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Topic: The Adventures of the Wilderness Family (Derann, 400") what do you think?
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Adrian Winchester
Film God
Posts: 2941
From: Croydon, London, UK
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted January 06, 2010 10:00 PM
Winbert & Tom:
I can say more about this. Although I haven't seen them all, there are definitely 4 reels for you to look out for because Derann released 2 x 400' reels in relation to BOTH of the first two features. I have one of them, which is part 2 from 'Further Adventures'. I recall that it features a scene in which a menacing bear is trying to get into their house. All 4 reels are self-contained, with opening titles, so they are fine to screen on their own. I remember hearing that the releases from one film (possibly 'Further Adventures', but I'm not certain) are better prints because a 35mm master was used, whilst the others were from a 16mm master. The upper box art probably applies to both releases from the first film, whilst 'Part 2' probably applies to both from the second film, although my reel was sold after they ran out of the plastic boxes, so it's in cardboard box with a multi-purpose Derann 400' label on it.
The second reel from 'Further Adventures' was released around 1984, about the time that the revival was starting. (I recall Derek Simmonds mentioning the release and screening it at a Derann Open Day I attended.) In fact it was probably the very last Derann 400' release of the 1970s/80s. All prints of this release are therefore likely to be low fade - mine certainly is. I think the other 3 reels were probably also available at this time, so low fade prints may well exist, but there could be earlier faded ones too. Derann also released trailers to both of these films in the 1980s and I have both, which I spliced together on the same reel. Mine are low fade and probably all prints are.
I never knew there was a 3rd film! I suppose you can get them all on DVD?
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Adrian Winchester
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Thomas Murin, Jr.
Master Film Handler
Posts: 260
From: Lanoka Harbor, NJ, USA
Registered: Sep 2009
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posted January 06, 2010 10:55 PM
Adrian, thanks for the info! I'll keep an eye out for all four.
Yes, the title of the third film tends to fool people even today. The plot has a forest ranger trying to evict the family because they have no legal claim to the land they are on. The movie was designed as a finale to the series so you can guess how it ends.
Yes, all three are on DVD with excellent transfers in the 1.33:1 full aperture ratio. The movies were matted to 1.85:1 for theatrical release. The mono soundtracks have been remixed into 5.1 with decent results.
BTW, Barry Williams, aka Greg Brady, sings all the songs for the second film! Does a pretty good job at it too!
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My crummy Deviant Art account. Read my poetic tribute to the internet comic strip Ozy & Millie and view my crappy attempts at art.
http://cougartiger.deviantart.com/
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