8mm Forum: “Why Silent when you have the sound version?”

This is topic “Why Silent when you have the sound version?” 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=012084

Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on February 12, 2018, 09:08 PM:

Showed some relatives both silent and sound versions of various Castle and Ken titles. The question was raised why would you even bother watching the silent version of a title that you also have the sound version of. My answer was if the kids are asleep and I don’t want the noise to possibly wake them then I’ll often watch the silent version. Truth be told... I watch them strictly for nostalgic reasons, but I knew they wouldn’t get it. It is kind of silly when you really think about it.

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on February 12, 2018, 09:16 PM:

"Becuase I have only a silent projector...."

that is probably the right answer in 1970s [Wink]

Posted by Phil Murat (Member # 5148) on February 13, 2018, 01:18 AM:

Hi Brad,

A (very) long time ago, a collector told me; sometimes he prefered a Std 8 print for some early titles because root Negative used was supposed to be better than ones used for title in S8 format.

To be confirm ?

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on February 13, 2018, 01:31 AM:

I would also question today, why anyone would want a silent version of a sound film. Thats a bit beyond me, however, if someone is a collector of the early century films made silent then thats a different thing altogether. But a silent Tom and Jerry or movie excerpt would have me asking the same question.

Posted by Brian Fretwell (Member # 4302) on February 13, 2018, 03:15 AM:

Tom & Jerry no, but Roadrunner cartoons are fun to show silent and imagine of produce yourself the sound effects of the disasters experienced by the coyote. Especially if the silent version has better colour. :-)

Posted by Rich Malmsten (Member # 5787) on February 13, 2018, 07:56 AM:

I agree with you, Brad. I started with silent films because all I had was a silent projector, but once I bought a sound projector, there was no going back.

Over the years I've replaced almost all my silent prints with sound versions. I will still buy silent prints if that's how they were originally released - like Buster Keaton or the early Laurel & Hardy films. Even so, if I can find a print with a musical soundtrack, I'll get it.

I must admit though, when my kids were pre-schoolers and we watched the silent cartoons, I loved reading the title cards out loud to them and adding my own sound effects. That was a lot of fun. But once they learned to read for themselves, that came to an end, and it was sound prints from then on.

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on February 13, 2018, 08:35 AM:

My first instinct is always go for sound, but that's not always the smartest thing to do: I have a lot of really beautiful silent prints and when I decide to go that way I really enjoy them.

-still the same: If it was originally a sound film or for example a scored Blackhawk, I always make that choice if I can.

Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on February 13, 2018, 10:42 AM:

Phil, absolute on that - Std 8, from 1923 used only choice 16negs (originals or top-dupes), and those of course culled from the 35 neg source, so there you have it - The Std 8 prints sparkled and still do - I strive for the earliest silent films, especially those from the mid-90's till about 1915 or so - As to sound or scored vs. silent, why not? - Twice the box pleasure and often you will discover something unusual in comparing 2 different prints, even an amber tint (that's a find) - Shorty

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on February 13, 2018, 10:48 AM:

I got the Blackhawk silent "Cops": I liked it.

Then I found the scored one and now the silent is trade fodder for the next CineSea!

Posted by Mark Mander (Member # 340) on February 13, 2018, 11:43 AM:

I don't watch silent films but have a couple of music scored Laurel and hardy films which I find enjoyable. I don't watch black and white films that have colour releases either,Mark

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on February 13, 2018, 12:39 PM:

I have a Niles "You're in the Army Now".

The opening title includes "In Technicolor!"

-in wonderful, grainy, black and white!

(I think the folks at Niles had a sense of humor!)

Posted by Douglas Warren (Member # 1047) on February 13, 2018, 01:00 PM:

I collect silent films (as in old Ken Films & Castle / Universal 8) for the nostlagia factor as much as anything. Those (like for many) were the first films I owned. I still enjoy running them to this day. I still love my Standard 8 copies of certain titles as well.I consider it (in a small way) of preserving another portion of film history.

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on February 13, 2018, 01:09 PM:

Shorty, I think you meant 1932 and not 1923.

Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on February 13, 2018, 03:14 PM:

Sorry, yes - Was thinking '23 inaugurated 16mm, while '32 began Std 8 - Thanks, Dom

Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on February 14, 2018, 04:14 PM:

I still have all my original silent ( mute ) 8mm versions in the original boxes because I don't have the heart to part with as those are the ones that were the foundation of my collecting.

Even though I now have the sound copies too.

Also a lot of early childhood memories go alongside them.
The Standard 8mm prints are always the best I have found.

[Smile]

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2