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Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on January 08, 2006, 10:35 AM:
The Magic Box 1951
120 mins, 2400ft
Color, Derann
This is the 1951 feature made by the British film industry to celebrate the festival of Britain. The film stars a virtual who's who of all the famous British cinema actors of that time, and one of the fun things about this film is trying to identify all of them as they pop up in various cameo roles.
The story is the biography of William Friese- Greene, who this film claims invented the motion picture camera and projector. Edison and Lumiere are casually acknowledged as also being motion picture pioneers, but Friese-Greene is claimed to have had the first intermittent mechanism (presumably the maltese cross) used in today's cinema projectors. It also claims that he invented the biocolour process, where colour motion pictures are produced by rotating two colour filters in front of the camera and projector (KinemaColour).
The lead role is beautifully played by Robert Donat as the quiet intense inventor obsessed with producing moving photographs, and his wife is competently played by Maria Schell. Also appearing in cameo roles are Michael Redgrave, Richard Attenborough, Peter Ustinov, Stanley Holloway, Michael Dennison, the great Dennis Price, the beautiful Glynnis Johns and her father Mervyn Johns, the eccentric Joyce Grenfell, the wonderful Margeret Rutherford, and a host of others too long to mention. The most famous cameo is by Sir Laurence Olivier, as the astonished policemean who witnesses Friese-Greene's first triumph, the projection of moving images of Hyde Park on an improvised sheet screen. This is the most remembered scene of the film, and Friese Greene's excitement at this event reminded me of my own excitement when I first turned the handle on my first Pathescope 9.5mm projector!
The film is of great interest to film collectors and movie buffs, containing beautiful shots of old wood and brass magic lantirns and early movie equipment. There are many wonderful scenes, such as the Victorian photo studio where they show customers having to stand absolutely still for 30 seconds to get their photo taken! The film was produced by Roy Boulting, and the beautiful victorian settings and costumes are sumptously photographed by Jack Cardiff. My family and friends really enjoyed this movie, it is low key almost like a BBC period drama, but if you are a film collector you will love it.
We take the showing of films in our homes for granted these days, and it easy to forget the real struggle by inventors such as Friese- Greene to achieve what seemed impossible at the time.
American audiences will of course have to (at least temporarily) suspend their belief that Edison was the sole inventor of the motion picture camera ( in fact Edison was primarily a buisness man and enterpreneur who copied many of the motion picture concepts developed by Lumiere in France)
This film is very rare indeed. I don't think it exists on VHS or DVD,(certainly not in the USA), so if you find an S8 print grab it! My particular super 8 print is a Derann 2400 ft Agfa colour print, pin sharp with beautiful rich colours and great contrast. The mono magnetic track sound quality is very good for a film of 1951 vintage.
Highly recommended, if you can find it.
Print A
Sound A
Content A
Packaging None. I have mounted my print on two 1200ft reels and made a special cardboard box with downloaded graphics of the film on the cover- looks pretty good!
[ February 18, 2008, 02:06 PM: Message edited by: Paul Adsett ]
Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on January 29, 2006, 05:59 PM:
Paul, this title is one of my all time greats and no I have not been able to find a copy. I love the scene where Wiliam drags the policeman off the street to see the first moving pics.
I'm keeping my eyes open ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Kev.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on February 01, 2006, 09:40 PM:
Kev I got my copy from Phil Johnson in Texas. It was a used print but in absolutely mint condition. It really is a great film, and one that demands to be shown on a cine projector- not video!
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on February 18, 2008, 02:13 PM:
Since I wrote this review a couple of years ago it appears that The Magic Box has now been released on DVD in the UK. Based on the single user review on Amazon.com it appears that the quality of the DVD may be very poor, a far cry from the Super 8 print which is generally superb through almost all the scenes. Still, if you have never seen The Magic Box, and cannot find a super 8 print, the DVD is probably well worth getting as it is a terrific film for all of us who love film and film projectors. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on February 19, 2008, 01:21 PM:
Paul
Excellent review of a film I have yet to see on Super8 or anything else, it has been very elusive hope it comes out on DVD in the future.
