This from the Nashville Scene, our weekly freebie newspaper:
BLOW-UP One of the 1960s’ defining films, Michelangelo Antonioni’s enigmatic thriller concerns the mysteries of human perception and what, if anything, art captures of the truth. David Hemmings plays the mod London photographer who may have caught a murder on film; Vanessa Redgrave is the woman who offers herself in exchange for the negatives. Carlo Di Palma’s psychedelic color camerawork is justly famous, but beware: Vanderbilt’s Sarratt Cinema has started projecting more of its movies on DVD—including this one, which plays Thursday and Friday nights.
Is this becoming more common? Does projecting DVDs instead of film bother cinephiles? Should theatres explicitly state whether it’s projecting DVD or film?
I have no problem as long as the equipment is of quality, especially with the condition of some of the prints of these older movies.
UAIOE
10-19-05, 11:17 PM
I went to see "Mallrats" during one of those "re-run" series and they used a DVD to show that. You could see the word "PLAY" in the corner when they started it up.
I'm not fuming with anger, but I could have saved $3 and watched that at home.
I saw a screening of "Goldfinger" a few years ago and even though the print was less than perfect at least it wasn't the DVD projected.
DodgingCars
10-19-05, 11:20 PM
I went to see "Mallrats" during one of those "re-run" series and they used a DVD to show that. You could see the word "PLAY" in the corner when they started it up.
I'm not fuming with anger, but I could have saved $3 and watched that at home.
I saw a screening of "Goldfinger" a few years ago and even though the print was less than perfect at least it wasn't the DVD projected.
If i had a 20' screen at home, I might feel ripped off, but otherwise, it don't think it would bother me. In some cases, the DVD might look better.
spinning plates
10-19-05, 11:31 PM
i would be pissed if i found out a theater was playing from a dvd, why not put the price of admission towards the purchase of the dvd? plus i'd want to see the 'ciggerette burns' :)
TomOpus
10-19-05, 11:46 PM
As long as it's made known before buying a ticket, I have no problem with projecting DVDs.
Dr. Calamari
10-20-05, 12:50 AM
Isn't it illegal to do this? I'm not opposed to it, especially if a decent print can't be located (or a restored version is available only on DVD), but I thought that's one of the prohibitions specifically named int the FBI warning we get to see on most Region 1 DVD releases.
Or maybe I'm wrong. Moderators?
Talkin2Phil
10-20-05, 12:55 AM
Isn't it illegal to do this?
the movie is being shown at a student run theatre at Vanderbilt University, maybe there is some exception regarding "educational" screenings ?
Cameron
10-20-05, 03:04 AM
Yes i think it bothers cinephile to the extreme sometimes. Watch the documentary Cinemania for a good look at something to that extent. Most educational film departments have liscence from a studio for this sort of thing.
Personally, I go two fold with this...I would rather watch a film print. At small theaters and school screening I usually call ahead and ask. If its dvd, and its not free, i usually pass. Only exception is when i am taking someone to see the movie for the first time. This can be good and bad though. Digital, and dvd bring back revival screening. Christie projectors across the nation have been showing some classics (blues brothers, most of the free matinee animated titles) this makes revival screening easier. Its good to have them, but its not a replacement for film.
at the same time i saw a film print of alien just a few weeks back. the film was scratched to pieces, and broke twice. when you pay for that you feel jipped.
Long story short...i like the idea. but i usually call ahead.
Giantrobo
10-20-05, 06:17 AM
In some cases, the DVD might look better.
Yeah, once I started going to the movies again after a long absence and plunge into the dvd market, the first thing I noticed was how much better my DVD's and TV looked at home compared to movies on theater screens.
ShagMan
10-20-05, 10:04 AM
I couldn't imagine DVD ever looking better than a film print... sure, DVD can certainly be cleaner (stratches on film) but the resolution is SO much lower.
