Greed

Danny · Post by **Danny** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 9:34 am

Currently I've been reading the Erich Von Stroheim bio, "The Man You Loved To Hate". It is a very revealing story of this complex character. My question is about "GREED", one of the greatest films ever made (in my opinion). Does anyone know if this will ever be scheduled for a well deserved DVD release? It was available on VHS and Laser Disc, and TCM shows it occasionally. But it really needs to be released on DVD.

Danny

rudyfan · Post by **rudyfan** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 9:45 am

I think it is one that is slated for the Archive series. I remember reading this somewhere recently, but where exactly, I can't tell you! Brain fry is the culprit.

Kevin2 · Post by **Kevin2** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 11:06 am

While I actually prefer the officially released version (at least as it is presented on the Thames produced laserdisc), the restored version of Greed is available for download at iTunes for $9.99.

Post by **Danny Burk** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 12:16 pm

WB has continued to say that it's in the works (as a regular pressed DVD) for several years, along with a few other high-profile MGM silents such as THE WIND, THE CROWD, and SHOW PEOPLE. When it actually will come seems to be anybody's guess.

Gagman 66 · Post by **Gagman 66** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 12:27 pm

Danny,

In all honesty, GREED doesn't really do much for me at all. I must confess that I have never really gotten through either the Thames Silents, or the Four Hour Reconstruction versions in a complete sitting. I have tried numerous times. Give me THE BIG PARADE over GREED any day.

Harlett O'Dowd · Post by **Harlett O'Dowd** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 12:28 pm

Kevin2 wrote:While I actually prefer the officially released version (at least as it is presented on the Thames produced laserdisc), the restored version of Greed is available for download at iTunes for $9.99.

Different Strokes yet again. I find the released version hard to sit through but like the reconstruction a lot.

I still think The Wedding March is a better film and better summation of Von Stroheim's oevre.

Gagman 66 · Post by **Gagman 66** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 12:35 pm

I'll concur that THE WEDDING MARCH is a much more entertaining film than GREED. Unfortunately, there has not even been a remote whisper of a DVD release. I have the Photoplay Productions version, but apparently, it was shown on German Television a few years ago with it's original 1928 scoring track? People who have seen it claim it is great.

Kevin2 · Post by **Kevin2** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 1:27 pm

Harlett O'Dowd wrote:

Different Strokes yet again. I find the released version hard to sit through but like the reconstruction a lot.

I still think The Wedding March is a better film and better summation of Von Stroheim's oevre.

You're right, different stokes.

I think the reconstruction is very nobel and works as a terrific supplement after seeing the 1924 Greed. But, because of its dependence on production stills, etc. much of it hardly feels like a motion picture (despite the "Ken Burns" camera movements). The reconstruction, to me, also feels longer than the four hour running time, whereas the original goes by in no time at all.

Being a fan of both Fay Wray and Zasu Pitts, there is no argument from me about The Wedding March. Over Greed, it's the film I'd much rather see in its entirety.

Post by **Danny Burk** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 2:29 pm

Gagman 66 wrote: I'll concur that THE WEDDING MARCH is a much more entertaining film than GREED. Unfortunately, there has not even been a remote whisper of a DVD release. I have the Photoplay Productions version, but apparently, it was shown on German Television a few years ago with it's original 1928 scoring track? People who have seen it claim it is great.

Actually, WM is coming from Criterion as part of their licensing deal with Paramount, which also includes the surviving von Sternberg silents. This has been mentioned quite a bit in the Criterion forum, and I've seen several other references to it online as well. No specific date yet, but it's been suggested that they'll arrive sometime in 2010.

I certainly hope that WM includes the original track. It's my all-time favorite silent film score - so much so that I won't watch the film with any other score.

Gagman 66 · Post by **Gagman 66** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 2:50 pm

Danny,

What about'CHILDREN OF DIVORCE?" It's an existing Von Sternberg Silent. So is THE EXQUISITE SINNER, but that's MGM. I had not previously heard a word about THE WEDDING MARCH on DVD. Have you seen the film with the Carl Davis score? Knowing Criterion, we will probably get a new score by Jillian Anderson.

It's almost a given that Alloy Orchestra will have their scores for UNDERWORLD, and THE LAST COMMAND featured. Probably THE DOCKS OF NEW YORK too. Not really happy about that.

rudyfan · Post by **rudyfan** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 2:51 pm

Danny Burk wrote: I certainly hope that WM includes the original track. It's my all-time favorite silent film score - so much so that I won't watch the film with any other score.