Graham.
Posted by Trevor Adams (Member # 42) on February 19, 2008, 02:40 PM:
Hello, Graham,it is available on dvd at Amazon.com right now for 5 pounds. Trev
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on February 19, 2008, 04:22 PM:
Thanks for that nice comment Graham. If there is one film in my S8 collection that I would never part with, this is it. Hope you get to see the film, even on DVD.
Posted by James N. Savage 3 (Member # 83) on February 21, 2008, 06:19 AM:
Great review Paul.
When did Derann release this one? Was it in the earlier days of super 8 (70's), or during the resurgence of super 8 in the 90's.
James.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on February 21, 2008, 09:27 AM:
I can't answer that one James. I got my copy about 5 years ago from Phil Johnson in Texas. It is a used copy, but like all the films and equipment that Phil sells, it is like brand new, not a mark on it.
Perhaps somebody else on the forum knows when Derann printed this title, and how many were sold.
Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on February 23, 2008, 06:59 AM:
Just got my DVD this morning and I have to say, I totally disagree with the reviewer on Amazon that Paul wrote about. As Paul so rightly said, the picture quality is no where near Super 8 quality but, in my opinion it's not bad at all. The print has obviously not been "digitally restored" in any way, which is a great pity, but the colour is better than some of the so-called "more popular" releases of films from the same era, on DVD. As it doesn't get shown on T.V. a great deal, I urge non Super 8 print owners to get it. I will be watching it on my video projector tonight.
I remember my Dad telling me he had the great fortune of seeing this film when it was released in 1951, (the year of my birth), at the Festival of Britain. For the lover of "reel" film it is a "must have". Below is a "snapshot" of the digital image from the DVD
P.S. Paul / James - Derann released the feature print in late 1994.
[ March 11, 2008, 12:03 AM: Message edited by: Keith Ashfield ]
Posted by Trevor Adams (Member # 42) on February 28, 2008, 05:28 PM:
Got my Studiocanal dvd from Amazon this morning.It is sharp as a tack and colours are very good.Nice one!
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 13, 2017, 04:14 PM:
Great great review Paul.
I eagerly await this one and like yourself, it will be among my most treasured of prints. I have never managed to see another offered for sale since being back in the hobby and i know at onr time Keith here, commenting in this review, was also waiting an eternity to find one.☺
Posted by David Guest (Member # 2791) on May 13, 2017, 04:25 PM:
I have a stunning colour print of this on 16mm
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 13, 2017, 09:03 PM:
Andrew, congratulations on acquiring a very rare print of this great film on super 8mm. If your print is as good as mine you will be a very happy camper. I have many favourate scenes, but the sequence where Lawrence Olivier, as a policeman, first sees motion pictures projected on a white sheet is the best.
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 13, 2017, 10:35 PM:
I cannot wait to view this one Paul! Thanks for the review here once again Paul, brilliantly written and whets the appetite all the more on what has to be one of the most fascinating films to ever watch for anybody who has ever been previously bitten by the bug of the "Flickers".
I can only agree in saying this is surely one movie that HAS to be viewed using only a cine projector.
I would equally be most interested to see what you did for the box art regarding this one Paul.
This one also comes with no original box or art and is now already mounted on two 1200ft reels just as yours is.
I have already plain white card boxes to begin the decorating for this film, so just a blank canvas, so to speak, for now.
[ May 14, 2017, 03:19 AM: Message edited by: Andrew Woodcock ]
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 13, 2017, 11:24 PM:
Yes, you have to show this movie on a real film projector Andrew to fully appreciate the miracle of motion pictures that was achieved by pioneers such as Friese-Greene.
I think Laurel and Hardy films, and many other vintage films, fall into the same category, somehow being far more enjoyable and special when shown on a film projector. I have often thought that showing The Magic Box on a film projector to school children would be a great educational experience for them.
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 14, 2017, 03:17 AM:
Indeed it would Paul.
