AKA: Inauguration of the Kiel Canal by Kaiser Wilhelm II (1895). This film is considered, one of the first examples, of a news-reel film. The actual inauguration of the canal happened in June of 1895. The film probably wasn't released until 1896. It is a mere 13 seconds long, with a shot of a row-boat, slowly moving down the canal. A lonely man walks by and then, like anybody, looks back at the camera, trying to figure out what's going on. It is an early example of an Instagram video. This British film production, utilizes a nice contrast in the main shot. It is a contrast, that is very professional for 1896. It is a good blend of the black and white thresholds. It also has an appealing composition to the shot as well. Opening of the Kiel Canal (1896), shows how well these pioneering directors, of the late-1800s, like Birt Acres, knew their craft so well.
8.1 (B MyGrade) = 8 IMDB.
