Naxos DVD Video: The Plow that Broke the Plains and The River

Product Information

• UPC: 747313552153
• Product Type: DVD Video
• Genre: Documentary – Landmark American Films
• Language: Original (with newly recorded soundtracks)
• Format: DVD, Dual Layer Disc, NTSC, 4:3 Aspect Ratio
• Total Running Time: 112 minutes 20 seconds
• Region Code: No Region Coding (Worldwide)
• Publication Year: © 2007 Naxos Rights International Ltd

Overview

The Plow that Broke the Plains (1936) and The River (1937) are seminal documentary films by Pare Lorentz that redefined American cinema with their seamless blend of pictorial imagery, symphonic music, and poetic free verse. This DVD release presents these landmark films with newly recorded soundtracks of the classic scores by Virgil Thomson, re-created by the Post-Classical Ensemble Angel Gil-Ordóñez. These films not only document the spirit of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal but also stand as enduring examples of artistic innovation and social commentary.

Product Features

• Newly Recorded Soundtracks: Enjoy Virgil Thomson’s celebrated scores, re-created by the Post-Classical Ensemble Angel Gil-Ordóñez, offering a fresh, immersive audio experience.
• High-Quality Audio: Presented in both DTS Surround Sound and Dolby Digital 5.1 for a rich, dynamic sound experience.
• Special Features:Preservation of Cinematic Heritage: This DVD set not only revives the artistic vision of the original films but also provides valuable insights into their historical context and enduring influence on documentary filmmaking.
  • Interviews:
    • George Stoney on The Plow and The River (15:01)
    • George Stoney on The New Deal, The River, and Race (6:09)
    • Charles Fussell on Virgil Thomson (17:35)
    • Audio commentary: Virgil Thomson on his own work (7:15)

Interesting Facts

• Groundbreaking Aesthetics: Pare Lorentz’s films broke new ground by marrying evocative visuals with a symphonic musical approach, creating a cinematic language that was both innovative and deeply poetic.
• Ideological Impact: The films encapsulate the aspirations of the New Deal era, vividly portraying the struggles and resilience of the American people during a time of profound change.
• Critical Acclaim: Virgil Thomson’s scores have been widely praised, with notable figures such as Aaron Copland lauding the music for its frankness, simplicity, and personal touch.
• Enhanced Viewing Experience: The inclusion of interviews and behind-the-scenes insights enriches the viewer’s understanding of the films' artistic and historical significance.

Publishers

Published by Naxos Rights International Ltd. Support for this DVD was provided by The National Endowment for the Arts (USA), The American Film Institute, The Virgil Thomson Foundation (USA), and The MARPAT Foundation (USA).

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Hashtags

English:

#ThePlowThatBrokeThePlains #TheRiver #PareLorentzFilms #NaxosDVD #DocumentaryClassics #VirgilThomson #NewDealDocumentary #AmericanDocumentary