsh realities of the world, so that she has no idea of the cruel things that some people do. Unity Blake is a poor orphan all too familiar with the harsh realities of the real world. These two young women both fall in love with John, love which is complicated by the fact that he is still married to (though separated from) a bad wife.

Many people feel silent era cinema is bad or can't compare to cinema of the 30s, 40s and 50s. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Mary Pickford said more with her eyes that most actors could say with their words. That is a gift! Stella Marris was a film way ahead of its time. Seeing Mary Pickford in a duel role in 1918, amazing! 

Now Mary Pickford's Stella Maris has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p it is presented in 1.37:1 aspect ratio with pillar bars. The audio is a Dolby Digital Stereo AC3. I must say for a film that is 105 years old. I wasn't expecting much! Boy was I wrong! The new 4k scan is spectacular. But that is not all that is included in this Blu-ray DVD set. Take a look at the cool bonuses.

* Commentary track by Marc Wanamaker, author and film historian

* Liner Notes Pictorial Booklet by the Mary Pickford Foundation

* Extensive Photo Gallery

* The Mountaineer’s Honor, an American Biograph short film released November 25th, 1909. Newly mastered in HD with an original score by the Graves Brothers

The audio commentary by Marc Wanamaker is an excellent listen. He gives the listener so much information I highly recommend this commentary. But in addition, the D.W. Griffith short film The Mountaineer's Honor. That is such a cool bonus!

If you love silent cinema there is very few better dramas than that of Stella Maris. And this new Blu-ray is so crisp and clean it is the perfect way to see it. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today!



Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray/DVD of Stella Maris receives....