Giles
10-20-05, 10:14 AM
i would be pissed if i found out a theater was playing from a dvd, why not put the price of admission towards the purchase of the dvd? plus i'd want to see the 'ciggerette burns' :)
I'd assume you don't bother watching DLP 'films' in the theatre either ;)
on a side note, here in the District the theatre systems at the Avalon theatre and the AFI's Silver Theatre - have shown some projected video (HiDef at the Silver) and it looks great. A number of 'films' at this year's Reel Affirmation's Film Festival are presenting their films from a video source, and when viewed at the Lincoln Theatre - truly looks awful. I learned this from last year's festival, hence I'm not bothering seeing any festival film this year.
Michael Corvin
10-20-05, 11:10 AM
Every summer a local theater runs "classic" films. This year they showed more modern fare like ET, Indiana Jones, Titanic and the like, so I went to see Braveheart when they showed it. $8 admission and it was the friggin DVD playing. -ohbfrank- It was still cool to see it on a giant screen again, but with the noticeable flaws from the dvd, it was evident that it was the dvd they were using.
I don't think I'd mind so much if it wasn't $8 admission + parking (downtown theater). $3 tops.
Rocketdog2000
10-20-05, 05:12 PM
Yeah, once I started going to the movies again after a long absence and plunge into the dvd market, the first thing I noticed was how much better my DVD's and TV looked at home compared to movies on theater screens.
While I don't agree with the practice in question here, I do agree with what you're saying Giantrobo. I've seen plenty of films at the theater that just didn't look that good - too grainy, soft images and what not. And sometimes the sound is an issue, too. But watching the same film at home on DVD, there would be a big difference. Sometimes enough so that it completely changed my opinion of the movie.
kvrdave
10-20-05, 05:27 PM
It shouldn't bother me, yet it would.
UAIOE
10-20-05, 05:28 PM
If i had a 20' screen at home, I might feel ripped off, but otherwise, it don't think it would bother me. In some cases, the DVD might look better.
The think is that it wasn't mentioned that it would be played from a DVD.
It didn't bother me too much as i could finally hear the movie in its 5.1 sound...but i was a bit bummed because i was expecting it to be an actual "film".
Previous movies shown (I hope) had been actual film and not something played off of a DVD.
As for the legality of it being shown..i dunno. This wasn't some art theater, it was the big chain 16 theater multi-plex showing this DVD.
scott shelton
10-20-05, 05:30 PM
As long as it's made known before buying a ticket, I have no problem with projecting DVDs.
Too bad many places don't bother.
I saw BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA at a midnight show a couple weeks back, and it was DVD projected.
Talking to the manager, it seems that a good print of the film wasn't an option, so they went the DVD way. They didn't seem to understand just how silly it is.
Josh H
10-20-05, 05:36 PM
I couldn't care less as long as the picture quality is decent.
As others have said, I don't have the huge screen at home. Not even close with my 27" Sony Wega. :D
Groucho
10-20-05, 05:39 PM
The print would have to be TERRIBLE to look worse than 480p, especially when projected on a big screen. I think some folks pimp their systems just a little too much around here.
Cameron
10-20-05, 07:48 PM
Too bad many places don't bother.
I saw BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA at a midnight show a couple weeks back, and it was DVD projected.
Talking to the manager, it seems that a good print of the film wasn't an option, so they went the DVD way. They didn't seem to understand just how silly it is.
then they need to fire the programmer. If they don't understand the diffrence they don't need to run the theater.
Giantrobo
10-21-05, 01:23 AM
The print would have to be TERRIBLE to look worse than 480p, especially when projected on a big screen. I think some folks pimp their systems just a little too much around here.
Whatever Groucho. There was no "pimping" in my comments and seeing that others have had the same experience I would say it's a valid observation.
But I guess you know better than the rest of us so I guess we stand corrected.
marty888
10-21-05, 08:56 AM
the movie is being shown at a student run theatre at Vanderbilt University, maybe there is some exception regarding "educational" screenings ?
Very definitely.
