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| Judex (Deluxe Edition) | 
 enlarge | Director: Louis Feuillade
Actors: Rene Creste, Musidora, Rene Poyen, Edouard Mathe, Gaston Michel
Studio: Flicker Alley
Category: DVD
List Price: $39.95
Buy New: $28.75
You Save: $11.20 (28%)
New (22) Used (9) from $28.75
Avg. Customer Rating:  8 reviews
Sales Rank: 53431
Format: Black & White, Dolby, Dvd-video, Silent, Special Edition, Subtitled, Ntsc
Languages: English (Subtitled), English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 315
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.8
UPC: 617311672392
EAN: 0617311672392
ASIN: B0001Y4MJA
Theatrical Release Date: 1916
Release Date: June 1, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand new. Still in protective plastic.
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Amazon.com
Occupying a delicious place between Victorian melodrama and superhero comic books, Judex is one of the great serials from the career of French movie pioneer Louis Feuillade. From his castle lair high above the countryside, mystery man Judex (granite-faced Rene Creste) seeks to protect the lovely Jacqueline, while nursing a secret hatred for her fatcat father. Multiple kidnappings, assassination attempts, and narrow escapes follow; much of the mischief is orchestrated by wicked temptress Diana Monti (Musidora, the star of Feuillade's Les Vampires). There's also a delightfully overwhelmed detective (Marcel Levesque), who's a sort of prototype of Monsieur Clouseau, and a streetwise Artful Dodger known as the Licorice Kid. On DVD, the serial's 12 episodes and prologue are smartly tinted and feature a lively orchestral score by Robert Israel. Feuillade's use of real locations (both Paris and the Riviera figure prominently in the action) gives the film a realistic freshness that cuts wonderfully against the flamboyant plotline. When Feuillade's serials were re-discovered in the 1940s, they proved influential to a generation of filmmakers, and Georges Franju actually did a feature-length remake of Judex in 1963. Indeed, the figure of Judex remains a powerful fantasy protector: his secret lair, his disguises, his complete moral authority (although a cynic might point out that he doesn't always do a good job of protecting his ladylove--but then there'd be no cliffhangers). For all intents and purposes, Judex is Batman. He even has the cape. --Robert Horton
Description
Flicker Alley presents JUDEX, an important part of cinema history now available for the first time. This remarkably inventive and dreamlike French serial by the great Louis Feuillade represents a highlight in French filmmaking and has inspired generations filmmakers since its first release in 1917. One of cinema's first "superheroes," the mysterious Judex (Rene Creste) is torn between an oath of justice against the wealthy banker Favraux (Louis Leubas), who had earlier wronged his family, and his secret love of Favraux's daughter, Jacqueline (Yvette Andreyor). This framework is the basis of a series of extraordinary and engaging incidents involving Judex's brother (Edouard Mathe), the evil Diana Monti (Musidora) and her accomplices, the detective Cocatin (Marcel Levesque), and the charming Licorice Kid (Bout-de-Zan), all of them regular players in Feuillade's grand tapestries. Enjoy this brand new digital edition of what the Village Voice declared as "one of the most lithe, charming, inventive, and supplely paced serials ever made." DVD Features: • The most complete version of the film currently available presented in its entirety in a newly tinted film transfer • A brand new English language translation • A new digitally recorded orchestral score by the renowned silent film composer Robert Israel Special Bonus Features: • New booklet essay by noted film historian Jan-Christopher Horak • The Music of Judex - Robert Israel discusses his process For creating the music score in an 18-minute featurette Credits: Directed by Louis Feuillade Screenplay by Arthur Bernede and Louis Feuillade Cinematography by Andre Glatti and Leon Klausse Production Design by Robert-Jules Garnier Original Serial released by Gaumont Co. Ltd., France (1917) Cast: Rene Creste, Edouard Mathe, Musidora, Yvette Andreyor, Marcel Levesque, Louis Leubas, Jean Devalde, Rene Poyen, Gaston Michel, Yvonne Dario, Olinda Mano, Georges Flateau, Lily Deligny, Juliette Clarens
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| Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
Feuillade's Masterpiece. June 2, 2004
43 out of 45 found this review helpful
As a long time fan of silent films I was familiar with JUDEX from a number of reference books and from the 1963 remake by Georges Franju which is not without interest and should also be revived. Therefore it was an unexpected pleasure to discover that Flicker Alley (the people who gave us GARDEN OF EDEN with Corinne Griffith a few years back) in conjunction with Turner Classic Movies was issuing a newly restored version of the original 1916 version. Louis Feuillade (1873-1925) was the undisputed master of the movie serial. He took what was regarded as the cheapest form of cinematic entertainment and turned it into an art form. Although not as erotic or as violent as LES VAMPIRES his previous effort, JUDEX benefits from a tighter storyline, more fully developed characters, and some of the most remarkable photography to come out of that era. The plot is simple and is basically a reworking of THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. A young man plans to avenge himself against the unscrupulous banker who ruined his family but his plans are compromised when he falls in love with the banker's daughter. The complete film runs over 5 hours and is divided into 12 chapters. While each episode doesn't end in a cliffhanger like most American serials, the storyline is intriguing enough that you'll want to keep going just to see how it all works out. The performances by the French cast are restrained by silent film standards and use a great deal of subtle pantomime which is very effective. The real star however is the photography. Feuillade uses a mostly stationary camera but the compositions of his shots and what he does within them especially in the outdoor scenes is truly remarkable. It is easy to see why he was known as the D. W. Griffith of France. The film has been color tinted to 1916 standards and features superb musical accompaniment from Robert Israel which ranges from solo piano to orchestral. While I haven't seen FANTOMAS which is not available in the U. S. but judging from what I've read about it and from LES VAMPIRES which is available, I'd have to say that JUDEX is Feuillade's masterpiece. Another winner from Flicker Alley, this DVD is an absolute must for all silent film buffs and to anyone interested in the cinema of crime.
