manitou
2006-12-05 03:42:17 UTC
I've watched this a few times; it was released a few weeks ago as part
of a WHV Marlon Brando set.
Was wondering if anyone here knew about how the DVD was prepared.
Specifically, I wonder if the transfer was from an original source
_after_ application of the soft gold/sepia tint which John Huston
wanted for the film, or if WHV went back to the original color negative
and then desaturated the color and added a new gold/sepia tint
replicating the original? I guess here I'm also asking if in 1967
Warner Bros prepared an internegative incorporating the unusual color,
or if the color was part of printing for the original release prints.
I saw the movie only once (in New York) when it was new and while I
remember finding it interesting (and certainly remember the gold tint
and muted color) I don't remember it in the same detail as a few other
films from those days which I saw several times.
I give WHV high marks for the new release, though the DVD seems more
sepia than gold, in terms of my recollection from 39 years ago.
Couldn't help noting that the core story is near-identical to that for
"American Beauty". In more ways than one "Reflections..." was decades
ahead of its time. In addition to the unusual color manipulation, the
anamorphic Panavision cinematography is outstanding, and the movie's
surreal quality and mood are further enhanced by the fact that this
story set in The Deep South was filmed mainly in Italy (and during
early winter [November/December 1966] --- a featurette shows Brando and
Liz Taylor huddled in parkas and furs between takes).
Huston also got extraordinary performances from his cast, especially
Brando and Taylor, both of whom had begun drifting into self-parody by
the later 1960s and both of whom usually required strong directors to
deliver their best work. Brando's uptight, repressed military man is
spot on, and Taylor brings exceptional wit, subtle style and discreet
humour to her performance as the airhead/manipulative wife.
Charles
of a WHV Marlon Brando set.
Was wondering if anyone here knew about how the DVD was prepared.
Specifically, I wonder if the transfer was from an original source
_after_ application of the soft gold/sepia tint which John Huston
wanted for the film, or if WHV went back to the original color negative
and then desaturated the color and added a new gold/sepia tint
replicating the original? I guess here I'm also asking if in 1967
Warner Bros prepared an internegative incorporating the unusual color,
or if the color was part of printing for the original release prints.
I saw the movie only once (in New York) when it was new and while I
remember finding it interesting (and certainly remember the gold tint
and muted color) I don't remember it in the same detail as a few other
films from those days which I saw several times.
I give WHV high marks for the new release, though the DVD seems more
sepia than gold, in terms of my recollection from 39 years ago.
Couldn't help noting that the core story is near-identical to that for
"American Beauty". In more ways than one "Reflections..." was decades
ahead of its time. In addition to the unusual color manipulation, the
anamorphic Panavision cinematography is outstanding, and the movie's
surreal quality and mood are further enhanced by the fact that this
story set in The Deep South was filmed mainly in Italy (and during
early winter [November/December 1966] --- a featurette shows Brando and
Liz Taylor huddled in parkas and furs between takes).
Huston also got extraordinary performances from his cast, especially
Brando and Taylor, both of whom had begun drifting into self-parody by
the later 1960s and both of whom usually required strong directors to
deliver their best work. Brando's uptight, repressed military man is
spot on, and Taylor brings exceptional wit, subtle style and discreet
humour to her performance as the airhead/manipulative wife.
Charles