8mm Forum: Super 8 version "Mad, mad, mad world"...please explain !

This is topic Super 8 version "Mad, mad, mad world"...please explain ! in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on June 27, 2011, 05:31 PM:

Shame on me that yesterday was my first time to see this feature (on DVD).

I have to admit that owning this film is not regrettable because many scenes are repeatable.

But I knew this title is not officially available in full feature (except Italian pirate) but 2*400 digest.

What I knew there are two versions, i.e Derann and Marketing films.

My questions:

1. Which version is better?
2. Is Derann's version or Marketing's edited in correct order?
3. Are they available on low-fade stock (LPP or AGFA)?
4. Is the scope version released pre-1980 or after 1980s?

thanks

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on June 28, 2011, 08:32 PM:

Bump...! no one knows ???

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on June 28, 2011, 09:06 PM:

I picked up a 2x400' Mad, Mad, (etc.), World off E-bay a few years ago. I'm not sure who printed it.

The image and sound are fine, it's the editing that's a problem.

Basically they cut out pretty much anything related to story so you wind up with about 40 minutes of car crashes. By comparison it makes the first few minutes of "Saving Private Ryan" seem kinda serene!

Worst of all, they cut out that very last scene where Ethel Merman steps on the Banana Peal and leaves a huge heart-shaped dent in the floor. After I "gained" a Mother-in-Law of my own, seeing that scene always made me smile...for some reason.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on June 28, 2011, 09:08 PM:

Winbert,

My Derann scope print recently arrived from Barry Atwood. I hope to screen it shortly and let you know.

Doug

Posted by Nicholas Fair (Member # 2498) on June 28, 2011, 11:21 PM:

did you get that one off ebay? I got the thouroughly modern millie

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on June 29, 2011, 05:52 AM:

Winbert. You should see the Digital transfered Laserdisc as it runs for 3hrs 8 minutes. [Eek!]

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on June 29, 2011, 10:32 AM:

Yep! I have the Laserdisc, back when a "restored" or extended cut didn't mean the film was actually fixed in any way, as it is obvious when they cut away from the regular run time to the found footage.

Still, it's great to have it in there.

I'm surprised that they haven't tried to do a complete restoration of that full 3 hour 8 minute version for DVD or BR.

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on June 29, 2011, 04:48 PM:

quote:
Winbert. You should see the Digital transfered Laserdisc as it runs for 3hrs 8 minute

Lee, there are two possibilities for me if I am watching this extended version, I got more laugh or get fed up quckly.

I can see myself that I cannot watch 4 * 3 Stooges at one row [Razz]

How do you see yourself after watching this extended version?

BTW, not a straight answer is received for my questions. Especially can we get this 2 * 400' on low fade stock (LPP or AGFA)?

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on July 23, 2011, 11:30 AM:

Winbert,

My scope print is LPP. It can be contrasty in a few scenes, but the color is beautiful. The first part starts with Jimmy Durante telling the group about the buried treasure before he kicks the bucket. The rest of the digest deals with the race to find the fortune. Part two overlaps a bit in explaining the events leading up to the discovery of the money. The remainder covers the chase to recapture the stolen suitcase.

I agree with Steve in that it's basically one stunt after another, which becomes tiresome. Then again, there's really no other way to edit this film down to a 2x400'.

Love that score by Ernest Gold!

.

Doug

Posted by David Kilderry (Member # 549) on July 23, 2011, 12:11 PM:

Yours looks better than both of mine Doug. I have the letterboxed version and the scope version. It is such a shame so many of the key scenes are missing.

It's almost a 2 reel promo for 1963 Chrysler Corp vehicles!

(That is a good thing in my book)

Posted by Mal Brake (Member # 14) on July 23, 2011, 03:31 PM:

I bought the 2 X 400ft scope versions when originally released by Derann. Some re-editing between the two parts was required to make the story flow, as was the case in all the WB/UA 2 X 400s and the (eventually) 4 part Robin Hood.

So how does the single 600ft version compare - was it re-jigged or not?

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on July 23, 2011, 03:54 PM:

quote:
It's almost a 2 reel promo for 1963 Chrysler Corp vehicles!

-Including a lot of voiding of warrantees!

We saw it in the 1970s and somebody commented on the number of cars they wrecked. Somebody else commented that "They're just a bunch of old cars.", forgetting a lot of 'em were brand new at the time!

This is a unique movie: an epic comedy! I heard the original edit was five hours long, and a part of me would love to see it! (just once!)

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on July 23, 2011, 05:16 PM:

Mal,

Was there a 600' version?

Doug

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on July 25, 2011, 02:30 AM:

Doug, is that screen shots of your prints? they look good to me.

I believe 600' version is actually Derann 2 x 400'.

Posted by Mal Brake (Member # 14) on July 25, 2011, 09:32 AM:

Hi Doug & Winbert, yes, that's the 600ft version I was referring to. I was aware it had the same content as the 2 X 400 but on thinner stock.
I just wondered if Derann had bothered to to put the sequences in their correct order because re-editing makes a big difference to the way the story unfolds.
I've shown this to various audiences over the years, it always goes down well.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on July 25, 2011, 08:52 PM:

Winbert,

Yes, those shots are from my LPP print. Thanks to Barry Attwood for his trustworthy color ratings.

Doug

Posted by John Capazzo (Member # 157) on July 25, 2011, 09:03 PM:

Doug,

The 600' version is buried under the big W in the park I tell ya, THE BIG W!!!

J

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on July 26, 2011, 09:42 AM:

John,

Very funny! I recall something about one of the stunts going wrong....I think it was the airplane flying through the Coke billboard.

Doug

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