Program

Preservation and Access: Humanities Collections and Reference Resources

Period of Performance

4/1/2010 - 3/31/2012

Funding Totals

$305,000.00 (approved)
$305,000.00 (awarded)


Treasures V: The West, 1897-1935

FAIN: PW-50498-10

National Film Preservation Foundation (San Francisco, CA 94103-2640)
Annette Melville (Project Director: July 2009 to June 2016)

The creation of DVD access to silent films on the American West produced from 1897 to 1935, with accompanying program notes.

The National Film Preservation Foundation requests $340,000 to create a 3-DVD set of early films exploring the American West. The anthology will bring together 50 previously unavailable documentaries, newsreel stories, travelogues, industrial films, and narratives revealing the West as it was recorded and imagined from 1897 to 1935. The films will be selected from the preservation work of 6 major American film archives, digitized to industry standards, and presented with audio commentary by scholars, an illustrated catalog, and newly composed music. Building on the critical success of our 4 earlier DVD sets (2 of which were funded by the NEH), the new reference resource will be designed like a museum exhibit in a box. By showcasing film rarities in a convenient format with historical contextualization, Treasures V: The West, 1897-1935 will reclaim long-unseen films for the public and become an important scholarly access and teaching tool in the humanities.



Media Coverage

The West, When It Was Still Wild (Review)
Author(s): Dave Kehr
Publication: The New York Times
Date: 9/25/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/25/movies/homevideo/treasures-5-the-west-1898-1938-new-dvd-set.html?_r=3

Way Back West, The West: 1898-1938 (Review)
Author(s): Max Goldberg
Publication: Cinemascope
Date: 9/1/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5

Out Where the West Begins (Review)
Author(s): Daniel Eagan
Publication: Reel Culture, Smithsonian.com
Date: 9/21/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/movies/2011/09/out-where-the-west-begins/

Treasures 5: The West 1898 - 1938 (Review)
Author(s): Glenn Erickson
Publication: DVDtalk.com
Date: 8/30/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s3653trea.html

Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 on DVD (Review)
Author(s): Glenn Erickson
Publication: TCM.com
Date: 9/26/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.tcm.com/this-month/movie-news.html?id=446985&name=Treasures-5-The-West-1898-1938

Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 (Review)
Author(s): Jeffrey M. Anderson
Publication: GreenCine.com
Date: 9/26/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.greencine.com/central/Treasures-5-The-West-Review

Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 (Review)
Author(s): Laura Horak
Publication: Moving Image
Date: 12/1/2012
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5. "Immaculately curated and produced and will provide an essential resource not only for those interested in the American West, film history, and the Western film but also for people interested in environmental history; border relations; tourism; gender and sexuality; and race, ethnicity, and indigeneity."

Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 (Review)
Author(s): Edward Buscombe
Publication: Journal of Film Preservation
Date: 4/1/2012
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5.

Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 (Review)
Author(s):
Publication: Wild West
Date: 3/30/2012
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5

DVD Review: Treasures 5: The West - 1898-1938 (Review)
Author(s): Jeffrey M. Anderson
Publication: Jeffrey M. Anderson: Thoughts on film and life from the creator of Combustible Celluloid
Date: 9/29/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://jeffreymanderson.blogspot.com/2011/09/dvd-review-treasures-5-west-1898-1938.html

Treasures 5: The West (1898-1938) (Review)
Author(s): Farran Smith Nehme
Publication: Self-Styled Siren
Date: 9/28/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5, with special mention of THE SERGEANT and THE BETTER MAN, whose preservation was funded by the For the Love of Film Blogathon.
URL: http://selfstyledsiren.blogspot.com/2011/09/treasures-5-west-1898-1938.html

The idea of “The West”: notes on the latest “Treasures From American Film Archives” set (Review)
Author(s): Noel Murray
Publication: A.V. Club
Date: 9/28/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-idea-of-the-west-notes-on-the-latest-treasures,62464/

Treasures 5: The West (Review)
Author(s): Joe Thompson
Publication: The Pneumatic Rolling-Sphere Carrier Delusion
Date: 1/11/2012
Abstract: 3-part review of Treasures 5
URL: http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com/2012/01/treasures-5-west-1-january-11-2012.html

Boxed Set Showcases Western 'Treasures' (Review)
Author(s): Johnny D. Boggs
Publication: Roundup Magazine
Date: 2/1/2012
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5 plus interview with the set's curator Scott Simmon and writer Kirk Ellis. The magazine is the official publication of the Western Writers of America.

