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Topic: Why Digital When You Own Film?
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Claus Harding
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1149
From: Washington DC
Registered: Oct 2006
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posted October 28, 2009 10:06 PM
Well, I have HiDef, but not as projection; I have a 58-inch Panasonic plasma with a Playstation 3 for Blu-Ray playback.
I love films, but they are the ones that are 'bloody expensive'; even in 16mm, getting decent prints (with normal color) is becoming prohibitive for major titles.
I pick and choose carefully. Luckily I love B/W ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Meanwhile, I am getting new Blu-Rays at good prices, depending on the film and the source:
"Snow White, Diamond Edition" (2 BR discs + 1 DVD): $10 + $3 shipping from one of Amazon's sellers.
"2001": $12.50 with shipping.
"A Bridge Too Far": $10 at CostCo.
Quite a difference when money's not abundant. Still, I keep looking at prints, and when a good one shows up, I do jump into the fray. That fever won't go away ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Re: projection. I do think that, space permitting, when the time comes where the big Panny is wearing out (I hope in more than 5 years) I will look at a projector instead of a dedicated set, as most likely I won't be able to get a plasma replacement set then.
By then, the contrast ratios and general improvement of the projectors should be quite amazing (resembling the 16000-lumen monsters we currently see on the corporate video jobs.)
Still, firing up the 16mm Xenon and running "The Last Laugh" or "On the Waterfront" is, for lack of a better phrase, just a much more 'organic' experience, much like when I listen to music transferred from my turntable to my reel-to-reel. All analogue, all in its original domain.
Claus.
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"Why are there shots of deserts in a scene that's supposed to take place in Belgium during the winter?" (Review of 'Battle of the Bulge'.)
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Thomas Murin, Jr.
Master Film Handler
Posts: 260
From: Lanoka Harbor, NJ, USA
Registered: Sep 2009
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posted October 28, 2009 10:58 PM
Last year, I got a video projector and an 80" screen. The projector is the excellent Panasonic AX200 which, though 720p, actually rivals 1080p projectors in terms of picture quality. I have been enjoying my huge DVD and Blu-Ray collection more than ever. Old movies in particular as I can now get an idea of how they played in their original theatrical run.
So, why did I spend $1,100 for a Super 8mm projector and an additional $60 on a 40" portable screen? Easy. Film has an unique look and feel to it than digital video. There ARE Blu-Rays out there that come damn close to looking and feeling like film, but they are rare.
Going film is a dream I've had for many years. I am enjoying my new collection immensely. There is a thrill in threading the machine and hearing the sound of the film going through the projector. Not to mention that seeing a movie in as close to it's orignal format as possible.
Expensive, yes. In fact, after my current deals are done I'm going to have to stop and let my accounts build back up. But when they have, I'll jump right back in. ![[Smile]](smile.gif) Hopefully, I'll have enough then to make my first purchase from Derann.
I only plan on a small collection. A few shorts but mostly digests and a select few features. The features will be run as a special treat. I am thrilled to now have a choice of film and video and hope to enjoy both collections for many years to come.
I should explain before anyone asks, that I cannot use the 80" screen for film as the shelf is WAY too narrow to accomadate a projector with reels. I set up the 40" screen in a corner of the room and it works fine. I'll try and take some pictures of my HT soon so everyone can see for themselves.
Tom
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My crummy Deviant Art account. Read my poetic tribute to the internet comic strip Ozy & Millie and view my crappy attempts at art.
http://cougartiger.deviantart.com/
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Osi Osgood
Film God
Posts: 10204
From: Mountian Home, ID.
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted October 29, 2009 08:47 AM
I can answer this one pretty easily ...
I buy DVD so that I can watch a film that I would never shell out two or three hundred pounds new, on film, for a mere two or three bucks!
Therefore, all that is in my collection are films that I really want to see on the big screen in they're original format.
I know I've posted them before, but I am so honored to have the films that I so cherished as a child, as film prints in my collection ...
Logans Run
STAR WARS
Close Encounters
Alien
Poltergeist
.... and all in scope! We are fortunately that those that love film, also had the good sense to make great picks for Super 8 feature releases!
DVD/Laserdisc projection has grown by leaps and counds, even since the early 90's when I bought my first of two sharpvision TV's Back then, the line resolution on those big babies weren't so hot, but in lieu of film projection , (I had sold my original Super 8 collection; looking back .... STUPID STUPID STUPID!!), it was the next best thing.
To this day it will be, and only be, the next best thing.
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"All these moments will be lost in time, just like ... tears, in the rain. "
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Christian Bjorgen
Jedi Master Film Handler
Posts: 996
From: Kvinnherad, Norway
Registered: Oct 2009
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posted October 29, 2009 10:22 AM
I own both a digital projector and a super 8 projector, and the reason is simple, and that is the selection of media.
Personally, I own several DVD and/or BluRay boxsets like "The Three Stooges collection", and I want to be able to show them on the big screen like I do with my reels, but gathering all 190 shorts on Super8, that would be very time- and money consuming.
That, and new films. I want to be able to enjoy newer films like "Mamma Mia!" (yes, I like ABBA, I'm from Norway) without having to pay hundreds of pounds to have it brought to reels.
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Well who’s on first? Yeah. Go ahead and tell me. Who. The guy on first. Who. The guy playin’ first base. Who. The guy on first. Who is on first! What are you askin’ me for? I’m askin’ you!
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Osi Osgood
Film God
Posts: 10204
From: Mountian Home, ID.
Registered: Jul 2005
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posted October 29, 2009 12:58 PM
Good point, Steve ...
If you were to ask the average person, they would assume that buying a Super 8 print of something easily gotten on DVD, (for a lot less), is settling for subpar, when they could have the glory and splendor of BR or DVD. They don't understand why film is, (and, in my opinion) and always will be, superior to digital.
...
keeping in mind getting a good print on film because, after all, not all Super 8 prints are equal.
The only advice I can give on digital projectors, is that you can't go wrong with a SHARP brand projection TV. They were one of the firast on the market and they're merchendise is top notch in all categories. I have owned two, (the last one I bought in 1999), and that second one still works as good as whyen I first bought it, and with the parts and labor "insurance" that I bought with it, the LCD panels have all been replaced for free and it works brilliantly.
Are the projectors coming out today as good with parts/labor and overall stability of operation?
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"All these moments will be lost in time, just like ... tears, in the rain. "
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UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
and its a comment I made about projectors at work the other day with our part time projectionist who has reached the grand old age of sixteen 
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