This review only applies to the Kino Video VHS release. However, as far as I know, it's the only release currently available in the U.S.
Okay, it's a silent movie, I know. However, it's clearly designed to be shown with musical accompaniment. Kino Video didn't have, couldn't find, or didn't like the original score, so they cobbled up their own. The Kino accompaniment is horrible, an aimless composition thrown together without inspiration. It fails to follow the pace or drama of the movie, repeats like a synth loop (with little gaps/dropouts), and is pointlessly frenetic. There are times when frenetic is good in a silent film score, BUT NOT THE WHOLE MOVIE! The net result is that the score seriously detracts from the movie. Turning off the sound is a good option, but it only makes you more aware of how much this movie needs, and deserves, accompaniment.
Okay, it's a silent movie, I know. However, it's clearly designed to be shown with musical accompaniment. Kino Video didn't have, couldn't find, or didn't like the original score, so they cobbled up their own. The Kino accompaniment is horrible, an aimless composition thrown together without inspiration. It fails to follow the pace or drama of the movie, repeats like a synth loop (with little gaps/dropouts), and is pointlessly frenetic. There are times when frenetic is good in a silent film score, BUT NOT THE WHOLE MOVIE! The net result is that the score seriously detracts from the movie. Turning off the sound is a good option, but it only makes you more aware of how much this movie needs, and deserves, accompaniment.