Rating: 
Summary: Glorious Excess
Review: "The Scarlet Empress" may be the most over-the-top spectacle ever filmed, and at the time, it was certainly the costliest. Dietrich plays Prussian princess Sophia Frederika, who is plucked from obscurity to marry the Grand Duke of Russia. This fairy-tale scenario sours when the Duke turns out to be a cruel degenerate, and Sophia (re-named Catherine) learns that her only purpose in the Imperial household is to supply heirs to the throne. Her girlish dreams shattered, she becomes a lusty libertine and ruthless political mover, eventually staging a coup against her husband and becoming the notorious Empress, Catherine the Great.Director von Sternberg throws "historical accuracy" to the winds in order to produce a baroque fantasia filmed in the most stylized manner imaginable, and laced with doses of perversion so bold one wonders how they got past the censors. The film races along in a succession of deliriously stylized set-pieces: hordes of galloping Cossacks; the incredible wedding and drunken banquet that follows; and the apocalyptic coup, led by Catherine in a man's white dress uniform, while "Ride of the Valkeries" blasts on the soundtrack. Von Sternberg's peerless visual style is given free reign, and the results are extraordinary. The lighting and photography are gorgeous, especially in the stunningly beautiful wedding sequence, and Travis Banton's costumes lovingly recreate the decadent grandeur of 18th Century fashion. Most incredible of all are the sets representing the palace at Moscow. These cavernous, candle-lit rooms are stuffed with glittering icons and grotesque statues. So imposing and detailed are these settings that the palace's occupants, in their elaborate costumes and makeup, are sometimes indistinguishable from the décor. "The Scarlet Empress" is energized by a campy sense of humor. Dietrich's journey from wide-eyed nymphet to savvy politician is portrayed with delicious irony. She sashays through the palace, enormous skirts swishing, and wins over the army with an arched eyebrow, a suggestive bon mot, and a bribe or four. John Lodge obviously relishes in his role as Count Alexei, a square-jawed stud who services both the Empress and the Duchess. Of young Catherine's reluctance to commit adultery, he scoffs: "Those ideas are old fashioned, this is the 18th Century!" Louise Dresser gives a wonderful performance as the ill-mannered old Empress, who harangues her half-wit nephew and his reluctant bride with a fishwife's bray. Less humorous, though weirdly fascinating, is Sam Jaffe's portrayal of the repulsive, rodent-like Duke - playing with toy soldiers, marching his real ones through the palace halls, and shooting peasants like pheasants from his bedroom window. Beneath these antics are interesting implications about the link between sexuality and tyranny, and the corrupting influence of power. The film opens with young Sophia (played by Dietrich's daughter) being regaled with tales of the czars, and a montage of rape, pillage and torture illustrates the moppet's fantasy. The film ends with Catherine's triumphant ascension to the throne, but only hints at the depravity and corruption in which she later engaged (though she was also an able and progressive monarch). In all, "The Scarlet Empress" is a unique film, a magnificent product of the studio system, but guided by von Sternberg's keen intelligence and stylish visual flair. A treat.
Rating: 
Summary: A great film...a lousy transfer.
Review: After seeing this film On Turner Classic Movies, several months ago, I became a big fan of its grotesque imagery, and the mysterious, surreal, and almost comical, world it created for the viewer. I found it to be a strange and fascinating film. With that experience, I was more than anxious to get the DVD. So when I read the back of the case, where it said "Luminous transfer, with restored picture and sound", you can imagine how I was salivating, as I ripped the plastic off, and got it in my player. My wife and I prepared to see the magical results of digital technology. Then I hit the PLAY button. My disappointment was beyond words. What we saw was anything but "luminous". It was more like watching a colony of flesh-eating bacteria, wandering all round Marlene Dietrich's face, and a swarm of locusts chewing up the scenery. I kept waitng for everything to calm down, so we could really see the beauty of the film. Occasionally, that happened. But by and large, this was a big let-down. I've seen excellent transfers before, and own them. "Grand Illusion" and "The Seven Samurai" are marvelous examples. But this was nowhere near those efforts. The specks and flecks were too distracting, to fully enjoy this masterpiece. And that's a shame, considering the other otherwise great reputation Criterion has had, in terms of image quality. I'm a little confused about how one customer could say "...the print is stunning". (Maybe that person was "stunned" by how bad it looked.) I sympathize more with the reviewer who thought that Criterion should be held accountable for its mediocre duplication of this film, and the false advertising. You got it right! Five stars for the film, and the Robin Wood essay. One star for the transfer.
