Kino Classics has officially announced and detailed its upcoming Blu-ray release of the landmark 1920 silent horror classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, adapted from the timeless Robert Louis Stevenson story and starring the great John Barrymore. The release will be available for purchase on January 28th.
Considered by many to be the first great American horror film, John S. Robertson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde allowed stage legend John Barrymore to deliver his first virtuoso performance on film. Blending historic charm with grim naturalism, this version is one of the more faithful of the many screen adaptations of Stevenson's story (though greatly influenced by T.R. Sullivan's popular stage treatment), recounting a visionary scientist's ill-fated attempts to unleash the human mysteries that dwell beneath the shell of the civilized self.
Mastered in HD from a 35mm negative, with a wealth of bonus material, this Kino Classics edition beautifully showcases the dramatic brilliance and gruesome thrills of this influential silent classic.
Special Features:
Mastered in HD from archival 35mm elements
Musical score compiled by Rodney Sauer, performed by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the 1912 Thanhouser version, starring James Cruze (12 min., courtesy of Film Preservation Associates)
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a 15-minute cut of the rival 1920 version, starring Sheldon Lewis and produced by Louis B. Mayer
"Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pride", a 1925 slapstick parody starring Stan Laurel
"The Transformation Scene", a rare 1909 audio recording
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