A few words about...™ The Pink Panther -- in Blu-ray

A fact that many people may not realize, is that Black Edwards' The Pink Panther, a 1963 production which did not premiere domestically until early 1964, is a large format film.

The Pink Panther used the Technirama process, basically VistaVision 35mm 8-perf with a 50% anamorphosis, a process generally reserved for large scale "epic" productions or very high end musicals. Examples are El Cid, Spartacus, Sleeping Beauty, The Music Man and The Leopard.

Because the film moves sideways, any moving wear or damage will also be seen as horizontal marks.

The Pink Panther, a film which holds up nicely for content, with large format origins that are quite obvious, along with a rich, film look. Something else along for the ride are occasional horizontal scratches, that could have been dealt with via a few quick waves of the magic digital wand.

If one is lucky enough to ever get to see an old dye transfer print of The Pink Panther, The Music Man or others, there is a true visceral affect that makes its way to the screen because of the process and overall quality.

That quality has made it to the Blu-ray of The Pink Panther, which aside from a few niggling complaints, looks absolutely gorgeous on Blu-ray.

It's nice to finally see The Pink Panther, a member of the pantheon of quality United Artists titles, come to Blu-ray via M-G-M and Fox.

If you want to see what an early '60s film can look like when the quality begins with the taking stock and process and ends with a properly handled video master, The Pink Panther is a great example, and one more answer to those who ask the question "What does Blu-ray do for old movies?"

Highly Recommended.

RAH

Re: A few words about...™ The Pink Panther -- in Blu-ray

Time code, please.

Re: A few words about...™ The Pink Panther -- in Blu-ray

He may be referring to the fact that some of the opening may be dupe which ties in with the main title sequence, such as the opening with hicon overlay.

I saw no problem.

RAH

Re: A few words about...™ The Pink Panther -- in Blu-ray

My guess would be a wet-gate artifact.

Re: A few words about...™ The Pink Panther -- in Blu-ray

Oliver,

You're getting into interesting territory here, as the correct answer should be "no."

Any film going through the Technicolor dye transfer process appeared to have less grain as the final image, as printed, was slightly softer. This softness would normally go unnoticed, as the image, heightened by contrast, yielded an image of higher perceived, but not actual, sharpness.

The scanning of an original negative on modern equipment will provide a sharper image, with a bit more of the actual film grain showing through.

By answering this question I'm not certain whether I'm helping or adding to t he confusion.

RAH

Re: A few words about...™ The Pink Panther -- in Blu-ray

It would make little difference in BD whether the scan was derived from an OCN or a modern IP. I don't have that information.


Because the grain was removed / reduced via Lowry's proprietary process. The Robe was neither a pretty picture, nor an easy element with which to work. At its best the OCN was a bit faded, and with the very heavy grain structure of the early stock. At its worst, where OCN no longer existed, the separations (also on early 5216 stock) would have been scanned and maneuvered digitally.[/quote]

Since one can remove grain without affecting resolution, it's almost impossible to tell what one is looking at on a BD unless there is familiarity with the actual elements.

RAH