Thanks for alerting me to this, I was just mentally whining I'd never seen The Wedding March and would like to. Criterions are spendy, but worth it.

Harlett O'Dowd · Post by **Harlett O'Dowd** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 2:56 pm

Kevin2 wrote:
You're right, different stokes.

I think the reconstruction is very nobel .

Does it deserve a prize?

Kevin2 wrote: But, because of its dependence on production stills, etc. much of it hardly feels like a motion picture (despite the "Ken Burns" camera movements). The reconstruction, to me, also feels longer than the four hour running time, whereas the original goes by in no time at all.

My reaction is the exact opposite. I find the standard cut a hard slog to sit through, while the reconstruction makes the story make sense and makes the whole thing no quite so oppressive. Once you get past the prologue with McTeague's father - which is virtually all stills and explanatory titles - the reconstruction *plays* well for me as a film.

I hope Criterion includes a stills reconstruction of The Honeymoon for their Wedding March release.

Post by **Danny Burk** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 3:12 pm

Gagman 66 wrote:Danny,

WHAT ABOUT 'CHILDREN OF DIVORCE?" It's an existing Von Sternberg Silent. So is THE EXQUISITE SINNER, but that's MGM. I had not previously heard a word about THE WEDDING MARCH on DVD. Have you seen the film with the Carl Davis score? Knowing Criterion, we will probably get a new score by Jillian Anderson.

It's almost a given that Alloy Orchestra will have their scores for UNDERWORLD, and THE LAST COMMAND featured. Probably THE DOCKS OF NEW YORK too. Not really happy about that.

I don't have any info regarding scores, unfortunately. No, I haven't seen WM with the Carl Davis score. I'm sure it's a fine score, but the original is so lovely and so perfect for the film, and I'm so accustomed to its presence, that I'd surely find an alternate score inferior regardless of how good it may be. (Same situation for SUNRISE.)

There hasn't been any mention of CHILDREN via Criterion, sad to say. I'm dying to see it, but the opportunity hasn't yet come about. EXQUISITE SINNER, if it does exist, would be owned by Warners, which basically precludes it being released by a third party.

Gagman 66 · Post by **Gagman 66** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 3:19 pm

Danny,

Is there any word at all on WINGS? I thought they were making up a fresh Hi-Def transfer a year ago? And what about the Music?

Post by **Danny Burk** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 3:24 pm

Harlett O'Dowd wrote:My reaction is the exact opposite. I find the standard cut a hard slog to sit through, while the reconstruction makes the story make sense and makes the whole thing no quite so oppressive. Once you get past the prologue with McTeague's father - which is virtually all stills and explanatory titles - the reconstruction *plays* well for me as a film.

I hope Criterion includes a stills reconstruction of The Honeymoon for their Wedding March release.

I hope so too. BTW, anyone interested in the film should pick up a copy of Herman Weinberg's "The Complete Wedding March of Erich von Stroheim". It's loaded with stills from both WM and HONEYMOON, and fills in the reader on the missing stuff. I see that Amazon resellers have plenty of used copies, starting at a ridiculously cheap $3.43!

Post by **Danny Burk** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 3:25 pm

Gagman 66 wrote:Danny,

Is there any word at all on WINGS? I thought they were making up a fresh Hi-Def transfer a year ago? And what about the Music?

I haven't heard anything definite - just wishful thinking and rumors so far.

Gagman 66 · Post by **Gagman 66** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 3:36 pm

Danny,

Just release the Photoplay version already. But it will never happen. In all candor, I much prefer THE BIG PARADE to WINGS anyway. If it has to be through Warner Archive to see the restored version, So be it. But for God's sake, release it in time for this Christmas, not the next one. Put it on a Dual-Layer disc and charge a few extra bucks. Don't know about you, I could really care less about any Special features. I rarely ever watch those anyway.

Kevin2 · Post by **Kevin2** » Fri Oct 02, 2009 3:41 pm

Harlett O'Dowd wrote:
Kevin2 wrote:
You're right, different stokes.

I think the reconstruction is very nobel .
Does it deserve a prize?

Ah, tpyos....

Can I blame the wireless keyboard? Thought not....

Danny Burk wrote:

BTW, anyone interested in the film should pick up a copy of Herman Weinberg's "The Complete Wedding March of Erich von Stroheim". It's loaded with stills from both WM and HONEYMOON, and fills in the reader on the missing stuff. I see that Amazon resellers have plenty of used copies, starting at a ridiculously cheap $3.43!

His "The Complete Greed" is also worthwhile.