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The African Queen - Video Restoration Feature

post #1 of 17
3/19/10 at 9:36am
Thread Starter 
Greetings,

The African Queen is coming to Blu-ray and DVD from Paramount on March 23, 2010 for the first time and has been fully restored!

Below is the press release that includes a link to a video feature that examines the restoration process. Look for my Blu-ray Disc review soon. Enjoy!

Here is the press release from Paramount:

Filled with adventure, drama, humor and romance, the epic and enduring cinematic classic THE AFRICAN QUEEN, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, was meticulously restored using state-of-the-art 4K digital technology and will debut on DVD and Blu-ray for the first time ever on March 23, 2010 from Paramount Home Entertainment.

RESTORING THE AFRICAN QUEEN FEATURE (8 minutes)
In this feature, Martin Scorsese, Nicholas Meyer, Paramount Pictures Exec VP of Worldwide Technical Services Chris Carey, Paramount Pictures VP of Restoration Ron Smith and more discuss the importance and process of restoring THE AFRICAN QUEEN.

A six-year journey filled with challenges nearly as difficult as those faced by Rose and Charlie, the restoration process began at the source: Romulus Filmsone of the film's original production companieswho provided access to the original three-strip negative at a London facility where the film was carefully scanned and digitized. The separate elements were then transferred to Los Angeles and painstakingly recombined and inspected frame by frame to ensure that every detail aligned and that any dirt and scratches were removed.

Click here to see the 8 minute video feature


Regards,
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post #2 of 17
3/19/10 at 9:55am
Ralph. . .thanks for that link!! It looks really good. Based on that video I have to buy it. Never even seen the film (I'm in my mid 30's) but one can really appriciate that milestones accomplished in Blu-Ray technology from just watching that video. Can't wait to hear it in my HT.

-Alan
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post #3 of 17
3/19/10 at 11:33am
This ones going into my queue. Thanks for the link Ralph, I wouldn't have known about this without your info. I've never seen it, but look forward to it now.

Dan
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post #4 of 17
3/19/10 at 11:46am
Thread Starter 
Greetings,

No problem guys. The disc arrived this morning and I hope to have the review up over the next few days.


Regards,
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post #5 of 17
3/19/10 at 4:08pm
Oh goodie. One of my favorite films restored and brought to Blu-ray. My old VHS copy is about worn out (I think that dates me enough). Thanks for the heads up Ralph, I'll look forward to your review!
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post #6 of 17
3/19/10 at 8:59pm
Wow, always wonderful to hear about true classic films coming to DVD & Hi-Def. Look foward to yoru review & more ghreat films being released.
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post #7 of 17
3/20/10 at 5:07am
Thanks, Great movie can't wait to see it on BR.

John
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post #8 of 17
3/20/10 at 7:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ralph Potts View Post

Greetings,

No problem guys. The disc arrived this morning and I hope to have the review up over the next few days.


Regards,

I watched this long ago.
Thanks for the thread and I look forward to your review.

Mike
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post #9 of 17
3/20/10 at 9:08am
I have an import on dvd but the transfer looks to be the same source as was used for the laserdisc, which I also have. I can't wait to see this restored version on Blu, hoping it will look as it did when I first saw it in the theater.
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post #10 of 17
3/20/10 at 6:09pm
Thanks for the head's up on this release ! TAQ is one of my favorite movies of all time ! So glad to learn that it is coming into Blu-ray, as it deserves the BEST !
Now if we can only get "The Quiet Man" onto Blu-ray !
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post #11 of 17
3/20/10 at 9:18pm
I was lucky enough to get this early! The video is the best color I've ever scene on this classic. The documentry on the making of the film shows how they even took the blue screen "background" footage and took the early 50's era green fringe out of Katherine Hepburn's superimposed hair. I first saw an old technicolor print at the now closed New Yorker revival theater when I was at NYU. The picture and sound on the Blu-Ray are a marval of restoration, but what makes the movie timeless is the wonderful acting and genuine chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. I can't wait to read Ralph's rave review!
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post #12 of 17
3/21/10 at 7:25am
Many classic movies are on the verge of or already have been lost forever because of chopped up prints and disintegrating film stock. I’m so happy one of my all time favorite Bogy films has not only been saved but restored with loving care and brought back to life.

For those who have not seen The African Queen this is classic Hollywood in all its Technicolor splendor showcasing the talents of two truly amazing actors. Bogart and Hepburn are golden under the guiding hand of John Huston it really doesn’t get much better than this. Can't wait to see it in Blu.
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post #13 of 17
3/21/10 at 10:10am
I guess I am happy to say I saw this back in the 50's and always loved it. Could not understand why I could not get this on DVD. It has been on my want list forever. I ordered it as soon as it was announced. I assume it is 3x4 format. Cannot wait to see it on my 11 foot screen in blu ray.. Humprey Bogart won his only academy award for this film. I always look forward to Ralph's reviews.
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post #14 of 17
3/21/10 at 11:09am
Is it really 4x3? If so I am suprised.

fafner
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post #15 of 17
3/21/10 at 1:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fafner View Post

Is it really 4x3? If so I am suprised.

fafner

Why would that surprise you?

And yes, it is:
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1

Mike
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post #16 of 17
3/21/10 at 3:20pm
For a 1951 movie, it's not a surprise. It would be rare for it to be anything else. Just 5-6 years later, it would much different.
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post #17 of 17
3/22/10 at 1:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_WI View Post

Why would that surprise you?

Mike

Yes ,it is a pre 1953 film.

Art
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