I saw this on the big screen at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art several years ago, and I remember thinking, as the film ended, that it is no wonder that sound came in shortly after this film, as it pushes the capabilities of silent screen storytelling to their absolute and glorious limit.
I love how they filmed Napoléon's young times with long hair and mysterious look. I love the style which was used in the film, he looks absolutely so cool.
this film came out in 1927, it's very possible someone who was let's say 80 saw this when it came out. if they were a child in 1853 it's very possible they heard stories from their grandparents who actually lived while Napoleon was alive and maybe even fought in waterloo.
The subject of this film is not the glory of Napoleon or France or what you think about the historic character, it's just an extraordinarily romantic adventure, exciting and deep. Still modern. I 've see that on french TV (in three parts) when i was young and i have not forgotten. It's a masterpiece timeless. Excuse my english.
Abel Gance's Napoleon is rightly known as a masterpiece. I was fortunate enough to see it on the big screen in the original black and white . It blew me away and Left an indelible mark in my memory. I never forgot the name Abel Gance and his film, despite it being the only work of his I have seen.
ya this aged well, the new one sucked don't make a movie about Napoleon's whole life as a biopic ... the various points of his life were metaphors for greater things make it about the rise of a dream, or the downfall of a formerly great figure, or regret, or perhaps the idea that destiny only uses someone when he serves its purpose, or even make it about love don't literally make a movie depicting the random events in his life ...
I wish gance could have made the six napoléon films, watched napoléon last weekend and was in awe with the imagination used for storytelling. Some of the shots were way ahead of its time.
This trailer gives me chills every time I watch it. If I had 4-5 hours to spare, I would watch this movie (maybe even get some buddies over to watch it with me; if they’re still awake by the end).
@@Naminski1a It what be nice if it were made available in the United States. I asked Kevin Brownlow about this and he told me he can't do it as he does not have the North American rights to the film. I bought a multi-regional blu-ray player just so I could own this film.
This weekend, i've seen this movie. It was an incredible experience. So modern and so beautiful. Definitly a masterpiece, thanks for your works on the restoration of this movie !
In the very early 1970s, I received as a gift the great book of Kevin Brownlow, "The Parade's Gone By", a wonderful history of the silent film told in the voices of those who were involved in the industry. There of course is a whole chapter on Abel Gance. I really caught Kevin's deep passionfor silent films and his name attached to this restoration actually has me wanting to go out and buy a region-free Blu-ray player so I can see it as it is criminally not available in an American format.
Imagine this. Cinerama DECADES before Cinerama was even a thing. This film is one of the absolutely most beautiful silent film era movies ever because it REALLY brought cinematography to all new heights with shots that look as impressive as a painting. This movie was way ahead of its time and showed what the then very young medium of Cinema could already accomplish if you REALLY care. If you have to pic just ONE silent film you would have to show to people who normally don't watch them, you should definitely pick this one.
In the annals of creative prowess- this is a legend. It truly is one of the cinematic wonders of the world. It is the all encompassing biographical narrative of Napoléon’s struggles, resilience, desires and loses- complete tour du force. I saw Brownlow’s restoration in 1981-82 when it was first shown on Channel 4, UK tv w/ Carl Davis’ score. Unforgettable.
You can find the movie with enough digging online hook up a hdmi to a laptop into a projector or big screen for those not in Europe it’s a wonderful experience and it goes by so fast even if it has a long run time it flies by leaves you wishing you could see more
I saw this film at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco in 1981, and reviewed it for the newspaper in Vacaville, CA the following week. Carmine Coppola, who composed the music for it, was at Tower Records that weekend autographing copies of the LP record of the score, and I bought one and got to say hi to him.
This is a fantastic achievement, Many of the techniques still employed today were used in this epic including fast cutting, multiple exposures, shaky cam, and of course widescreen. The moment when part four suddenly becomes a 3 camera shoot is breathtaking. On the down side, part one is extremely long, and by the time the interval approaches you really need it!
Uh, you do know the film is from 1927 right? Of course it's black and white. Same for the triptych shot, that was done just by strapping three cameras together and is pretty remarkable for its time.
Review God USA Uh, there weren't many colour films in 1927 dude, and it was a difficult and expensive thing. Hell, even some scenes of Napoleon were filmed in colour, but projecting it was hard and making prints was apparently impossible, so it was shown in black and white. Idk, it seems like you can't separate classic cinema from modern cinema, so maybe you just shouldn't watch them and stop trying to apply modern standards to them.
Review God USA Gonna say it again m8, Idk, it seems like you can't separate classic cinema from modern cinema, so maybe you just shouldn't watch them and stop trying to apply modern standards to them. You don't watch classic movies to say "Oh, it isn't in 4K HDR even though those weren't invented then, it's trash!" you watch them because they are classics, and for some films, like this one, they were during a period where a lot of modern techniques were evolving into what we know today, and it's interesting to see them starting out. Think about it this way. I own a Dreamcast, do you think I own it because of the 4K HDR+ graphics and slick, fast networking? No I own it because there are some genuinely great games on it that may not have aged well, but are still great games to play.
First of all, you say that the directors were retards who didn't know how to use technology properly and that's why the film looks bad, but that simply isn't true. Colour cameras didn't exist back then, they had to dye the frames a certain colour - and there was no way the directors could have done anything about that. You also said that everything before the 50s is experimental trash, and again that simply isn't true. Infact, after around maybe 1930 asides from new camera techniques, better sound and camera quality etc Cinema in itself has stayed the same. To say that everything before 1930 is just experimental trash is garbage might be true for you, but the films made in the 1930s, 40s and 50s are of the same quality of today. Lastly, you personally might not enjoy films like these, but you obviously aren't a cinephile - other people enjoy these films because they can see past the technical faults and appreciate the story, or appreciate the film as a historical piece which should be admired rather than compared to modern cinema. So it's fine if you don't enjoy old cinema, you don't have to like old cinema, it isn't for everyone, but please don't insult those who do.