I'm looking at a catalogue for <i>Tournees</i>, a program designed to subsidize and promote French-made movies among college and campus groups, and they say: <i>"Films must be shown in 16mm, 35mm or DVD format."</i>
lamphorn
10-21-05, 03:28 PM
Well, DVD's tend to be really brightened up and they look as good on a standard TV as standard TV can get, so in comparison to a muddy old print the DVD can be a lot shinier and more pristine-looking.... on a t.v. set. But every time I've seen a DVD image blown up onto a big screen, it looks horrible and nothing like it does on a TV. I've been to lectures where they show a film on 35mm, then the lecturer goes back to specific scenes using DVD projection and even the trashiest print looked better than the DVD..
Anyway as to the question here, yes, a theatre absolutely MUST disclose the format of the screening, especially if it's not going to be the standard 35mm. To not do so is essentially false advertising because there is enough precedent to assume that a film shown in a theatre for money will actually be film.
GoldenJCJ
10-21-05, 07:23 PM
It shouldn't bother me, yet it would.
Same here. I don't rightly know why It'd bother me but it would. Especially if they used a flipper :)
Jon2
10-21-05, 07:58 PM
If we're talking standard, commercially availble DVDs llike anyone can buy at any B&M store (or where ever), then yes, I do have a problem with it.
First, DVDs just don't come close to the quality of film. Even currently installed Hi-Def projection systems can't match the resolution of film. Provided, of course, you're dealing with a decent print and projector. While a movie theatre digital projection system can throw a great image, it can't make an image look better than the limitations of the media.
Second, it's illegal (no if's, and's or but's) and clearly says so on every such DVD. They are meant for non-commercial, private, home viewing only.
Fincher Fan
10-22-05, 01:44 AM
then they need to fire the programmer. If they don't understand the diffrence they don't need to run the theater.
Agreed. You can't even begin to compare the resolution.
scott shelton
10-22-05, 11:27 AM
Second, it's illegal (no if's, and's or but's) and clearly says so on every such DVD. They are meant for non-commercial, private, home viewing only.
True, but a theater can work out terms with the studio to screen a disc, just like any print.
Cameron
10-22-05, 01:15 PM
agreed. most schools have a permit that they pay yearly for that allows them to show these films. Churches do the same thing with songs, they pay a liscence to put the words and music on a screen, and to sing them. Same way sports bars pay more for satelite service, when showing games in the bar...
JackBurton
07-15-09, 08:15 AM
I recently went to go see a theatrical showing of The Goonies at an AMC theater in Orlando. I told myself, "When else are you going to get the chance like this." Within the first few minutes, it was apparent that this was not a film print, the quality was just plain terrible. Unwatchable. I turned around and noticed that the image was not coming from the main projector, but rather another, smaller projector from the side. Of the few of us there, no one else seemed to mind.
I got up to speak to an employee. I asked if we were being shown a DVD, and she said yes, but the quality is likely how the movie looked back then, since its an "old movie." Needless to say, I asked for a refund from the manager. The manager said, "Oh, well that is an original print, so the quality is not as good." I said, "I was told it was a DVD." Then the manager said, "Yes, it is a DVD."
I was really taken aback by the whole experience. I have seen theatrical re-showing of older films in the past (2001 A Space Odyssey, E.T.) and felt lucky for the opportunity. I am shocked that there was no disclaimer beforehand and that they were charging full price for a ticket. I was even more shocked that no one else in the audience seemed to care. I can understand (though not agree) with those who can't see the difference between HD and upconverted DVD on their television, but this DVD blown up to the size of a theater screen looked absolutly horrible.
I am sure film prints for these older films are harder to obtain, but the the AFI Silver and Alamo Drafthouse seem to be able to do it quite regularly. While I like the idea of mainstream theaters having special "throw-back" engagments, if they're just going to blow-up a DVD image on the screen, they can go on and keep that.
Blu Man
07-15-09, 02:57 PM
Yes, it would bother me very much. Very, very, very, yell at manager and march into the projection room, very, very much.
Boba Fett
07-15-09, 03:28 PM
The college theater a few years back showed for three weeks, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. On the second week, the copy of Two Towers turned out to be damaged, so everyone who showed up got their money back and was told they could stay for the extended edition DVD of the movie. The difference was noticeable, but it was a very nice gesture to say the least.
