Seven Chances Blu-ray Review

Kino's Blu-ray release of Buster Keaton's "Seven Chances" represents a high watermark for the studio's meticulous restorations. The comprehensive restoration headed by the Library of Congress brings the film into impressive sharpness, with source materials evidencing minimal damage. Viewers will notice fine high-definition detail in faces and costumes, underscored by a tonal balance that navigates deep blacks and bright whites without veering towards overblown contrasts. The picture exhibits an untouched film grain, with no signs of detrimental DNR or edge enhancement, preserving the original, authentic texture of the film.

The opening red/green Technicolor sequence, recalibrated frame-by-frame by historian and preservationist Eric Grayson, stands as a significant draw for silent film aficionados. Despite some evident damage such as a red flare caused by nitrate decomposition, the restoration's achievement is noteworthy, considering the original print's degraded state. Throughout the main black-and-white sections of the film, viewers will observe occasional minor age-related artifacts like white specks and scratches, all kept at a minimum to prevent distraction. Notably, the entire film has a slight sepia tint, lending an aesthetic consistency that trends away from pure black and white.

The image quality is characterized by exceptional depth and clarity. Exteriors crowded with brides illustrate remarkable object separation and detail visibility—elements such as textured walls and runaway boulders are vividly rendered. Moreover, despite the numerous challenges posed by preserving aged nitrate prints, this Blu-ray presentation maintains integrity by eschewing digital artifacts, ensuring a clean and enjoyable viewing experience.

The audio presentation of "Seven Chances" on Blu-ray features a masterfully crafted score by renowned silent movie composer Robert Israel. Available in both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Linear PCM 2.0 stereo, the ragtime-influenced score effectively complements the film's era. The 5.1 track is particularly notable for its ability to fill surround speakers, with the subwoofer providing an added layer of bass that enhances the overall sound quality. The music's authenticity is underscored by distinct instrument sounds, from the twinkling piano keys to the resonant bass, creating a dynamic auditory experience.

Notably, while the 5.1 track can inspire a more immersive environment, it remains anchored at the front, making it accessible even for those without a multi-speaker home theater setup. Regardless of the chosen format, the presentation remains clear and vibrant, though not excessively dynamic. Despite the modern technical enhancements, the score succeeds in remaining true to the film's original ambiance, providing a nostalgic but refreshed listening experience.

This release impressively captures the subtle nuances of Israel's orchestrations. The high-pitched flute and the commanding presence of the organ, especially during pivotal scenes such as Jimmie's encounter with the church women, showcase the audio track's excellent dynamics and pristine quality. While additional vintage audio options might have been appreciated by purists, this score serves its purpose admirably, presenting a lively and era-authentic soundtrack that engages contemporary audiences.

The extras included in the Blu-ray edition of "Seven Chances" provide a mixed bag, with some features far surpassing others. The commentary by Ken Gordon and Bruce Lawton falls disappointingly flat despite occasional insightful trivia, mainly consisting of redundant narration. On the positive side, "A Brideless Groom," a delightful Three Stooges short, and the intriguing 1904 Edison Company short, "How a French Nobleman Got a Wife Through the New York Herald Personal Columns," enrich the supplemental content significantly. John Bengtson’s "Tour of Filming Locations" is a standout, offering elaborate insights into the film's shooting locations, juxtaposing historic and modern-day visuals. Eric Grayson’s discussion on the restoration of the Technicolor Sequence is brief but informative, providing valuable technical details. Lastly, the stills gallery includes sixteen high-definition images, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Ken Gordon and Bruce Lawton: Fairly dry and repetitive, with minimal insightful content.
• A Brideless Groom: Entertaining Three Stooges short inspired by "Seven Chances."
• How a French Nobleman Got a Wife Through the New York Herald Personal Columns: Early Edison Company short with a prototype chase sequence.
• Tour of Filming Locations: Detailed analysis by John Bengtson, comparing historical and current images.
• About the Technicolor Sequence: Overview of restoration efforts by Eric Grayson.
• Stills Gallery: Sixteen high-definition production stills.

"Seven Chances", directed by and starring Buster Keaton, is a prime example of his timeless charm and ingenuity, even if the source material didn't initially inspire him. Originally based on a 1916 play, Keaton and his team expertly adapted the stage story for the screen through their signature visual gags and comedic timing. The film opens with a rare sequence shot in two-strip Technicolor, depicting the awkward yearlong courtship between Keaton's character, Jimmie Shannon, and Mary Jones (Ruth Dwyer). The narrative quickly shifts into high gear when Jimmie learns he will inherit $7 million, provided he's married by 7 p.m. on his 27th birthday—which happens to be that very day.

Despite its brief runtime of 56 minutes and relatively straightforward plot, the film is punctuated by Keaton’s masterful farce and physical comedy. Jimmie's desperate attempts to propose to multiple women, leading to a chaotic chase featuring hundreds of women in wedding dresses, display Keaton's impeccable timing and physical prowess. The sequence culminates in an exhilarating avalanche scene where Keaton dodges enormous papier-mâché boulders.

However, modern audiences may find some aspects problematic. The inclusion of racial stereotypes and blackface reflects the troubling attitudes of its time. Despite these uncomfortable segments, the film thrives on Keaton's ability to turn a mediocre story into a compelling and hilarious cinematic experience. His influence is evident in later action-comedy stars such as Jackie Chan. Overall, while "Seven Chances" may lack the ambition of Keaton's more renowned works, it remains a testament to his enduring legacy in silent cinema, offering laughs and thrills in equal measure.

Kino's Blu-ray release of Buster Keaton's "Seven Chances" exemplifies their continued excellence in preserving classic silent films. This latest endeavor not only rejuvenates one of Keaton's most underrated works but also brings it into the high-definition era with impressive clarity. The film's transfer showcases an exceptional restoration, highlighting Keaton's meticulous comic timing and innovative visual gags. Accompanied by a newly recorded score, the soundtrack significantly enhances the viewing experience, blending seamlessly with the visuals.

Enthusiasts of silent cinema will appreciate the supplementary content included with this release. Although the commentary track may lack some engagement, the additional features make up for it. Notably, there is a highly entertaining Three Stooges short that complements the main feature brilliantly. These extras provide valuable context and added enjoyment, helping to illustrate Keaton's enduring impact on comedy and filmmaking.

In conclusion, Kino's treatment of "Seven Chances" is a must-have for both avid fans and newcomers to Buster Keaton's legendary works. The Blu-ray package offers a compelling mix of technical prowess, historical significance, and sheer entertainment, making it an essential addition to any serious film collection. Highly recommended!