Saw the 4 hour version on television about 25 years ago. Sadly, this is not available in the U.S. Even more frustrating is that this film doesn't even cover up to his becoming Emperor. They could have made another 9 to 12 hours of material of what happened after this film ended. Sadly, there were no sequels.
This was intended to be the first in a series of films covering Napoleon's life. Gance spent the entire budget making this, the first film. Then, sound arrived. End of story.
@Vincent Boies Afraid? No. Gance continued to make films in the sound era, but with little enthusiasm. Gance, who died forty years ago, didn't appreciate or take advantage of sound. There were directors and Artists of the silent era adapted to sound. Some became better. Others simply gave up and retired. Gance did a film about Beethoven which is full of scenes showing he could've been an influential Artist in the sound era - if he'd put work into it. Hitchcock made the transition to sound brilliantly and willingly. Gance felt about sound the way some musicians felt when stereo recording arrived. They didn't see why it was necessary or how it could make their work better. Gance lived a half century into the sound era. His only truly significant achievement during those fifty years was being rediscovered by Kevin Brownlow.
A massive restoration of this film is underway to restore it to its original 7-hour length. This restoration is being financed by Netflix and the French National Film Board. Hopefully, it will be screened in 2022. I'm not sure if Kevin Brownlow is involved in this restoration. When I met Mr. Brownlow at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival a few years ago I asked him if his restoration would be available in the USA. Alas, no, he told me, as he does not have the film's North American rights.
Saw this in the 1980’s in Los Angeles at the Shrine Civic Auditorium. Carmine Coppola directed a 60 piece orchestra.I still have a poster of the event. Amazing piece of work!
I saw Napoleon premiere in Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theater around 1980 or 1981. Carmine Coppola conducted the full orchestra, father of renown director Francis Ford Coppola. The film was incredible! We even had an intermission!
It actually breaks itself up very nicely into three pieces or "acts" which can easily be digested in three sittings. I watched the movie over three different nights and really enjoyed it.
Seen it a few days ago, that was truly the best biopic experience i have ever seen... a true modern way and a genius silent film. A true film ! Abel Grance fucking knew how to do films !
I´ve been waiting for this grand masterpiece to come out on vhs and later dvd, ever since I first viewed it in the cinema back in 1984 which was the 4 hour + version. Can´t wait to see what restored material is added to come close to the original screening back in 1927 where it reportedly ran for some 6 hours. Loved the book on the making of the film by Brownlow.
I saw this in Westwood, California in the 80's with my father; they literally had Carmine Coppola and a 60 piece orchestra that played along with this masterpiece of silent film. It's monumental & I cherish that memory with my father.
I remember watching this in theaters when it first came out. It was incredible but I had to take two bathroom breaks because it was so long. Looking forward to rewatching it so I can see what I missed.
I still can’t get over this. I’ve watched this video, like, a hundred times, and I’ve never more eagerly wanted to experience a film. But of course, the Blu-Ray is only Region 2, so all I have is this trailer :(
I bought the Blu-ray today, it’s beautiful. I’m going to watch the first part tonight I’ll get back to you in a few days and tell you if it’s worth buying a region free player!
El mítico Abel Gance nos dejó esta maravillosa producción del cine mudo sobre parte de la vida de Bonaparte. Una producción épica y a la vez llena de un lirismo único propio de este gran director de cine francés. La remasterización de esta película hecha por Francis Ford Coppola tiene un gran mérito pero en ciertos colores se desvirtúa algo el blanco y negro original. La banda sonora es bellísima y más cuando se ha hecho en vivo y en directo.
The same. My son (aged 7) was sad when his two classmates scared his eagle away. And he was happy when the eagle came back to comfort him. This film is magical. So pure. It moves the soul of a child as well as that of an adult (I too was marked by this scene). I thank Abel Gance for this wonderful experience.
I saw the original reconstruction in a theater over 30 years ago. It was impressive. The three screen finale was hard to accomplish in Gance's time. It would have been great to see in its original form.
Une véritable petite merveille cinématographique tellement réaliste qu'on s'y croirait. Toujours aussi passionnant. Impatient de revoir ce film grandiose enfin restauré.
The film is available on DVD and blu-ray in England. The discs will not play in a regular American DVD or blu-ray machine. If you live in the USA you will need a multi-regional player. The restoration of the film was done by the eminent film historian Kevin Brownlow. I asked him once if he will be an releasing an American edition. He said no, ask he does not have the North American rights to the film. If it does come out in the US, it will probably come from Francis Ford Coppola, who will more than likely (and selfishly) insist that the score by his late father, Carmine Coppola , be used. Brownlow's edition uses a completely different score by Carl Davis, which is considered vastly superior to the Coppola score.
This needs to be released in theatres and given a blu-ray release. Many years ago it was shown on one of the cable movie channels and tried to watch it but abandoned it after less than hour. Some of the visuals were spectacular but having absolutely no knowledge about Napoleon I found myself lost as to what was going on at any given moment. I think given a second opportunity I might appreciate it more. Unfortunately the only copy available won't play on American blu-ray players. Hopefully the Criterion Collection acquire the rights and make it available. Hopefully before physical media becomes a thing of the past.
