This Is Cinerama Blu-ray Review
Deluxe Edition Blu-ray
Score: 78
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Flicker Alley's Deluxe Edition of 'This Is Cinerama' offers a stunning 2K restoration and insightful new bonus features, making it essential for Cinerama enthusiasts.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 74
Presented in Smilebox format and derived from original three-panel elements, 'This Is Cinerama' on Blu-ray boasts a 1080p transfer with significant improvements over prior editions. Enhanced density levels, superior delineation, and minimized age-related artifacts make this a visually stunning restoration, despite minor compositional discrepancies.
Audio: 79
The Blu-ray of 'This Is Cinerama' offers an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track with outstanding depth and clarity, delivering an immersive soundscape and excellent separation, though lacking subtitles. The LPCM 2.0 stereo option is solid, but less dimensional compared to the 5.1 track.
Extra: 91
The Blu-ray extras for "This Is Cinerama" provide valuable insight through features like 'Restoring This Is Cinerama' that detail the film’s significant digital restoration, comprehensive documentaries including 'The Best in the Biz,' and various engaging archival materials, making it an essential addition for collectors and restoration enthusiasts.
Movie: 66
“This is Cinerama makes a triumphant Blu-ray debut from Flicker Alley with a meticulous restoration by David Strohmaier and Greg Kimble, offering breathtaking panoramic visuals and surround sound that capture the groundbreaking essence of the Cinerama experience, complete with Smilebox Simulation for an authentic viewing."
Video: 74
Presented in an aspect ratio of approximately 2.56:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the new Blu-ray transfer of "This Is Cinerama" from Flicker Alley impressively revitalizes this classic. Utilizing a 1080p transfer from a 2K scan of the six-perforation original camera negative, the presentation is a formidable upgrade over the previous release, which was sourced from a 65mm dupe negative. Close-ups and panoramic shots exhibit significant enhancements in density levels and delineation, ameliorating previous limitations distinctly evident in the earlier edition.
The three-panel structure's inherent limitations are still present but managed better. There’s additional information within the frame, although compositional discrepancies due to the unique projection method of Cinerama remain. The improvements in color saturation and balance are notable, providing a more satisfying visual experience despite minor fluctuations in some areas. Scratches, stains, and age-related imperfections have been substantially minimized or removed, resulting in a clearer and more polished presentation.
Smilebox formatting effectively maintains the original Cinerama aspect ratio and screen geometry. The restoration has notably decreased join lines' visibility, contributing to a more seamless viewing experience. While color quality can vary slightly, it generally remains robust and pleasing. The impressive clarity and detail ensure that viewers will appreciate the wide range of meaningful enhancements. Despite minor issues beyond the restoration team's control, the overall presentation is consistently stunning and a significant improvement over prior editions.
Audio: 79
The Blu-ray release of "This Is Cinerama" boasts two audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0. Both tracks are delivered with exceptional clarity, though the DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix truly elevates the viewing experience with its immersive soundscape. The lossless 5.1 track presents impressive depth and separation, effectively placing the viewer at the center of the action. Age-related artifacts have been meticulously removed, giving the audio a refreshingly modern and clean quality, devoid of any distracting imperfections.
While the LPCM 2.0 stereo option lacks the dimensionality of the 5.1 mix, it still offers a solid auditory experience, maintaining clarity and balance throughout. The absence of optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature may be noted as a slight drawback, but it does not detract significantly from the overall presentation. In sum, the audio presentation of this Blu-ray is a testament to the meticulous work put into preserving and enhancing the original sound elements, ensuring that it remains an auditory delight for contemporary audiences.
Extras: 91
The Blu Ray of "This Is Cinerama" delivers a robust selection of special features that deeply explore the film's rich history and technical achievements in cinema. The "Restoring This Is Cinerama" featurette highlights the meticulous digital restoration process undertaken by David Strohmaier, offering a before-and-after comparison that underscores the film’s enhanced visual quality. "The Best in the Biz" examines the contributions of Cinerama’s composers through insightful interviews. Furthermore, the disc offers an alternate European Act II opening and archival content like "Cinerama Everywhere," a French documentary showcasing mobile Cinerama theaters. Additional extras include promotional shorts, TV spots, and a breakdown reel featuring Lowell Thomas in case of projection issues. Notably, Fred Waller's 1952 radio interview provides an authentic historical touch. The package is rounded off with a comprehensive audio commentary and a detailed 12-page booklet.
Extras included in this disc:
- Restoring This is Cinerama: Detailed presentation of the film's digital restoration.
- The Best in the Biz: Documentary on Cinerama composers featuring interviews.
- Alternate Act II Opening for European Version: Exclusive opening scene.
- Cinerama Everywhere: French documentary on mobile Cinerama theaters.
- Tribute to the New Neon Movies: Celebration of the Cinerama revival in Dayton, OH.
- Fred Waller Radio Interview: Historical radio interview with Cinerama’s inventor.
- Trailer: Newly restored clips in an updated theatrical trailer.
- Cinerama Returns to the Cinerama Dome (2002): Promotional short for a 50th-anniversary event.
- Breakdown Reel: Emergency reel for technical issues during screenings.
- TV Spots: Promotions for "This is Cinerama" and "Seven Wonders of the World".
- Commentary: Audio commentary with experts offering insights and anecdotes.
- Booklet: 12-page booklet with an essay by producer Randy Gitsch and vintage material.
