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Laurel and Hardy restoration at UCLA

post #1 of 3
3/9/11 at 5:45pm
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This article is from Leonard Maltin's Movie Crazy blog, the details are at the end of the article:

http://blogs.indiewire.com/leonardmaltin/archives/the_fruits_of_film_preservation/

As a life long Laurel and Hardy fan, this news is like finding the Dead Sea Scrolls -- unfortunately after 70-80 years, the original materials probably would be in the same state as the Dead Sea Scrolls and I can only wish those film restorers who do go in and come face to face with these original materials, all the luck in the world. I'm a member of the Sons of the Desert and when all this is formally announced, I hope we can be of help.

In the world of film restoring, one can see this as a 'rescue mission' in the strictest sense. Robert, I know your specialty has been large format films, but perhaps not work this old and pillaged-- if you had any suggestions to those who go on this 'mission', what would it be and how would you approach this collection?

Also what standard would you ensure the restorers do before 'signing off' on each title and returning these new restored versions back into the Archive?
Keep in mind, the majority of these titles are two reelers and 3-4 reel features. Thanks!

 

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post #2 of 3
3/12/11 at 1:04pm

I had a chance to see a theatrical screening of the restored "Way Out West" last year and it was absolutely wonderful.  UCLA's team did a marvelous job with this title, and it looked much better than most of the current versions out there in home video land.   I applaud the initiative to finally treat this catalog with the care and respect it needs.   Hopefully it isn't too late.  The stories of Michael Agee storing 35mm negatives in his California garage are mind boggling.

 

After these restorations are complete, let's hope the rights issues that have kept these off the market in North America are sufficiently resolved to allow a high quality DVD release of Roach era L&H.

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post #3 of 3
8/1/11 at 8:29pm
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Our Sons of the Desert tent has already contributed to the fund and having read much more on the upcoming restoration, the original materials at UCLA could not be in better hands.
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