@@wserthmar8908 this was meant to be a “if you know, you know” kind of joke, but since you’re interested, it’s because it’s out of context. In the full quote he says it’s technically brilliant, then says “but on the other hand, as a film about Napoleon, I have to say I’ve always been disappointed in it”. What makes this funnier is that in another interview he would say “I found it really terrible. Technically he was ahead of his time and he introduced inventive new film techniques-in fact Eisenstein credited him with stimulating his initial interest in montage-but as far as story and performance goes it's a very crude picture”, so they’re using an out of context quote from a guy who didn’t like the film in a trailer for it. It’s a small thing but it makes me smile every time I think about it.
The problem of french people is that he always need a Napoleon to be ruled. This people always scream for freedom and death to tyrans but can't leave without a Napoleon, a DeGaulle, or a great leader. Old France is not to cry on, she deserves what she have today.
In the 80's I actually sat through this in the local art house theater. It sort of grows on you...long? sure...but after 1-2 hours you surrender to the art....you know you are experiencing something special
It's over five hours long isn't it? How is that, the pacing I mean, I'd imagine 5 hours of any movie would be too tedious for all but the most dedicated of viewers, where there any moments that sagged for you or did it truly hold your attention all the way?
@@neo-filthyfrank1347 It's interesting because since it's silent (with a great soundtrack by Carmine Coppola) it almost opens up your other senses. You get in tune with the nuances and subtleties. The slightest humor got laughs. There is also quite a bit of action, some big sweeping scenes of fighting. I was in my 20's and now I'm in my 60's so I've forgotten much. I do remember not being bored, if you can imagine that!
@@kendallevans4079 That's very interesting because I've always been fascinated about the idea of really long movies, like five hours or more. I think it is a very unexplored form of storytelling that could have a lot of potential, but keeping everything engaging throughout would be a chief concern. For the record I'm not referring to garbage like Netflix series' or other episodic content, I mean actual films, made as one unit. I think you could get incredible immersion and scope with longer runtimes, and the fact that you tell me you were never bored is a positive sign. I don't know if you've ever heard of the unmade film "Jodoroswky's Dune", but the finished product was allegedly going to run 10-14 hours, with unbelievable visuals and all that, so yeah, quite the interesting topic.
@@neo-filthyfrank1347 I have heard of it, If memory serves it was never completed? I can imagine finding backing/funding for something like that must be needle-in-a-haystack. IMO longer movies really to have character development so become involved in the story, you can't depend on CGI effects or simple good/bad people. I find a dialog heavy film/screenplay (David Mamet!) will hold you for a long time.
@@kendallevans4079 That's correct it was never completed, interestingly enough the funding for the film was not the problem, they had that secured, the issue was theatres didn't want to risk showing it so they wouldn't agree to play it (this was all before filming actually began mind you, unfortunately). But yeah there's a great wealth of information available on the topic and the astonishingly bizarre visuals, story, and great quality of talent working on the films makes me think that should it have been completed, it would have been the greatest film ever made. You're correct in a sense, but I think what you say fits for any movie. Good characters and a lack of a black and white "good vs bad" narrative are things all films, be they 40 minutes or ten hours, should avoid. You mention CGI and really I think it's a bigger problem than most realize. I'm sure you're aware of how creatures look utterly unconvincing when they are fabricated by a computer but I think it is CGI that's responsible for the horrid look of a lot of modern movies. You see a lot of films nowadays and it looks more like a videogame than a real place, and that's because they aren't real places. The sickly, drab, fake looking atmosphere is because studios pride themselves on not even building a set and having the actors in front of a green screen, it's disgusting, but that's kind of a tangent. Anyway yes, if you're going to make an extraordinarily long movie, it better be a good movie, exceptionally good in fact, for the task of holding one's attention that long is no easy feat. I think it would almost demand that the movie be exceptionally paced, very immersive, and probably covering something on an epic scale. Consider how "The Good the Bad and the Ugly" manages to so thoroughly pull one into the environment that by the end you feel as if you have really been through a lot. That, but more so is what's needed. Anyway here's a good little documentary covering Jodorowsky's Dune if you're interested, skip to part 2 if you don't care for the background too much. th-cam.com/video/I5lZgNcBL0k/w-d-xo.html
Hope it actually becomes available in North America, because I was playing in the symphony when it came to town in the 80's, and as was the case in most large markets, resident symphony orchestras were charged with playing Carmine Coppola's score (which was full of lengthy direct quotes from the symphonic repertoire) 'live'. As as result I wasn't able to watch any of it for being in the pit. Looking forward to finally seeing it though.
There are a number of descriptions of Napolean from first-hand eyewitnesses. A description of Napoleon by Doctor Corvisart in 1802: "Napoleon was of short stature, about five feet two inches by French measure [5 feet 6 inches, English measure], and well built, though the bust was rather long. His head was big and the skull largely developed. His neck was short and his shoulders broad. He had no personal apprehension one who met him said. "I noticed that He picked his nose very much,--sometimes took Snuff, and would take off His Hat and wipe his forehead in a careless manner." Another: "His long hair was gathered in a pigtail. He was very thin and haggard; coughed often, as if he were consumptive, and was hollow-chested. He had a soft, weak voice...His speech was short and precise and uncommonly interesting. His eyes were mild and speaking, his tones pleasing, and his mouth full of expression." An Englishwoman described his face as being 'of a deeply impressive cast, pale even to sallowness, while not only in the eye but in every feature-care, thought, melancholy, and meditation are so strongly marked, with so much of character, nay, genius, and so penetrating a seriousness, or rather a sadness, as powerfully to sink into an observer's mind. She also described his demeanor as 'more the air of a student than a warrior.' A description by Madame de Rémusat: "Bonaparte dictated with great ease. He never wrote anything with his own hand. His handwriting was bad and as illegible to himself as to others; and his spelling was very defective. He utterly lacked the patience to do anything whatever with his own hands. Another eyewitness: I had heard that Napoleon sported a rather large hooked nose, dark eyes, and dark hair- in a word, the true Italian facial type. In fact, his face was slightly swarthy, with regular features. His nose was not very large, but straight, with a very slight, hardly noticeable bend. The hair on his head was not black, but dark reddish-blond; his eyebrows and eyelashes were much darker than the color of his hair, and his blue eyes, set off by the almost black lashes, gave him a most pleasing expression. Finally, no matter how many times I had occasion to see him, I never noticed those frowning eyebrows. The man I saw was of short stature, just over five feet tall, rather heavy although he was only 37 years old and despite the fact that the lifestyle he followed should not, on the face of it, have let him put on much weight. Two descriptions by British observers in 1815. First Capt. Ross, commander of the Northumberland: "He is fat, rather what we call pot-bellied, and although his leg is well shaped, it is rather clumsy, and his walk appears rather affected, something between a waddle and a swagger-but probably not being used to the motion of a ship might have given him that appearance. He is very sallow, with light grey eyes, rather thin, greasy-looking brown hair, and altogether a very nasty, priestlike-looking fellow...He never gave the smallest trouble to anyone, and every day was the same; he was very communicative, and seemed fond of being asked questions; his manners are by no means good, and his voice very harsh and unpleasing."