Posted by Mark L Barton (Member # 1512) on May 14, 2017, 04:18 PM:
I have a print of The Magic Box on 16mm in razor sharp. and perfect black and white. Of interest I live in Bristol UK where we have a plaque in Park Street showing as the place where William Freise Greene had a photographic shop, there is also another WFG plaque in Bath commemorating his other studio.
Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on May 15, 2017, 06:58 AM:
What a load of rubbish about having to see this movie on FILM
in order to make the experience of seeing it that way more valid... like that improves
on it somehow ???
I have seen it many times on TV and never on FILM.
Its the narrative, script , actors and cinematography
that counts.
I see where your coming from regarding the "authenticity"
of showing it on a film projector to others or yourself.
But that's just nostalgia at work there.
The print was reviewed by KW in Film For The Collector # 19
Summer 1991.
Keith mentions that the print was a bit variable though.
With some slight Technicolor fringing here and there.
Also it can look a bit drab in places but sharp.
But at best excellent.
He awarded it an overall rating of :
PRINT ... A - A/B.
SOUND ... A.
But hey come on guys get a grip !
I for one would happily watch it on DVD or Blu-Ray via
a projection set up any time.
I am sure good old Jack Cardiff would not mind at all.
I can still appreciate the miracle of moving images too.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on May 15, 2017, 11:04 AM:
David,
I believe there is a difference. I've changed my opinion of certain films after seeing them projected from previously only seeing them on TV. The Lugosi Dracula, for instance. I always thought of it as a static photographed stage play, however after watching a super 8 print I noticed camera movements and other touches that had escaped me from earlier television viewings. It could be possible that because projecting involves a more active participation on my part, I was paying closer attention.
Doug
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 15, 2017, 01:55 PM:
From my own point of view, it is simply that the fascination for the subject matter only makes it all the more charming and humbling by viewing it on the very machinery which only came about by virtue of what this film is all about in its content.
Without even viewing this movie yet on real film, I can only imagine it can and will undoubtedly, only further enhance my total admiration for the subsequent equipment designed impeccably for placing these images up on our screens.
Seeing the very concept of motion pictures unfold on screen for the very first time and then glancing around occasionally at one of its successors far further along the evolutionary chain, can surely only bring about further admiration for the pioneers, inventors and subsequent design teams of such equipment.
A picture very much brought about for those truly fascinated by motion pictures, I'd say.
For this particular movie, I doubt very very much if it would ever be possible to generate that same set of emotions from any kind of Blu Ray presentation from my own personal point of view.
[ May 17, 2017, 06:46 PM: Message edited by: Andrew Woodcock ]
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 15, 2017, 09:01 PM:
Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on May 16, 2017, 05:30 AM:
Doug it was only the fact you viewed DRACULA on a much larger screen made you notice such things.
You should see DRACULA on Blu-Ray via projection. Its stunning
and much better than any film print copy I have seen on 35mm
16mm or 8mm.
Andrew as for great appreciation of film technology and its pioneers I have that too. I was in the industry as you already
know for about 45 years. I was also a member of the :
BRITISH KINEMATOGRAPH SOUND AND TELEVISION SOCIETY based
at Pinewood Studios in the UK.
Its just that as I pointed out I don't have to see a movie via film and its equipment to enhance my enjoyment or appreciate it
even more.
Its the MOVIE that counts for me not the technological means by which it gets projected onto a large screen.
I like FILM and I like DIGITAL but neither of these are a necessary conditional FETISH in order for me to enjoy a movie
in its fullest sense and meaning of the word.
I am not therefore fixated on film or digital formats.
So can I conclude from your last paragraph that you will get more
of a thrill from watching THE MAGIC BOX via FILM than you would
any Blu-Ray or DVD or TV screening ?
If your reply is yes it begs me to ask the question do you actually LIKE this movie ? Or do you like the means of seeing it more or both ?
Thanks for the youtube link but I don't quite understand the reason why you gave me it. Or its relevance to my post.
I hate JOY DIVISION. I think they are crap ! Depressing crap !