Giles
07-15-09, 03:42 PM
I recently went to go see a theatrical showing of The Goonies at an AMC theater in Orlando. I told myself, "When else are you going to get the chance like this." Within the first few minutes, it was apparent that this was not a film print, the quality was just plain terrible. Unwatchable. I turned around and noticed that the image was not coming from the main projector, but rather another, smaller projector from the side. Of the few of us there, no one else seemed to mind.
I got up to speak to an employee. I asked if we were being shown a DVD, and she said yes, but the quality is likely how the movie looked back then, since its an "old movie." Needless to say, I asked for a refund from the manager. The manager said, "Oh, well that is an original print, so the quality is not as good." I said, "I was told it was a DVD." Then the manager said, "Yes, it is a DVD."
I was really taken aback by the whole experience. I have seen theatrical re-showing of older films in the past (2001 A Space Odyssey, E.T.) and felt lucky for the opportunity. I am shocked that there was no disclaimer beforehand and that they were charging full price for a ticket. I was even more shocked that no one else in the audience seemed to care. I can understand (though not agree) with those who can't see the difference between HD and upconverted DVD on their television, but this DVD blown up to the size of a theater screen looked absolutly horrible.
I am sure film prints for these older films are harder to obtain, but the the AFI Silver and Alamo Drafthouse seem to be able to do it quite regularly. While I like the idea of mainstream theaters having special "throw-back" engagments, if they're just going to blow-up a DVD image on the screen, they can go on and keep that.
but a couple times during the European Union Film Fest a couple years back the distributor's only had DVD not film for projection at the AFI Silver needless to say, to only see the movie was to endure the DVD - which while not an ideal way to view the movie was acceptable to a point.
The digital projection of 'El Cid' to coincide with the Miriam Collection DVD release was a major bust, I didn't go, but from what I heard and read online, many customers were disgusted with what they saw alot of people up and left. Digital projection when done right, can and should look great, but once and awhile imperfect conditions and situations can really marr and upset moviegoers.
maxfisher
07-15-09, 04:21 PM
Our local art museum does this. They have a nice outdoor, terraced area and decent set up. You get there around 6, then eat dinner and drink until the movie starts around 10. The quality's not close to seeing a film print, but it's a fun way to spend an evening and there aren't a lot of options for seeing classic movies on a big screen around here.
Ash Ketchum
07-15-09, 04:35 PM
I'd rather see a scratchy, faded film print than a pristine DVD copy anytime.
If it's a film I like enough to want to see again in a pristine DVD edition, then I can always do that on my own time. But in a theater I want to see a film, a FILM--with sprocket holes and grain, and a carbon projection lamp, dammit--every time!
Suprmallet
07-15-09, 04:39 PM
Isn't it illegal to do this? I'm not opposed to it, especially if a decent print can't be located (or a restored version is available only on DVD), but I thought that's one of the prohibitions specifically named int the FBI warning we get to see on most Region 1 DVD releases.
Or maybe I'm wrong. Moderators?
Movie theaters generally have relationships with the movie studios, and are often granted permission to run content from a DVD.
Giles
07-15-09, 04:52 PM
I'd rather see a scratchy, faded film print than a pristine DVD copy anytime.
If it's a film I like enough to want to see again in a pristine DVD edition, then I can always do that on my own time. But in a theater I want to see a film, a FILM--with sprocket holes and grain, and a carbon projection lamp, dammit--every time!
then you would have loved seeing 'Star Trek II' on the big screen at the AFI last night, every film nuiance was there.
JackBurton
07-15-09, 06:14 PM
The digital projection of 'El Cid' to coincide with the Miriam Collection DVD release was a major bust, I didn't go, but from what I heard and read online, many customers were disgusted with what they saw alot of people up and left. Digital projection when done right, can and should look great, but once and awhile imperfect conditions and situations can really marr and upset moviegoers. I was at the AFI for El Cid and it was a terrible bust. However, we did get free passes which we used to see a 70mm presentation of 2001. That was awesome and made up for the El Cid fiasco.
