Re: HTF Review: Rock Around the Clock/Don't Knock the Rock
Quote:
| The bottom line for me is simply: why not leave it alone and allow the whole frame as originally shot to be visible on the DVD? |
Because that's not how it was intended to be shown.
Columbia always printed their 35mm films full aperture, which means there is LOADS of information at the top and bottom that is not intended to be seen.
For instance: I once ran an original 35mm release print of HAVE ROCKET, WILL TRAVEL. I noticed that the image filled the entire 4 perf height of the 35mm frame, so I racked it down during projection, and what did I see? Boom mikes, tops of sets, spotlights, etc. In fact, when the Stooges are climbing into the rocket ship, you could see where the top of the ship ended about ten feet off the ground!
Just because that entire image is on the 35mm frame, is that how it should be transferred? Do you feel that is what the director and DP had in mind when composing the scene?
It's been said before and I'll say again. Columbia and Sam Katzman began composing their films for widescreen in May/June of 1953. This is documented and there is no disputing this fact.
