8mm Forum: BLACK CHRISTMAS marketing 2 x400 ft

This is topic BLACK CHRISTMAS marketing 2 x400 ft in forum 8mm Print Reviews at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on August 20, 2006, 02:12 PM:

Black Christmas. The title alone conjures weird images, at least in my mind it does. I watched this film in the theatre in 1974, at the tender age of 10. I was a veteran of horror films, surviving the TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and NIGHT of the LIVING DEAD at the even MORE tender age of 5.
I was reared on the Classic terror tale, but by the late 60's, things had become graphic and gratuitous. So, i was looking for a "modern" interpretation of Fear with class and thought. BLACK CHRISTMAS does capsulate a terror which other "slasher" films prior or since have failed. The reason is simple. The human mind. IT lifts the veil of comfort and reveals subconscious primal fears of doubt and vulnerability.
Our leading lady is Olivia Hussey, and what a lady she is. As one watches the film, the male instinctively would give ones life to defend such feminine beauty and gentility from the hands of ANY killer, let alone the phone crazed "billy".

Then we have Margot Kidder. Oh my god! The stereotypical loud mouthed vulgar rude arrogant "liberated" modern american woman of the time. No wonder the Killer let her have it in her sleep. Just to keep her views to herself. He waited too long, for my taste, i would have silenced her foul mouth the moment she opened it. Another of my digressions.

The film has some disturbing images and scenes. Violence is essential to the story, and therefore, completely acceptable.
Unfortunately the violence in this film gave way to terrible exaggeration in the future aka HALLOWEEN, NIGHTMARE ON ELM ST. and FRIDAY the 13th. Black Christmas should in no way be placed along side those other titles.

The AGFA Digest is PERFECTLY edited. Utilizing the finest in negative material, MARKETING FILMS had been able to capture the horrific pace and tempo of the psychotic killer himself. SHARP and with good color. Like other of Bob Clark's films, the color of the original film had a "murky" quality to it. IT was NOT released with EYE popping blues and reds. The colors were purposely muted and stifled, like so many of the victims screams.
The sound was in german, but, not a difficult thing to re-record, since most of the scenes are long edits to begin with.
When all is said and done, this is a truly disturbing showcase of storytelling. Fortunately, not all stories end happily ever after. That may only serve us as a reminder to appreciate and celebrate every moment. On the other hand, What are you capable of doing? What "black" thoughts and actions lie dormant within you?

Posted by Lance Alspaugh (Member # 27) on August 21, 2006, 01:31 AM:

Hey Robert,

I always seem to learn something by keeping an eye on the forum. I had no idea this picture was on S8 and I too am a fan of the film....for various reasons. If you ever decide to part with it I am your buyer and would pay a decent fee for it. Great review and looking forward to your next one.

LA

Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on August 21, 2006, 02:45 AM:

Hey Lance, All these films are available in Germany. Try my friend Andreas at
http://movies-and-sound.com/
He can find you ANYTHING which was released on super 8 in Germany. He is honest and tells you what you will be receiving before it arrives in your hands. no bad surprises.
YOU WILL LOVE THIS DIGEST!

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on August 21, 2006, 08:53 AM:

Robert,

Great review! I'm guessing Lance would want your print because of your re-recording talents.

Doug

Posted by Andrew Wilson (Member # 538) on August 21, 2006, 10:43 AM:

ME TOO.Andy.

Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on August 21, 2006, 11:16 AM:

well, Seriously Guys. IF you purchase these prints and want a re-recording. Send it my way. My nephew (13) is into film now. We have worked out a system where, we made a digital transfer of picture and sound of my original re-recording of a specific title, he than synchronizes and re-records as many prints of that title into Stereo, MONO, or what not. He makes other film collectors happy, he raises some money which goes back into purchasing his prints and the like. We have done this with Earthquake, raiders of the lost ark, war of the worlds 3 x400, SO MANY...all of my films actually. EVEN the PLANET of the APES series. So, dont hesitate to find these due to the german sound. That is a "problem" easily resolved.

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on August 21, 2006, 11:35 AM:

Robert, Maybe you should put a list up of all the titles you can re record. [Smile]

Kev.

Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on August 21, 2006, 12:01 PM:

hi Kev,
Sure. I'll create a list, but where should i post?

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on August 21, 2006, 12:24 PM:

Robert,

Kev and I will talk to make sure we agree, but I would think the regular 8mm Forum would be to place for "Robert's Re-recording Services". We'd keep the topic posted near the top.

Doug

Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on August 21, 2006, 12:45 PM:

Whatever you think is best. I'm all for it. Anything to help propel the use and appreciation of super 8. I think the English speaking folks are missing out on a plethora of titles from Germany. If i can bridge that gap. AWESOME! I'm for it. I truly have STACKS of German titles i have re-recorded.

Posted by Jan Bister (Member # 332) on August 21, 2006, 01:27 PM:

Gee, Robert, now if you could find me English soundtracks for two Heckle & Jeckle cartoons I have... they're beautiful prints with German sound, Pirate's Gold and Log Rollers ... as a native German I have no trouble enjoying them of course, but my wife - and any audience I'll cater to in the future, for that matter - is another story. And EVERYTHING ELSE in my collection is in English [Razz]

EDIT, actually that's not entirely true. I do have a 2x400 Piccolo-Film digest of "Aikido - Die fuenf Finger des Todes." Think you can dig up an English soundtrack for that one??

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on August 21, 2006, 01:48 PM:

The next member who has a question/comment about Robert's recordings should start a new topic in the 8mm Forum section. "Black Christmas" review related material here only, please. (I know....I'm as guilty as anyone!) Thanks.

Doug

Posted by Jan Bister (Member # 332) on August 21, 2006, 02:30 PM:

Yes, Sir, sorry, Sir. Want me to repost my questions in a new topic?...

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on August 21, 2006, 04:52 PM:

Only if you're done watching the Wu Yu Wei epic! The english version, "Chinese Dragon", appears to have not been released on DVD. Yet.

Doug

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