8mm Forum: Master and Commander

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Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on December 07, 2005, 09:37 AM:

Master & Commander The Far Side of the World (2003)

Starring Russell Crowe as Captain "Lucky Jack" Aubrey.

During the Napoleonic Wars, a British frigate, HMS Surprise, and a much larger French warship, the Acheron, with greater fire power, stalk each other off of the coast of South America. Russell Crowe brings great intensity to the role of Captain Jack Aubrey. Lucky Jack, as he is referred to by his crew, is well regarded by his men, who trust him implicitly, even after the first devastating battle and an apparent personal vendetta against the French captain. While the naval battle sequences are quite fantastic, the film is successful because director Weir chose to build the story to get to know the men who are locked aboard the tight quarters of a small ship and how they interact everyday. The officers and the mates are well-known by the time the final battle comes. Paul Bettany offers a strong performance as the surgeon and naturalist who balances the violence of his chosen life with the quiet demeanour of the scientist. He is the captain's friend and confidant, the two frequently playing violin and cello duets together. The horrors of the injuries from the war are frequently implied, but vividly depicted in the reactions of the characters.
© IMDB.com

With a running time of 138 mins this release is supplied on 7 very full 400ft spools. Supplied this way as each 400ft reel is equal to the original 35mm 2000 ft spools and therefore has the original leaders and tails from the 35mm origination. This is the complete and uncut theatrical version in full scope and with a very good stereo soundtrack. Printed on Kodak Polyester film stock

On screen this film has a bite to the sharpness that is very hard to achieve especially for a scope release. Some very serious grading has taken place on this release as this print has a very wide brightness range. It has certainly paid off. Some scenes are extremely dark while others are very bright yet there is still detail at both ends of the spectrum. The super 8 print still has that haunting look about it for instance in the scene at the end of the first reel where the Surprise is attacked by the French and then left sitting in the water in a very beaten, lifeless way, the camera shows the Surprise from a high angle through all the smoke and greyness after the battle. That particular shot still looks awesome on this super8 print and has the same haunting feel that it did in the cinema.

The under deck scenes which are lit by the fires and candles etc also have that nice warm feel about them and again there is plenty of detail in the darkest of areas. Overall colour balance is very good and a very close match to the original (if my memory serves me right). Sound quality is also very good. The soundtrack is very clear and has a very good sonic range. I have tried putting the sound from my GS through a Dolby processor and there is sufficient detail for good Dolby surround. My only complaint is that the print could do with a higher recording level to give a better signal to noise ratio.

For those that have the facility to Pulse Sync their machine to a DVD...then go for it. It is exactly the same cut as the Region 2 DVD release which has a really awesome 5.1 soundtrack.

Overall this is an excellent release with great colour and sound. Picture stability is also extremely good with no need for any lube to get a steady image.
Derann have to be congratulated for the superb print quality of this first rate release, a title which unlike others around makes for good repeat viewing.
I have used the word awesome a number of times but yes this print is Awesome and a must have in every collection. It shows just how good super 8 can be with the modern film emulsions available today.
If you want a film to show what’s achievable on super 8 then this is one of them [Smile]

Kev.

[ December 18, 2005, 05:06 PM: Message edited by: Kevin Faulkner ]

Posted by Jan Bister (Member # 332) on December 10, 2005, 11:19 AM:

Awesome review, if I may say so, thanks for the read [Smile]

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on December 18, 2005, 05:04 PM:

Thanks Jan [Smile]

But then its an "Awesome" print [Big Grin]

Seriously though it really is a great print. I am going to show the full feature over the xmas break to the rest of the family. Will be starting with Mickey's Xmas Carol folowed by The Samll One and then after a break M&C.
That should give them numb bums after the 3 hr show [Big Grin]

Kev

Posted by Michael De Angelis (Member # 91) on January 05, 2006, 06:21 PM:

Kev,

A fantastic post.

Thanks! [Smile]

Michael

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on January 06, 2006, 06:49 AM:

Thanks Guys. Kev [Smile]

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on September 07, 2009, 05:35 PM:

Great review, Kevin.
And I did what you had suggested: I re-recorded it. This print is absolutely a must. If you like the genre, of course! [Wink]

This is a shot taken from my copy.

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on September 08, 2009, 03:28 AM:

Didnt think I would see this one resurrected again. Thanks Gian.

Kev.

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on September 08, 2009, 09:46 AM:

How couldn't I, Kevin? It was you to talk me about this print. It's me I have to thank you. [Wink]

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on September 13, 2009, 06:23 PM:

Kevin, has your copy been supplied with the original box and artwork uploaded on your first post of this thread?
Mine was supplied without and I was a little sad because of it...

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on September 14, 2009, 06:25 PM:

Hi Gian,

Yes mine has the artwork which I designed in the first place for Derann and then Derann made a few alterations to.

I should be able to sort you a copy. (If I can find the files)

Kev.

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on September 14, 2009, 06:30 PM:

Hello Kevin,
nice to receive news from you.
I remembered it was you to 'create' the artwork.
It would be really kind of you to supply the file. Really.
Hope to receive soon good news.
Take care.

GIAN

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on September 16, 2009, 06:09 PM:

Hi Kevin, any news about the artwork? I hope you will be in a position to find the files. Let me know.
Take care.
[Wink]

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on September 16, 2009, 07:34 PM:

Gian,

Send me an email and I'll send out a scan of the cover.

Doug

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on September 17, 2009, 04:20 AM:

Gian, I have the original files backed up on a CD. As soon as I locate it for you I will send it over.

Kev.

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on September 17, 2009, 09:35 AM:

Thanks guys!

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on September 18, 2009, 08:29 AM:

Gian, emailed you the file this morning. Let me know if it got through ok as it was fairly large.

Kev.

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on September 18, 2009, 10:54 AM:

File received, Kevin. Thanks a lot.
I will tell you soon if the size is ok. Thanks a lot, by now. I like your version more than Derann's one (Doug, don't get offended. I really appreciated your help too!).
Thanks once more, pals.
[Smile]

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on September 18, 2009, 11:06 AM:

Your more than welcome.

Kev.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on September 18, 2009, 10:03 PM:

Lost again!

Kev, can you show us what the winning artwork looks like?

Doug

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on September 19, 2009, 05:43 AM:

Hi Doug,

I'd rather not put the artwork up on the forum for legal reasons but I will send it direct to your email address.

Kev.

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on September 19, 2009, 05:51 PM:

Doug, 'your' artwork was really nice too, believe me. And I did appreciate your help.
You will see the reason why I like best Kevin's.
Ciao.

GL

[ September 19, 2009, 07:07 PM: Message edited by: Gian Luca Mario Loncrini ]

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