Dave Strohmaier and Randy Gitsch’s work on saving the original Cinerama projects, falls under the heading of Passion Projects.
Working under limited budgets, and with very problematic film elements times three, we’re finally treated to a far superior Blu-ray of the first film in the series, the original 1952, This is Cinerama.
I was too young to have seen this theatrically, but was aware (at least a decade thereafter) of the exciting roller coaster sequence which opened the film, followed by the requisite three panel Cinerama travelogues.
What these gentlemen have created (again, on a limited budget, so don’t hold out for absolute perfection) is an exciting revisit to one of the major events in motion picture history, finally available, via Smilebox, on your home theater screen.
To my mind, the release of this Blu-ray, replacing the earlier effort derived from a single 65mm panel, is an Event on its own.
Color and densities are as balanced as possible, and the original track soars.
Simply put, this is one that should be in every serious library. The disc has a myriad of extras, inclusive of a superb featurette on the restorative efforts.
This is Cinerama was the first of eleven releases, some of the latter using footage from earlier shows.
Windjammer (1958) which I did see on the big screen in NY, is being released concurrently, and I’ll follow up on that one is due course.
As is the norm with the Cinerama films, they’re released by Flicker Alley.
Image – 4
Audio – 5
Pass / Fail – Pass
Upgrade from DVD – Yes
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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