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Author
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Topic: Was it better then?
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Allan Broadfield
Master Film Handler
Posts: 452
From: Bromley, Kent
Registered: Nov 2010
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posted March 07, 2014 11:54 AM
As a child of the 1940's and fifties, my film mania started when an uncle gave me a large biscuit tin containing a toy 35mm hand cranked projector and several small rolls of nitrate (!) film. I wanted to run complete titles so I progressed through 9.5mm and 8mm. Sound was out of the question, who could afford such expensive equipment?
Now I have every film I ever wanted, whether on DVD or 8/16mm, but something is missing. Perhaps it's all too easy now. When I look through my old Pathescope and Walton catalogues I can still feel the magic of films that were unnatainable, therefore a little mysterious.
I put on a 16mm show in a retirement home some time ago, and one of the carers said that a DVD would have been an easier option surely? I said, "yes, but not so much fun". It's good to see in these columns that there are many youngsters still buying into the 'magic'.
[ March 08, 2014, 05:23 AM: Message edited by: Allan Broadfield ]
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Vidar Olavesen
Film God
Posts: 2232
From: Sarpsborg, Norway
Registered: Nov 2012
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posted March 07, 2014 01:26 PM
Yes, it was better before. After digital, I will not go to the cinema anymore, even for the new Star Wars (if I am still alive when it comes)
It is, as you say, magic in reels for me and I can't understand why all people thinks digital is so great. It's missing frames, stutters (and I know many say to me, not in setup, but I see it) ... Not the same at all and the effects now are simply awful. Harryhausen, Walas, Bottin and those great artists made cinema great for me. Computer programmers don't (I am one myself, but wouldn't use it for films)
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Paul Adsett
Film God
Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted March 07, 2014 07:26 PM
Yes, the memory of that first 60ft 9.5mm reel, handcranked on my new Pathe Ace at the age of 15, is something very special. It was truly magical in those days to have projected movies in your home, even a dimly lit one on a 30 inch screen. Now the digital disc and large flat panel TV's have made home movies ubiquitous, and kids today take them for granted. The picture is now in color, the sound is 5 channel surround, but the magic is gone.
Like Trev, I am so glad I experienced the thrill of that first movie in the home, before the advent of television changed it all.
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The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection,
Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade
Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar
Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj
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Rob Young.
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1633
From: Cheshire, U.K.
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted March 10, 2014 02:04 PM
Last Sunday I spent the morning watching "Casablanca".
Not in my home cinema, but in one of the last remaining independent cinemas in Cumbria.
My better half and I, sister & her hubby, all arrived work worn and bleary eyed to "The Alhambra", Keswick, to see this classic as part of the annual Keswick Film Festival.
Paying our modest entrance fee, we were invited to free "help yourself" filter coffee, and in my own mind, I felt like I was back at a super 8 film convention, but in a REAL cinema.
I strolled down the aisle...the last time I was here was in 1981 to see Disney's "The Fox and The Hound", with my Mam, Dad, Sister & Me.
On 35mm, of course, and me all of 10 years old, grateful to visit such an emporium.
Of course I'd been back to see this lovely cinema a few times over the years, but only from the outside.
It looked beautiful as always from outside and beautiful inside too as we entered the foyer to a warm welcome from the staff.
Buying our tickets, up we go to the "circle"; that now old fashioned, but lovely climb of carpeted steps to the posh seats!!!
They now have digital projection. Sign of the times. And before anyone gets objective, I will give a link to their web site which explains a lot. Wisely KEPT their 35mm Machines!!!
Anyway, so we find our seats...lovely, comfortable seating.
Soon, the circle fills right up (this is Sunday morning, don't forget) and the feature begins.
Disappointing in some ways...they actually ran a DVD, yes, DVD (!!!) on their state-of the art 2K projector.
BUT! The audience loved it! Laughing, crying at all the right moments! What an experience!
Also, their Barco digital did an amazing job with the material. I only regret that they didn't run Blu-Ray.
BUT my point is, this film, on a big screen, in a lovely cinema, with an appreciative audience, went down so well that it renewed my belief in "cinema" as a mass audience experience.
The venue was great, the audience was great, the film was great.
The experience was great.
And, oh, it wasn't on film; in fact it was on the current lowest form of master material.
And yet, the whole experience was beautiful and emotional.
My set up at home is arguably much better in many technical ways, and I thought about ordering "Casablanca" on Blu-ray. I haven't, and quite frankly because, although it may be better technically, the experience would just not be the same.
Make of that what you will.
http://www.keswick-alhambra.co.uk/
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Paul Adsett
Film God
Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted March 10, 2014 02:37 PM
Well I can tell you Rob that the Casablanca Blu Ray is absolutely stunning. Bogey, Bergman, Claude Rains, and Conrad Veight, never looked better. Warners have done a splendid job making this iconic film look the very best it can on a digital media.
Last night we went to see the new Liam Neeson film Non Stop at a local dinner movie theater. Yes it was digital projection, and I thought that my home digital projection looked far superior. Nevertheless, there is something added when you share any film with a large audience, and it is great to hear that Casablanca is still being enjoyed by audiences in professional cinema's.
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The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection,
Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade
Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar
Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj
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James N. Savage 3
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted March 13, 2014 08:42 AM
In reference to the original post- I totally agree.
Its what happens when people get too much of a good thing. I notice, from children to adulthood, people that have easy and unlimited access to something such as toys, candy, entertainment, etc., you quickly lose appreciation for it.
Unfortunately, just like delicious junk food, if you eat too much, you get sick. I'm afraid if I ever bought a video projector and hundreds of my favorite movies on DVD, I'd probably waste away in a big comfy chair and never be seen again ![[Frown]](frown.gif) ![[Smile]](smile.gif) .
I'll have to stick to my limited super 8 collection, as well as the occasional VHS & DVD on the TV. Thats just me ![[Wink]](wink.gif) .
James.
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