An Enduring Classic January 21, 2005
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I don't suppose I'd ever heard of this film a year or two ago, and yet now it's one of my all time favorites. "Judex" is as good as movie-making gets. It is a serial-- over five hours of it-- and yet, unlike every other serial I've seen, it is a coherent and powerful story. It might be better to compare it to a television mini-series, only I've never seen one of those this good. "Judex" held my interest every step of the way, and has so retained its charm with me that I've already watched the whole thing a number of times. The acting and cinematography are both excellent. The accompanying music by Robert Israel is superb; I wish I had that on CD. As far as the DVD presentation, the film is not restored, but is supposedly the best quality available. There are some weak spots, but the film is always watchable, and usually looks pretty good. The tinting is visually pleasing and enhances the appropriate scenes. "Judex" would have been worth twice what I paid for it. I recommend it wholeheartedly. If I don't watch myself I'll end up starting a "Judex" fan club!
Absolutely one the best of any movie/serial. May 3, 2005
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I agree wholeheartedly with J. Sims and Chip Kaufmann. This serial is excellent in plot, music, and cinematography. Also the acting in most instances is very good and natural and not the stereotypical exaggerated facial and body motions that some people associate with silent movies. I am an ardent silent movie fan and also a serial fan and to me this is absolutely one of the best of any genre I have ever seen (including most "talkies"). In addition, it is great to see competent women able to do difficult things (e.g., Miss Daisy Torp who is an excellent swimmer and can climb into ships very well). Finally, I believe that Rene Creste who plays Judex is one of the best looking leading men of that era (or of even later eras, particularly when you can see him without the heavy dark eye makeup).
A captivating and enchanting viewing experience May 13, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is an exceptionally outstanding 2-DVD set which already rates highly just for its presentation of excellent notes and an informative 20-minute documentary on the making of the musical score, but this unusual French serial already stands alone as a great work of early cinema deserving all five stars. Made during my favourite period of the silent era, namely the mid to late 1910s, "Judex" strikes me as being far ahead of other films made in the same year, not to mention something of a novelty because silent serials like these are unfortunately quite rare for us today. The 12 episodes, along with a prologue and an epilogue, run for over five hours but it feels like just over one hour because the story is so interesting and the scenes move along at just the right pace to hold the viewer's attention from the very start all the way through each exciting episode. Director Louis Feuillade had already been successful with a similar serial a year earlier, namely "Les Vampires" which is also compelling viewing, but in some ways "Judex" is more elegant and refined, and as far as plots and suspenseful storytelling are concerned, it could still complete with modern-day serials like "24", in my opinion. For anyone tiring of contemporary themes with all its true-to-life horrors, "Judex" is the perfect escape into another world without terrorism and nuclear warfare, where well-dressed people living in grand homes drove gorgeous vintage cars when they were still brand new. The only echo of real life perhaps is the pivot character Favreau, an unscrupulous banker who ruined many people's lives. Unlike the real world, however, a mysterious character called Judex arises to avenge those victims, and as in all first-class stories, the identity of Judex and his real motives are only gradually revealed half way through the fascinating sequence of events. All characters were no doubt carefully chosen and played their roles very convincingly, such as the female villain who continually foils Judex's plans for her own personal gain. Such a fiendish character in the form of an attractive young woman might already surprise some viewers who think that all such women of the silent era were meek, romantic and harmless. But my favourite characters are the two charming and delightful young child actors, especially `the Licorice Kid' whose style is both natural and very professional at the same time. Although serious overall, there is a romantic and somewhat surreal feel to the whole film, along with subtle humour mostly in the form of the private investigator with a very big nose. "Judex" also strikes the right balance between relationships, action and the triumph of goodness and justice, while at the same time taking the viewer on a most enthralling ride through France of 1916. Beautifully restored with colour tinting, this serial is perfectly complemented with a high standard classical music accompaniment arranged by Robert Israel, who talks about the making of this score in the bonus feature documentary in this DVD set. More than just an essential part of any good silent film collection, I'm sure that "Judex" would also be enjoyed by the general viewer looking for an escapist adventure to another world and time but still containing all the essential ingredients of an entertaining and satisfying cinema experience.
Amazing! May 6, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
What an amazing movie! It's hard to believe that it was created almost 90 years ago. I would also highly recommend the 5-movie 2-DVD Fantomas set available in region 2 from amazon.fr mentioned in another review. Simply amazing!
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