Win a copy of newly-restored BEHIND THE DOOR (1919) Blu-Ray/DVD
Flicker Alley is sponsoring a giveaway and I’m thrilled to be co-hosting it along with an impressive group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word on classic movies. The giveaway is for the newly restored WWI drama, Behind the Door (1919) set to be released by Flicker Alley in a Dual-Format Edition Blu-ray/DVD on April 4, 2017. Behind the Door is directed by Irvin Willat, stars Hobart Bosworth, Jane Novak and Wallace Beery and you’ll not soon forget it!
The great Kevin Brownlow, referred to Behind the Door as “the most outspoken of all vengeance films.” At approximately 70 minutes this Flicker Alley release represents the most complete version of the film available since 1919, thanks to the collaboration of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, the Library of Congress, and Gosfilmofond of Russia. Although specs usually go over my head I’ll add that the video resolution is 1080p. Not only do I understand what that actually means, but it deserves mention because the transfer is stunning.
Hobart Bosworth as Oscar Krug
Produced by Thomas Ince, Behind the Doortells the story of Oscar Krug (Bosworth), a blue-collar American who’s persecuted after people learn of his German surname during WWI. Driven by patriotism, Krug enlists and goes to sea. Tragedy strikes when his wife, Jane (Novak) sneaks aboard his ship and is captured. Krug’s single-minded quest for vengeance against the sadistic German submarine commander (played to villainous perfection by Beery in what may well be my favorite of his performances) leads to the film’s shocking and brutal climax.
Sourced from the only two known remaining prints and referencing a copy of Willat’s original continuity script, this edition recreates the original color tinting scheme and features a new score composed and performed by Stephen Horne. Flicker Alley is honored to present Behind the Door on Blu-ray and DVD for the first time ever.
The Blu-ray/DVD Bonus Materials Include:
Russian version of Behind the Door: The re-edited and re-titled version of the film that was distributed in Russia, with musical accompaniment by Stephen Horne
Outtakes from Behind the Door: Featuring music composed and performed by Stephen Horne
“Restoring Irvin Willat’s Behind the Door”: A behind-the-scenes look at the restoration
“Kevin Brownlow, Remembering Irvin Willat”: An in-depth interview with renowned historian and honorary Academy Award® winner Kevin Brownlow on the career of director Irvin Willat
Slideshow gallery of stills and promotional material fromBehind the Door
Souvenir Booklet: Featuring rare photographs and essays by film historian Jay Weissburg, film restorer Robert Byrne, and composer Stephen Horne
Enter the win!
One lucky winner will receive a copy of Behind the Door (1919) on Dual-Format Edition Blu-ray/DVD from Flicker Alley! The giveaway is open to residents of U.S./Canada and runs from April 4, 2017 through April 12, 2017.
All you have to do is leave a comment below stating which previous Flicker Alley release you recommend or are dying to get your hands on. Then fill out the entry form available in the following link. GOOD LUCK!
I recently bought The Mack Sennett Collection Vol. 1 from Flicker Alley. This one is definitely worth picking up; it includes a wide variety of comedies Sennett helmed. Good stuff!
I’ve been pretty happy with Flicker Alley in general. Their collection “Douglas Fairbanks: A Modern Musketeer” (which I’ve watched on Vimeo) is a particular standout for me.
I think I would like Too Late for Tears with Lizabeth Scott. I thought it was a really interesting film noir that showed off her talents as an actress, rather than being just a beauty.
I was hoping for “Children of Divorce” for Christmas…….or at least for my February birthday. Family missed this one, I will have to buy it for myself. I saw “Children of Divorce” at Capitolfest in Rome NY last August ( a 300 mile trip each way for me, but well worth it – I highly recommend everyone going to it each August). I loved “Children of Divorce” when they showed it….who wouldn’t with that cast! I will be buying it for myself, because I need to see it again!
I go to Capitolfest every year!!! I too saw Children of Divorce there last year and got the Flicker Alley bluray as a result. It looks fantastic! Highly recommend it.
Once upon a screen... 
Sergei Eisenstein’s Strike is one release I definitely recommend. Such a great film!
Oooooh! I’ve never seen that! Thanks.
I recently bought The Mack Sennett Collection Vol. 1 from Flicker Alley. This one is definitely worth picking up; it includes a wide variety of comedies Sennett helmed. Good stuff!
I have that set and concur! It’s terrific! 🙂
I recommend Chaplin’s Essanay Comedies.
Already on my list so thanks for the confirmation. Then again, did Chaplin ever miss a step?! 🙂
I’ve been pretty happy with Flicker Alley in general. Their collection “Douglas Fairbanks: A Modern Musketeer” (which I’ve watched on Vimeo) is a particular standout for me.
I put that one on my Christmas list this past year, but anyone and everyone who asked didn’t even know what I was talking about.
Sounds amazing!
Getting more and more curious to see this movie. And it’s getting a little harder and harder to avoid the plot summaries.
Yikes! I bet! I tried to keep it to a minimum.
I think I would like Too Late for Tears with Lizabeth Scott. I thought it was a really interesting film noir that showed off her talents as an actress, rather than being just a beauty.
I was hoping for “Children of Divorce” for Christmas…….or at least for my February birthday. Family missed this one, I will have to buy it for myself. I saw “Children of Divorce” at Capitolfest in Rome NY last August ( a 300 mile trip each way for me, but well worth it – I highly recommend everyone going to it each August). I loved “Children of Divorce” when they showed it….who wouldn’t with that cast! I will be buying it for myself, because I need to see it again!
I go to Capitolfest every year!!! I too saw Children of Divorce there last year and got the Flicker Alley bluray as a result. It looks fantastic! Highly recommend it.
Wow! You have me at “You’ll not soon forget it!” I purchased Woman on the Run (1950) & Too Late for Tears (1949)
I really want to get my hands on the William Gillette Sherlock Holmes.
I’ve been wanting to get my hands on that William Gillette Sherlock Holmes silent.
Me too!
Has there been a winner announced for the Flicker Alley contest?
The contest ends tomorrow (4/12). Be sure to check the Flicker Alley page for updates and announcements.
Between this, “Children of Divorce,” and the Avant-garde sets, Flicker Alley has my viewership busy for the next few weeks!
Agreed!!