One of the greatest of all film pioneers, German expressionism master Fritz Lang, made movie history in 1924, when he mounted an epic-length cinematization entitled
Die Nibelungen
, adapted from the 13th Century German epic of the same name that also served as the basis for Richard Wagner's
Ring Cycle
of operas. Lang issued his movie in two parts -
Siegfried's Death
and
Kriemhild's Revenge
- both of which appear in this box set, back to back, in all of their silent glory.
Death
dramatizes such events as the forging of Siegfried's sword, his confrontation with the dragon, the slaying of Alberich, and finally, Siegfried's death per the order of Brunhild. In
Revenge
, Kriemhild seeks vengeance against Brunhild for Siegfried's murder.