So, I just bought THE QUIET MAN and the box says it is the "original theatrical version" but didn't specify fullframe or widescreen. It is the former. Not what I had hoped for...is there a widescreen version available?

The OAR is 1.37:1. Think about the time it was made.

...at least it was a talkie.

Yes, I got the Widescreen version. Itīs in cinemascope 2.35:1.

UPC Code: 786936219760

That's The Quiet American, not The Quiet Man (though many people do confuse Michael Caine with John Wayne.)

Kimiakane: Hope you're not expecting too much in picture quality, as it is very soft. (Unfortunately, I'm afraid there may be a problem with the original film elements, as I checked it out on TCM and the image looked just as bad.)

Thanks all. I know I've read this before somewhere here, but when did widescreen become common? I'm sure there were a few here and there before it became widely adopted. Was it in the 60's?

you can find a few widescreen films that were made in teh 50's, but the fall-off to 1.37 happens pretty quick! It was very expensive to make the switch so, the bigger studios adopted it first in order to garner more interest in their theatrical releases.

I was just going to post on this as I watched it today. The quality is terrible! Looks like an old washed out VHS print. Even has the reel change markers every 20 minutes. Horrible, just horrible.

Paramount now owns the rights to TQM, and is in the process of remastering the original film elements. Word has it that the new release will be out by end of 2004.

That is great news! This was one of my first discs but I sold it off because the PQ was so horrible.

The Robe in 1953 was the first mainstream widescreen release. The Quiet Man was released in 1952.

And the picture quality of The Quiet Man DVD is pretty bad. It's still enjoyable to watch because the movie is so good, but I will double-dip on this one in a hurry if they come out with a nice version.