Movie: 66
Robert L. Bendick's "This is Cinerama" (1952) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Flicker Alley. Restored and reconstructed by David Strohmaier and Greg Kimble, this film marks the debut of Cinerama, a revolutionary widescreen process requiring three strips of 35mm film projected simultaneously to produce a 146-degree panoramic view. The format aimed to replicate human vision and was accompanied by stereophonic sound with up to seven channels, providing a remarkably immersive experience.
Divided into two acts, the film initially showcases an exhilarating roller coaster ride, followed by diverse scenes such as a Temple Dance from Aida at La Scala and a Long Island church choir, emphasizing Cinerama's superior audio-visual capabilities. Notable segments include a Scottish military tattoo event in Edinburgh and a vibrant bullfight in Spain. The second act continues the travelogue motif, featuring various American landscapes from Florida’s sunny beaches to California’s iconic vistas.
The film opens with a monochromatic prologue in standard 35mm, hosted by Lowell Thomas, before transitioning to the curved widescreen format. This effectively heightens the visual impact when the full-color, expansive image is revealed. "This is Cinerama" also stands out for its multi-track sound design, demonstrated by the dynamic movement of Thomas's voice across the room as he speaks. Despite being designed for the largest screens, this Blu-ray release, including Flicker Alley's Smilebox Simulation to mimic the curved screen experience, remains visually stunning on home screens. This restoration is a testament to the remarkable work by Strohmaier and his team.
Total: 78
Flicker Alley's deluxe Blu-ray edition of "This Is Cinerama" is a definitive release that showcases the film in its most pristine form yet. This new presentation is sourced from an original six perforation camera negative scanned in 2K at FotoKem, resulting in superior visual clarity and detail. The high caliber of this restoration sets a new benchmark for archival film restoration, offering an unparalleled viewing experience that both aficionados and new viewers will appreciate.
The bonus features are particularly noteworthy, providing in-depth technical insights and contextual information about the original production and presentation of the film. These supplements enhance the overall package, making it not just an essential purchase for collectors but also a valuable educational tool for those interested in the historical significance of Cinerama technology. The attention to detail in both the restoration and supplementary materials speaks volumes about the dedication involved in bringing this classic to contemporary audiences.
Conclusively, Flicker Alley's brand new Deluxe Edition of "This Is Cinerama" comes six years after the label's first release and offers a vastly superior technical presentation of the film. This isn't too surprising, however, because the new release is sourced from a new master that was prepared after the six perforation original camera negative was scanned in 2K at FotoKem. Also, the folks at Flicker Alley have included new bonus features with plenty of detailed technical information. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 90
Also, on the new presentation color saturation and overall balance are different and ultimately more satisfying, but in the same areas where previously source limitations were obvious fluctuations remain...
Audio: 90
Obviously, a proper theatrical screening of this film should offer an even better experience, but as far as a Blu-ray presentation is concerned the end result here is wonderful....
Extras: 90
Cinerama Returns to the Cinerama Dome (2002) - promotional short for the 50th anniversary of Cinerama and its return to the fabled Cinerama Dome....
Movie: 70
As it was the case with their Blu-ray release of Windjammer: The Voyage of the Christian Radich, Flicker Alley also present This is Cinerama with the curved screen Smilebox Simulation, giving us the opportunity...
Total: 80
This isn't too surprising, however, because the new release is sourced from a new master that was prepared after the six perforation original camera negative was scanned in 2K at FotoKem....
Home Theater Forum review by Josh SteinbergRead review here
Video: 80
The join lines have been eliminated from a large portion of the film, and for the portions where they do remain, their presence is minimal and unobtrusive....
Audio: 90
There is also a PCM 2.0 stereo option, which lacks the dimensionality of the 5.1 track but still sounds quite good....
Extras: 100
This short featurette shines the spotlight on a local Ohio theater where a dedicated projectionist resurrected the format for new audiences (prior to the newer restoration presented on this disc)....
Movie: 70
While the introduction to the film’s first act is presented in black and white Academy ratio, with mono sound, a later segment in the film returns us to a similar setting, with Lowell Thomas once again...
Total: 100
This new presentation of This Is Cinerama from Flicker Alley is a treat for Cinerama lovers anywhere, and an excellent introduction for those new to the format....
Director: Merian C. Cooper, Gunther von Fritsch, Ernest B. Schoedsack
Actors: Lowell Thomas, Kathy Darlyn, Toni Valk
PlotThe film opens with narrator Lowell Thomas introducing the audience to the revolutionary Cinerama widescreen format, promising an immersive viewing experience. The narrative then shifts to a series of visually stunning vignettes, showcasing diverse spectacles designed to highlight the capabilities of the Cinerama technology. It begins with a thrilling ride aboard a roller coaster at Rockaways’ Playland in New York, complete with dynamic camera angles that put viewers in the front seat. This segment is followed by aerial footage capturing picturesque landscapes, emphasizing the panoramic scope of Cinerama.
The film continues by transporting viewers to various global destinations, delivering vibrant snapshots of different cultures and locales. Audiences witness a Venetian gondola ride, Spanish bullfighting, tribal dances in Africa, and a grand fireworks display, among other marvels. Each sequence emphasizes vibrant visuals and a rich soundscape to demonstrate the immersive potential of widescreen cinema. Throughout these segments, it's not just about the sights but also the varied sounds and atmospheres that make each location unique. This continual shift from one breathtaking scene to another keeps viewers engaged and eager for more as the film progresses.
Writers: N/A
Release Date: 05 Jan 1955
Runtime: 115 min
Rating: G
Country: United States
Language: English