Seven Wonders of the World Blu-ray Review

Cinerama's "Seven Wonders of the World" makes an impressive leap to high definition with its Blu-ray presentation, meticulously reconstructed and remastered by David Strohmaier and produced by John Sittig for Cinerama Inc. The film is showcased in a 2.56:1 aspect ratio, employing an MPEG-4 AVC encoding at 1080p resolution, complemented by a unique curved screen smilebox simulation to mimic the original Cinerama presentation. The technical team, including special 6 perf film scanning and image restoration by Image Trends, have worked wonders in preserving the film's historical integrity while enhancing its visual appeal. Though some signs of aging and deterioration due to vinegar syndrome are evident, the restoration effort has ensured the film maintains a stable, organic look with commendable detail and clarity, proving the endeavor's success despite the challenging condition of the original elements.

Enhancements in contrast stability, color balance, and overall image stability are significant, attributed to diligent digital efforts that removed numerous imperfections while retaining the film grain as faithfully as possible. The restoration team has skillfully matched and balanced the qualities of the three panels, greatly contributing to a uniform viewing experience. Although depth and some color saturation could see improvements, the existing presentation surpasses expectations considering the limited budget and missing original rolls. Furthermore, the distribution as a Region-Free Blu-ray release allows for a broad audience reach, ensuring that enthusiasts worldwide can enjoy this cinematic piece without restraint.

The audio remastering, led by Wade Chamberlain with Seven Channel Cinerama Sound transferred at Chace Audio by Deluxe directed by Thom Piper, Jr. & Gilbert Paul, complements the visual restoration impeccably, offering an auditory experience that echoes the grandeur of the original screenings. This revitalization not only honors the legacy of Cinerama's innovative storytelling but also sets a benchmark for historical film restoration, promising viewers an immersive journey through the "Seven Wonders of the World" with unparalleled visual and audio fidelity.

The audio presentation of "Seven Wonders of the World" on Blu-ray is offered through two standard tracks: an English Dolby Digital 5.1 and an English Dolby Digital 2.0. It's notable that while this release from Flicker Alley lacks optional English SDH subtitles, the focus on ensuring a high-quality audio experience has not been overlooked. The absence of a lossless audio option might concern some enthusiasts, yet the clarity and sharpness exhibited in both available tracks are impressive, indicating a meticulous restoration effort that honors the original sound design.

The restoration team's dedication shines in their work with the audio, particularly considering that the enhanced tracks were derived from the original 7-channel mix. Such effort has culminated in audio quality that excels in both dynamic intensity and detail, even if there remains room for improvement in dynamic range in certain sections. Nonetheless, atmospheric scenes, like the memorable mass dance from Belgian Congo, are rendered with a lively and immersive quality that nearly transports the viewer middle of the scene. The narration adds to this immersive experience with its crispness and stability, providing an informative yet engaging overlay to the stunning visuals.

Listeners will appreciate the clean restoration that has evidently focused on removing any defects from the original audio. The result is a presentation free from pops, crackles, digital distortions, or any audio dropouts, further enhancing the viewing experience. In sum, despite a few minor shortcomings related to the choice of audio formats and dynamic range, the audio restoration team has delivered a commendable facelift to this historic feature, ensuring that its sonic aspects are as compelling and robust as its visuals.

