3D Hitchcock’s BLACKMAIL has a new look in 3-D! (1 Viewer)

[Dr. Lejos]

Tampering with the classics has long been a controversial practice, especially methods like colorization, once a hot topic when movies like THE MALTESE FALCON got paint-brushed in the 80s and, in that case, was criticized by none other than John Huston, who found the process objectionable. In any case, the colorization fad quickly lost most of its limited appeal when it became evident that there was very little benefit (financial or otherwise) investing in it.

More recently, a tiny niche has materialized for converting movies to 3-D via a new company which has now built up a small catalog of public domain titles. They started via a “kickstarter”, and seem to have built up a limited but loyal following. I got one of their early offerings, Wm. Castle’s HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, and was actually quite impressed. At the same time recognizing the old contention about preserving the integrity of an original work, but in this case, I didn’t envision its auteur would be “turning in his grave”, since the film is the product of a true gimmick-maestro, who quite possibly would have been pleased with the result.

So now we find ourselves at a place in time when the public domain field is expanding, year by year … and a handful of early talkies have entered this docket. And certainly from a marketability standpoint, Hitchcock has remained one of the most durable directors. And so it happens his first talkie was selected by these entrepreneurs for a 3-D facelift. I couldn’t help myself … I had to give it a look.

And, I’ll be damned, once again I found myself impressed with the result. Would Hitchcock have approved? … I’m not sure, but his camera eye was certainly in tune with the demands of depth photography, with camera angles and positioning of props and characters often creating some striking compositions. Of course we have his later DIAL M to observe how he actually used the process, but seeing this early film “enhanced to 3-D” was actually a fascinating experience. To paraphrase, let’s just say this 3-D BLACKMAIL would be the work of a talented amateur, and DIAL M of a professional.

At any rate, I recommend it. And if interested, it can currently be found on eBay reasonably priced, and of commendably good quality.

 

[SwatDB]

Like this one?

IMO, I don't need a BD-R (or not) presentation of a 3D converted presentation of a film that wasn't even presented in legitimate 3D in the first place.

 

[Robert Harris]

Certainly better than murderous residents from the hundred acre wood, or a crazed Peter Pan.

 

[Dr. Lejos]

Appreciation for the 3-D conversion process is obviously a personal one. I was skeptical when I first ordered, but found that it actually “refreshed” and even enhanced my perspective on the films in question, both of which I knew quite well.

From my viewpoint, it doesn’t really alter the aesthetic quality of the film, as can be the case of a more garish change like colorizing. Tho in defense of that process, there have been a few notable defenders from an artistic standpoint, with Ray Harryhausen coming to mind for his defense colorizing some of his early work, which he noted would have been preferably filmed in color if producers at the time were able to afford it!

In the case of BLACKMAIL, I found adding depth to the image managed to open my eyes a bit wider to the visual content of individual scenes, while not actually seeming like an embellishment.

One aspect of the film which I’ve always found somewhat detrimental was Hitchcock’s use of Joan Barry’s off-camera voice in the place of Anny Ondra’s, done because Ondra had a thick foreign accent. At this early-talkie phase it apparently had to be done while filming and couldn’t be dubbed later, but it never seemed to matchup very well and, for me at least, became a distraction. Yet it was actually less of a problem when I was watching it in 3-D, simply because I was more immersed in the visual aspect of the film. Again, that’s a very personal reaction to the viewing experience, but that’s one way which 3-D actually improved my appreciation for the film … it got me so immersed in the visuals that those audio issues became less notable.

Of course it helps to have a good setup at home for viewing 3-D. I have a video projector which is equipped for it, so that, I suppose, would be another prerequisite for wanting to get the 3-D version.

 

[bob kaplan]

I very much enjoyed the presentation. Funny, i hate colorized pictures. But this is fine. It doesn't change the mood of the piece.

 

[Capt D McMars]

My first introduction to the team at EYE=POP 3D was one of my favorite Cheese fest...House on Haunted Hill!!! I enjoyed the vision that they explored in this film. And really, that's the thing, when a small, botique film company in the UK. They are truly using the visual possibilities that until recently, was virtually impossible to create. Andrew and his core team of 2 people, doing this as a Side gig, shows how dedicated they are to the exploring the possibilities of augmented 3-D.
These don't require a 3D tv or 3D disc in order to have fun with the limited resources at hand. I love true 3D movies too, but I also admire the "Damn the Torpedos, Full Speed Ahead" mentality. It's either Inspirational or chaos.
Don't expect the same results as "Real 3D" and you're never disappointed. But enjoy the choices that they explored. Are these an abomination of modern times or just a fun exploration into the possibilities of 3D massaged and restored 3D offering? Where ever you fall within the spectrum will tell how interested you may or may not have with these titles.

Bottom line, enjoy these for what they ARE and don't be in expectations of these equal to or greater than the other 3D format that DOES require a 3D TV and 3D 4K/BD player. And as a side note, I have several titles and they are better with each consecutive feature, all are better and better, as they find their foothold with in the projects. I say, go for it!!! If you have any complaints, YOU make one...we'all will wait for you.