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 16, 2017, 06:43 AM:
Like all of the films I buy, I of course like the film or else I wouldn't bother buying them. As to whether or not I prefer to view the films as films using a cine projector or a digital projector, that usually depends on such factors as print quality, sound quality, nature of the movie and the era which the film comes from as to ultimately which I prefer.
As I have said here previously, I have both the Blu Ray and a mint copy on Super 8mm of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
If I had the Blu Ray only, I'd probably watch this movie only a handful of times throughout my probable remaining lifetime, but on film, I watched each reel of film at least half a dozen times just in the first few weeks of ownership alone. It really was/ is such a beautiful print as well as a timeless classic of a film.
In another example, I love my scope print of Die Hard, but I have always maintained to our friend Tom here, the Blu Ray blows it out of the water so far as colour rendition and it's original soundtrack from Derann is concerned.
As for this particular film up for debate here, there is no doubt that it will be the Super 8mm low fade print which I'd much rather see up there on screen David, for all the reasons already spoken of above.
Film of course is a hobby pursued through passion and affection just as music is, to that end your comment regarding Joy Division can only lead me to say David, There is no accounting for taste is there?
The only purpose it served was to generate the feeling of atmosphere and passion as we feel from watching a film on screen say, or in this case, listening to a piece of influential music brought about entirely through passion and a full spectrum of emotions by the legendary late Mr Curtis.
We are after all, all very different people with very different opinions, brought together here only for one common reason,..our love for screening real film on film associated equipment.
[ May 16, 2017, 09:22 AM: Message edited by: Andrew Woodcock ]
Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on May 16, 2017, 09:34 AM:
A reminder (for myself as well!)...this is a print review thread. Thanks.
Doug
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 16, 2017, 09:37 AM:
And an excellent one at that Doug!
Many thanks once again Paul, you do a great job with all of your posts.
Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on May 16, 2017, 01:10 PM:
Over and out from me on here Doug and Andrew.
We do go off on a tangent sometimes don't we ?
Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on May 16, 2017, 04:21 PM:
David,
Tangents are part of a normal conversation...however if someone was searching for a great discussion about viewing experiences they wouldn't know to find it in a print review. And if someone wanted to read about the print of The Magic Box.....
Doug
Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on May 16, 2017, 05:56 PM:
From memory there were print issues with Magic Box. It was available for a short time from Derann and then dropped so could have been damage to negative or printing issues.
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 16, 2017, 07:05 PM:
Paul reports his to be fine and Ian has said this is a very nice print Mike. Hopefully an early one fingers crossed.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 16, 2017, 09:24 PM:
Here is my home made box art for The Magic Box:
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 16, 2017, 09:30 PM:
Lovely job Paul. Very polished and a very professional, classy finish.
Very well done indeed and thank you for posting it here.
Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on May 17, 2017, 03:28 AM:
Paul that is a very nice box cover design there.
I don't normally like box designs with photo shots but your
design serves the film subject matter well.
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 17, 2017, 06:07 PM:
In answer to Mike's post earlier, I have cleaned, dubbed and re-spooled reel one this evening prior to viewing it for the first time on film and I can report that the first 1200ft of film was superb. Pin sharp, lovely colour and aside from some negative sparkle leading up to the original negative splices, nothing adverse at all to report thankfully.
I will post a few screenshots here from throughout the entire film once I have viewed and captured it all.
At this time, i am certain you'll agree with my assessment here.
Beautiful film.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 17, 2017, 06:40 PM:
Andrew, so glad that your print looks great like mine.
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 17, 2017, 06:41 PM:
Still yet to view reel two Paul, so fingers crossed!
I will do so tomorrow and then post a couple of shots.
It should conclude this excellent review very nicely with any luck.
Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on May 18, 2017, 11:20 AM:
I'll go with Keith's assessment. The one collector I know who bought it (1st batch) returned it to Derann as he wasn't happy with it print wise. If it was the wonder product its proclaimed to be it would be wheeled out at various conventions as a showreel. Then again it could be the content doesn't exactly rock many collectors boats. Anyway if you are happy with it so be it.
