- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,393
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
First and foremost, Dragonfly Squadron on Blu-ray, and especially in 3D, is about the furthest that one might get from a corporate release, with a huge staff and real funds behind it.
This is an absolute Passion Project.
Basically self-funded, with a need to make the film accessible to the modern audience as a reference as one of the original 3D releases of the early 1950s.
Bertani wasn't behind this one, as he was with the jewel heists on the Riviera. This was Furmanek.
Accessing the original camera negatives, and working from wet-gate fine grain masters, which cut down on what would have been a horrific digital clean-up job, we have a Blu-ray via Olive that while not perfect, gets across what was intended.
Dragonfly Squadron is a great reference toward 3D technology of the era. And a film tthat was in danger of not surviving. It's not even noted in James Limbacher's Four Aspects of the Film, where nineteen others will be found for 1954.
As one might presume, the 3D is good as it can get on Blu-ray without spending a fortune on a myriad of technical issues.
The release has a nice grayscale, without really reaching a true black. A bit compressed for my taste, and more in line with what was probably on the film element.
Dirt and detritus, due mostly to the fact that a FGM was used are not problematic, although seeing occasional minus density fly by on one eye, and not the other does add another dimensionality to the release. That said, this was never a release intended for perfection.
The track, which was harvested from original variable density elements, has been cleaned of any major clicks, pops et al, and is fine.
Thanks to the fine work by Mr. Furmanek and his loyal band of followers, one more original 3D production finds it way to the public.
To support future preservation of 3D media, it is suggested that a copy be added to one's library.
Image - 3.5
Audio - 3.5
Recommended
RAH