Buster Keaton new 4k restorations the Masters of cinema series box set Sherlock.
Between 1920 and 1929, Buster Keaton created a peerless run of feature films that established him as "arguably the greatest actor-director in the history of the movies". Collected here are three key films from that era; Sherlock Jr., The General and Steamboat Bill, Jr. Together they represent a true master at his peak, and The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present all three films from stunning new 4K restorations available for the first time on Blu-ray anywhere in the world.
Sherlock Jr. (1924) A film projectionist (and amateur detective) offers to solve the case of a missing watch, but is instead framed for the crime himself. Desperate to clear his name, the projectionist dreams of being the great Sherlock Jr., and in one of cinemas most iconic sequences, literally steps into the screen to bring his fantasies to life.
The General (1926) When union spies steal his locomotive (along with his girlfriend), a plucky railway engineer pursues them doggedly across enemy lines. Containing one of the most memorable chase sequences in the history of filmmaking, The General is widely considered to be Keaton s masterpiece.
Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928) A steamboat captain receives a telegram informing him that his son who he has not seen for many years will be coming to visit. Eagerly expecting a strapping young lad who will help him compete with his arch-rival, he is disappointed with the effete progeny that instead shows up. Best remembered for its climactic cyclone sequence in which Keaton performs a number of death-defying stunts whilst an entire town is destroyed around him, Steamboat Bill, Jr. was Buster Keaton s last independent silent comedy and also one of his finest.
BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:
3 x Blu-ray discs plus 60-page book all housed in a hardbound slipcase
1080p presentations of all three films from stunning new 4K restorations
Audio commentary on Sherlock Jr. by film historian David Kalat
A new video interview with film scholar Peter Kramer discussing The General
Buster Keaton: The Genius Destroyed by Hollywood (52 mins) - A new documentary on Keaton and his struggles working within the Hollywood studio system
Buster Keaton on Wagon Train (58 mins) - an audio recording of a then 63 year old Buster Keaton in conversation with television writer Bill Cox.
Sherlock Jr. - Original Music Score by Timothy Brock
Sherlock Jr.. - Tour of Filming Locations featurette
Sherlock Jr. - Movie Magic & Mysteries featurette
The General - Original Music Score by Carl Davis
The General - Tour of Filming Locations featurette
The General - Video Tour featurette
The General - Home Movie Footage
The General - Introduction by Orson Welles
The General - Introduction by Gloria Swanson
Steamboat Bill, Jr - Original Music Score by Carl Davis
Steamboat Bill, Jr . - A video essay on the making of the film
PLUS: A 60-PAGE BOOK featuring a new essay by Philip Kemp; notes on each film; archival writings; Keaton Family Scrapbook, a selection of Keaton family photographs generously supplied by friends of the Keaton family and a stunning array of archival images
PRESS:
" [Keaton's films] have such a graceful perfection, such a meshing of story, character and episode, that they unfold like music" Roger Ebert
Review
"Buster Keaton is one of the very greatest filmmakers ever to get behind a camera" -- BFI
"Buster Keaton's timeless 1926 silent The General is the perfect chase movie…See it and gasp" - -- Time Out
"It's hard to imagine Keaton's 1926 masterpiece (The General) ever becoming so dated it ceases to be utterly enjoyable" - -- The Sunday Times