Although part of the large scale GARBO:THE SIGNATURE COLLECTION featuring 7 of her 1930’s films, THE GARBO SILENTS is available seperately for the silent film enthusiast or for those who don’t want to purchase the whole package. It joins the sets of Buster Keaton and Lon Chaney films released earlier by TCM Archives. As with those sets the production values are high, the extras plentiful, and the set offered at a reasonable price considering what it contains.
I do however have a few issues with this new release. First up is the exclusion of the new documentary GARBO from this set (it’s part of THE SIGNATURE COLLECTION). It is listed as being included according to the TCM website but instead there’s a documentary on the recent rescoring of the movies by a group of young composers. While that is interesting and important, the documentary on Garbo is more important and would get more people to buy the set. The packaging is annoying too with two of the three films presented on a double sided DVD although I suppose it does keep the price down.
Then there’s the choice of films. I’m sure every Garbo fan has something to say about this. I would love to have seen WOMAN OF AFFAIRS included as I think that remains one of her very best silents with fine work from a young Douglas Fairbanks Jr. I also wish that they could have used the tinted print for THE MYSTERIOUS LADY that was used for the VHS release since the quality of this print is no better than that one which had damage issues. The musical accompaniment for this edition is much better than the old release and overall it’s up to TCM’s high standards.
While not the best of her silents FLESH AND THE DEVIL still remains electrifying thanks to the chemistry between her and John Gilbert and the glorious photography of William Daniels. THE MYSTERIOUS LADY is fun with the courtmartial scene a standout and Garbo a knockout in every frame. THE TEMPTRESS gives us a look at Garbo at the start of her American career. Perhaps these films were chosen because she has a different leading man in each one or to give Garbo fans something to argue about.
Nevertheless it’s great to have Garbo back where she belongs, up there on the silver screen even if its a lot smaller and not nearly as silver as it used to be. Thanks to TCM Archives for once again bringing us the good stuff from the M-G-M vaults. Keep those silent titles coming.
The Capsule Critic 