Paramount to release "Hondo" on Blu-ray in June - No 3D? (1 Viewer)

[Mark-P]

So Paramount has officially announced that Hondo comes to Blu-ray on June 5th. This would have been the perfect opportunity to introduce a 50's era 3D movie on Blu-ray 3D, yet apparently it's just going to be 2D. What a missed opportunity. I'd love to see films like this where the 3D photography gave added depth to the image without the gimmicks.

 

[Steve Tannehill]

Seconded.

 

[Richard--W]

Hondo is one of the top 5 stereoscopic films ever made. The stereopsis is state-of-the-art, then or now. It is absolute madness in this day and age to release a 3-D film flat when the technology to see it in 3-D is everywhere. The least they could do is offer consumers a 3-D option on the menu. Perhaps no other classic 3-D film could usher in the acceptance of the 3-D medium in home video more. Paramount could start something, instead of keeping it status quo.

 

[Bob Furmanek]

I wholeheartedly agree. The quality of the stereoscopic cinematography on HONDO is superb. Plus, it was intended for 1.75 widescreen and should not be released in 1.37.

 

[Robert Harris]

As restored elements have already been produced, there is no heavy lifting here.


Really not even worth discussing without 3D.


RAH

 

[Matt Hough]

Add my name to the chorus of people who think it foolhardy indeed to not offer a 3D option for this film.

 

[Charles Smith]

Talk about a missed, totally bungled opportunity.
Infuriating. We've been waiting for catalog 3Ds we know and love, AND WILL BUY ... for how long?

 

[JoHud]

Looks like Warner Home Video is the only company that is going to be attempting 3-D Blu-rays of catalog titles. Paramount, apparently, doesn't see a payoff in a 3D option in its classics. Indeed a lost opportunity.

 

[ahollis]

Maybe since the John Wayne Estate owns the title, Paramount does not have the authority to release the 3D version. Or the Wayne Estate does no wish to pay for a transfer. The late Michael Wayne was the one oversaw the work of the titles, it was his widow and Patrick Wayne that made the deal with Paramount. Just a thought.

 

[David_B_K]

The release of Hondo (and other 50's 3D films) would probably drive me to actually have an interest in 3D television. Too bad they let this opportunity go by.

 

[Matt Hough]

Originally Posted by David_B_K

The release of Hondo (and other 50's 3D films) would probably drive me to actually have an interest in 3D television. Too bad they let this opportunity go by.

We've been told that Warners has plans to release House of Wax and Dial'M' for Murder this year in 3D. Fingers crossed that this happens and is successful.

 

[ToEhrIsHuman]

If any representatives of Paramount were to read this, know I would have blind-purchased this title had 3D been an option. Now I'm not so inclined.

 

[Charles Smith]

Originally Posted by Craig_Ehr

If any representatives of Paramount were to read this, know I would have blind-purchased this title had 3D been an option. Now I'm not so inclined.

Same here. No question. It would have been an immediate buy.

 

[Matt Hough]

For me as well. Without 3D, probably a rental.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Originally Posted by MattH.

For me as well. Without 3D, probably a rental.

Not for me, it's one of my favorite Duke films and I've never seen it in 3-D and that includes about 10-15 viewings. I understand why others are upset about the non-3D and though I would prefer that too, it's not a dealbreaker for me.










Crawdaddy

 

[Bob Furmanek]

HONDO was conceived and photographed for 3-D, widescreen and color. We now have the capability of seeing it that way for the first time since the original theatrical release. Why settle for anything less? Bob

 

[Peter Apruzzese]

HONDO was conceived and photographed for 3-D, widescreen and color. We now have the capability of seeing it that way for the first time since the original theatrical release. Why settle for anything less? Bob

Exactly, Bob. The Amazon listing doesn't say if it's widescreen or not, but I have to guess it's the same full-frame format as the DVD. Too bad: no 3-D, no correct aspect ratio - this one's a pass. Why support a sub-par effort?

 

[JoHud]

I'll probably pick this up when it gets on sale. It will still be an upgrade over the DVD and I haven't seen it in a long time.

 

[Richard--W]

Maybe since the John Wayne Estate owns the title, Paramount does not have the authority to release the 3D version.  Or the Wayne Estate does not wish to pay for a transfer.  The late Michael Wayne was the one oversaw the work of the titles, it was his widow and Patrick Wayne that made the deal with Paramount.  Just a thought. 

You have a valid point. Gretchen Wayne, widow of Michael Wayne, is in charge of HONDO. She is not technology-oriented. My impression from speaking with her at the Academy screening in 2007 is that she was mis-informed of the facts about 3-D films and about HONDO in particular by digital 3-D companies who were competing for a theatrical distribution 3-D contract. It could have been screened in double-interlock at the Academy and at the DGA, instead she went with some unstable digital conversion, the details of which were kept proprietary, but it involved active shutter glasses with a red bias. It looked good on the screen, however. Bob Furmanek was in attendance that night. Double-interlock 35mm would have been a lot easier, and better quality. She may still be hoping for a theatrical release, or she may still be confused about how to convert the film. The elements are fine. There's nothing to be confused about. She should just let Paramount do a 3-D transfer, if they are willing, and not worry about it.

 

[Robert Harris]

Originally Posted by Richard--W


You have a valid point.
Gretchen Wayne, widow of Michael Wayne, is in charge of HONDO. She is not technology-oriented. My impression from speaking with her at the Academy screening in 2007 is that she was mis-informed of the facts about 3-D films and about HONDO in particular by digital 3-D companies who were competing for a theatrical distribution 3-D contract. It could have been screened in double-interlock at the Academy and at the DGA, instead she went with some unstable digital conversion, the details of which were kept proprietary, but it involved active shutter glasses with a red bias. It looked good on the screen, however. Bob Furmanek was in attendance that night. Double-interlock 35mm would have been a lot easier, and better quality. She may still be hoping for a theatrical release, or she may still be confused about how to convert the film. The elements are fine. There's nothing to be confused about. She should just let Paramount do a 3-D transfer, if they are willing, and not worry about it.

I was there with you that evening, also.


A thrilling event.


RAH