Lens on the American West (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Kristen Simoes
Publication: UC Davis NewsWatch
Date: 2/1/2012
Abstract: Video about Treasures 5 showing clips from the set and featuring interviews with curator Scott Simmon and commentator Louis Warren (both teach at UC Davis). The video was featured on the UC Davis website, on their YouTube video channel, and broadcast on the UC Davis campus TV channel.
URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-gw1f_h-2M

A Digression (of Sorts) (Review)
Author(s): James D. Porterfield
Publication: Railfan & Railroad
Date: 12/1/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5, with a focus on the films featuring trains

Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 (Review)
Author(s): S. Axmaker
Publication: Video Librarian
Date: 1/1/2012
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5

Rare Westerns from the Archive (Review)
Author(s): Edward Buscombe
Publication: Film Quarterly
Date: 12/15/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.filmquarterly.org/2011/12/rare-westerns-from-the-archive/

Videodrone's Best of 2011 in DVD and Blu-ray (Review)
Author(s): Sean Axmaker
Publication: Videodrone
Date: 1/6/2012
Abstract: #3 on top-10 DVD list: "This collection of features, shorts, documentaries, newsreels, travelogues and fragments from the silent and early sound era is more about preservation and education than simple entertainment, but it is entertaining as well as revealing. It's a record of the American West as it was transforming from frontier to modern world, as viewed through fictional representations and documentary recordings. The richness of offerings and the span of formats presents a visual record that makes the case for film preservation better than any lecture."
URL: http://social.entertainment.msn.com/movies/blogs/videodrone-blogpost.aspx?post=1fe7f196-60a5-46ec-9397-000da3f29625

Global Discoveries on DVD (Review)
Author(s): Jonathan Rosenbaum
Publication: Cinema Scope
Date: 12/11/2011
Abstract: Review of Mantrap from Treasures 5 DVD
URL: http://cinema-scope.com/wordpress/web-archive-2/issue-49/columns-global-discoveries-on-dvd-about-40-more-items-or-thereabouts/

How the West Was Won: Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 (Review)
Author(s): Karen Backstein
Publication: Cineaste
Date: 12/13/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.cineaste.com/articles/how-the-western-was-won-emtreasures-5-the-west-18981938em

Beyond Hollywood: A hidden history of California filmmaking (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Scott Simmon
Publication: Boom
Date: 11/22/2011
Abstract: An essay about the little known history of California filmmaking outside of Hollywood, illustrated with examples from Treasures 5: The West

National Treasures (Media Coverage)
Author(s): David Hofstede
Publication: Cowboys & Indians
Date: 1/1/2012
Abstract: Interview with Scott Simmon, curator of the Treasures 5 DVD set
URL: http://www.cowboysindians.com/Cowboys-Indians/January-2012/National-Treasures/

Couch Surfing (Review)
Author(s): Sam Adams
Publication: Philadelphia City Paper
Date: 12/8/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5 "The success of the National Film Preservation Foundation's Treasures series is one of few signs that humanity isn't sliding into the abyss."
URL: http://www.citypaper.net/movies/2011-12-08-discworld.html

"Treasures" Indeed (Review)
Author(s): Jim Porterfield
Publication: Journeys for a Railroad Tourist
Date: 12/12/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5, with special attention to films featuring trains
URL: http://www.gozaic.com/Connect/Circles/Journeys-For-A-Railroad-Tourist/blog/?postID=Blog%3a76e50ade-2dbc-453c-a991-5c24eb188308%40D|9%3b36|CommGroupa5c050a9-fbf5-40b0-b0ef-b48dbe332148|Post%3aea64d9e8-147a-476b-8fcb-2c35dc2a9774

Nouvelle frontiere (Review)
Author(s): Charlotte Garson
Publication: Cahiers du cinema
Date: 12/1/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5

Movie magic has a long history (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Michael Barrett
Publication: San Antonio Express-News
Date: 12/16/2011
Abstract: DVD holiday gift guide mentioning Treasures 5
URL: http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/article/Movie-magic-has-a-long-history-2406245.php

Treasures 5: The West (1898-1938) (Review)
Author(s): Mick LaSalle
Publication: San Francisco Chronicle
Date: 10/30/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/10/30/PKMU1LHUQG.DTL

NFPF’s ‘Treasures 5’ Excavates 'The West' (Review)
Author(s): Michael Fox
Publication: SF360
Date: 10/28/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.sf360.org/?pageid=13926

Silent film preserves rare view of Texas (Review)
Author(s): Michael Barrett
Publication: San Antonio Express-News
Date: 11/3/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5 DVD
URL: http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/article/Silent-film-preserves-rare-view-of-Texas-2251094.php

Silent movie music season (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Mark Feeney
Publication: Boston Globe
Date: 11/2/2011
Abstract: Announcement about the Treasures 5 celebration at MIT featuring some of the composers who contribute to the DVD set and live performances of some of their compositions that appeared on the set.
URL: http://articles.boston.com/2011-11-02/ae/30355695_1_silents-metropolis-alloy-orchestra

Pordenone diary 2011 – day four (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Luke McKernan.
Publication: The Bioscope
Date: 10/22/2011
Abstract: Review of Deschutes Driftwood and The Lady of the Dugout at the Pordenone Silent Film Festival. Both films appear on the Treasures 5 DVD set and were screened by the festival in a program celebrating the release of the set.
URL: http://bioscopic.wordpress.com/2011/10/22/pordenone-diary-2011-day-four/

