Author
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Topic: Day of the Triffids
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Trevor Collett
Junior
Posts: 17
From: Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Registered: Jul 2016
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posted November 22, 2016 12:55 AM
Recently locally acquired the Mountains Films 4 x 400' DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS color/scope edited version of this 1962 film in original boxes. All original leaders and tails (never been spliced or respooled to larger reels). While the editing is a bit ragged (including printed splices) on the whole this version runs well keeping the tension up. Ending a bit abrupt though and as stated very obvious editing splices (but no physical splices on the print itself).
From memory this 4 x 400' contains all the effective highlights of the full feature (edited from 93 mins).
Printed on Fuji film stock for full running time around 70 mins. Color is very good. I've seen posts that the original release had a reddish-brownish tinge so I think there's no color fade at all. All colors are present (greens blues reds yellows etc) for which I am greatly relieved - the opening meteor shower looks great. Definitely a brownish/reddish tinge during night scenes, but perfectly acceptable in my opinion when all colors are still present.
Print brightness is fine too. No too-dark-to-see scenes.
Print condition is excellent. No scratching or other damage, and good sound quality too. Probably only screened a few times since new.
Curiously, nowhere on the Mountain Films boxes is there any mention of this print being widescreen or scope. I thought I was getting a flat print. But it's anamorphically squeezed and needs scope lens to unsqueeze to cinemascope width.
Boxes (400-foot cardboard sleeves) are each fully printed. Part numbers are 1/8, 2/8, 3/8 and 4/8. The 8 must stand for 8 reels (an 8-reel feature on 4 spools).
Sharpness is good (but not excellent) - even with a scope lens the picture is just as sharp as a lot of super 8 titles at the softer end (actually better than the softest prints I've seen). I found watching it fine.
Contains the original BBFC X certificate title card. Now, of course, a family-friendly PG.
On the whole I am happy to have picked this title up at NZ$150 (around US$105) - reasonable value for print with no wear, solid color and scope.
Film (as edited): *** (out of *****) - unedited **** Print: **** (out of *****) - as new, but only *** when compared to later Derann releases. Original boxes: **1/2 (out of *****) - a lot of wear.
Rating of print takes into account still very good color and general condition. So hopefully you'll find that prints of this title still have good color, although I suppose depends on how stored and in what climate.
Just to note this print is not for sale.
-------------------- Trevor Collett Lower Hutt New Zealand
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