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Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last! - Page 9

post #241 of 280
1/23/08 at 8:16am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Hi,

as promised a few screenshots, the first of each pair being from the previously best version of El Cid available and the second one from the new Weinstein transfer. The differences in colors and saturation are evident I think, also there is less ringing on the Weinstein version.













I corrected the aspect ratio of the captures and upscaled them so that it is easier to see the differences between the two transfers.
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post #242 of 280
8/13/08 at 4:04am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Any news of the other 2 Bronston epics (55 Days in Peking and Circus World) coming to DVD?
I thought the initial intention was to have all 4 released by end of 2008? Have I read that wrong or has something perhaps changed that I have missed? Seems strange that others haven't been questioning likely release dates!
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post #243 of 280
8/16/08 at 10:55am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Like Nick, I'm a little puzzled about this hiatus considering that Fall of the Roman Empire was announced almost as soon as El Cid was released. Are the Weinsteins still monitoring sales of those two films before deciding on the next two?
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post #244 of 280
8/16/08 at 11:57am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

I think it's odd that if you visit the Weinstein company websites there is no mention of The Miriam Collection other that the May 24, 2007 press release. It's mentioned nowhere as if they have wiped their hands of it already.
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post #245 of 280
1/28/09 at 5:05am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Bumping the thread!

A post on a UK DVD forum (several months ago) said FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE and EL CID had had disappointing sales, therefore CIRCUS WORLD and 55 DAYS AT PEKING would be cancelled, presumably as Miriam releases.

Comments?
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post #246 of 280
1/28/09 at 11:53am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Yes I'd heard this. Circus World must be one of the few John Wayne films from the 1960s not to have a decent Region 1 and 2 release. Actually I prefer 55 Days as a film. It's a shame that Miriam couldn't provide either or both these films with a limited edition release rather like Disney with 'Dr Syn'. I know that very limited 'Treasure' release caused some controversy but at least it gave some buyers a chance. With the remaining Bronston epics I fear that they may be beyond our reach forever.
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post #247 of 280
1/28/09 at 1:59pm

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE was on sale for $7 or something at Amazon just a few months after release. Not a good sign.
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post #248 of 280
1/28/09 at 4:22pm

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

That's horrible, horrible news if true. I've been waiting for an announcement for CIRCUS WORLD and 55 DAYS AT PEKING... I'd hate to think they're not coming.
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post #249 of 280
1/31/09 at 4:11am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

If the region 1 release of Circus World is indeed canceled, you can always go with the French region 2 release of the film. Very acceptable transfer, imho...
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post #250 of 280
1/31/09 at 5:47am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

This version is supposed to be good too - Amazon.com: Circus World (Import NTSC All Regions): John Wayne, Rita Hayworth, Claudia Cardinale, Lloyd Nolan, Henry Hathaway: Movies & TV .
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post #251 of 280
1/31/09 at 6:10am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Somehow, I think CIRCUS WORLD will eventually see the light of day in Region 1. Harvey Weinstien is too smart a businessman to doubt that a film with John Wayne will sell many copies.
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post #252 of 280
1/31/09 at 7:52am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!


And now I've ordered that version---sorry Weinsteins, I can't wait forever. As they say: the early bird gets the worm.
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post #253 of 280
2/11/09 at 3:27pm

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

I just received the DVD today. It does look better than the SVHS copy I have from the laser disc but, it does not have the overture (very short), intermission or exit music that the laser disc has. Your not missing much as except for the overture, the music for the opening credits is the same used for the intermission and exit music. I wonder if that's what was played at the roadshow Cinerama showings?
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post #254 of 280
2/11/09 at 3:34pm

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

I received my DVD last week or so, and am glad to own it. I wouldn't go so far as to call the image/audio good, however, it's certainly more than watchable. If the Weinsteins do wind up releasing Circus World, and if they improve upon the exisiting import DVD, then I would consider upgrading.