Blu Man
07-15-09, 06:25 PM
Yeah, it sucks. I saw First Blood at Regal and it was just the "First Look" projector that was playing it. What really pissed me off was that it cost $10 for the ticket. I bought the movie for $5 at Wal Mart.
Matthew Chmiel
07-16-09, 01:16 AM
I'm sorry, but if you think a DVD looks as good as a beat-up 35mm print, you need your eyes examined. Even with the best home theater set-up in the world, DVD will simply never look good as film (let it be 16mm or 35mm).
I've seen 35mm prints of films in pristine condition (recently Clue, which looked like it was filmed just yesterday) and those that were simply beat the fuck up (recently The Goonies and Ferris Bueller's Day Off); but even those prints that were in the worst of conditions blew away the DVD transfer in every possible way. The prints may have had massive amounts of grain and scratches galore, but DVD will never match the clarity of film.
Now if they were projecting Blu-rays on a great projector system, it would be hard to tell as Blu is close to the resolution of 2k (most digital cinema projectors out there); but there is no possible way that I'd pay to watch a DVD transfer in a movie theater. For that, I'd just stay and up-convert it in the luxury of my own home.
Rypro 525
07-16-09, 01:49 AM
goin to the afi friday night to see pink floyd's the wall. that ought to be great with the music and the trippy images on the big screen. question giles (or for anyone who goes to the afi silver), are they using the big room for this fesival or one of the 2 smaller rooms?
And i recently saw The Shining at a midnight screening at the E street landmark theater in dc. a worn print for sure, but it added to the creepiness of certain scenes. Also got to see a trailer for 'dr strangelove' before hand which was cool.
ReduxGuy
07-16-09, 02:31 AM
Definitely film.
Over the last two weeks, I've seen projected DVDs of Back to the Future and Laura and both were disappointing, to say the least. The problem with projecting DVDs, to me, is that the image comes off as very flat on a huge screen.
The O
07-16-09, 09:39 AM
I recently went to go see a theatrical showing of The Goonies at an AMC theater in Orlando.
That theater, the Universal Cineplex, is notorious for DVD projection. They used to run prints, but last year, due to "costs," they switched over to DVD only.
The absurd part of it all is how the management is trained to DENY they're running a DVD. Either they claim it's a print or they swear it's a Blu-ray. You have to pinch the management a little to get them to admit they're running DVDs.
Image quality is always horrific. I actually peeked into "Goonies" during its run just to recharge my disgust batteries, and it looked like a YouTube video up on the screen. I can't believe the 10 or so gathered would willingly part with $7.50 to sit through that. But that's why theaters are getting away with this crap -- the general public either doesn't understand or they don't care.
Giles
07-16-09, 10:11 AM
goin to the afi friday night to see pink floyd's the wall. that ought to be great with the music and the trippy images on the big screen. question giles (or for anyone who goes to the afi silver), are they using the big room for this fesival or one of the 2 smaller rooms?
And i recently saw The Shining at a midnight screening at the E street landmark theater in dc. a worn print for sure, but it added to the creepiness of certain scenes. Also got to see a trailer for 'dr strangelove' before hand which was cool.
yeah, I thinking of seeing Pink Floyd on Friday too, I'll let you know if indeed I'm going. As for your question, the AFI does tend to move films around between the auditoriums, but I think they try to keep the classic films in the largest auditorium. 'Star Trek II' was on the largest screen two nights ago.
I'd assume 'Dr. Strangelove' prints currently making the rounds is sourced from the recent 4K restoration Sony/Columbia had done, the DC premier of that restoration was shown initially at the National Gallery of Art last summer in 35mm form.
Blu Man
07-16-09, 11:41 AM
Definitely film.
Over the last two weeks, I've seen projected DVDs of Back to the Future and Laura and both were disappointing, to say the least. The problem with projecting DVDs, to me, is that the image comes off as very flat on a huge screen.