When I see the widescreen triptych ending I visualise the widescreen images of 2001:A Space Odyssey and imagine Kubrick directing those shots, and the large titled ending at 1:25 saying _Napoleon_ Directed by Stanley Kubrick.
crazy how this movie is the equivalent of making a movie about World War 1 today, as both events took place little over a century before
You know this a movie is a masterpiece when every other shot could be a painting
I saw this on the big screen at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art several years ago, and I remember thinking, as the film ended, that it is no wonder that sound came in shortly after this film, as it pushes the capabilities of silent screen storytelling to their absolute and glorious limit.
Be good if they dubbed the speech bits though.
@foxhoundslugAbel Gance started adding sound in the mid 1930s
I love how they filmed Napoléon's young times with long hair and mysterious look. I love the style which was used in the film, he looks absolutely so cool.
this film came out in 1927, it's very possible someone who was let's say 80 saw this when it came out. if they were a child in 1853 it's very possible they heard stories from their grandparents who actually lived while Napoleon was alive and maybe even fought in waterloo.
The subject of this film is not the glory of Napoleon or France or what you think about the historic character, it's just an extraordinarily romantic adventure, exciting and deep. Still modern. I 've see that on french TV (in three parts) when i was young and i have not forgotten. It's a masterpiece timeless. Excuse my english.
"The subject of the movie Napoleon about the life of Napoleon is not actually about Napoleon"
@@MightyMerlin1 i wish people on the internet could read
Your English is better than most Americans lol
This looks way better than the one being released this year.
Yeah for how it was.
Abel Gance's Napoleon is rightly known as a masterpiece. I was fortunate enough to see it on the big screen in the original black and white . It blew me away and Left an indelible mark in my memory. I never forgot the name Abel Gance and his film, despite it being the only work of his I have seen.
@@typower9 was it tinted like it the trailer or purely in black and white?
ya this aged well, the new one sucked
don't make a movie about Napoleon's whole life as a biopic ... the various points of his life were metaphors for greater things
make it about the rise of a dream,
or the downfall of a formerly great figure,
or regret,
or perhaps the idea that destiny only uses someone when he serves its purpose,
or even make it about love
don't literally make a movie depicting the random events in his life ...
This post was so accurate :) ridley Scott takes on Napoleon was boring and missed any understanding of who Napoleon was
Looks and feels 1 billion time better than nepolian 2023.
Ridley Scott having the cheek to criticise Kubrick’s script. OOF.
My recommendations are running 4 years too late
Same here
Yeah I just saw this now. Wonder was there a bluray release. To the google!
And ordered. Amazon.com.au came out best price in my circumstance.
same !!!
More like... 93 years too late.
I just finished act 1 and I’m already in love. I did NOT expect to be completely floored by it so far. It’s wild!
Where you watch it?
I'm trying to buy the bluray
I wish gance could have made the six napoléon films, watched napoléon last weekend and was in awe with the imagination used for storytelling. Some of the shots were way ahead of its time.
This trailer gives me chills every time I watch it. If I had 4-5 hours to spare, I would watch this movie (maybe even get some buddies over to watch it with me; if they’re still awake by the end).
0:54 cette Marseillaise venue du ciel ! Juste incroyable
Please, God, let this restoration come to the U.S.
For Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
@@Naminski1a It what be nice if it were made available in the United States. I asked Kevin Brownlow about this and he told me he can't do it as he does not have the North American rights to the film. I bought a multi-regional blu-ray player just so I could own this film.
The US needs it's own Napoleon.
@@jknuttel Are you that stupid? 😒
*To Portugal
One of the best movie i've ever watched. I guess i'm proud to be french and corsican.
@Flying Hellfish You know... Jean Charpentier was my teenage hero, lol.
I’m proud to be American and Napoleon makes being French badass.
I surrender
Corsica is italian
It made me want to be French
Only if Kubrick were also able to make his Napoleon movie.
please dont rub salt in the wound
Damn you, Waterloo!
Yeah, to hell with the La-li-lu-le-lo. He knew too much..
@@JuicyJews Based
Fuck Kubrik and Fuck Napoleon. Watch some non-english movies instead...
0:26 This shot is absolutely insane... never after this was this done again.
Am I missing something? It’s just a face shot?
It does remind me of a shot in The Return of the King, when Gandalf draws the nazgul dragons away with a bright light from his staff in horseback.
This puts Scott's "Napoleon" to utter shame.
This weekend, i've seen this movie. It was an incredible experience. So modern and so beautiful. Definitly a masterpiece, thanks for your works on the restoration of this movie !