Thanks for the heads up! Again, I'm glad I bought it.
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post #255 of 280
2/11/09 at 7:24pm

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Do you suppose it might be possible for one of you learned people to actually say something about the disc? Is it letterboxed? Enhanced for widescreen TVs? Good color? Stereo? Or do you just enjoy keeping the information private.
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post #256 of 280
2/12/09 at 3:36am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

I assume you are talking about Circus World, but what of 55 Days? Is there a decent version available on DVD anywhere you know of guys?
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post #257 of 280
2/12/09 at 5:44am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillyFeldman
Do you suppose it might be possible for one of you learned people to actually say something about the disc? Is it letterboxed? Enhanced for widescreen TVs? Good color? Stereo? Or do you just enjoy keeping the information private.

It looks to be about the same transfer as whats on dvdbeaver - Henry Hathaway's Circus World . You can buy it on EBAY for about $10 including shipping.
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post #258 of 280
2/12/09 at 11:54am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

There is a 2003 Korean release of this film by Spectrum (R3, NTSC) that is surprisingly good. My version was part of a 3-pack which also included Fall of the Roman Empire and El Cid.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ptb2007
I assume you are talking about Circus World, but what of 55 Days? Is there a decent version available on DVD anywhere you know of guys?
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post #259 of 280
2/12/09 at 2:24pm

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike*HTF
There is a 2003 Korean release of this film by Spectrum (R3, NTSC) that is surprisingly good. My version was part of a 3-pack which also included Fall of the Roman Empire and El Cid.

Thanks for that Mike. I'll check it out.
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post #260 of 280
2/12/09 at 4:32pm

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Quote:
Originally Posted by RolandL
It looks to be about the same transfer as whats on dvdbeaver - Henry Hathaway's Circus World . You can buy it on EBAY for about $10 including shipping.

I agree.
It is anamorphic. Slightly washed out colors. 5.1 English surround. Audio clarity isn't as good as I'd like. It has its share of dirt/scratches in some parts. Optional Korean/Japanese subtitles. But, again, more than watchable, and I wouldn't call it bad, nor good--but much closer to good than bad, and possibly the best we'll see it anytime soon.
It was worth it for me just to own a copy.

That's my two cents... grant it, I'm not a reviewer--you'd have to leave that to the experts--I guess dvd beaver would be more qualified.

Edit: Upon closer inspection, my copy was 5.1 surround.
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post #261 of 280
2/14/09 at 5:42am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Quote:
Originally Posted by WadeM
I agree.
It is anamorphic. Slightly washed out colors. 4.0 English surround. Audio clarity isn't as good as I'd like. It has its share of dirt/scratches in some parts. Optional Korean/Japanese subtitles. But, again, more than watchable, and I wouldn't call it bad, nor good--but much closer to good than bad, and possibly the best we'll see it anytime soon.
It was worth it for me just to own a copy.

That's my two cents... grant it, I'm not a reviewer--you'd have to leave that to the experts--I guess dvd beaver would be more qualified.

It says 4.0 but, I could not hear anything coming out of the surround speakers.
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post #262 of 280
2/14/09 at 7:10am
Thread Starter 

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Quote:
Originally Posted by RolandL
It says 4.0 but, I could not hear anything coming out of the surround speakers.

Are you sure it's even stereo? I've not come across any DVDs of this title which are other than 2 channel mono - and none seem to have the Overture, Intermission etc. I saw the film in Cinerama but, frankly, the film isn't very good and it's only worth having if presented in it's original roadshow presentation.
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post #263 of 280
2/14/09 at 8:41am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Quote:
Originally Posted by RolandL
It says 4.0 but, I could not hear anything coming out of the surround speakers.

My initial review was based off of memory, so to make sure my mind wasn't playing tricks on me, I just popped the DVD back in, and there's definitely music coming out of the rear speakers--and not only that, since I was paying closer attention this time, it's actually 5.1. There's definite bass coming out of my subwoofer and the center speaker is loud and prominent.

The ISDN on the back of mine is 8809151402761 . The files on my DVD are dated 4/26/07, although the date on the back of the cover is 2004 -- so maybe I got an upgraded one??

Mine is definitely English 5.1 surround, with the packaging stating 4.0.
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post #264 of 280
2/15/09 at 7:14am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Quote:
Originally Posted by WadeM
My initial review was based off of memory, so to make sure my mind wasn't playing tricks on me, I just popped the DVD back in, and there's definitely music coming out of the rear speakers--and not only that, since I was paying closer attention this time, it's actually 5.1. There's definite bass coming out of my subwoofer and the center speaker is loud and prominent.