The Blu-ray extras for "Seven Wonders of the World" offer a comprehensive and immersive dive into both the history and restoration of this cinema classic. From the original trailers, including a widescreen trailer for the restored version and the unique 1960 abandoned trailer, to a detailed breakdown of the Cinerama 3-panel system's emergency procedures, enthusiasts are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at cinematic history. The inclusion of archival footage, such as the New York premiere Newsreel with Joan Crawford, enhances the nostalgic experience. Moreover, the restoration demonstration led by David Strohmaier illuminates the painstaking efforts to preserve this film for future generations. The standout documentary on Cinerama composers provides in-depth insights into the revolutionary 7-track stereophonic sound that defined the Cinerama experience. Additionally, a treasure trove of promotional materials and a facsimile booklet offer a deeper appreciation of the film's historical and cultural importance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Seven Wonders Trailer: Widescreen trailer for the restored and reconstructed Seven Wonders of the World.
• Seven Wonders TV Trailer: Original B&W trailer.
• Seven Wonders 1960 Abandoned Trailer: Previously unreleased trailer.
• Seven Wonders Breakdown Reel: Emergency procedure footage for Cinerama 3-panel system breakdowns.
• Newsreel Opening Night in New York: Archival footage of the premiere with a Joan Crawford interview.
• Restoration Demonstration of Seven Wonders: David Strohmaier discusses the film's restoration and reconstruction.
• Best in the Biz Cinerama Composers Documentary: In-depth exploration of Cinerama's groundbreaking 7-track stereophonic sound.
• Cinerama Everywhere: Archival French film on the promotion of Cinerama films in France.
• Slideshow: Behind-the-scenes stills and promotional material collection.
• Booklet: 28-page facsimile of the original program booklet.

Seven Wonders of the World," brought to Blu-ray by Flicker Alley, embarks on a remarkable re-visitation of the globe's most awe-inspiring locales through the lens of Cinerama, featuring explorative narratives by Lowell Thomas. Encapsulating the essence of the original Cinerama spectacle, this high-definition release enables audiences to traverse from the ancient, iconic Great Pyramid of Giza to the vibrant metropolis of New York City, identifying both historic wonders and candidates for the modern world's marvels. Notably, directorial efforts by Ted Tetzlaff, Andrew Marton, Tay Garnett, Paul Mantz, and Walter Thompson, combined with the adept aerial photography by Harry Squire and Gayne Rescher, meticulously capture the diverse landscapes and cultures across continents.

The film’s technical aspects are commendably restored, boasting a soundtrack composed by Emil Newman, David Raksin, and Jerome Moross that enriches the visual journey with an auditory allure. Delving into each destination—be it the architectural grandeur within Rio de Janeiro, Japan’s harmonious blend of tradition and Western influence, or capturing a quintessential battle between a cobra and mongoose in India—the film does more than document; it immerses the viewer into the heart of each locale’s story. Moreover, the sightseeing expands into regions less traversed, such as the "Manhattan of the Desert" in Shibam and witnessing cultural ceremonies across different societies, providing a narrative depth to the exploration.

This Blu-ray edition is adorned with supplemental features including archival materials and a comprehensive 28-page booklet, encapsulating the film's historical context and cinematic significance. Nonetheless, it’s the main feature that shines brightly—a meticulously crafted travelogue that not only showcases the awe of the Seven Wonders but also reflects on humanity's enduring quest to commemorate its greatest achievements. In speaking directly to its audience—permitting them to contemplate modern wonders—the film closes on an interactive note, harking back to its initial adventurous spirit amidst a backdrop of mid-20th-century optimism.

The restoration and release of Cinerama films, including "Seven Wonders of the World," on Blu-ray is a monumental feat that deserves recognition, with David Strohmaier and his team at the helm. Given the original condition of many of these films, where elements were problematic or missing, the quality achieved in both visuals and audio is commendable. While there might be an ideal vision of quality that enthusiasts dream of, what has been accomplished here is nothing short of remarkable. This release joins a prestigious line-up in Flicker Alley's Blu-ray catalog that seeks to preserve the historical essence and immersive experience of Cinerama films.

The depth of effort put into restoring "Seven Wonders of the World," alongside other titles like "Cinerama: Holiday" and "This is Cinerama," showcases a dedication to film preservation that goes beyond mere commercial interest. The technical challenges overcome during the restoration process highlight the team's commitment to delivering the best possible version of these films to a modern audience. For those harboring even a spark of interest in cinematic history or the Cinerama format, delving into Flicker Alley’s offerings will provide a rich, unparalleled viewing experience.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Seven Wonders of the World" stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of film restoration experts and their ability to bring nearly lost classics back to life. The dedication of David Strohmaier and his team has ensured that current and future generations can experience these cinematic marvels in a format that honors their original grandeur. Their work is not just a technical accomplishment; it's a gift to film lovers everywhere. This collection is highly recommended for its historical significance, technical achievements, and the sheer joy of exploring the world through the unique Cinerama lens.