8mm Forum: Brief Encounter

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Topic: Brief Encounter

Tim Christian
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 219
From: Norfolk, UK
Registered: Jun 2003

posted July 31, 2003 03:18 PM

Last night, I screened Walton's Brief Encounter 350' digest for the first time. Although I couldn't resist buying it, I'd been putting it off screening it in case it was a disappointment after the feature.

I needn't have worried. It is a brilliant abridgement: losing the Carey/Holloway sub plot, and perhaps the sordid aspect of the 'friend's flat' scene, but retaining the essence - especially trains at Carnforth! And it is on real b/w stock without the tints.

Just wanted to share with people who would undertand!

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Tim

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Paul Suchy
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 199
From: Westchester, IL, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted July 31, 2003 03:35 PM

Dear Tim,
I understand your feelings; some digests are really well done, while others give the impression that the editor never saw the film before. I just ordered the digest of ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN, mainly out of curiosity (how can they make sense of it in a 17 minute version?). I'm glad you shared the info on BRIEF ENCOUNTER (what a good film!), so if I ever come across one, I'll have your recommendation. Thanks!

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Paul Suchy

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Mal Brake
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 591
From: Neath, South Wales, UK
Registered: Jun 2003

posted July 31, 2003 05:24 PM

Hello Tim, Could you please tell me what the sound quality is like on your copy? I have the same 2 reeler on standard 8mm. As you say the editing is very good but my version is let down by the bass-heavy soundtrack. I have an old Rank 16mm catalogue which lists Brief Encounter but the write-up stated that the film was not suitable for screening in halls due to the quality of the sound.
Mal

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I'm gonna live forever or die trying

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Tim Christian
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 219
From: Norfolk, UK
Registered: Jun 2003

posted August 01, 2003 02:45 AM

Mal, Yes I guess the track is a bit short of higher audio frequencies. It may have been taken from a 16 mm master. I felt that the track improved towards the end.

However, we do tend to get used to TV/video 25 fps sound and first impression of a 24 fps track is that it is a bit bassy.

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Tim

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Mal Brake
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 591
From: Neath, South Wales, UK
Registered: Jun 2003

posted October 17, 2003 08:41 AM

Just a little footnote to this topic. The BBC news ran an item today (October 17th) about the restoration and re-opening of Carnforth Station. The one surviving member of the cast performed the opening ceremony and the film was screened (digitally) for those present.
Mal

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I'm gonna live forever or die trying

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Trevor Adams
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 763
From: Auckland,New Zealand
Registered: Jun 2003

posted October 18, 2003 05:37 AM

Just found my copy and had a look/listen.The sound is very average but this could be due to the number of times it has been through the projector over the years!Waltons sound was only "good"-never seen a Walton print with "excellent" sound.(But the colour of most old 4x400fters is certainly enduring.)Trev

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Trevor

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