The Beginnings of Horror cinema BY THE LAW New 4K Restoration & Limited Blu-ray A forgotten classic restored for the first time in 4K Synopsis In the far north of Alaska, gold miners discover a large deposit and exploit it. One day Michael Deini kills two of his companions to take over the mine. The Nilsen couple, who witnessed the killing, succeeds in neutralizing the assassin and ties him up. They decide to punish him for his crimes. An oppressive closed-door film by Lev Koulechov, one of the founders of Soviet cinematography By The Law (Dura Lex) is a very original and experimental work, both in its themes and in its form. Adapted from Jack London, the theme of the quest for gold is very far from the revolutionary subjects of the time. However, Lev Koulechov implements his cinematographic theories in the editing and acting and the film is fully integrated into the Soviet avant-garde. The conditions of shooting By The Law required the use of few sets. Koulechov had to take advantage of the natural elements. Thus, water in its general sense plays a very important role, to the point of becoming a real character having an impact on the protagonists.  The importance of water is clearly announced by the first shot; a general shot on a lake where a dog and finally a man appear. Water plays mainly five roles: presenting subjugation, humiliation, prison; nervousness and dizziness; death; its supremacy over man and its generosity. By The Law (Dura Lex) has never been released in blu-ray before. In 2023, thanks to a new 4K transfer from a 35 mm print, the first 4K restoration of Kulechov’s classic thriller became possible. Own the first 4K restoration of Lev Kulechov’s masterpiece with a new classical soundtrack by Laurent Pigeolet, pre-order your limited blu-ray today. The Beginnings of Horror cinema Koulechov's goal was to make a totally cinematographic film, using the means proper to this art, but from theatrical material: a single set and 5 actors. The scriptwriters wrote the adaptation in one night. The project was refused as well as the actress, judged not attractive enough. It was Alexandra Khoklova who nevertheless got the role.  Finally, the film was placed in the category of experimental films with a very low budget and was accepted. The two shareholders were roles held for free by former members of Kouleshov’s workshop. By The Law remains the Soviet film with the lowest budget. On its release, the film was immediately exported and was well-received by critics. Some film historians now believe that By The Law pre-configures Horror cinema. It could belong to the Survival Horror subgenre, announcing movies such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Cabin Fever. About the movie The most remarkable qualities of the film were the unity of style, the breath, the organic aspect of the work. Lev Koulechov had deeply felt his subject, which he was passionate about. The composition of the film was distinguished by its simplicity, its linear, classical aspect. The editing of scenes was so justified, it had such a precise inner rhythm, that the viewer did not notice it (just as he did not notice the artifice, the emphasis, the mechanical processes of other Koulechov’s films). An impression of classical simplicity and great mastery was given to the viewer by the figurative background of the film. Every frame was clear and immediately understandable, nothing superfluous would distract attention from the main action, lively, full of sunshine and air, without the aridity and schematism characteristic of “Mr. West and the Ray of Death. " - Lebedev, History of Soviet Silent Cinema.   New 4K restoration available on blu-ray and digital download It's happening on Indiegogo, only 7 days left!. Backers will receive a region free Blu-ray. The number of copies will depend of the number of backers but be sure it will be a very limited run. All  blu-rays will be produced and sent from Paris, France. It won’t be available elsewhere, it’s an Indiegogo exclusive. Secure your limited copy today,  be part of the restoration and have your name in the ending credits! New soundtrack The piano score will be performed by Belgian composer Laurent Pigeolet.  Pigeolet is a silent movie pianist but he's also a composer known for  his "extension" of Léos Janacek's Sonata 1/X/1905. His project to  rewrite and continue Janacek's work has gone around the world. Pigeolet also composed the music for our restorations of The Magician, L'Inferno and Warning Shadows. This new soundtrack will be recorded in Belgium. Listen to Laurent Pigeolet's work. www.indiegogo.com/projects/by-the-law-new-4k-restoration-and-blu-ray/x/3888969#/

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