Pandora's Box (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

G. W. Pabst, one of the early masters of German cinema, appeared to have an innate talent for discovering talented actresses. Perhaps none of his female stars shone brighter than Kansas native and former Ziegfeld girl Louise Brooks, whose legendary persona was defined by Pabst's lurid, controversial melodrama "Pandora's Box." Sensationally modern, the film follows the downward spiral of the fiery, brash, yet innocent showgirl Lulu, whose sexual vivacity has a devastating effect on everyone around her. Daring and stylish, "Pandora's Box" is one of silent cinema's great masterworks and a testament to Brooks's dazzling individuality.

The Blu-ray special edition features a new 2K digital restoration, four musical scores by Gillian Anderson, Dimitar Pentchev, Peer Raben, and Stéphan Oliva, and an audio commentary by film scholars Thomas Elsaesser and Mary Ann Doane. It also includes the documentary "Louise Brooks: Looking for Lulu" (1998) by Hugh Munro Neeley, the rare interview "Lulu in Berlin" (1971) with actor Louise Brooks, conducted by Richard Leacock and Susan Steinberg Woll, as well as interviews with Leacock and Michael Pabst, the director G. W. Pabst's son.

Additionally, the release includes an essay by critic J. Hoberman, notes on the scores, Kenneth Tynan's 1979 article "The Girl in the Black Helmet," and an article by Brooks on her relationship with Pabst. This comprehensive Blu-ray package offers a rich and insightful exploration of one of the most iconic and influential figures in silent cinema, Louise Brooks, and the masterful director who helped define her legacy, G. W. Pabst.

The Blu-ray special edition of "Pandora's Box" is a must-have for cinephiles and fans of classic film. It provides a deep dive into the making of this seminal work, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate the artistic and cultural significance of both the film and its remarkable leading lady. Through the wealth of supplementary materials, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the creative process, the historical context, and the lasting impact of this cinematic masterpiece.

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