UHD Review A Few Words About A few words about...™ - Giant -- in 4k UHD (1 Viewer)

[Douglas R]

I watched this on Prime yesterday, although it would be more accurate to say I struggled through it (after giving up on it in the past). I know that George Stevens won the AA for directing but it looked very flat to me, and the framing at 1.66 was awful. This aspect ratio seemed to be an unusual choice for a big epic movie in the mid 1950s, particularly for American films (it was a popular choice in Britain). I kept thinking of The Big Country and how it would have been different if a director like William Wyler had been at the helm.

I have to agree. I've always struggled with the film as well. I always thought Stevens a vastly overrated director.

 

[DarkVader]

Yeah this is why I feel 4k really is overkill for the majority of cinema made prior to 1980. You're subjecting these films to a level of visual stress they were never supposed to undergo with a level of technology no one was even dreaming of back in the day.

This is spot on.

 

[Robert Crawford]

This is spot on.

Yeah, but Giant looks so damn good in 4K.

 

[Will Krupp]

Yeah, but Giant looks so damn good in 4K.

Yes sir, I agree. The dupe sections are unfortunate (nothing anyone can do about them now) but when this transfer 'hits' it looks GREAT.

 

[DarkVader]

Yeah, but Giant looks so damn good in 4K.

(In my Texas accent): It sure does! I just got thru watching it about 30 minutes ago and it is a damn mighty fine presentation if I do say so m'self!

 

[PatrickDA]

I have to agree. I've always struggled with the film as well. I always thought Stevens a vastly overrated director.

um.................."Alice Adams," "Swing Time," "The Talk of the Town," "Gunga Din," "The More the Merrier," "Shane," "A Place in the Sun," "I Remember Mama," "Penny Serenade," "Woman of the Year," and "Giant"....maybe you didn't like some of them as much as others, but to call him "vastly overrated" is a bit extreme. He certainly belongs in the group that has won Best Director twice.

 

[Robert Harris]

um.................."Alice Adams," "Swing Time," "The Talk of the Town," "Gunga Din," "The More the Merrier," "Shane," "A Place in the Sun," "I Remember Mama," "Penny Serenade," "Woman of the Year," and "Giant"....maybe you didn't like some of them as much as others, but to call him "vastly overrated" is a bit extreme. He certainly belongs in the group that has won Best Director twice.

Within that Pantheon.

 

[Michel_Hafner]

Watched it last night. What a frustrating experience to see this classic film, ahead of its time, in a succession of 35mm quality, DVD quality, 35mm quality, DVD quality, 35mm quality, DVD quality... Don't get it why Stevens would put up with this abomination.

 

[davidmatychuk]

Almost all of the James Dean scenes never looked so good as they do on this 4K disc. His scenes aren't all I care about in "Giant", but I sure was thrilled watching them.

 

[willyTass]

Watched it last night. What a frustrating experience to see this classic film, ahead of its time, in a succession of 35mm quality, DVD quality, 35mm quality, DVD quality, 35mm quality, DVD quality... Don't get it why Stevens would put up with this abomination.

What do u mean Michael ?

 

[Michel_Hafner]

What do u mean Michael ?

The opticals, of course.

 

[PaulRossen]

I have to agree. I've always struggled with the film as well. I always thought Stevens a vastly overrated director

I’ve enjoyed a few of his films but on the whole he is not one of my favorite directors. Perhaps my viewpoint is clouded over his treatment of Alfred Newman and his music during the production of The Greatest Story Ever Told.

 

[Michel_Hafner]

I’ve enjoyed a few of his films but on the whole he is not one of my favorite directors. Perhaps my viewpoint is clouded over his treatment of Alfred Newman and his music during the production of The Greatest Story Ever Told.

Even the greatest directors are just human beings and can behave very questionably at times. I wish Hitchcock had not parted with Herrmann as he did...

 

[PaulRossen]

Even the greatest directors are just human beings and can behave very questionably at times. I wish Hitchcock had not parted with Herrmann as he did...

Guess I enjoy Hitchcock‘s films more than Stevens‘. But of course Hitchcock’s later films suffered by not continuing the relationship with Herrmann.

 

[KeithDA]

I thought I'd seen 'Giant' on TV years ago, but if so, I don't remember a thing about it. I soon got wrapped up in the story and was only occasionally aware of 'softer' images. If anything, I was more aware of the studio interior shots, but even they were somewhat disguised, e.g. by the décor of the house as it underwent changing fashions and wealth.

Liz Taylor was great as a feisty young woman, Rock Hudson solid and believable. James Dean unnecessarily strange (IMO), yet I kept thinking of Leonardo di Caprio doing the role. Dennis Hopper looked about 12 and the whiny voice was in its infancy. Despite its length, It had some pace (punctuated by births) and I did appreciate seeing these 'stars' act in the long takes. Not sure about 'best director' though.....

The theme of pre and post-war America as seen through the eyes of one family worked quite well and the approach to racism must have been well ahead of its time. I really enjoyed it.

 

[OliverK]

[/QUOTE]

um.................."Alice Adams," "Swing Time," "The Talk of the Town," "Gunga Din," "The More the Merrier," "Shane," "A Place in the Sun," "I Remember Mama," "Penny Serenade," "Woman of the Year," and "Giant"....maybe you didn't like some of them as much as others, but to call him "vastly overrated" is a bit extreme. He certainly belongs in the group that has won Best Director twice.

I can see where Doug is coming from and Andrew Sarris would agree but vastly overrated is too harsh.

In any case when it comes to the technical merits (which I believe is what we are here for) then the UHD is doing very well. For those who do like George Stevens this is a terrific release considering what Warner had to work with, too bad about those decisions made back when it was in production.

 

[Christian D66]

I like GIANT because it's always striving for some kind of dense profundity, hit or miss, in the way many films of the 50's/60's did. I think it's not perfect but indelible.

 

[usrunnr]

Difficult to watch in its current state, but I guess it depends on how much you like the film.
And how much you enjoy the iconic stars who are in it.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Difficult to watch in its current state, but I guess it depends on how much you like the film.
And how much you enjoy the iconic stars who are in it.

I don't understand your comment regarding difficulty in its current state? Please elaborate so I can understand your comment.

 

[dpippel]

Difficult to watch in its current state, but I guess it depends on how much you like the film.
And how much you enjoy the iconic stars who are in it.

It's always been "in its current state."