Georges Méliès: The First Wizard of Cinema (1896-1913) (2008)

Overview

A comprehensive landmark collection celebrating the foundational work of French illusionist and cinema pioneer Georges Méliès. Painstakingly assembled from archival holdings worldwide by film preservers Eric Lange and David Shepard, this 5-disc collection spans Méliès' entire cinematic career across 173 rare, original silent films—ranging from his debut, Playing Cards (Partie de cartes, 1896), to his final production, Voyage de la famille Bourrichon (1913). Showcasing masterpieces like A Trip to the Moon (Le Voyage dans la Lune, 1902) alongside hand-tinted prints and special effects marvels, the set captures the birth of narrative trick photography, fantasy, and cinematic showmanship.