THE FAIRYTALES: EARLY COLOUR STENCIL FILMS - DVD

FAIRY TALES EARLY COLOUR STENCIL FIMS FROM PATHÉ

Once upon a time, during the belle époque in turn-of-the-century Paris, a short-lived film form called 'scènes de feeries'('fairy films') were produced in great number by the Pathé Frères company. In jewel-like colours the films recreated the theatrical spectacles of the age with their fantastical settings, dancing girls, mythical beasts, supernatural brings and a plethora of stage illusion enhanced by the trickery of the new medium of film. Made to appeal to young and old spectators alike, these gorgeous films offer modern audiences a fascinating glimpse into the magical world of the nineteen-century theatre.

Presented here with original hand-colouring, each film is accompanied with a newly-commissioned soundtrack composed by recording artists from the leading experimental music label Touch. Contributions from such acclaimed composers as Chris Watson, Fennesz, Hildur Guðnadóttir, Ryoji Ikeda, Philip Jeck, and BJNilsen combine with the beautiful images to create a unique and unforgettable experience.

Special features

• Newly commissioned scores by Touch artists, including Philip Jack, Fennesz and Chris Watson
• Au Pays de l'or (1908, 8 mins): a trip to the magical underground gold foundry of the dwarves
• Barbe-blue (1901, 11 mins): Georges Méliès telling of the Bluebeard tale with music by SAVX
• Little Red Riding Hood (1922, 8 mins): Anson Dyer's animation made for Hepworth Picture Plays with music by Rosy Parlane
• La Danse du diable(Sint-Lukas versions): nine alternative scores by students from Sint-Lukas Brussels University College of Art and Design
• Fully illustrated booklet with film notes and credits

France | 1902 -1908 | stencil-coloured, tinted, and black & white | silent with music | 156 minutes | DVD9 | Original aspect ratio 1.33:1 | Dolby Digital stereo audio (320kbps) | Region 2 DVD