DeeF
Screenwriter
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2002
- Messages
- 1,689
So, DeeF, if I understand you correctly, there are two completely different versions of Oklahoma -- although practically identical? That's wild -- and I never knew that! THe two different versions (Todd-AO and CinemaScope) contain completely different takes of the scenes? Amazing!Yes!
And not only are the versions using different takes, but they were set up differently, and shot at different parts of the day. The Todd-AO scenes were shot in the morning (hence, "Oh What A Beautiful Mornin'") and the Cinemascope scenes were shot in the afternoon. (Of course, the entire second half of the movie takes place at night, so these scenes show little differences, at least in terms of lighting and setup).
After the roadshow played out, most theaters showed the Cinemascope version, and the Todd-AO was retired. The Cinemascope version is what is familiar from television showings. Then when the Todd-AO version was restored in the 80s, the Cinemascope version kind of disappeared (if you have a video from the 80s, you have the Cinemascope version).
When the Todd-AO version was restored, most critics said it was superior in every way. Certainly its look is superior (with 30fps). But I'm not sure that the performances are better. I actually think the Cinemascope version has fresher performances, probably due to being done after the other, and also, a certain ease at making a "carbon copy."
I'd really like to have both versions, to compare for myself. I'm sure both are in pretty good shape.
By the way, there were other movies with completely different versions out there.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, shot in Academy and Cinemascope (two different movies, and you can get either one on video)
Brigadoon, shot in Academy and Cinemascope (though this is a pretty bad movie -- Vincent Minnelli didn't know how to use the widescreen, and neither did Gene Kelly)
Around the World in Eighty Days, once again shot in Todd-AO and Cinemascope, although unlike Oklahoma!, apparently the Todd-AO original roadshow version is unrestorable, so the restored version that is coming out contains pieces of both of these versions.
For Carousel, the plan was to shoot it twice, like Oklahoma!, using Cinemascope 55 (a 55mm film) and Cinemascope (regular 35mm). But it became apparent very quickly (after the first few days of shooting) that the wide film could be downprinted to 35mm, and still retain the lustre and sharpness of the widefilm. So the second "shooting" schedule was abandoned. Carousel was shot on the widefilm, but it was never projected that way -- only on regular 35mm film.
Frank did bow out, citing that shooting the movie "twice" deserved two salaries. This turns out to be rationalization, though -- he didn't really want to do the movie and this was his way out. He was completely costumed and recorded, and those recordings exist, for another tantalizing mystery. Capitol ought to find those recordings and put them out.