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 18, 2017, 11:51 AM:
I've viewed it all the way through now Mike and its spot on believe me. Only some negative sparkle again close to the reel ends on one or two, but that isn't unusual on any feature no matter how new the negatives were.
I've even seen this on films that Derann released only months after they were first shown at the cinema's.
Anyone who has a genuine fascination and love for real film, I'm certain would fully enjoy this one, given its synopsis.
Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on May 18, 2017, 12:19 PM:
Andrew, I'm happy for you. It's seems you have been lucky print wise but it's very dry material from a certain era even for film aficionados.
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 18, 2017, 12:46 PM:
Yes this is true.
Paul holds it as his "last man standing" print, while it may very well not be quite mine, it wouldn't be too far down the pecking order of these things.
Not everyone goes wild for Calamity Jane but to me its one of my all time favourites on Super 8mm despite its era.
Each to their own of course.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 18, 2017, 02:31 PM:
The Magic Box may not be everyone's cup of tea, but that does not diminish it's importance as the only feature film ever made concerning a British film pioneer. And of course the fact that it was commissioned for the 1951 Festival of Britain, as a collaborative production of all the major British film studios with all their major stars in cameo roles.
The multiple flashback scenario is confusing and unnecessary. A linear narrative would have served the film much better. And I could have done without that dreadful concert in the middle. But for the film buff this movie holds many delights, such as the use of the actual wood and brass cameras and projectors, the demonstration of additive color systems, and of course the climactic scene where Fries-Greene shows motion pictures for the first time to the policeman.
I agree that there is color fringing in a few scenes, but even this is a reminder of the miracle of the Technicolor 3-strip system which followed Friese- Greene's 2- color additive system.
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 18, 2017, 03:29 PM:
The children's screams when teddy is taken from them, is the part my ears disliked the most. Arghhh, took me back almost 20 years!
The Policeman scene and subsequent overjoy from his eureka moment, was my favourite scene overall on the large screen.
You are left only imagining just how good that moment must have felt, eyes closed frightened to turn that crank for the first time after two painstaking decades to get to that precise moment in time at almost any expense where his time and devotion to the cause was concerned.
Behind every great man they say is an even greater woman.
In friese-Greene's case, never was this more applicable!
Posted by Ian O'Reilly (Member # 76) on May 19, 2017, 03:37 AM:
Glad you liked it Andrew, judging by the response I've had I could have sold it five time over !!
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 19, 2017, 04:16 AM:
I'm sure you could have done Ian. I'd previously given up on ever finding this one.
Many Thanks once again Ian, you always seem to manage to unearth all of the things we as collectors, can typically, never find for ourselves.
[ May 19, 2017, 05:20 AM: Message edited by: Andrew Woodcock ]
Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on May 19, 2017, 10:03 AM:
When I was a kid I naively thought THE MAGIC BOX was a movie
about a stage magician. Hahahaha !
Well in I way I was correct as film is an a illusion and
a bit of magic .
Posted by Guy Taylor, Jr. (Member # 786) on May 25, 2017, 06:48 AM:
I am at the Cinevent in Columbus, Ohio and this movie will be screened on Sunday in 16mm.
Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on May 25, 2017, 07:06 AM:
Guy ...A 16mm print of it ! You lucky man.
Now you are bringing a warm glow to me.
I wish I could be there to see it but there is a small problem
of a great distance to overcome.
Any chance of some screenshots ?
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 25, 2017, 09:32 AM:
Here is some short video footage from my own Super 8mm print by Derann...
https://vimeo.com/218950694
10ft 16:9 diagonal screen used as usual to view this one on.
Sound kept to an absolute minimum as it was very late in the evening here at home when screening this one last week.
(people in bed)
I would have liked to have posted a few screenshots from throughout the screening instead but sadly this forum will not accept PNG formatted photographs so they have only been posted elsewhere as a result.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 25, 2017, 09:52 AM:
Superb quality screenshot Andrew, looks just like 16mm!
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 25, 2017, 09:54 AM:
No doubt some will disagree with you here Paul, but I'm happy with it.