And because 35mm film has a lot higher resolution, and because 35mm can potray more accurate colors. Theres no contest between 35mm film and DVD, hell, theres no contest between 35mm film and Blu Ray.
Giles
07-16-09, 11:55 AM
^ check out the 'Baraka' on bluray ;)
NitroJMS
07-16-09, 12:10 PM
I caught Ghostbusters here in Pittsburgh at South Side Works a few weeks ago, and I was shocked to see it was in film. Granted, it was a pretty rough print, with some crackling audio, but it all lent to the charm. Very fun to watch with an almost 50% full theater who were all into it.
Blu Man
07-16-09, 12:12 PM
^ check out the 'Baraka' on bluray ;)
Um, Blu Ray has half the resolution of 35mm film. Watching a movie on Blu Ray is great for the home, but compared to DLP Cinema and 35mm, it doesn't compare. Just doesn't.
orangecrush
07-16-09, 01:11 PM
Um, Blu Ray has half the resolution of 35mm film. Watching a movie on Blu Ray is great for the home, but compared to DLP Cinema and 35mm, it doesn't compare. Just doesn't.I thought film doesn't have resolution?
Matthew Chmiel
07-16-09, 01:14 PM
Um, Blu Ray has half the resolution of 35mm film. Watching a movie on Blu Ray is great for the home, but compared to DLP Cinema and 35mm, it doesn't compare. Just doesn't.
In terms of resolution, Blu-ray (1080p) is very similar to 2K digital projection. Consumer projectors may not compare to that of what Christie or Texas Instruments puts out, but resolution wise, it's a close gap.
I'd prefer if more theaters started switching to 4K digital projection, but it seems the support for that may have lost some steam thanks due to AMC and Regal going head over heels for fake-IMAX (which is also fake-4K).
Giles
07-16-09, 02:20 PM
Texas Instruments though has 4K in the cards since Sony is implementing it on their systems. The DLP-4K rollout upgrades are expected to begin early next year.
Giles
07-16-09, 02:22 PM
I thought film doesn't have resolution?
a good 35mm print can be as high as 6k resolution. 70mm is 8k
Giles
07-16-09, 02:23 PM
Um, Blu Ray has half the resolution of 35mm film. Watching a movie on Blu Ray is great for the home, but compared to DLP Cinema and 35mm, it doesn't compare. Just doesn't.
hence the smiley I added
( ;) )
it's one of the best looking cause it's a 70mm film scanned at 8K, downrezzed to 2K - it's still impressive though.
have you seen a 70mm feature film Blu Man? it blows DLP and 35mm out of the water.
Matthew Chmiel
07-16-09, 02:27 PM
Texas Instruments though has 4K in the cards since Sony is implementing it on their systems. The DLP-4K rollout upgrades are expected to begin early next year.
They better, I'd love to see 4K hit Vegas in a specific few theaters.
Sony's 4K website mentions that a specific theater in Vegas has 4K digital projection (the Texas Station), but I haven't heard anyone specifically comment on it outside of that website.
Giles
07-16-09, 02:28 PM
I caught Ghostbusters here in Pittsburgh at South Side Works a few weeks ago, and I was shocked to see it was in film. Granted, it was a pretty rough print, with some crackling audio, but it all lent to the charm. Very fun to watch with an almost 50% full theater who were all into it.
I didn't see it, but the recent presentation of Ghostbusters at the AFI Silver Theatre (for it's 'Totally Awesome 3' showcase) was a new 35mm print.
even though Star Trek II was far from being a pristine print, the color saturation though was quite remarkable. The appreciative crowd for the film though was a lot of fun.
KillerCannibal
07-16-09, 02:50 PM
I won't pay to see a DVD projected if I know that's what it is ahead of time. I've got a nice home thater, so it's a waste of my money. I'd rather see a shitty 35mm print in a dilapidated theater than see a DVD projected.
Blu Man
07-16-09, 03:11 PM
hence the smiley I added
( ;) )
it's one of the best looking cause it's a 70mm film scanned at 8K, downrezzed to 2K - it's still impressive though.
have you seen a 70mm feature film Blu Man? it blows DLP and 35mm out of the water.