In the very early 1970s, I received as a gift the great book of Kevin Brownlow, "The Parade's Gone By", a wonderful history of the silent film told in the voices of those who were involved in the industry. There of course is a whole chapter on Abel Gance. I really caught Kevin's deep passionfor silent films and his name attached to this restoration actually has me wanting to go out and buy a region-free Blu-ray player so I can see it as it is criminally not available in an American format.
Quite literally the most brilliant film ever made. Nothing will ever in the history of cinema will reach this level of beauty and power.
Imagine this. Cinerama DECADES before Cinerama was even a thing. This film is one of the absolutely most beautiful silent film era movies ever because it REALLY brought cinematography to all new heights with shots that look as impressive as a painting. This movie was way ahead of its time and showed what the then very young medium of Cinema could already accomplish if you REALLY care. If you have to pic just ONE silent film you would have to show to people who normally don't watch them, you should definitely pick this one.
Did I just get hyped with the trailer for a 96 years old movie?
In the annals of creative prowess- this is a legend. It truly is one of the cinematic wonders of the world. It is the all encompassing biographical narrative of Napoléon’s struggles, resilience, desires and loses- complete tour du force. I saw Brownlow’s restoration in 1981-82 when it was first shown on Channel 4, UK tv w/ Carl Davis’ score. Unforgettable.
This got me a goosebump especially when the La Marseillie come up with some romantic and poetic imagery.
This film is an actual masterwork. Implore anyone with even the slightest interest in Napoleon and a bit of patience to watch this film.
0:16
0:25
0:32
Dude those shots
it is art
those were so beautiful!!
You missed 1:01 - 1:04
So legendary and beautiful in the same time
jesus this is mind blowing
You can find the movie with enough digging online hook up a hdmi to a laptop into a projector or big screen for those not in Europe it’s a wonderful experience and it goes by so fast even if it has a long run time it flies by leaves you wishing you could see more
I saw this film at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco in 1981, and reviewed it for the newspaper in Vacaville, CA the following week. Carmine Coppola, who composed the music for it, was at Tower Records that weekend autographing copies of the LP record of the score, and I bought one and got to say hi to him.
This is a fantastic achievement, Many of the techniques still employed today were used in this epic including fast cutting, multiple exposures, shaky cam, and of course widescreen. The moment when part four suddenly becomes a 3 camera shoot is breathtaking.
On the down side, part one is extremely long, and by the time the interval approaches you really need it!
Uh, you do know the film is from 1927 right? Of course it's black and white. Same for the triptych shot, that was done just by strapping three cameras together and is pretty remarkable for its time.
Review God USA Uh, there weren't many colour films in 1927 dude, and it was a difficult and expensive thing. Hell, even some scenes of Napoleon were filmed in colour, but projecting it was hard and making prints was apparently impossible, so it was shown in black and white.
Idk, it seems like you can't separate classic cinema from modern cinema, so maybe you just shouldn't watch them and stop trying to apply modern standards to them.
Review God USA Gonna say it again m8,
Idk, it seems like you can't separate classic cinema from modern cinema, so maybe you just shouldn't watch them and stop trying to apply modern standards to them.
You don't watch classic movies to say "Oh, it isn't in 4K HDR even though those weren't invented then, it's trash!" you watch them because they are classics, and for some films, like this one, they were during a period where a lot of modern techniques were evolving into what we know today, and it's interesting to see them starting out.
Think about it this way. I own a Dreamcast, do you think I own it because of the 4K HDR+ graphics and slick, fast networking? No I own it because there are some genuinely great games on it that may not have aged well, but are still great games to play.
First of all, you say that the directors were retards who didn't know how to use technology properly and that's why the film looks bad, but that simply isn't true. Colour cameras didn't exist back then, they had to dye the frames a certain colour - and there was no way the directors could have done anything about that.
You also said that everything before the 50s is experimental trash, and again that simply isn't true. Infact, after around maybe 1930 asides from new camera techniques, better sound and camera quality etc Cinema in itself has stayed the same. To say that everything before 1930 is just experimental trash is garbage might be true for you, but the films made in the 1930s, 40s and 50s are of the same quality of today.
Lastly, you personally might not enjoy films like these, but you obviously aren't a cinephile - other people enjoy these films because they can see past the technical faults and appreciate the story, or appreciate the film as a historical piece which should be admired rather than compared to modern cinema. So it's fine if you don't enjoy old cinema, you don't have to like old cinema, it isn't for everyone, but please don't insult those who do.
That's like saying that medieval archers were complete shit because now we have ARs...
Just saw Ridley Scott's Napoleon the other day. It was well shot but not well written. And BOY OH BOY am I excited for THIS movie!
Probably the greatest silent film i ever watched
A cinematic feast for the eyes and no CGI.
Saw the 4 hour version on television about 25 years ago. Sadly, this is not available in the U.S.
Even more frustrating is that this film doesn't even cover up to his becoming Emperor. They could have made another 9 to 12 hours of material of what happened after this film ended. Sadly, there were no sequels.
Jim Alexander this movie was supposedly going to be 9 hours long and there was gonna be 4 sequels. Can you imagine that
Now you can watch it in the app called Mubi! 🤗
This was intended to be the first in a series of films covering Napoleon's life. Gance spent the entire budget making this, the first film. Then, sound arrived. End of story.
