- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,376
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
In 1957, a new process, which can be considered the offspring of VistaVision and Panavision arrived on the scene.
Three films were released in the process that year. The first was Night Passage from Universal, followed by Escapade in Japan (also Universal), and finally Sayonara from Warner Bros.
All three made perfect use of the VVLA process, which doubled overall resolution, but now with the use of an adapter optic, which could squeeze the image by 50% (as opposed to 100%, as in CS and PV).
The main title sequence takes advantage of the TLA logotypes.
This enabled are highly resolved image that could be either reduced to standard (very sharp) Panavision 4 perf prints, or adapted (not really blown up) to 70mm, creating a base for larger screens and 6-track audio.
The process also competed well with 65mm origination, as the standard 35mm stock could be processed anywhere, world-wide.
If there were a contest for most highly resolved film of the year, Night Passage, with work performed by the techs at Universal, would be in the running, as especially in projection, the imagery is other-worldly.
Sharp as a tack.
Likewise, grain structure, color, densities, et al are properly in line.
The film, directed by James Neilson (originally Anthony Mann), and starring James Stewart and war hero Audie Murphy, is not one of the great films of the '50s, nor is it a great western.
But Mr. Stewart, with his bright blue eyes, and the location photography, mostly in Colorado, make the film essential viewing. Also important to railway buffs - three films released recently fit into that category - Night Passage, Canyon Passage, and Titfield Thunderbolt, starring Lion, an original locomotive that first hit the rails c. 1850.
As to the TLA process, it continued for another few years, into the early '60s, with the most interesting productions being, The Big Country, Spartacus, The Vikings, Sleeping Beauty, Solomon and Sheba, Auntie Mame, The Music Man, Gypsy, El Cid, Zulu and King of Kings.
For those fans of Mr. Stewart, and cinema technology buffs, this is essential viewing.
As far as I'm aware, all prints were 35mm reductions. The cameras were originally converted three-strip units.
The initial 70mm conversions were Disney's Sleeping Beauty and Solomon and Sheba, followed by Spartacus, 55 Days at Peking.
Image - 5
Audio - 5
Pass / Fail - Pass
Upgrade from DVD - Yes
Highly Recommended
RAH
Three films were released in the process that year. The first was Night Passage from Universal, followed by Escapade in Japan (also Universal), and finally Sayonara from Warner Bros.
All three made perfect use of the VVLA process, which doubled overall resolution, but now with the use of an adapter optic, which could squeeze the image by 50% (as opposed to 100%, as in CS and PV).
The main title sequence takes advantage of the TLA logotypes.
This enabled are highly resolved image that could be either reduced to standard (very sharp) Panavision 4 perf prints, or adapted (not really blown up) to 70mm, creating a base for larger screens and 6-track audio.
The process also competed well with 65mm origination, as the standard 35mm stock could be processed anywhere, world-wide.
If there were a contest for most highly resolved film of the year, Night Passage, with work performed by the techs at Universal, would be in the running, as especially in projection, the imagery is other-worldly.
Sharp as a tack.
Likewise, grain structure, color, densities, et al are properly in line.
The film, directed by James Neilson (originally Anthony Mann), and starring James Stewart and war hero Audie Murphy, is not one of the great films of the '50s, nor is it a great western.
But Mr. Stewart, with his bright blue eyes, and the location photography, mostly in Colorado, make the film essential viewing. Also important to railway buffs - three films released recently fit into that category - Night Passage, Canyon Passage, and Titfield Thunderbolt, starring Lion, an original locomotive that first hit the rails c. 1850.
As to the TLA process, it continued for another few years, into the early '60s, with the most interesting productions being, The Big Country, Spartacus, The Vikings, Sleeping Beauty, Solomon and Sheba, Auntie Mame, The Music Man, Gypsy, El Cid, Zulu and King of Kings.
For those fans of Mr. Stewart, and cinema technology buffs, this is essential viewing.
As far as I'm aware, all prints were 35mm reductions. The cameras were originally converted three-strip units.
The initial 70mm conversions were Disney's Sleeping Beauty and Solomon and Sheba, followed by Spartacus, 55 Days at Peking.
Image - 5
Audio - 5
Pass / Fail - Pass
Upgrade from DVD - Yes
Highly Recommended
RAH
