8mm Forum: Film Office On Optical

This is topic Film Office On Optical in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=008837

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on December 26, 2013, 05:43 AM:

I have just bought a Film Office 400' Chaplin and am surprised it has an optical sound track. Did Film Office put out many titles on optical, were they only optical releases or did they offer the same titles also with magnetic sound?

It's a good job the film "Charlot Vagabond" was still in its original box with OPT printed on its lid because the leader says "Film Sonore Magnetique".

I was very impressed with the picture and sound quality, particularly the sound track which is probably the best one I've heard added to a silent film.

At the beginning Charlie is playing his violin outside a pub, but apparently unknown to him a brass band is playing round the corner. Finishing his violin solo he goes inside to pass his hat around. As the customers obviously only heard the band they assume he is collecting on their behalf. But when the band's representative soon comes around collecting he is told in no uncertain terms that they have already given to Charlie who is then relieved of his collection.

As the shots change we hear either the violin or the band. Also there are some sound effects blended in.

I bought this little gem from Barry Attwood at Independent 8. Thanks Barry.

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on December 26, 2013, 06:48 AM:

Film Office released some Tom & Jerry in optical sound.

Posted by Lars-Goran Ahlm (Member # 1908) on December 27, 2013, 02:51 PM:

I have a Film Office copy of "Charlot Policeman" or, as it's more widely known, "Easy Street" with optical sound, music and effects.
Only drawback is it's 17 minutes long, meaning there are some 5-6 minutes missing.

Posted by Jean-Marc Toussaint (Member # 270) on December 28, 2013, 04:43 AM:

Film Office only had a few titles out with optical sound. I'm currently travelling so I don't have access to my pile of catalogues.
And, yes, the quality of the prints was very good.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on December 28, 2013, 11:42 AM:

Thank you, Jean-Marc
I await to hearing further when you have access to your Film Office catalogues.
Yes, the print and sound are excellent.

Posted by Panayotis A. Carayannis (Member # 1220) on December 29, 2013, 03:51 AM:

They also had a number of Popeyes in optical sound.

Posted by Bill Phelps (Member # 1431) on December 29, 2013, 07:04 AM:

On Steve Osborne's last list there was a MR. MAGOO "When Magoo Flew" super 8 with optical sound...I wonder if it was Film Office or did Columbia put that out?

Bill [Smile]

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2