Mossman-Williams
Agent
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2016
- Messages
- 46
- Real Name
- Wade Williams
The newly restored cut footage from the original release release of THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD came from my 35MM print. which I loaned to Warners almost a decade ago. It was the full frame version, not the 1954 re-release. The original negative and fine grain was lost in a vault fire and the only remaining 35MM elements were from the 1954 re-release. which was shortened for a double bill with STATIONS WEST.
It was common practice for companies like RKO and Paramount to sell their used 35MM prints after the initial release, overseas to independent distributors or their exchanges. This is where all the original 1951 usable prints were sent
My print came from Australia from a collector that had owned it from 1953.It is full frame and totally complete and extremely rare since none of the 1951 prints were used in the 1954 and 1957 re-releases. In 1951 a 16MM negative was made from the full length fine grain for Canadian theatrical distribution and later for TV. A few of these were floating around decades ago. The aspect ratio for the 1954 release was cropped on the top and bottom for Wide-Screen ratio that changed in many films in1953 when Cinemascope started. Another reason the full frame 1951 prints were never used and re-cut for the 1954 re-release.
I did not see the film until 1954, the shortened version and loved it. After looking at the longer version I felt the cuts were expertly made and the film moved at a better pace although character development in the long version changed the complexion of the film somewhat. I preferred the shorter version but wanted to see what was cut.
There was no scene ever shot with the men hanging upside down in the greenhouse according to Robert Cornwaith who played the scientist Dr. Carrington who was a guest in 2001 at the 50th anniversary of the film at the Englewood Theatre
in Independence, Mo in which this print was exhibited.
Prints in 35MM of the 1954 version are rare because of the VS syndrome that started when the prints were rejuvinated by RKO and used for the 1957 re-release. This scratch removal process usually starts the VS which shrinks the base and eventually renders prints junk.
Warners made a new dupe negative from the 1951 print so the restored footage should match the rest of the print. I have not looked at the new restored DVD yet.
Wade Williams
It was common practice for companies like RKO and Paramount to sell their used 35MM prints after the initial release, overseas to independent distributors or their exchanges. This is where all the original 1951 usable prints were sent
My print came from Australia from a collector that had owned it from 1953.It is full frame and totally complete and extremely rare since none of the 1951 prints were used in the 1954 and 1957 re-releases. In 1951 a 16MM negative was made from the full length fine grain for Canadian theatrical distribution and later for TV. A few of these were floating around decades ago. The aspect ratio for the 1954 release was cropped on the top and bottom for Wide-Screen ratio that changed in many films in1953 when Cinemascope started. Another reason the full frame 1951 prints were never used and re-cut for the 1954 re-release.
I did not see the film until 1954, the shortened version and loved it. After looking at the longer version I felt the cuts were expertly made and the film moved at a better pace although character development in the long version changed the complexion of the film somewhat. I preferred the shorter version but wanted to see what was cut.
There was no scene ever shot with the men hanging upside down in the greenhouse according to Robert Cornwaith who played the scientist Dr. Carrington who was a guest in 2001 at the 50th anniversary of the film at the Englewood Theatre
in Independence, Mo in which this print was exhibited.
Prints in 35MM of the 1954 version are rare because of the VS syndrome that started when the prints were rejuvinated by RKO and used for the 1957 re-release. This scratch removal process usually starts the VS which shrinks the base and eventually renders prints junk.
Warners made a new dupe negative from the 1951 print so the restored footage should match the rest of the print. I have not looked at the new restored DVD yet.
Wade Williams