Posted by David Hardy (Member # 4628) on May 25, 2017, 11:28 AM:
That is quite a good print for Super 8mm.
Very nice indeed.
Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on May 25, 2017, 12:24 PM:
That is a really nice looking print.
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on May 25, 2017, 01:41 PM:
Thanks gents. I am more than happy with it I have to say.
The image quality surpassed my expectations to be honest for this title.
Posted by Guy Taylor, Jr. (Member # 786) on June 01, 2017, 02:16 PM:
We watched a beautiful low fade color print of THE MAGIC BOX at the Cinevent on 16mm. The Technicolor was stunning.
Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on June 01, 2017, 04:11 PM:
Glad you enjoyed it Guy. What's not to enjoy?
Posted by Brian Fretwell (Member # 4302) on May 01, 2019, 09:57 AM:
Ged has recently said that sales for this title were poor and may not have made enough money to cover negative costs and rights. So if you have a copy treasure it, there can't be many around.
Posted by Leon Norris (Member # 3151) on May 06, 2019, 02:46 PM:
I used to have a Derann print of this film! It was nice and sharp! I ended up selling it! I just did not care for it! I did not know it would become so rare!
Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on May 06, 2019, 05:32 PM:
Have to concur with your opinion Leon. I managed to struggle through this film once and that was with a few fast forwards. In a darkened cinema I suspect most would be in the land of nod 💤💤after the first reel. In terms of repeatability once every 20-30 years viewing would be optimistic so you were wise to sell title.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 06, 2019, 11:47 PM:
Nonetheless, Martin Scorsese has many times cited it as one of his favourite films, and one that inspired him.
Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on May 07, 2019, 02:21 PM:
An much over rated director Paul.
Posted by Stuart Hilliker (Member # 737) on May 07, 2019, 04:39 PM:
Each to their own. I love the film. Beautifully shot, hugely sentimental, historically questionable but a faultless celebration of the romanticism of film......which is why this forum exists isn’t it?
Great Derann print as well.
Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on May 08, 2019, 05:36 AM:
I could be the odd one out having a great love for this beautiful 1951 movie and to have it on reel film is wonderful especially with the subject matter.
This is a deeply emotional film for me especially when he triumphs and rushes out in the street to break the news. As a boy I was fascinated by it all no doubt contributing to my love of film making and the workings of the intermittent, something no video projector enjoys. To have the honour of projecting the 8mm film is priceless even though it is a little variable, but I have always felt it captures his own struggle to make camera film and perfect it. When I project the movie its very much a case of white gloves on and the white technicians coat 40's projectionist style.
Posted by Oliver F. R. Feld (Member # 1911) on May 10, 2019, 11:10 AM:
In fact, my Derann print of THE MAGIC BOX looks much richer and more colourful AND SHARP than the DVD.
And in my opinion it’s the magic that counts: screening a celluloid feature about the development of the moving image; in one word amazing!
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 10, 2019, 12:04 PM:
Exactly Oliver. This film is really a must have for 'reel' film collectors.
Posted by Leon Norris (Member # 3151) on May 26, 2019, 09:37 AM:
Did this film come out as a digest? Derann did this with there features!
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 26, 2019, 02:59 PM:
No digest of this film that I am aware of Leon. Too bad, because a 600 footer of this title could be really good.
Posted by Mark Silvester (Member # 929) on May 27, 2019, 03:21 AM:
Hi all
I too have to concur with Mike Newells comments...I can understand why many may like it to a degree..I thought it overrated and of course... a lot of artistic and historic license/contrivance was most definitely used and attributed to Friese- Greene concerning the "invention" of the moving image!
I have seen clips of the print and its not bad 8mm wise.. - its interesting though how film brings us all together yet divides us on opinion...that the great thing about the "magic" of the movies.
Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on May 27, 2019, 10:42 AM:
There is no digest but Derann released a trailer which due to the subject of the film required it to be quite long. It is a edited highlights of the main events.
Surprisingly the print in trailer was quite stunning although a little blue due to colour stock being used. This prompted a fellow collector to buy feature as he thought quality would be the same as trailer. Whilst the feature print is very good it does have issues with marks and variations in print quality between reels.