Just IMAX stuff. And it does blow 35mm and DLP out of the water, but not when its on Blu Ray.
Giles
07-16-09, 03:54 PM
Just IMAX stuff. And it does blow 35mm and DLP out of the water, but not when its on Blu Ray.
true.
:)
Rypro 525
07-17-09, 01:51 AM
yeah, I thinking of seeing Pink Floyd on Friday too, I'll let you know if indeed I'm going. As for your question, the AFI does tend to move films around between the auditoriums, but I think they try to keep the classic films in the largest auditorium. 'Star Trek II' was on the largest screen two nights ago.
I'd assume 'Dr. Strangelove' prints currently making the rounds is sourced from the recent 4K restoration Sony/Columbia had done, the DC premier of that restoration was shown initially at the National Gallery of Art last summer in 35mm form.
well 'The Wall' starts at 11:30. if you see an asian dude with glasses, with a dark side of the moon shirt smoking, that'll be me, say hi or what up if you want.
dsa_shea
07-18-09, 04:24 PM
If I go to a theater I expect to see film. If not then why bother going out and shelling out for admission and food?
Boba Fett
07-18-09, 06:29 PM
^ check out the 'Baraka' on bluray ;)
Check out Baraka on its original 70mm format.
mhg83
08-10-09, 02:02 AM
I just got back from a screening of Speed. DVD :( you can tell immediately cause they were using the zoom feature and stretch which make me wonder if they were using a full screen version. It really pissed me off since every classic I've seen at that theater used actual film. Even last week the Professional was film. Hopefully next week will use the actual film.
Rypro 525
08-10-09, 02:43 PM
^what theater?
MinLShaw
08-10-09, 10:31 PM
Every summer a local theater runs "classic" films. This year they showed more modern fare like ET, Indiana Jones, Titanic and the like, so I went to see Braveheart when they showed it. $8 admission and it was the friggin DVD playing. -ohbfrank- It was still cool to see it on a giant screen again, but with the noticeable flaws from the dvd, it was evident that it was the dvd they were using.
I don't think I'd mind so much if it wasn't $8 admission + parking (downtown theater). $3 tops.
You must be referring to the Louisville Palace. We went last year and saw The Wizard of Oz, and even though they only charged $5.00 a ticket and we managed to find street parking for free, I was still disappointed when I saw the blue screen word "Play" appear. I can't speak for every DVD projection, but this lush film just looked flat. Maybe white noise is distracting when it pops across the screen randomly, but it's not as frustrating as the pixelation of a projected DVD. It's like seeing pores on the screen, and they're present from start to finish everywhere you look.
Fortunately, us Louisvillians get the bi-weekly midnight screenings at Baxter Avenue Theaters, where they only screen actual prints of popular cult faves. It might cost $8.00 a ticket to get in and it might be later than I'd like on a Saturday night, but it's hard not to enjoy seeing things like Batman, Dick Tracy and Ferris Beuller's Day Off the way they were meant to be seen.
Rypro 525
08-11-09, 01:41 AM
well for the DC peeps
http://www.landmarktheaters.com/Assets/Images/Midnights/MidnightMadness_box.jpg
this is at the Landmark E Street theater in DC
See Live Shadow Cast Sonic Transducers with
the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show • Aug 14 & 15
Wear your flair! Mike Judge's Office Space • Aug 21 & 22
Quentin Tarantino's debut feature! Reservoir Dogs • Aug 28 & 29
Joss Whedon's "Firefly" on the big screen! Serenity • Sep 4 & 5
See Live Shadow Cast Sonic Transducers with
the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show • Sep 11 & 12
Dustin Hoffman & Anne Bancroft in The Graduate • Sep 18 & 19
Tom Cruise & Val Kilmer in Top Gun • Sep 25 & 26
In 3D! Creature From the Black Lagoon • Oct 2 & 3
See Live Shadow Cast Sonic Transducers with
the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show • Oct 9 & 10
Giles
08-11-09, 10:10 AM
^ so you're saying all those at E Street are DVD projected films?
