A Sneak Peek at Drums Along the Mohawk (1 Viewer)

Got an early look at the new Twilight Time Drums Along the Mohawk. I will admit upfront that it's never been one of my favorite John Ford pictures, but in my film collecting days I had a lovely IB Tech print in 16mm. So, I was surprised to find myself really liking it so much - it's really good. I don't know the story with the elements on this film, whether it's part of those Technicolor things that were trashed, but I can tell you the transfer looks just like my IB print - color is very accurate for that era, it's sharp and it just looks great, I think.

Looking forward to seeing this. Always have loved Edna Mae Oliver. And the shot of Claudette falling to the ground in her goodbye is fantastic.

Hope this arrives soon.

I'm still waiting for mine to ship.

Haven't received the review copy yet either, but I'm certainly looking forward to it.

YAY!!!!! This wasn't even on my radar, thanks for the "heads up" Bruce!

I wasn't happy with the laser disc years ago and was going to pass on this title, but if Bruce says it looks good then I guess I'll pick it up after all. Thanks for the early comments.

This is my first Twilight Time order. I'm glad my money's well spent.

Yes, thanks Bruce. I was on the edge of ordering this or not but order will be placed today. Really looking forward to this now. Sounds like it was a project of love from Twilight.

I've just heard about the state of the elements on this film - which is not good. I was astonished to hear this and it makes the work that was done on this brand new transfer rather astonishing to me. I think people will be pleased - I certainly was and to think the elements are bad, then Mr. Belston and company deserve major kudos for getting it this nice. Obviously if there were great elements it could probably look better (what can't, really) but boy was I surprised to hear it after watching last night.

haineshisway said:

I've just heard about the state of the elements on this film - which is not good. I was astonished to hear this and it makes the work that was done on this brand new transfer rather astonishing to me. I think people will be pleased - I certainly was and to think the elements are bad, then Mr. Belston and company deserve major kudos for getting it this nice. Obviously if there were great elements it could probably look better (what can't, really) but boy was I surprised to hear it after watching last night.

Click to expand...

I heard in the past that the elements were in bad shape, I'm not sure if it was from RAH or when I talked with Mr. Belston last year during our HTF visit at Fox.

I have purchased this title on every format on which it was released, and have always through it was a terrific film about pioneers. I was never happy with the color/sharpness of the film before, but this sounds like the one I've been waiting for. Thanks, Bruce.

Screen Archives Entertainment has announced on the home page of their website that "Drums Along The Mohawk" & "Alamo Bay" are now shipping!!!

Thanks for the review. Been a favorite of mine since I was kid.

I've only seen this movie once or twice and was going to pass on a $30 Blu-ray of it as I spend so much on media. But, Bruce's description makes it sound too good to pass up. It really needs a good presentation to be properly appreciated; so I, too have ordered this one.

I hope this gets a release in Australia -- otherwise I'll pick up the US version despite its relatively high price. It's an astonishing movie... quite special for its period.

lukejosephchung said:

Screen Archives Entertainment has announced on the home page of their website that "Drums Along The Mohawk" & "Alamo Bay" are now shipping!!!

Click to expand...

My copy was shipped today.

I'm happy, mine shipped today also. Thanks again Bruce, I might have missed this one. Now I'm getting ready for The Way We Were, Oliver, and the Sinbad movies.

Is this a further restoration of the film over and above the 2007 Ford at Fox release and, if so, how does it compare?

John Hodson said:

Is this a further restoration of the film over and above the 2007 Ford at Fox release and, if so, how does it compare?

Click to expand...

I don't know about restoration, but yes, it's a brand new transfer and not the one used for the 2007 box - I have that box in the garage and I'll try to pull it out and compare.

haineshisway said:

I don't know about restoration, but yes, it's a brand new transfer and not the one used for the 2007 box - I have that box in the garage and I'll try to pull it out and compare.

Click to expand...

Bruce, how's the shadow detail? It was quite crushed on the Soul Media BD, in addition to weird out-of-phase sound.