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Kenneth Turan’s DVD picks: ‘Sunrise,’ ‘Dr. Jekyll’ show silent power

“Sunrise” and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” are Kenneth Turan’s picks this week.

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It may be easier to experience quality silent films these days than at any time since Al Jolson insisted to audiences, “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Take advantage of the largess and experience two classics in editions newly released for home viewing.

Looking great in a new 20th Century Fox Blu-Ray plus DVD set is F.W. Murnau’s classic 1927 film “Sunrise,” a romance starring George O’Brien and Janet Gaynor that is so beautifully done it won an Oscar for “unique and artistic production.” That’s an award you don’t see anymore.

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On the more disturbing side, Kino has brought out the 1920 version of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” with the great John Barrymore in the title role. Included in the set are the 1912 Thanhouser studio version of the Robert Lewis Stevenson tale, along with a Stan Laurel parody called “Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pride.”

Follow Kenneth Turan on Twitter at @kennethturan. And are you an aficionado of iconic Hollywood? Like our Classic Hollywood Facebook page to get more Times coverage.

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