8mm Forum: The Band Wagon

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Posted by Burton Sundquist (Member # 5813) on September 23, 2018, 04:02 PM:

The Band Wagon (1953) MGM Studios. Directed by Vincente Minnelli
Following the "Easter Parade" print review I thought it fitting to include here a review of the Super 8 release of this MGM Gem. Regarded along with "Singin' In The Rain" to be one of MGM's finest musicals, "The Band Wagon" features 14 musical numbers, "That's Entertainment" performed twice. "Dancing In The Dark" is another of this film's classics. Fred Astaire proving he still has it, partnered this time round with the lovely Cyd Charisse.
My print is the Red Fox Films release, on Eastman Poly LPP.
On the whole the print quality is very good: Gorgeous color, excellent sharpness and contrast. There are minor deficiencies either with the source print or lab process, resulting in intermittent white markings that come and go, minor but present on two reels. Also noted are three scenes that have a blueish tint, lasting the duration of each of the scenes, then correcting with scene change. Aside from these minor issues the print is first-rate and visually stunning.
The Sound is very rich and reproduces the musical material
faithfully, free of noise and distortion. Connecting to an external audio source enhanced the dynamic range and presentation
for the full "home theatre" effect. Full marks for a Mono recording.
This print comes highly recommended to fans of the Musical genre. it is a true Gem among MGM's finest.

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on September 23, 2018, 11:26 PM:

Great looking Super 8 print Burton! The Band Wagon is a very good MGM musical with some great songs.
May I mention another superb MGM musical S8 print, namely High Society. I have this Derann feature length print, and have re-recorded a great stereo track from the DVD. I will try and put up some screen shots.

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on September 24, 2018, 11:48 AM:

WOW!!!

Eye popping colors to be sure!!!

Posted by Burton Sundquist (Member # 5813) on September 24, 2018, 09:23 PM:

Thank-you Paul and Osi for the comments. I have to confess that like "Easter Parade", the first time for me seeing "The Band Wagon" was when I screened the Super 8 print! I think I have seen most of the other MGM classics but not "High Society", So Paul, I would look forward to a post with captures from your print.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on September 25, 2018, 02:23 PM:

Another superb print Burton. We only have "a shine on your shoes" excerpt from thats dancining which is very good but your print looks pin sharp like a 16mm print.

Posted by Burton Sundquist (Member # 5813) on September 27, 2018, 09:07 PM:

Thanks Tom, I am impressed with the color and sharpness too!
A few more captures...

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on September 29, 2018, 10:16 AM:

From what i have seen, those big classic musicals that derann put out are all excellent in quality.

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on October 02, 2018, 11:27 AM:

Just lovely, and you really can't beat seeing these films up on the big screen as well, grain and all, (personal opinion, of course!) [Smile]

Most of these ole musicals were a magnetic soundtrack but most especially with the Derann prints, that mono audio magnetic track really could belt out a very high quality sound, (also if you have the "right" projector!), and one of the things that I have always loved about magnetic super 8 is that if you didn't like the soundtrack, if you have the capability, ou ould re-record the soundtrack and have a soundtrack that really hits all the marks, (a lot, depending, of course, on the quality of that mag stripe!) [Smile]

Posted by Burton Sundquist (Member # 5813) on October 12, 2018, 01:07 AM:

Thank you to all. This is a great print. Highly recommended.
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