@Vincent Boies Afraid? No. Gance continued to make films in the sound era, but with little enthusiasm. Gance, who died forty years ago, didn't appreciate or take advantage of sound. There were directors and Artists of the silent era adapted to sound. Some became better. Others simply gave up and retired. Gance did a film about Beethoven which is full of scenes showing he could've been an influential Artist in the sound era - if he'd put work into it. Hitchcock made the transition to sound brilliantly and willingly. Gance felt about sound the way some musicians felt when stereo recording arrived. They didn't see why it was necessary or how it could make their work better. Gance lived a half century into the sound era. His only truly significant achievement during those fifty years was being rediscovered by Kevin Brownlow.
@@TheStockwell if gance was brilliant he would have gone the chaplin rote use sound for music and effects but kept it silent.
A massive restoration of this film is underway to restore it to its original 7-hour length. This restoration is being financed by Netflix and the French National Film Board. Hopefully, it will be screened in 2022. I'm not sure if Kevin Brownlow is involved in this restoration.
When I met Mr. Brownlow at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival a few years ago I asked him if his restoration would be available in the USA. Alas, no, he told me, as he does not have the film's North American rights.
Georges Mourier is doing it.
is this still happening, the only articles mentioning it were from last year
@@minisculesum005 yes the rework should be done by the end of 2023 and the projection will start in 2024 for the 220th anniversary of his coronation
Isn't there a 9 hour version?
I saw a version of this Napoleon par Abel Gance at the BFi in the late 1960's maybe 1970
maybe Kevin Brownlow continued working on it after that.
This is a movie from the future, just like Abel Gance.
Incredible movie, everyone should watch it.
full enjoyment frame by frame, not words to see this epic flim
Un chef d'oeuvre absolu à tout point de vue.
A Carl Davis score? I'm sold.
Saw this in the 1980’s in Los Angeles at the Shrine Civic Auditorium. Carmine Coppola directed a 60 piece orchestra.I still have a poster of the event. Amazing piece of work!
Me too, and I also still have the poster.
Saw it at the Shrine as well. And was sitting, purely by chance, next to legendary animator Bob Clampett! Good memories.
vive la france
1871
That thumbnail was kino af !
I saw Napoleon premiere in Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theater around 1980 or 1981. Carmine Coppola conducted the full orchestra, father of renown director Francis Ford Coppola. The film was incredible! We even had an intermission!
Man this looks impressive but something tells me it would be a little grueling to get through the entire 5.5 hours in a single sitting.
It actually breaks itself up very nicely into three pieces or "acts" which can easily be digested in three sittings. I watched the movie over three different nights and really enjoyed it.
It felt like no time at all, it was so engaging.
Try a Bela Tarr film
@@SeanFisher Hahah yeah idk wtf I was talking about 3 years ago. But I saw Satantango in theaters last October and it was lit.
I saw it as a child on TV, they divided it into three parts and broadcast it three days in a row.
Seen it a few days ago, that was truly the best biopic experience i have ever seen... a true modern way and a genius silent film. A true film ! Abel Grance fucking knew how to do films !
Une Grande Oeuvre Unique au CINEMA !
I´ve been waiting for this grand masterpiece to come out on vhs and later dvd, ever since I first viewed it in the cinema back in 1984 which was the 4 hour + version. Can´t wait to see what restored material is added to come close to the original screening back in 1927 where it reportedly ran for some 6 hours. Loved the book on the making of the film by Brownlow.
Abel Gance's Napoleon was released in the USA in 1929 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Saw in the early 80s in Miami. It was wonderful.
I saw this in Westwood, California in the 80's with my father; they literally had Carmine Coppola and a 60 piece orchestra that played along with this masterpiece of silent film. It's monumental & I cherish that memory with my father.
Woah, that sounds amazing! Gotta ask, were people smoking in the theatre? Because that would've been a bit annoying.
I saw it with Coppola and the orchestra at Radio City Music Hall! Glorious!
I remember watching this in theaters when it first came out. It was incredible but I had to take two bathroom breaks because it was so long. Looking forward to rewatching it so I can see what I missed.
they had 3 intermissions when I saw it
I still can’t get over this. I’ve watched this video, like, a hundred times, and I’ve never more eagerly wanted to experience a film. But of course, the Blu-Ray is only Region 2, so all I have is this trailer :(
I bought the Blu-ray today, it’s beautiful. I’m going to watch the first part tonight I’ll get back to you in a few days and tell you if it’s worth buying a region free player!
Did you ever get to watch it? If not I can provide you a link for site viewing.
@@u-n-i I have not. Would appreciate it.
@@ParzivalTheThird Do you have Discord?
@@u-n-i Lol I edited this
1927, art. 2023, drek.
El mítico Abel Gance nos dejó esta maravillosa producción del cine mudo sobre parte de la vida de Bonaparte. Una producción épica y a la vez llena de un lirismo único propio de este gran director de cine francés. La remasterización de esta película hecha por Francis Ford Coppola tiene un gran mérito pero en ciertos colores se desvirtúa algo el blanco y negro original. La banda sonora es bellísima y más cuando se ha hecho en vivo y en directo.
The final silent film. A masterpiece!
Not even close to the final silent film but ok
Also not even close to a masterpiece but ok
@@drakejohnson2607 I assume he meant "ultimate"
@@tjr930 It is a bloody damn masterpiece.
City Lights came out 4 years later.
I only cried once while watching a film... it was when Roundenko found his eagle
The same. My son (aged 7) was sad when his two classmates scared his eagle away. And he was happy when the eagle came back to comfort him. This film is magical. So pure. It moves the soul of a child as well as that of an adult (I too was marked by this scene). I thank Abel Gance for this wonderful experience.
Seeing this makes me think how good Marty Feldman would have been in a Napoleon parody
Oops... until I read the script, II was just about to say this WAS a fine performance by Marty Feldman.
Starving for this in the States!
0:25 wow
The greatest cinematic exppreience of my lifetime!......not to be missed
I saw the original reconstruction in a theater over 30 years ago. It was impressive. The three screen finale was hard to accomplish in Gance's time. It would have been great to see in its original form.