Rating:
Summary: HIstory lesson, Hollywood style
Review: As one watches this film, keep in mind one should follow this one visually, not through the words of the charctors or dialogue panels. This is such a visual film, you can get lost easily. Just follow the magnetic presence of Marlene Dietrich.
As strict history, it's more than a bit fuzzy. Von Sternberg claimed to use the private diaries of Catherine the Great herself in writing the story.Mainly though, it's just an excursion into style featuring his favored muse, Dietrich, to put incredible visuals onto the screen.
When allowed to, Dietrich gives a very convincing portrayal of Catherine as she progresses from naive young girl to experienced, sophisticated empress. Hint, watch her eyelids throughout the film. When they are wide open, she's young and virtous. when those famous lids are lowered, she's certainly not virtous. Wonderful silent acting on Dietrich's part, to show the frame of mind through the mere use of her eyelids.
Overall, this is a film that not everyone will enjoy. At times, one isn't too sure of what reaction is warrented. Is it supposed to be a comedy? A drama? Who knows? Just sit back and feast your eyes, as movies aren't this visually rich nowadays, not by a long shot. The photography is truly stunning, the sets are astounding, and the costumes! Amazing. As with The Devil Is A Woman, this film should be shown as a course in cinematography and how actors should be lit and framed.
Rating: 
Summary: not as bad as stated
Review: first and foremost, let me say that i am a very large fan of Marlene Dietrich, and I was overjoyed to discover one of her Von Sternberg films was released on DVD. I read some truly horrible reviews of the DVD quality, but had to order it anyway. When the movie arrived, I immediately test-viewed the disc, and I really couldn't see what all the raving was about. Sure, some places seemed a bit faded, and the sound wasn't all that fantastic, but this is a 67-year-old film, and there will be imperfections. There were nice features on the disc,such as the production stills from the movie, and a nice Von Sternberg tribute film. The Scarlet Empress isn't my favorite Dietrich-Sternberg film, but it made the cross-over to DVD nicely, and hopefully films such as Shanghai Express and The Devil Is A Woman will be released soon for all of us truly devoted Dietrich fans to enjoy forever.
Rating:
Summary: Catherine was Great and so is Miss Dietrich in the film!
Review: Here is a film that is so original it was ahead of its time when it was released! If Catherine the Great's Russia wasn't so splendid as Dietrich's is in the film...it is to pleasure to enjoy it! Few films offer so much visual attraction as this film... the art director must had a field day when he created the sets! Miss Dietrich still dominates the action with her presence and they was never a more glamourous Queen as Miss Dietrich is in this film! Yes this is one of the jewels in Miss Dietrich's film career.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Disappointment
Review: I can not describe how disappointed I am with the print quality of Criterion's Scarlet Empress. Criterion is famous for excellent digital transfers of classical films. So people are ready to pay much higher costs for their releases compared to the common prices in DVD market . But I think Criterion does not deserve this good reputation. Criterion's Scarlet Empress is the worst DVD transfer I have ever seen. It is full of scratches, splices and black holes which continuously pop up on the screen from the beginning to the end. It is impossible to enjoy the film with these irritating flaws. Can this kind of transfer be described as "Luminous Transfer with restored picture"? Absolutely not. This is a great marketing balloon. The restorers must have slept or been drunken during the restoration!!!. One viewer says that we should not expect more from a 67 year old film's print quality. Why? I also purchased Garden of Allah, a 65 year old film, released by Anchor Bay for half price of Criterion's Scarlet Empress. Garden of Allah has marvellous and really luminous print without even a scratch and only costs 12 usd. I was also going to pre-order Lady Eve, Sullivan's Travels and My Man Godfrey from Criterion. But I decided to wait until I read good reviews about them. I will not pre-order Criterion DVDs once again.
