8mm Forum: Return of the Jedi (Scope)

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Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on December 17, 2007, 04:21 AM:

Return of the Jedi 7X400ft reels Scope Sound
Derann.

Surprisingly I could not find a review of this film on the forum so have put this one together. Although having the DVD of this film I have to admit that I have never sat through it all as yet. Enter then the Super 8 Scope feature complete with whiter than white, white boxes and on seven 400ft feet reels.

Having already had the Star Wars scope feature in the collection for a bit it was always my aim to complete the set of all three classic movies at some point. I’m not much of a fan of the newer movies which were largely hand crafted by computer, and even the first three Star Wars flicks produced have had a revamp over recent years via the computer tart up rout.

Having Return of the Jedi available in Scope and in its original incarnation is a real selling point for Super 8mm as I believe it is possibly the only way you are going to see it as it was made and also in Scope. Therefore, ROTJ is a highly collectable feature and I am pleased to say Derann have bought us a very nice film to have within any film collection.

I am sure there are not many reading this who have not missed Star Wars on the box over the years, and some like me may have even seen the films in London upon issue which was great fun with the lads. The story is kid of boys own material with the evil Darth Vader and the Empire building a death star and Luke Skywalker and friends trying to sort Darth out. Much plot takes place in this 1983 classic 134 minute movie including some nice sexy scenes with Princess Leia clad in a skimpy number and we also see the Ewoks who my wife loves as they lend a hand to the good guys. Special effects are outstanding and the speed bike race through the woods looks superb in Scope. This sort of chase appeared in later George Lucas movies, but it is best here I feel particularly set in a wooded location.

As with all my reviews I don’t want to give the full story plot line away as if you have not seen the film yet it will spoil some of the surprises, but there are many in store for you believe me. With some great puppetry, new characters and more than a smattering of stars, Return of the Jedi on Super 8mm must have been a popular title over recent years and the good news is that its still available new and even in stock via Derann.

Supplied on those 7 400ft reels and complete in adorable Scope the print quality matches my enthusiasm for the movies content having now seen in as it was intended to be viewed. This original version is a highly collectable movie for the home projectionist, make no mistake. The colours are deep and contrast is very good indeed. I particularly like the gold costume for the C-3PO robot and would rate the print quality in excess of the Super 8 Star Wars feature, possibly one of the finest in my own collection. The original master material does however have a few marks on it here and there, but this can be expected with the age of the master material I would say.

Sound is very good but unfortunately only mono 1 track. Most of us with Stereo machines usually drop films into stereo, but I have to say the frequency range of this recording even in mono is very good indeed.

All in all then a very desirable collectors item, and as we are film collectors I would say this could form a vital part of your collection. Being issued on 7 400ft reels I have not quite decided how to spool it up, and as I am not over keen on supaspools it may even be staying on 400ft reels and shown on two projectors with switchover.

A very enjoyable feature and oh that Scope colour.

Print A Sound A

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on December 17, 2007, 10:39 AM:

Hey Lee,

Did you buy Barry Atwood's copy from Independent 8? As he just sold his print.

You really haven't seen it until you've seen it in scope ON FILM!!

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on December 17, 2007, 01:17 PM:

Osi.
Derann have this one in stock NOW and although quite a sum, it is worth every penny of the asking price.

All I have to do now is locate Empire Strikes Back feature and my quest is over.

Happy Scope show day.

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on December 17, 2007, 02:07 PM:

Wasn't it Classic Home Cinema that brought us this scope, (Empire)? I hear the color is great as is the sharpness, but the negative had some issues, especially at reel changes, but well worth the getting.

Posted by Graham Sinden (Member # 431) on December 17, 2007, 02:18 PM:

Hey Lee,

I agree with you about spooling this film up on big reels. I have that problem with 5x600' as I prefer 1200' reels but i dont like the odd 600'.

As for this film on 7x400' it's probably best to use 2x800' and 1x1200'.

Graham S

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on December 17, 2007, 02:40 PM:

Yes thats what I heard Osi, but its a must have for me to complete the set of the best.

Graham. I never thought of that one. Good job someone has some brains eigh. Do you have Jedi Graham? I think Derann have 1 new print left now in stock so perhaps Father Christmas will look after you? My santa letter was sent early so he came in advance.

Best
Lee.

Posted by Graham Sinden (Member # 431) on December 17, 2007, 04:42 PM:

No I dont have Jedi. But at the moment im not thinking about films because Ive got a bad chesty cough and a slight cold that I picked up at work. Several people have fallen ill with it. Hopefully it will be gone by christmas.

It is a shame though that Derann dont sell Star Wars new anymore, as I would like that. Mabye its a negative issue or possibly just the rights have run out. I dont think George Lucas wants ANYBODY to see the original versions again.

Graham S

Posted by Ricky Daniels (Member # 95) on December 18, 2007, 02:58 AM:

Osi and Lee,

A slight correction Empire IS from Classic and has the issues Osi refers to (but it's worth having non the less) Jedi is perfect throughout and a 'must have'.

ATB. Rick

Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on December 19, 2007, 03:30 AM:

My copy of Jedi is on 2x1200ft reels. The print is a bit darker than I would like but perhaps I'll change my mind when I finally run it through the HTI machine.

I prefer the print of Empire despite the master damage around the original reel changes. The damage is on the 35mm print it was undoubtedly taken from as my copy is a first run print (as is Jedi).

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on December 19, 2007, 03:40 AM:

Thanks for the tip John re spooling. Jedi here looks fantastic and we use two blade shutter machine with decent lenses to get a smart image and only about 10ft so as not to stretch it.

When I last viewed Empire Strikes Back at a friends his stripe was falling off so I am not quite sure what I will be in for if I chance buying a copy. Have to fink on that for a bit. Yes I also noticed quite a bit of damage to the Empire master used which also puts me off a bit, but Jedi via auntie Derann showed some great colours and excellent contrast. This has to be my favourite scope film now and we have also started the re recording into stereo which also lifts the experience much I feel.

Happy Jedi day!

[ December 29, 2007, 08:26 AM: Message edited by: Lee Mannering ]

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