I saw the 2012 presentation in San Fransisco with new score and correct timing (5 1/2 hours vs 4).
@@Kutulhu Impressive, wasn't it?
@@MFPhoto1 It was easily the greatest film experience of my life.
This is the best movie ever made imo
Une véritable petite merveille cinématographique tellement réaliste qu'on s'y croirait. Toujours aussi passionnant. Impatient de revoir ce film grandiose enfin restauré.
Petite?😂😂😂
I just hope to god that Criterion collection would finally make this movie available in it's entirety for the U.S.
The film is available on DVD and blu-ray in England. The discs will not play in a regular American DVD or blu-ray machine. If you live in the USA you will need a multi-regional player. The restoration of the film was done by the eminent film historian Kevin Brownlow. I asked him once if he will be an releasing an American edition. He said no, ask he does not have the North American rights to the film. If it does come out in the US, it will probably come from Francis Ford Coppola, who will more than likely (and selfishly) insist that the score by his late father, Carmine Coppola , be used. Brownlow's edition uses a completely different score by Carl Davis, which is considered vastly superior to the Coppola score.
Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture playing near the end. He composed that after Russia's victory over Napoleon
They composed it like 6 decades after Napoleon's defeat lol
The actor's beautiful face! And the uniforms!
I liked Carmine Coppola's score when it was released in the 1970s.
News just said it's completely restored and will be on screen this year 🎉
A True Masterpiece.
Masterpiece
The movie Kubrick wanted to remake, and Ridley Scott has just....
This needs to be released in theatres and given a blu-ray release. Many years ago it was shown on one of the cable movie channels and tried to watch it but abandoned it after less than hour. Some of the visuals were spectacular but having absolutely no knowledge about Napoleon I found myself lost as to what was going on at any given moment. I think given a second opportunity I might appreciate it more. Unfortunately the only copy available won't play on American blu-ray players. Hopefully the Criterion Collection acquire the rights and make it available. Hopefully before physical media becomes a thing of the past.
That Kubrick quote will never not be funny.
Why? Could you please explain?
@@wserthmar8908 this was meant to be a “if you know, you know” kind of joke, but since you’re interested, it’s because it’s out of context. In the full quote he says it’s technically brilliant, then says “but on the other hand, as a film about Napoleon, I have to say I’ve always been disappointed in it”. What makes this funnier is that in another interview he would say “I found it really terrible. Technically he was ahead of his time and he introduced inventive new film techniques-in fact Eisenstein credited him with stimulating his initial interest in montage-but as far as story and performance goes it's a very crude picture”, so they’re using an out of context quote from a guy who didn’t like the film in a trailer for it.
It’s a small thing but it makes me smile every time I think about it.
@@kangarooMonkee , thank you for your detailed and elaborate explanation! Much appreciated
0:25 just finished this movie. That's my favorite shot.
Did you finish it in one day?
@@Qsallor Two days, but i had time. You can split it as an hour each day.
Poor old France.... if she ever needed a Napoleon now is the time! this great film inspires,,, !
The problem of french people is that he always need a Napoleon to be ruled. This people always scream for freedom and death to tyrans but can't leave without a Napoleon, a DeGaulle, or a great leader.
Old France is not to cry on, she deserves what she have today.
wow. never got to see it but i have heard this mentioned in pretty much every book about cinema I have ever read as a remarkable picture
Hope I'm not sat behind some foolish dandy who insists on smoking his pipe throughout the theatrical presentation, like the first time it was shown.
If you were assertive that would be an easily solved problem.
I’d prefer that to the thoughtless louts who brought their youthful progeny to what was clearly an adult theatrical presentation.
Madam please remove that grandiose decedent bonnet!!
but thats part of the asthetic
Poppycock! Youth these days just cannot restrain themselves in such deplorable mannerisms.
this left me speechless
Anywhere you could mount a 1927 film camera, Gance tried it. Wow.
one of a fine monument achievement in history of france cinema
In the 80's I actually sat through this in the local art house theater. It sort of grows on you...long? sure...but after 1-2 hours you surrender to the art....you know you are experiencing something special
It's over five hours long isn't it? How is that, the pacing I mean, I'd imagine 5 hours of any movie would be too tedious for all but the most dedicated of viewers, where there any moments that sagged for you or did it truly hold your attention all the way?
@@neo-filthyfrank1347 It's interesting because since it's silent (with a great soundtrack by Carmine Coppola) it almost opens up your other senses. You get in tune with the nuances and subtleties. The slightest humor got laughs. There is also quite a bit of action, some big sweeping scenes of fighting. I was in my 20's and now I'm in my 60's so I've forgotten much. I do remember not being bored, if you can imagine that!
@@kendallevans4079 That's very interesting because I've always been fascinated about the idea of really long movies, like five hours or more. I think it is a very unexplored form of storytelling that could have a lot of potential, but keeping everything engaging throughout would be a chief concern.
For the record I'm not referring to garbage like Netflix series' or other episodic content, I mean actual films, made as one unit. I think you could get incredible immersion and scope with longer runtimes, and the fact that you tell me you were never bored is a positive sign.
I don't know if you've ever heard of the unmade film "Jodoroswky's Dune", but the finished product was allegedly going to run 10-14 hours, with unbelievable visuals and all that, so yeah, quite the interesting topic.
@@neo-filthyfrank1347 I have heard of it, If memory serves it was never completed? I can imagine finding backing/funding for something like that must be needle-in-a-haystack. IMO longer movies really to have character development so become involved in the story, you can't depend on CGI effects or simple good/bad people. I find a dialog heavy film/screenplay (David Mamet!) will hold you for a long time.