I'm sooo there for 'Creature' and it falls in the time of the Horror Challenge :thumbsup:
I was peeved that the AFI Silver showing of 'Pink Floyd The Wall' was projected DVD, I posted my disappointment on their Facebook page, their response was that they TRIED to get a 35mm print, but couldn't, but not to post on the box office window that it wasn't 35mm was tacky.
Ash Ketchum
08-11-09, 10:15 AM
^ so you're saying all those at E Street are DVD projected films?
I'm sooo there for 'Creature' and it falls in the time of the Horror Challenge :thumbsup:
I was peeved that the AFI Silver showing of 'Pink Floyd The Wall' was projected DVD, I posted my disappointment on their Facebook page, their response was that they TRIED to get a 35mm print, but couldn't, but not to post on the box office window that it wasn't 35mm was tacky.
They should have made sure they could get a 35mm print before they went ahead and programmed it. That's how it works.
Giles
08-11-09, 10:37 AM
They should have made sure they could get a 35mm print before they went ahead and programmed it. That's how it works.
yes, that's how it's usually done.
why the AFI couldn't track down a 70mm print, which incidently HAS been making the international rounds would have made more sense.
Rypro 525
08-11-09, 02:40 PM
actually, giles, the E street shows prints. I just decided to post it here instead of created a new thread. The one midnight movie i've seen there (the shining) was a print
Rypro 525
08-28-09, 05:38 PM
Seeing Reservoir Dogs tonight at the E street. Should be alot of fun. Also, question for those that saw this when it was originally in theaters. Does the movie open with the Miramax logo, and second, the famous slow motion side shot with the characters against the wall, were you able to see above the wall?
mhg83
08-28-09, 06:00 PM
^what theater?
Orland park theater illinois
Rypro 525
08-29-09, 03:37 AM
just got back. Print all the way. Oh and the slow mo shot against the red wall looks like the original dvd ie you can't see over the wall like on both ananmorphic dvd's. Print looked surpsingly strong, outside of a few scratches here and there (mainly before the reel changes)
RayChuang
08-29-09, 08:22 AM
Here's the question though: are they using an upconverting DVD player connected to a high-definition projector that accepts HDMI connections? I've seen conventional widescreen DVD movies played through an upconverting player connected to a big Samsung UN55B7000 55" flat panel and while you can see the loss of resolution because of the DVD source, it's not that bad and the color and brightness quality are actually quite good.
Giles
08-31-09, 10:00 AM
^ I know for the AFI Silver they project the DVD through their DLP unit.
Of the couple DVD's I've seen at the Avalon they've looked surprisingly good - animation looked impressive - I have no idea how they project it since they don't have a digital projector.
Matthew Chmiel
09-01-09, 12:46 AM
I paid $20 to see Moonwalker this weekend as it was advertised as a "RARE 35 MM PRINT."
It ended up being a copy of the R2 DVD. Yeah, not so cool.
Jon2
09-01-09, 11:40 PM
Just saw a trailer yesterday for a one time showing (sometime in Sept) for the Wizard of OZ. They made a point of stating (in the VO and a onscreen graphic) that it was going to be shown in high definition. Blu-ray, I presume.
Just sad.
E. Honda
09-02-09, 08:07 AM
Just saw a trailer yesterday for a one time showing (sometime in Sept) for the Wizard of OZ. They made a point of stating (in the VO and a onscreen graphic) that it was going to be shown in high definition. Blu-ray, I presume.
Just sad.
in this case, it will be a digital projection from an HD DirecTV feed.
Giles
09-02-09, 09:30 AM
in this case, it will be a digital projection from an HD DirecTV feed.
in regard to the Wizard of Oz showing, I've not seen the Met Opera HD feeds to Mazza Galleria (the nearest theatre that is presenting this), but for that screen not to have a DLP unit doesn't seem like the best way to experience a film under those circumstances.
Buy: