DVD Corner

The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse Blu-ray Review

“The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse” is a grand silent film.

Based on the novel of the same name and adapted for the screen by June Mathis, 1921’s “The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse” is an epic silent film. The story begins in Argentine where we are introduced to a wealthy landowner (Madariaga). The Argentinian has 2 son-in-laws- Marcelo (a Frenchman) and Karl (a German). As time passes, Madariaga has grown quite fond of Marcelo’s youthful party animal son Julio, but when he passes away, the extended family goes their separate ways. Marcelo and his family head to Paris while Karl and his family travel back to Germany.

In Paris, Julio is working as an artist. He falls for a woman named Marguerite who already happens to be married. Marguerite’s husband decides to divorce her which gives the two young lovers a chance to be together. Just as that is about to happen, WWI breaks out. The war winds up pitting the two families against one another. Julio goes off to war, Marcelo’s home becomes occupied by Germans, Julio and Marguerite’s love affair is torn apart by war, and that’s just scratching the surface.

While it might not have the same legacy as say the D.W. Griffith silent epics, “The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse” is nonetheless a crowning achievement in silent film cinema filled with impressive production values, massive sets, lavish costumes, and big set pieces. Director Rex Ingram helmed a sweeping epic/war film that hits hard with its anti-war messages. Sure, it’s not exactly subtle with the titular metaphors and the script lacks a clear perspective from Karl and his sons (it’s almost all about Marcelo and Julio), but the narrative is still impactful in its depiction of how war tears apart families, countries, and even love.

As many film buffs will know, ‘Four’ is perhaps most notable for being one of Rudolph Valentino’s most acclaimed roles. His introduction during the tango dance made women swoon across the globe. Granted, it’s all rather tame by today’s standards, but at the time, it was a big deal. His role as Julio is also arguably one of the best of his career. Other standouts here include Josef Swickard (Marcelo) and Alice Terry (Marguerite). 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? Digitally remastered from the 1993 restoration, this is an astonishing print that offers up gorgeous image clarity. It’s such a treat to see so many silent film classics like this getting mindblowing transfers in the past decade or so.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The Carl Davis score sounds crisp and clear.

No extras.

April 2, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Rudolph Valentino, Silent Film, The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse Blu-ray Review, Warner Archive