The ISDN on the back of mine is 8809151402761 . The files on my DVD are dated 4/26/07, although the date on the back of the cover is 2004 -- so maybe I got an upgraded one??

Mine is definitely English 5.1 surround, with the packaging stating 4.0.

My DVD also has the ISDN of 8809151402761, the files are dated 4/26/07 and my system reads it as 5.1. The front three speakers are very active but, there is nothing coming out of the surround or subwoofer speakers. I just watched the latest Mummy movie and all six speakers are very active during the film so, my set up is correct.
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post #265 of 280
2/15/09 at 1:58pm

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Only Japanese subs on the Tohokushinsha release, Wade.

Quote:
Originally Posted by WadeM
I agree.
It is anamorphic. Slightly washed out colors. 5.1 English surround. Audio clarity isn't as good as I'd like. It has its share of dirt/scratches in some parts. Optional Korean/Japanese subtitles. But, again, more than watchable, and I wouldn't call it bad, nor good--but much closer to good than bad, and possibly the best we'll see it anytime soon.
It was worth it for me just to own a copy.

That's my two cents... grant it, I'm not a reviewer--you'd have to leave that to the experts--I guess dvd beaver would be more qualified.

Edit: Upon closer inspection, my copy was 5.1 surround.
Reply
post #266 of 280
2/17/09 at 3:46pm

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike*HTF
Only Japanese subs on the Tohokushinsha release, Wade.

I don't know if I have the Tohokushinsha release or not, as I don't read Asian languages, but the Made in Korea release that I'm referring to has both Korean and Japanese subtitles, as not just indicated on the box, but also on the DVD menu screen itself.



Quote:
Originally Posted by RolandL
My DVD also has the ISDN of 8809151402761, the files are dated 4/26/07 and my system reads it as 5.1. The front three speakers are very active but, there is nothing coming out of the surround or subwoofer speakers. I just watched the latest Mummy movie and all six speakers are very active during the film so, my set up is correct .

That is interesting... I know my mono and surround DVDs play correctly. I'll have to check sometime on a stereo release to see that it plays correctly on my setup... most of mine are mono or surround, so I'll have to dig some day.
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post #267 of 280
2/18/09 at 2:56am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

Just taken delivery of my Korean copy of '55 Days'.
Visually very good, corrrect shape for 70 mm, nice colour, but the sound is not that great, a bit woolly at the start. Does have the overture music over the menu though.
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post #268 of 280
2/18/09 at 6:31am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

I had picked up the Limited Edition 3-disc set for "The Fall of the Roman Empire". From what I gather in the commentary concerning edits that the original negative hasn't been found? Whatever they did use was very acceptable even on my 1080p 120Hz set. I just ordered "El Cid" hoping the same.

The sets for Roman were gorgeous BUT you can tell that the director made a movie around them rather than the other way around. The acting was cardboard, battles looked as though they were trying to avoid hurting one another and child's play, I have never seen so many horses fall down with the rider in any movie as though they were as one, and I was about to scream seeing over and over the troops marching up and down the road to show off the numbers of extras. Character development was virtually non-existent and everyday chores overlooked. The extras were great for this limited edition set and have ordered the same for El Cid not knowing if these titles will ever get to a major studio for release. I am pleased with what Genius did and can only hope their Toho titles would or will be as good?

Eric
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post #269 of 280
2/18/09 at 8:28am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

I just looked at THE SILVER CHALICE and its absolutely gorgeous (I'm almost sorry to say). It's very stylized, almost avant garde with painted, almost surrealistic backdrops. Yes, it's a howler, but it's a magnificent accident that you can't take your eyes off (particularly during the cuckoo climax). Great letterboxed transfers also do marvels with WHEN TIME RAN OUT and Michael Curtiz's THE HELEN MORGAN STORY (the only black-&-white CinemaScopr film ever produced by WB).
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post #270 of 280
2/18/09 at 10:44am

Re: Bronston epics and Land of the Pharaohs coming at last!

No one mentioned if there is a descent NTSC All region (0) copy of 55 Days available to play in Region 1 (for someone without a Region Free player)? Can you point the way?
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