Tod Browning's Sideshow Shockers: The Mystic, The Unknown, Freaks Criterion Blu-ray Review

Comments · 25

• DR

  @Dr.CoffinNails · 2 years ago

  Also devastated by the loss of David J. Skal. His commentaries were always a delight.

  2

• SL

  @slumberwall · 2 years ago

  I've just seen The Mystic for the first time; it's an entertaining story, the restoration looks amazing, and the soundtrack is one of the best ever for a silent film. The last act of the film is weaker and not very convincingly pulled-off, but it's a revelation to find a good film from a hundred years ago I'd never even heard of before.

  4

• SL

  @SlashManEXE · 2 years ago

  Silent-era organs are capable of a lot of impressive effects. Some of the instrument options are capable of mimicking a chorus, and there’s often sound effects built in as well (like percussion and “door knocking”). So long as you’re not hearing distinct voices in the soundtrack, it’s likely not unrealistic for the era.

  2

• HO

  @HoorayTV21 · 2 years ago

  The Unknown was one of my MUST have restorations. Glad it happened. Was actually just buying this when I saw this review.

  1

• ER

  @ericlewis217 · 2 years ago (edited)

  Nice to see the David J. Skal mention at the beginning. Easily my favorite horror historian. <br>I am buying this mainly for The Unknown. <br>I’ve never loved Freaks but any time a Chaney film is restored it’s a purchase. Possibly the greatest character actor ever.

  3

• ME

  @melissaking6019 · 2 years ago (edited)

  Just ordered this Bluray. The Unknown is the Browning-Chaney collaboration masterpiece. Chaney&apos;s performance packs such a wallop. He sublimely hits every note on the scale of human emotions as Alonzo. Burt Lancaster once told Chaney historian Michael Blake that Lon&apos;s performance toward the climax of the film with Crawford and Kerry is the most powerful piece of acting he&apos;d ever seen. Quite a compliment.

  1

• MI

  @michely.gervais4637 · 2 years ago

  I enjoyed this so much. I appreciated being educated on the other two lesser known films also. I love that you included so many screen captures as you described the stories.

  2

• 1D

  @1dbanner · 2 years ago

  We all have to checkout eventually, but the way David Skal was forced to go out is so egregious.

  1

• HE

  @heartofcinema3454 · 1 year ago

  great opening to your discussion

  1

• EL

  @el4174 · 2 years ago

  Just saw Freaks finally last month...good stuff...I&apos;ll check the others

  2

• DI

  @DiversityStoleMyBikes · 1 year ago

  outstanding review, ye damn fool.

  1

• GA

  @garyrichardson475 · 2 years ago

  In David J. Skal&apos;s &quot;Introduction&quot; to The Mystic he explains everything that happens, including the ending. There&apos;s no excuse for that especially since most are seeing it for the first time. They could at least named it something other than &quot;Introduction&quot;. Fortunately, I was able to abort in time when I saw how detailed he was getting.