Orson Welles CHIMES AT MIDNIGHT new domestic release (1 Viewer)

[Richard--W]

Has anyone seen this recently released edition?
Can you comment on the quality?

Amazon.com: Chimes At Midnight: Orson Welles,Jeanne Moreau: Movies & TV

I don't like the cover art, and I've never heard of Hollywood's Attic.

 

[Jean-Michel]

Hollywood's Attic is a bootleg outfit (formerly known as Nostalgia Family Video).

 

[Jon Martin]

I don't know if they were formerly known as that, since Nostalgia is still operating.

Hollywood's Attic I thought is Movies Unlimited. If you notice, the link to buy it on Amazon goes to Movies Unlimited.

 

[David_B_K]

If it were any kind of "official" release, the people at wellesnet would be all over it, but no one there is talking about it. Whatever the circumstances, it would be interesting to see what other releases it mirrors. The Spanish Suevia disc which I have disc is only so-so, and the film is presented in non-anamorphic 16:9 widescreen. The French Studio Canal release is anamorphic with better sound and picture quality. I'd spring for the Hollywood's Attic version if I knew it would look and sound as good as the Studio Canal version.

It is looking as if a region one official release is never going to happen.

 

[Jean-Michel]

Sorry, got the two mixed up -- Nostalgia was formerly Hollywood's Attic (cf. their website).

As for the question of quality, given that they also sell the movie on VHS, I wouldn't be shocked if it's just an old tape master burned onto a DVD-R.

 

[Jon Martin]

A bit off topic, but has anyone heard anything about Welles film THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND getting a DVD release?

I saw Gary Graver (Welles longtime cinematographer) at an event a couple years ago where he showed about an hour of it. What I saw was absolutely amazing. Imagine KANE meets Antonioni complete with an NC-17 rated sex scene.

Graver said at the time that all the legal hurdles in completing the film had been just about cleared up, and it would finally be completed and get a release. (The film was partially financed by the Shah of Iran's brother). He passed away a few months after that, so I don't know what is going on with the film.

 

[Charles Ellis]

According to Peter Bogdanovich, it's just a matter of post-production, and they're trying for a March 2009 release. A few years back I read Betsy Blair's memoir, and she revealed that she was the original Desdemona in Welles' Othello, but after a year of filming she was replaced by Suzanne Cloutier. Since the finished film is on DVD, I'd like to know if any of the Blair footage still exists.

 

[David_B_K]

There was another actress (whose name escapes me-an Italian actress with whom Welles was besotted at one time) used as well. Allegedly, a few long shots consist of different actresses. A shot early on, of Othello and Desdemona cruising in a gondola appears to be someone other than Suzanne Cloutier. The need for the changes, of course, were due to erratic shooting schedules, etc.

 

[Richard--W]

I gather you're certain about this?

 

[Charles Ellis]

Check out what he has to say here:


Wellesnet: The Orson Welles Web Resource » Blog Archive » Peter Bogdanovich on completing ORSON WELLES long awaited THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND for Showtime

 

[Richard--W]

That's very good news, Charles. Thank you so much for that link. Interesting website.

I've been wanting to see The Other Side of the Wind forever. I eagerly look forward to a newly released film by Orson Welles.

 

[oscar_merkx]

Yes fab website.

Will spend more time tomorrow once I get some sleep.