- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,428
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
An interesting concept combing two early '50s sci-fi classics by the same fx artist, but in this case it seems like an odd one.
First, let's discuss the 1953 War of the Worlds in 4k.
As a Technicolor (3-strip) production, the film had a certain look, and this isn't it.
One of the reasons that 3-strip worked was that the imbibition of the liquid metal dyes to the base via the mordant, gave a very soft image. And it was that softness that took an extremely grainy image - remember these are not one, but three black and white negatives printed atop one another - and made it appear almost grainless, and velvety. This process worked beautifully and successfully for two decades.
Which means that Paramount's new 4k release of War of the Words adds very little to the overall resolution, while concurrently creating a grain feast.
Comparing the 4k to Criterion's Blu-ray will give you a better idea of what the film should look like, and is by far, my preferred version on disc.
I've noted my displeasure with the way that Paramount de-grains certain films without need, adding digital problems in the wake, but understand that there is nothing intrinsically wrong with de-graining.
It all comes down to knowing, or learning, how and when to use the tool. One place not to use it is in large format origination.
But the studio chooses to use it for some VistaVision, and other films that don't need it, and yet when it comes to 3-strip, we're given a version of the film that was never meant to be seen.
All of this noted, does it make a difference from a nominal viewing position? Probably not. But in projection, get a bit too close, and it simply is incorrect.
I won't get into the discussion of the actual color of the planet Mars, as I have actual personal knowledge. I've always heard it was red or reddish. For whatever reason, the Criterion Blu-ray has either corrected the color in the film's opening to a tone that is more generally accepted, but Paramount is leaving the planet decidedly blue.
I've never viewed the original negatives, and have no memory of original prints, so I cannot attest to the fact that Mars may have appeared blue in the film in 1953.
Since there are not one, but two star fields in the shot, that should answer as black, one would presume that the planet would simply fall into place, but I don't know.
The real news here is the extra added attraction - is the Rudolph Maté directed, 1951 version of the film, which has never appeared on home video in any resolution above standard definition.
Finally, we have a Blu-ray release that looks lovely. Whether it's from a new master or not, I've no idea, but it makes a nifty Blu-ray.
So what's the bottom line.
My take is that for $30, the sci-fi adoring public is finally receiving When Worlds Collide, for which I presume they would be willing to pay $20, plus a 4k of War of the Words for $10, which to me is both problematic and superfluous to the far better looking Criterion release, which appears more film-like simply because its running at 25% of the resolution of the 4k, which in itself contains zero 4k information with the exception of grain.
War of the Worlds
Image – 3.5 (Dolby Vision)
Audio – 5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k - 3.25
Upgrade from Blu-ray - No
When Worlds Collide
Image – 3.75
Audio – 5 (DTS-HD MA monaural)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Upgrade from DVD - Yes
Recommended
RAH
First, let's discuss the 1953 War of the Worlds in 4k.
As a Technicolor (3-strip) production, the film had a certain look, and this isn't it.
One of the reasons that 3-strip worked was that the imbibition of the liquid metal dyes to the base via the mordant, gave a very soft image. And it was that softness that took an extremely grainy image - remember these are not one, but three black and white negatives printed atop one another - and made it appear almost grainless, and velvety. This process worked beautifully and successfully for two decades.
Which means that Paramount's new 4k release of War of the Words adds very little to the overall resolution, while concurrently creating a grain feast.
Comparing the 4k to Criterion's Blu-ray will give you a better idea of what the film should look like, and is by far, my preferred version on disc.
I've noted my displeasure with the way that Paramount de-grains certain films without need, adding digital problems in the wake, but understand that there is nothing intrinsically wrong with de-graining.
It all comes down to knowing, or learning, how and when to use the tool. One place not to use it is in large format origination.
But the studio chooses to use it for some VistaVision, and other films that don't need it, and yet when it comes to 3-strip, we're given a version of the film that was never meant to be seen.
All of this noted, does it make a difference from a nominal viewing position? Probably not. But in projection, get a bit too close, and it simply is incorrect.
I won't get into the discussion of the actual color of the planet Mars, as I have actual personal knowledge. I've always heard it was red or reddish. For whatever reason, the Criterion Blu-ray has either corrected the color in the film's opening to a tone that is more generally accepted, but Paramount is leaving the planet decidedly blue.
I've never viewed the original negatives, and have no memory of original prints, so I cannot attest to the fact that Mars may have appeared blue in the film in 1953.
Since there are not one, but two star fields in the shot, that should answer as black, one would presume that the planet would simply fall into place, but I don't know.
The real news here is the extra added attraction - is the Rudolph Maté directed, 1951 version of the film, which has never appeared on home video in any resolution above standard definition.
Finally, we have a Blu-ray release that looks lovely. Whether it's from a new master or not, I've no idea, but it makes a nifty Blu-ray.
So what's the bottom line.
My take is that for $30, the sci-fi adoring public is finally receiving When Worlds Collide, for which I presume they would be willing to pay $20, plus a 4k of War of the Words for $10, which to me is both problematic and superfluous to the far better looking Criterion release, which appears more film-like simply because its running at 25% of the resolution of the 4k, which in itself contains zero 4k information with the exception of grain.
War of the Worlds
Image – 3.5 (Dolby Vision)
Audio – 5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Makes use of and works well in 4k - 3.25
Upgrade from Blu-ray - No
When Worlds Collide
Image – 3.75
Audio – 5 (DTS-HD MA monaural)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Plays nicely with projectors - Yes
Upgrade from DVD - Yes
Recommended
RAH
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Anyhow, for those that might be confused there is no Dolby Vision for the When Worlds Collide Blu-ray.
