The BFI’s final DVD release of 2012 is Fairy Tales: Early Colour Stencil films from Pathé on 3 December. Never seen on DVD before, each of the 25 silent films (ranging from 1 min to 16 mins long) has a newly commissioned soundtrack from recording artists with the leading experimental music label Touch.
Once upon a time, during the belle époque in Paris, a short-lived film form called scènes de feeries or fairy films, became popular. Made to appeal to young and old alike, the films recreated the theatrical spectacles of the age in jewel-like colours, featuring fantastical settings, dancing girls, mythical beasts, supernatural beings and a plethora of stage tricks.
Presented here with original hand-colouring, the new soundtracks by Touch recording artists feature contributions from such acclaimed composers as Chris Watson, BJ Nilsen, Hildur Gudnadóttir, Philip Jeck and Fennesz. Their music, at times elegant and playful, at times intense and challenging, combines with these beautiful images, in often surprising ways, to create a unique and unforgettable experience.
Enhanced by the techniques of the then-new medium of film, they give modern audiences a glimpse into the magical world of the 19th century theatre. This release should appeal to fans of Jan Švankmajer and Lotte Reiniger, or to anyone interested in early cinema or experimental film and music. An example is at the link above.
