Early Cinema: Primitives and Pioneers (DVD)

Collection of 59 short films from the earliest days of cinema, preserved in the BFI archives and including such groundbreaking classics as Edwin S. Porter's 'The Great Train Robbery' (1903), the first film to use crosscuts and close ups to progress the narrative, as well as George Mèliés' fantastical 'Voyage A Travers L'Impossible' (1904) and many more. The technical and narrative innovations in these early works ensured the rapid development of cinema into one of the most vital art forms of the 20th century. The collection also includes newly-scored music from National Film Theatre pianists Neil Brand, John Sweeney and Stephen Horne.