A Few Words About A few words about…™ Show Boat (1951) – in Blu-ray (1 Viewer)

[Will Krupp]

Give us all heart failure by digging up the Technicolor negs to THE PRIVATE LIVES OF ELIZABETH AND ESSEX.

The Technicolor negatives were used for the 2005 DVD release. The issue with that one is that the original nitrate negatives had shrunk over time and no two in the exact same way, which is why that transfer has more color fringing than I've ever seen. They will need to re-scan the negatives and use a digital process similar to the old "Ultra-Resolution" method to get them to re-align, but it's not a question of needing to dig them up.

 

[ahollis]

There is a scene in Showboat where Gaylord runs into Julie as he is on a gambling boat. The scene that sets it up shows the riverboat the Sprague in a stock shot. That riverboat had an illustrious history that ended tragically in the 80’s. Ironically it was docked in Vicksburg, MS and used as a showboat for many of her last years. Here is story concerning her history and death.

Salvaging the remains of the Sprague

Last week, Marty Kittrell ran a series of photos on his beautiful photo blog of the remains of the once-great steam towboat Sprague, which plied the Mississippi and ended up as a theater on the ban…

misspreservation.com

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[Gerani53]

The Technicolor negatives were used for the 2005 DVD release. The issue with that one is that the original nitrate negatives had shrunk over time and no two in the exact same way, which is why that transfer has more color fringing than I've ever seen. They will need to re-scan the negatives and use a digital process similar to the old "Ultra-Resolution" method to get them to re-align, but it's not a question of needing to dig them up.

Delighted to hear it. Hopefully they'll do what needs to be done and release a perfect incarnation of the title.

 

[Joel Arndt]

The Technicolor negatives were used for the 2005 DVD release. The issue with that one is that the original nitrate negatives had shrunk over time and no two in the exact same way, which is why that transfer has more color fringing than I've ever seen. They will need to re-scan the negatives and use a digital process similar to the old "Ultra-Resolution" method to get them to re-align, but it's not a question of needing to dig them up.

And more Flynn, Davis and 3-strip Technicolor on Blu-ray is always a good thing.

 

[Harold Chasen]

The issue with that one is that the original nitrate negatives had shrunk over time and no two in the exact same way, which is why that transfer has more color fringing than I've ever seen.

Yes, as poster Billy Batson said on another thread, it looked like watching a 3D movie without the special glasses! But, as I said on that thread, the version just shown last month on TCM had great layer alignment for almost the whole movie (there were a few minutes here and there that had a bit of mis-alignment, but nothing like the DVD). And it looked great all around. So, there's already a better version out there, and if they put the usual Warner Archive quality into it, it should make a stunning Blu-Ray.

 

[M90GM]

Yes, but the 1936 movie is so much better.

Some may disagree.

Very different. This one's "grander" in every way and maintains an emotional connection.

 

[Rick2Hot]

No way is 1936 better. This is the one I've been waiting for. Looks super on my big screen projection theater screen. End of story!

 

[OLDTIMER]

No way is 1936 better. End of story!

I think it's a matter of opinion. I for one prefer the 1936 version. Visually, like the MGM version, the print is as sharp as a tack, but I prefer it emotionally and artistically (directed by the great James Whale). The MGM one is to me, a lollypop version! Very pretty to look at with some punchy orchestrations.

 

[Matt Hough]

Each has its merits and, for fans of the show, definitely worth having them both.

 

[Rick2Hot]

No way is 1936 better. This is the one I've been waiting for. Looks super on my big screen projection theater screen. End of story!

I also have the 1936 film, but with the color and music on a big screen I like it better.

 

[OLDTIMER]

Each has its merits and, for fans of the show, definitely worth having them both.

I do have them both. In fact I like SHOW BOAT so much I've also got the San francisco opera Blu-ray as well (which is well worth having for the full score).

 

[Rick2Hot]

I do have them both. In fact I like SHOW BOAT so much I've also got the San francisco opera Blu-ray as well (which is well worth having for the full score).

I will have to check that one out.

 

[AnthonyClarke]

I have both but prefer the second version ... Paul Robeson alone makes it necessary to have the first version, but I found Irene Dunne's Magnolia very gauche and irritating. And Kathryn Grayson is in fine voice (for her!) in the second version. Her pitch was so erratic ..... but in this and in Kiss Me Kate, everything was OK.

 

[daver812]

Mexican movie poster for Show Boat signed by Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel. Needless to say this is my favorite version of the movie.

 

[daver812]

I have both but prefer the second version ... Paul Robeson alone makes it necessary to have the first version, but I found Irene Dunne's Magnolia very gauche and irritating. And Kathryn Grayson is in fine voice (for her!) in the second version. Her pitch was so erratic ..... but in this and in Kiss Me Kate, everything was OK.

I was so happy when Kiss Me Kate came out in 3D blu ray

 

[OLDTIMER]

Kiss Me Kate was obviously made for 3D with things being thrown towards the camera all the time! Sadly, my new OLED TV doesn't have 3D so I can't watch it that way any more.

 

[AnthonyClarke]

Kiss Me Kate in 3d was made for my 150 inch projector screen. Seeeeensssational!

 

[ahollis]

Kiss Me Kate in 3d was made for my 150 inch projector screen. Seeeeensssational!

Mine too.

 

[Robert Harris]

Kiss Me Kate was obviously made for 3D with things being thrown towards the camera all the time! Sadly, my new OLED TV doesn't have 3D so I can't watch it that way any more.

The 3D shots for KMK were cut in at the print stage.

 

[Will Krupp]

Kiss Me Kate was obviously made for 3D with things being thrown towards the camera all the time! Sadly, my new OLED TV doesn't have 3D so I can't watch it that way any more.

I'm in the same boat. I DO miss the 3D capabilities of my old 4K TV but wouldn't trade my OLED for anything!