This prompted the buyer who was fussy about what he bought to reconsider the purchase and he specifically showed Magic Box at his home cinema with a view to sell to another collector at a greatly discounted price. After no takers he made some kind of deal to return to Derann. It did rankle him a lot as he made a financial loss and he was very careful with other purchases to quiz Derann staff before purchasing new features as he felt he had been lied to by them.
It wasn’t available for long and I wouldn’t think it was a big seller for Derann. I remember Derann showed a clip of it at Blackpool that year and Derek was teased by us by saying to him we know who’s print that is!!
Personally, I think it is a bore. Robert Donut 🍩 has a much charisma as a wet lettuce and I am eternally grateful he didn’t play Captain Blood or Robin Hood.
If others were honest it would be a film they watch once every 20-30 years so it certainly couldn’t be regarded as repeatable film under any circumstances.
If you want a film about film and projecting Smallest Show on Earth with Peter Sellers sums up the perils and problems of this hobby and is much much funnier!
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 27, 2019, 11:29 AM:
Rated 7.1 on IMDB by 1,026 viewers.
Mike, I don't think The Magic Box is a comedy film. It is a serious biography with some amusing moments.
My print is generally excellent, and I have watched it several times over the past 15 years. Certainly not as repeatable as Singin' in the Rain, but then what dramatic films are?
Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on May 27, 2019, 11:34 AM:
There is no digest but Derann released a trailer which due to the subject of the film required it to be quite long. It is a edited highlights of the main events.
Surprisingly the print in trailer was quite stunning although a little blue due to colour stock being used. This prompted a fellow collector to buy feature as he thought quality would be the same as trailer. Whilst the feature print is very good it does have issues with marks and variations in print quality between reels.
This prompted the buyer who was fussy about what he bought to reconsider the purchase and he specifically showed Magic Box at his home cinema with a view to sell to another collector at a greatly discounted price. After no takers he made some kind of deal to return to Derann. It did rankle him a lot as he made a financial loss and he was very careful with other purchases to quiz Derann staff before purchasing new features as he felt he had been lied to by them.
It wasn’t available for long and I wouldn’t think it was a big seller for Derann. I remember Derann showed a clip of it at Blackpool that year and Derek was teased by us by saying to him we know who’s print that is!!
Personally, I think it is a bore. Robert Donut 🍩 has a much charisma as a wet lettuce and I am eternally grateful he didn’t play Captain Blood or Robin Hood.
If others were honest it would be a film they watch once every 20-30 years so it certainly couldn’t be regarded as repeatable film under any circumstances.
If you want a film about film and projecting Smallest Show on Earth with Peter Sellers sums up the perils this hobby and is much funnier!
Posted by Mark Silvester (Member # 929) on May 27, 2019, 03:53 PM:
Hi all,
it is so interesting the way movies affect us and in general - and this may be the case with the "Magic Box"...our own film experience as to what we like reflects our opinion and judgment.
I do have to agree with Mike...it is a nice film in a snmaltzy way..and I also know it struggled to be sold (Derann wise) as I knew Derek well. But for me - it was the fact that so much about Friese-Green was contrived and not true..sorry...just my factual research. So..it is a film I watched a couple of times.
I think its a personal memory film..which is good..and thats what makes movie collecting great.
Mark
Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on May 27, 2019, 04:36 PM:
Oh Paul , 7.1 rating on IMDB is based on 32 reviews including a very lengthy one from your own self. Still does not make it a classic more a curiosity. 2 screenings in 15 years says it all I’m afraid 😟 who knows I might have triggered another screening. I’m glad your print is excellent but being a fan I think rose tinted projection 📽might be involved.
Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on May 27, 2019, 05:32 PM:
Well I just re-read my original post reviewing this film at the top of this thread. I think it gives a fair and impartial account of the print quality and sound of the Derann release, as well as a good summary of the film story and content. That is what this 8mm print review section is all about, not so much to argue the artistic merits of the film, which can be found in plenty of other places.
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