8mm Forum: Ken Films & Columbia Digest Narration

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Topic: Ken Films & Columbia Digest Narration

Paul Adsett
Film God

Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted April 26, 2011 10:41 AM

Despite all the annoying continuity problems that digests inherently had, I remember them as having enormous impact back then in the 1970's. You have to remember that there was no vdeo back then, so super 8mm film was really the only way for people to be able to own a piece of a favourite Hollywood movie. Those digests requiring narration in an attempt to explain a complex story line, were obviously the least successful. But there were many movies that reduced very well to digest form. This was particularly true of musical pictures, where people wanted the great songs and dance routines, and could easily dispense with the(usually flimsy) story. The best digests in that respect were all the MGM classic musicals, which are all great to watch. The worst digest IMO was the 400ft version of Dr. Zhivago - a total disaster!

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Brad Kimball
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1171
From: Highland Mills, NY USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted April 26, 2011 11:13 PM

I've been disappointed overall with what I've seen of musical digests. Songs abbreviated or simply used over an entirely different scene from which the original audio is muted. I'd rather have one or two songs intact than have 4 songs that are truncated. In "Wizard Of Oz" Garland's "Over The Rainbow" is heard over the titles and then we catch up with Dorothy in front of the barn. I didn't like it. I'm sure whittling a 90 minute musical down to 18 minutes was a tough chore, but I just haven't liked anything I've seen so far.

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Douglas Meltzer
Moderator

Posts: 4554
From: New York, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted April 26, 2011 11:22 PM

Brad,

U-8's Flower Drum Song digest takes 3 songs in their entirety. No narration, no plot, it's great! What's also nice is that my print has very good color.

Doug

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I think there's room for just one more film.....

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Brad Kimball
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1171
From: Highland Mills, NY USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted April 27, 2011 12:06 AM

Nice to know. Thanks, Doug. Have you by chance seen the "Jesus Christ Superstar" digest? I can't imagine seeing it cut to less than 10% of its overall running time. One of my favorite shows. I've seen it on Ebay now and then, but dared not bid until I knew more about it.

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Tony Stucchio
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 625
From: New Jersey
Registered: Dec 2005

posted April 27, 2011 05:37 PM

If I remember correctly, the box for OZ mis-identified one of the songs included in the digest. I had this about 20 years ago and then sold it.

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Brad Kimball
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1171
From: Highland Mills, NY USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted April 30, 2011 07:49 PM

Which song?

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Carter Bradley
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 156
From: Greensboro, NC, USA
Registered: Dec 2007

posted May 02, 2011 03:33 PM

The box for "The Wizard of Oz" incorectly lists Jack Haley's "Tin Man's song," which is not included in the digest.

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Chris Fries
Master Film Handler

Posts: 399
From: Ohio, US
Registered: Aug 2011

posted August 30, 2011 02:31 PM

My first copy of "The Poseidon Adventure" 1x400 has no narration. It is a library copy I purchased 20 years ago. Yes, it's somewhat beat (lines & a few splices) but still has some color. I've picked up two since then. Both are red. In fact, the last one I got is ORANGE! They both have the narration. Totally unnecessary. I'm hoping to find a non-faded/no narration copy someday. All I can say I'm grateful the "Towering Inferno" is not. Can you imagine? "Security chief Jernigan, played by O.J. Simpson, is worried about the safety of the gala guests."

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Keith Ashfield
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 997
From: U.K.
Registered: Dec 2006

posted August 30, 2011 05:08 PM

Welcome to the forum, Chris.

I hope your latest aquisition of "The Towering Inferno" and "The Making of a Blockbuster" is satisfactory?

Best regards,

Keith

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"We'll find 'em in the end, I promise you. We'll find 'em. Just as sure as a turnin' of the earth".

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Chris Fries
Master Film Handler

Posts: 399
From: Ohio, US
Registered: Aug 2011

posted August 31, 2011 03:41 AM

Hi, Keith. I was actually talking about the 1x400 of "Towering Inferno". I have not yet received the 3x400 (or 2x600) & "Making of" I bought from you. Could be they've been delayed because of Hurricane Irene. I am, however, really looking forward to watching them. I will let you know as soon as they get here. Thank you again!

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There's a great big beautiful tomorrow just a dream away.

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Keith Ashfield
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 997
From: U.K.
Registered: Dec 2006

posted August 31, 2011 06:27 AM

No problem Chris. The parcel was last tracked at Springfield MA 01152, at 21.14 on 29th August, so should not be far away now I hope.

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"We'll find 'em in the end, I promise you. We'll find 'em. Just as sure as a turnin' of the earth".

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