Birth of a Nation, The

Synopsis: D.W. Griffith’s 1915 silent epic tells the story of the American Civil War from the point of view of two families who find themselves on opposing sides in the conflict. The film’s coarsely racist narrative, coupled with Griffith’s use of groundbreaking cinematic techniques has ensured that ever since its release The BIRTH OF A NATION has been the site of controversy and made it an inescapable and troubling landmark in film history.

Eureka’s release contains a wealth of additional material, visual and textual, to set the film properly in its context. Extras include a short archival introductions to the film by D. W. Griffith and Walter Huston; newly rediscovered original intermission sequence and 1930 re-release title sequence and seven Civil War shorts directed by Griffith: IN THE BORDER STATES (1910); THE HOUSE WITH CLOSED SHUTTERS (1910); THE FUGITIVE (1910); HIS TRUST (1910); HIS TRUST FULFILLED (1910); SWORDS AND HEARTS (1911); and THE BATTLE (1911).
Series: Masters of Cinema
Language: English
Country: United States
Year of production: 1915
Notes: Also available on Blu-Ray [£19.99; catalogue number EKA 70107]
Subjects: Film studies
Keywords: American civil war; film directors; Griffith, D.W. (1875-1948); Ku Klux Klan; silent films; history of the USA; racism

Director

Producer

Cast

Name: Eureka Entertainment
Email: info@eurekavideo.co.uk
Web: http://www.eurekavideo.co.uk/ External site opens in new window
Phone: 020 8459 8054
Fax: 020 8459 5162
Address: Unit 9, Ironbridge Close
Great Central Way
London
NW10 OUF
Notes: An independent distributor specialising in releasing classic and early/silent films on DVD, including the Masters of Cinema curated collection of classic and world cinema. Sale via retail outlets.

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British Universities Film & Video Council