- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,438
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
Twilight Time has released two large format productions on January 22, which with large format being as rare as hen's teeth is quite the coup.Zulu, a 1964 production, directed by Cy Endfield, was photographed in Technirama. Interestingly, the main credits reference Super Technirama 70, which points toward the negative used for the 35 reduction being that produced for 70mm printing. Most large format films had multiple main title sequences -- generally at least one for large format printing, and another for 35mm.Zulu is one of those Blu-ray that will look fine from a nominal distance, but has a slight bit of ringing, and is slightly sharpened. The sharpening was probably not necessary.All other image properties are proper.The other production, Basil Dearden's Khartoum (1966), was shot in Ultra-Panavision 70. And appearing to be sourced from a 65mm element, the imagery in Khartoum is superior to that of its release-mate.Both films make it obvious that their roots are large format cinematography. Khartoum was photographed by Edward (Ted) Scaife.Both films have, as their central focus, huge battles, both of which are quite extraordinary set-pieces. This, set against the politics of the Empire.While I've always had a slight predilection toward Khartoum, Zulu may be the better film. And for those who enjoy Zulu, the next stop should be the prequel, Zulu Dawn.Both films are huge productions, which use large format to the fullest degree.While I wish that the stereo on both was discreet in place of matrixed, the audio on both is requisitely full, crisp, and as designed - big.Zulu Image - 3.5Audio - 4.0KhartoumImage - 4Audio - 4Both are Recommended.RAH