Treasures V: The West (I) (Review)
Author(s): "Ann Harding"
Publication: Ann Harding's Treasures
Date: 10/22/2011
Abstract: Review of films from Treasures 5, one of a total of 7 blog posts reviewing films from the set
URL: http://annhardingstreasures.blogspot.com/2011/10/tresures-v-west-i.html

Go West, young entertainment format (Review)
Author(s): Doug Pratt
Publication: DVD–Laser Disc Newsletter
Date: 10/1/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5

Collection of early films of the west comes to DVD (Review)
Author(s): Chris Hicks
Publication: Deseret News
Date: 10/8/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700185989/Collection-of-early-films-of-the-west-comes-to-DVD.html

Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 (Review)
Author(s): Michael Atkinson
Publication: Sight & Sound
Date: 11/1/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5

Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 (Media Coverage)
Author(s): none
Publication: Kultura
Date: 11/15/2011
Abstract: Kultura is an arts TV show on RTV Slovenija in Slovenia, formerly part of Yugoslavia. Segment about Treasures 5 features interview with NFPF director Annette Melville and film clips from the DVD set.
URL: http://tvslo.si/predvajaj/kultura-ob-22h/ava2.118494038/

Saddle up for a 10-hour trip way back in time (Review)
Author(s): Rod Lott
Publication: Oklahoma Gazette
Date: 10/19/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-13334-treasures-5-the-west-1898-1938.html

Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 (Review)
Author(s): Henry Cabot Beck
Publication: True West
Date: 11/1/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5

Around the West in 40 films (Review)
Author(s): Jonathan Kiefer
Publication: Sacramento News & Review
Date: 10/6/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/around-the-west-in-40/content?oid=4017160

Treasures Of The West—dvd review (Review)
Author(s): Leonard Maltin
Publication: Leonard Maltin's Movie Crazy
Date: 10/4/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://blogs.indiewire.com/leonardmaltin/archives/treasures_of_the_west/

Treasures 5: The West (Review)
Author(s): Michael Giltz
Publication: The Huffington Post
Date: 10/6/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-giltz/dvds-great-boxed-sets-how_b_998859.html

Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 (Review)
Author(s): John Sinnott
Publication: DVDtalk
Date: 9/27/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/50213/treasures-from-the-american-film-archives-volume-5-the-west/

Where the deer and the antelope play (Review)
Author(s): Mark Feeney
Publication: Boston Globe
Date: 10/12/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/blog/2011/10/where_the_deer.html?s_campaign=8315

'Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938': Kenneth Turan's DVD pick (Review)
Author(s): Kenneth Turan
Publication: Los Angeles Times
Date: 10/12/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5, including 4-minute video review with clips from films
URL: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/10/kenneth-turans-dvd-pick-treasures-5-the-west-1898-1938.html

DVD Extra: LaCava, Clara Bow and other western rareties (Review)
Author(s): Lou Lumenick
Publication: New York Post
Date: 9/27/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/movies/dvd_extra_lacava_clara_bow_and_other_KKx5ndxJs4SxsVZzmGfECI

'Treasures 5' offers early cinematic look at the West (Review)
Author(s): Bruce Dancis
Publication: Sacramento Bee
Date: 9/26/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5, which was syndicated via McClatchy-Tribune News Service and appeared in at least 20 other newspapers across the U.S.

Rare California films see light in new DVD box set (Review)
Author(s): Alex Cohen
Publication: Southern California Public Radio
Date: 9/27/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5 DVD and radio interview with DVD curator Scott Simmon
URL: http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/09/27/29093/rare-california-films-see-light-new-dvd-box-set/

'Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938' DVD review (Review)
Author(s): Mark Voger
Publication: The Star-Ledger
Date: 9/30/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5, includes DVD trailer
URL: http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2011/09/treasures_5_the_west_1898-1938.html

Second Look: 'Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938' (Review)
Author(s): Dennis Lim
Publication: Los Angeles Times
Date: 10/2/2011
Abstract: Review of Treasures 5
URL: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-second-look-20111002,0,5114140.story

Treasures 5: The West (Review)
Author(s): Leonard Maltin
Publication: Maltin on Movies (on ReelzChannel)
Date: 9/30/2011
Abstract: Cable TV review of Treasures 5, with clips



Associated Products

Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938 (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Treasures 5: The West, 1898-1938
Writer: Scott Simmon
Producer: National Film Preservation Foundation
Abstract: A 10-hour, 3-DVD box set celebrating the dynamic, gender-bending, ethnically diverse West that flourished in early movies. Treasures 5 showcases 40 narrative and nonfiction films, including travelogues, home movies, newsreels, documentaries, and industrial films. The motion pictures are drawn from the preservation work of the nation's foremost film archives?the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, George Eastman House, the Library of Congress, the Museum of Modern Art, the National Archives, and UCLA Film & Television Archive—and include movies recently repatriated from the New Zealand Film Archive. Many of the films have not been screened in decades. None has been available before in high-quality video.
Year: 2011
Primary URL: http://www.filmpreservation.org/dvds-and-books/treasures-5-the-west
Primary URL Description: Product page on NFPF website
Secondary URL: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/747276859
Secondary URL Description: WorldCat entry
Format: DVD