@@kendallevans4079 That's correct it was never completed, interestingly enough the funding for the film was not the problem, they had that secured, the issue was theatres didn't want to risk showing it so they wouldn't agree to play it (this was all before filming actually began mind you, unfortunately).
But yeah there's a great wealth of information available on the topic and the astonishingly bizarre visuals, story, and great quality of talent working on the films makes me think that should it have been completed, it would have been the greatest film ever made.
You're correct in a sense, but I think what you say fits for any movie. Good characters and a lack of a black and white "good vs bad" narrative are things all films, be they 40 minutes or ten hours, should avoid.
You mention CGI and really I think it's a bigger problem than most realize. I'm sure you're aware of how creatures look utterly unconvincing when they are fabricated by a computer but I think it is CGI that's responsible for the horrid look of a lot of modern movies. You see a lot of films nowadays and it looks more like a videogame than a real place, and that's because they aren't real places. The sickly, drab, fake looking atmosphere is because studios pride themselves on not even building a set and having the actors in front of a green screen, it's disgusting, but that's kind of a tangent.
Anyway yes, if you're going to make an extraordinarily long movie, it better be a good movie, exceptionally good in fact, for the task of holding one's attention that long is no easy feat.
I think it would almost demand that the movie be exceptionally paced, very immersive, and probably covering something on an epic scale. Consider how "The Good the Bad and the Ugly" manages to so thoroughly pull one into the environment that by the end you feel as if you have really been through a lot. That, but more so is what's needed.
Anyway here's a good little documentary covering Jodorowsky's Dune if you're interested, skip to part 2 if you don't care for the background too much.
th-cam.com/video/I5lZgNcBL0k/w-d-xo.html
Apparently not available for the US.
Vive l'empereur!
Bu gün de Napolyona düştük
I just ordered the second release from a seller in the UK. Can’t wait to see this.
Hi there, did you enjoy it?
This movie is kino.
Cinema raiz!
Hope it actually becomes available in North America, because I was playing in the symphony when it came to town in the 80's, and as was the case in most large markets, resident symphony orchestras were charged with playing Carmine Coppola's score (which was full of lengthy direct quotes from the symphonic repertoire) 'live'. As as result I wasn't able to watch any of it for being in the pit. Looking forward to finally seeing it though.
Hopefully at the dawn of 2023.
There are a number of descriptions of Napolean from first-hand eyewitnesses. A description of Napoleon by Doctor Corvisart in 1802: "Napoleon was of short stature, about five feet two inches by French measure [5 feet 6 inches, English measure], and well built, though the bust was rather long. His head was big and the skull largely developed. His neck was short and his shoulders broad.
He had no personal apprehension one who met him said. "I noticed that He picked his nose very much,--sometimes took Snuff, and would take off His Hat and wipe his forehead in a careless manner."
Another: "His long hair was gathered in a pigtail. He was very thin and haggard; coughed often, as if he were consumptive, and was hollow-chested. He had a soft, weak voice...His speech was short and precise and uncommonly interesting. His eyes were mild and speaking, his tones pleasing, and his mouth full of expression."
An Englishwoman described his face as being 'of a deeply impressive cast, pale even to sallowness, while not only in the eye but in every feature-care, thought, melancholy, and meditation are so strongly marked, with so much of character, nay, genius, and so penetrating a seriousness, or rather a sadness, as powerfully to sink into an observer's mind. She also described his demeanor as 'more the air of a student than a warrior.'
A description by Madame de Rémusat: "Bonaparte dictated with great ease. He never wrote anything with his own hand. His handwriting was bad and as illegible to himself as to others; and his spelling was very defective. He utterly lacked the patience to do anything whatever with his own hands.
Another eyewitness: I had heard that Napoleon sported a rather large hooked nose, dark eyes, and dark hair- in a word, the true Italian facial type. In fact, his face was slightly swarthy, with regular features. His nose was not very large, but straight, with a very slight, hardly noticeable bend. The hair on his head was not black, but dark reddish-blond; his eyebrows and eyelashes were much darker than the color of his hair, and his blue eyes, set off by the almost black lashes, gave him a most pleasing expression. Finally, no matter how many times I had occasion to see him, I never noticed those frowning eyebrows. The man I saw was of short stature, just over five feet tall, rather heavy although he was only 37 years old and despite the fact that the lifestyle he followed should not, on the face of it, have let him put on much weight.
Two descriptions by British observers in 1815. First Capt. Ross, commander of the Northumberland: "He is fat, rather what we call pot-bellied, and although his leg is well shaped, it is rather clumsy, and his walk appears rather affected, something between a waddle and a swagger-but probably not being used to the motion of a ship might have given him that appearance. He is very sallow, with light grey eyes, rather thin, greasy-looking brown hair, and altogether a very nasty, priestlike-looking fellow...He never gave the smallest trouble to anyone, and every day was the same; he was very communicative, and seemed fond of being asked questions; his manners are by no means good, and his voice very harsh and unpleasing."
most wanted to watches on youtube in 4k digital
*I LOVE ❤ NAPOLEON.*
Hope someday will find 9h23 version 🙁
same :(
This trailer is fabulous. Now, I am waiting for the longue due restauration by the French cinématheque.
It is a very special movie compare to today's standard.
Cant wait to see this.
this is *EPIC*
When I see the widescreen triptych ending I visualise the widescreen images of 2001:A Space Odyssey and imagine Kubrick directing those shots, and the large titled ending at 1:25 saying _Napoleon_ Directed by Stanley Kubrick.
An unmined Classic by the trailer.
The apogee of silent cinema...
Back here after the 7 hour restoration is coming out this year.
Where can I watch this moive
thank you youtube alghoritm!