The Saphead Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Saphead" on Blu-ray, delivered in 1080p/AVC-encoded format, showcases a respectable fidelity to its source material - a 35mm nitrate print originally restored by renowned archivist Raymond Rohauer. Overseen by Kino Lorber's Brett Wood, the transfer adopts a hands-off approach, preserving the film's original visual integrity without extensive digital cleaning. This results in a transfer that retains the film's historical specks and scratches, offering viewers an authentic silent film experience. Notably, the image contains no evident edge enhancement or noise reduction, maintaining a natural grain structure that surpasses previous standard-definition releases with clarity and detailed resolution. The tinting varies from purple to bluish to classic black and white, with well-balanced contrast, deep blacks, and bright but not overblown highlights, enhancing the overall visual appeal.

However, not all aspects of this video presentation are without criticism. Despite being sourced from a fresh master, the transfer lacks evidence of a full digital restoration, reflecting Kino Lorber's practical yet economically conservative approach. The film, presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, exhibits visible scratches and white specks throughout, which might disappoint those hoping for a cleaner restoration. While the print remains impressive considering its 92-year-age, some sequences show slight blooming in highlights, though the overall contrast remains commendable. Deep shadows and precise gradation add to the visual depth, with excellent detailing in smaller background objects enhancing the viewing experience. Yet, when compared to the alternate version, preferences may sway depending on individual tastes regarding contrast and brightness.

This Blu-ray presentation of "The Saphead" leaves silent film aficionados with a beautifully authentic yet unpolished gem that carries the charm of its vintage origin while providing modern viewers substantial visual quality improvements over previous home video releases.

The audio presentation of "The Saphead" Blu-ray release is a standout, providing fans with excellent options to suit their preferences. The main score, composed and conducted by Robert Israel, is featured in both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround and Linear PCM 2.0 stereo tracks. Israel's orchestral music masterfully complements the onscreen action without overpowering it, creating an engaging viewing experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is particularly noteworthy for its front-centric design, with subtle use of rear channels for ambient bleeding, emulating the sensation of being in a large music hall. This lossless mix offers an enriched mid-range, clear instrument differentiation, and superb bass response, notably in piano and cello sequences.

In addition, an alternate cut of the movie is available in the extras menu, scored by Ben Model. This version features a solo-piano score in Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo. While the PCM track is clean and suitable, the DTS-HD Master Audio track provides a fuller and deeper auditory experience, enhancing the film's immersive quality without any distortion. Fans of live orchestration will especially appreciate the 5.1 lossless mix's ability to fill the room with a broad, engaging presence. Both high-resolution options offer excellent fidelity, but the DTS-HD track’s superior depth and weight make it a preferred choice for many viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "The Saphead" includes a wealth of high-quality extras that significantly enhance the viewer's appreciation of Buster Keaton's early work. The extras are expertly curated, providing both historical context and pure entertainment. Particularly noteworthy is the alternate version of the film, which showcases different takes and camera angles and features a distinct piano score by Ben Model. This edition also offers insightful commentary through a brief documentary on the differences between the two "Saphead" versions and a rare audio recording of Keaton at a 1962 party. The montage of Keaton's pratfalls and stunts delivers a dynamic glimpse into his technical prowess, while the collection of vaudeville-era images adds a personal touch.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Saphead - Alternate Version: An alternate cut showcasing variant takes and camera angles with a unique piano score by Ben Model.
• A Pair of Sapheads: A brief documentary highlighting differences between the two versions, narrated by Brett Wood.
• Buster Keaton: Life of the Party: A rare reel-to-reel audio recording from a 1962 home party with Keaton entertaining guests.
• Why They Call Him Buster: A promotional montage of pratfalls and stunts created for the Kino release of Lost Keaton.
• Gallery: Sixteen images from Keaton's early vaudeville days.

"The Saphead" is an intriguing study of early Buster Keaton, more a vehicle that starred him than a film embodying his iconic brand of comedy. Adapted from the Broadway play "The Henrietta" and modernized from its 1887 setting, "The Saphead" introduced audiences to Keaton's leading-man appeal. Critics of the era praised Keaton's quiet, deadpan humor, likening it to a mental minus sign against the broader comedy styles of the time. While the film itself is a quaint melodrama lacking in plot dynamism, it offers an early glimpse of Keaton’s developing screen persona known as The Great Stone Face, which he would quintessentially finesse in later works like "Sherlock Jr." and "The General."

Set against the backdrop of the 1920s Wall Street boom, the narrative involves Keaton's character, Bertie Van Alstyne, a well-meaning but naïve layabout navigating familial and financial misadventures. William H. Crane plays Bertie's wealthy financier father, bringing a dignified contrast to Bertie's bumbling antics. Though primarily a straight role that gives Keaton fewer opportunities to display his slapstick genius, he manages to imbue his character with a unique blend of innocence and earnestness. The climax at the stock exchange is particularly notable, showcasing a frenetic sequence of trading floor chaos where Keaton's physical comedy shines briefly yet brilliantly.

Directed by Herbert Blaché and Winchell Smith, "The Saphead" suffers somewhat from underutilizing Keaton's talents but compensates with effective editing that keeps scenes fluid and engaging. The film’s highlight undeniably is the concluding mayhem in the stock exchange, where Keaton’s impeccable timing and acrobatic spontaneity reveal glimpses of his iconic future roles. While not among Keaton’s masterpieces, "The Saphead" remains an essential viewing for silent film enthusiasts and serves as a historical piece marking the onset of Keaton's illustrious career in cinema.

Buster Keaton's first feature, "The Saphead," is notable for its departure from his typical style – it leans more towards melodrama than comedy and lacks the physical humor synonymous with his later works. Despite Keaton's limited creative input into the production, the film holds historical significance as it launched his illustrious career. Although the story itself is not extraordinary, several scenes effectively exhibit Keaton's burgeoning comic talent. As is consistent with Kino-Lorber's Buster Keaton releases, this Blu-ray edition shines with a high-definition transfer that remains true to the original print's condition, coupled with a lossless audio score by Robert Israel.

"The Saphead," adapted from Bronson Howard’s popular Broadway play, is a charming comedy that introduces audiences to Keaton in a feature-length format. While this film doesn't fully capture the ingenuity that would later define Keaton's work, it provides glimpses of his unique comedic style that would catapult him to stardom. The Blu-ray offers a solid high-definition presentation that, while possibly not on par with extensively restored classics, delivers a commendable visual experience. The audio quality is equally impressive, providing a crisp listening experience that complements the on-screen action.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "The Saphead" is a valuable addition to any silent film collection and a must-have for Buster Keaton aficionados. The included supplements, such as an alternate cut and a rare audio recording of Keaton entertaining friends, add great value to the package. Highly recommended for both historical significance and the quality of the Blu-ray presentation.