I am about to say something that may shock some readers. The movie "The Jazz Singer", though super-important historically, is not a particularly enjoyable film if you see it today. I know back in 1927 it made a huge splash and revolutionized the motion pictures, but today it all seems very, very dated and clichéd. Plus, the sound in this 'Talkie' was only used here and there--most of the film was still a silent. However, regardless of my opinion about the watchability of this film, I strongly recommend you buy the DVD set because of all the wonderful extras--two disks of them. One of the most interesting was "The Dawn of Sound"--a wonderful history of sound in the movies.
Why did I like it so much? Well, I am a huge film history buff and I always thought that there were only a couple sound films (all shorts) before "The Jazz Singer". However, this documentary shows clips of many experimental sound films. Plus, it turns out the history of sound in films is much, much older than I thought. I had thought sound was first experimented on with films in the early 1920s--but in reality, a primitive sound system was synchronized with a film as early as the 1890s!! Fascinating interviews, tons and tons of great footage and excellent direction make this one of the best made and informative shows I've ever seen. Truly a must for film fans!
Why did I like it so much? Well, I am a huge film history buff and I always thought that there were only a couple sound films (all shorts) before "The Jazz Singer". However, this documentary shows clips of many experimental sound films. Plus, it turns out the history of sound in films is much, much older than I thought. I had thought sound was first experimented on with films in the early 1920s--but in reality, a primitive sound system was synchronized with a film as early as the 1890s!! Fascinating interviews, tons and tons of great footage and excellent direction make this one of the best made and informative shows I've ever seen. Truly a must for film fans!