Rating:
Summary: Is it or isn't it?
Review: In a previous review I remarked on what a terrible print of the film was used for this DVD - GREAT FILM, terrible print. Anyone who disagrees, or feels this may now be the best quality print on offer should take a look at the Martin Scorsese/BFI series "A Personal Journey Through American Movies". There you'll find a some gorgeous clips of the Scarlet Empress with sharp audio and virtually perfect picture (no horrible "dupe print" grain or frame damage like this DVD). The film simply shimers. Presumably this was a BFI print, but it may have been from Paramount - either way, a far better print exists and therefore I'm sad to say that this is proof that Criterion have rather short-changed the buying public this time around.
Still, it's better than not having it on DVD at all, isn't it?
Rating:
Summary: Few moments worth remembering
Review: It seemed that Catherine did have those who loved her and those who were not so found of her. I loved that scene with Count Alexei and the empress; the empress acknowledges and respects his feelings for her. Though she did play the fickle one. Her fawnlike eyes, her crinsom mouth, and her curls made her look like a doll. I loved the way the dresses flowed as the ladies ran to open the door for Catherine and her mother. *I put Catherine first on purpose* This biography has quite a thirties touch to some of the dialogue, the dresses, and the music. The torture scene in the beginning of the film might have amazed some of the viewers at the previews in 1934. I have to say my bit for some of the characters I hate. Joanna, played by Olive tell, was a b***h and I tell her *Points his finger at Joanna, Sophia's mother* "You be quiet, Joanna!" And as for the Empress Elizabeth. *Pounds the table at the Empress* "BACK OFF, EMPRESS ELIZABETH!!! Why don't you see that your guards are fed well!!??" Otherwise, see it. You will be delighted.
Rating:
Summary: A True Forgotten Classic...Thank you, Criterion!
Review: It's about time someone got around to releasing this gem on DVD. Thankfully, it was Criterion. The print is stunning, the sound crisp and the extras are icing on the cake (the booklet notes alone were a welcome surprise). After "The Blue Angel", this film is required viewing for any Dietrich fan. Sure, it can be seen as a bit campy but it is unlike any film from the Golden Period of Hollywood. Let's hope Criterion releases more of the Von Sternberg/Dietrich collaborations (puh-leeze hope they release "The Devil Is A Woman").
Rating:
Summary: Sumptuous
Review: Josef von Sternberg was a master of detail and cinematography and his films, especially those with Marlene Dietrich, are a visual feast. "The Scarlet Empress" is the best of their 7 film collaboration. Based on the diaries of Catherine The Great, it tells the story of young Catherine from her childhood days up to her arranged marriage with the Grand Duke Peter of Russia and her eventual rise to power. The film, however, is not as much concerned with plot details and authenticity as it is with its visual presentation. Elaborate sets filled with gargoyles, wings, candelabra, massive doors and staircases, etc. frame the actors in every scene and add an appropriate sense of oppressiveness. But the highlight of all of this is the breathtaking Marlene Dietrich, who is at her most beautiful in this film. Sternberg photographs her in endless imaginable ways, through veils, nets, etc. and the results are stunning. From her first scenes as a wide eyed girl looking all about her with incredulous stares to her last scene, in which is she seen ringing the bells of victory with an insane grin, she commands every scene she appears in and you can't take your eyes off her. The only negative performance seems to be Louise Dresser who plays the Empress in a strange folksy manner. It's like the Empress is being played by Ethel Mertz. It is a humorous performance but oddly out of place in the film. The Criterion dvd is superb with a crisp transfer and excellent sound. The dvd also includes a 20 minute documentary on Josef von Sternberg which was made in the late 1960's by the BBC. Sternberg is interviewed and shows how he achieved the gorgeous lighting in his photography. Also included is a gallery of stills and lobby cards. The fold out booklet that comes with the dvd includes an excellent essay and gorgeous photos of Marlene Dietrich. I'm hoping that Criterion will release more of the Sternberg/Dietrich films, especially "The Devil Is A Woman" and "Shanghai Express".
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