DVD. Feature film.n Dir. by Sergei Eisenstein. Music by Pro kofiev. russian w/ Engl. subtitles. B&W. 107 min. Dolby dig. mono.
Prince Alexander Nevsky rallies his forces to prevent the Teutonic Knights of Germany from overtaking Russia in 1250. This classic epic is generally considered an allegory meant to raise Soviet fervor against the soon-to-invade Nazi troops.
Nikolai Cherkassov stars as the legenday Alexander Nevsky in Sergei Eisenstein's masterpiece of propaganda, made with the assistance of Stalin, to stir up Soviet audiences in anticipation of a Nazi invasion. Withdrawn from release after the signing of the Hitler-Stalin pact in 1939, it returned to Russian theaters in 1941, following the commencement of hostilities. The film is set in 13th-century Russia, as the religious brotherhood of the Teutonic Knights runs rampant throughout the land. Following the brutal sack of the city of Pskov, the people of Novgorod must decide if they will fight the invaders or, like other cities, bribe them to obtain peace. Opting to fight, they call on their greatest military leader, Alexander Nevsky, who is still recuperating with his troops from defeating the Swedish army. The historic battle on the frozen surface of Lake Peipus, pitting the peasant army of Nevsky against the better-equipped German force, is one of the most impressive spectacles in film history, a visual symphony of mutual slaughter as powerful now as on the day of its release. Because of Eisenstein's use of linkage--seamless Hollywood-style editing rather than intellectual montage--and Prokofiev's evocative, rhythmically inventive score, ALEXANDER NEVSKY might be the most accessible of his films.
B&W; Mono Sound; Dolby Noise Reduction; Digital Sound
Alexander Nevsky Movie Review
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Average Rating: (3 out of 5 stars)
1938 Nevsky....What a Great Sound Track!! The Eisenstein film "Alexander Nevsky" has always been said to be a classic, but to me without the music of Prokofiev, this probably would have been a forgotten film. The acting is straight out of vaudville with the exception of Nikolai Cherkassov who plays a really wonderful Nevsky. While this was Eisenstein's first "talky" the acting is what we would have seen in the era of 1910-25. But, be that as it may be, I can heartily recommend this DVD for the story, the action, and most particularly for the music. If you know the music you certainly need to see the film. If you don't know the music you are missing a great deal, and could acquaint yourself with both the film and the music for only $19.95 plus shipping (No...I don't work for CDUniverse!). Buy the DVD for heaven's sake!!! Submitted by Poppynogood (Iowa City, IA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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Alexander Nevsky DVD
Alexander Nevsky DVD Features
Director Sergei Eisenstein's epic "Alexander Nevsky" features some of the most beautiful imagery ever put on film, a majestic music score by Prokifiev and a dazzling, climactic battle on a frozen lake.
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