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- Bob
Very interesting. Do you know when the specs were changed?
My understand is that it was composed 2.55:1, and when the mono optical track came in all prints went out at 2.35:1. Obviously it would be incorrect to project such a print at 2.55:1, but regardless the trades have correctly listed the intended compositional ratio. Which is something. Who knows how or why it turned out that way, but if we're relying on the trades to tell us how to watch our films today, then this is an example of them getting it right.Robert Harris said:Interesting piece of history.
The aspect ratio for Kwai is incorrect, as while it was discussed early on to be 2.55, it was only released in 2.35, with the left side of image cropped.
The publication is incorrect.
RAH
The published aspect ratios were generally correct, thus the rationale to publish them. On occasion they did not sync to facts, or changing facts.EddieLarkin said:If the published aspect ratios had little to do with the intended aspect ratios, why publish them at all? What other purpose do they serve?
And boy did that look beautiful -- somehow I had never seen the film, so when Film Forum had a brand new print from that same source, I saw it and was blown away. Fantastic film, beautifully photographed.Robert Harris said:As congecture, marketing may have released almost year old specs to the trades. 2.55 did not see the light of day until Mr. Crisp brought the film to its latest video incarnation.
Trade publications are not above making errors. I don't know how many times I've read an article in The Hollywood Reporter (especially obits) that had me scratching my head regarding "facts".Robert Harris said:The publication is incorrect.
RAH
Oh, that's so interesting Mr. Furmanek, thank you! I had always thought that BUS STOP initiated the mag/optical mandate in 1956 (I can't remember now WHY I thought so, though) so it's great to have it clarified. Thanks, again!Bob Furmanek said:The first presentations with a combo mag/optical track were BOY ON A DOLPHIN on April 10, 1957. Fox also had mag/optical prints available in April on THE TRUE STORY OF JESSE JAMES.