Spartacus (1960) (Restored Edition)

[CinemaScope]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

From what I've read, he's not hands-on involved. He's just giving them some pointers, presumably by telephone.

That's not the impression I get.

http://www.hollywood-elsewhere.com/2...-2/#more-65243

I don't expect a release until later in the year. I'd think Universal will arrange some big screen showings first. And no waiting for 4K Blu-ray either, they can always release it on that format later.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by CinemaScope

That's not the impression I get.

http://www.hollywood-elsewhere.com/2...-2/#more-65243

I don't expect a release until later in the year. I'd think Universal will arrange some big screen showings first. And no waiting for 4K Blu-ray either, they can always release it on that format later.

What's your impression? It's pretty clear from what he's saying that he is merely in a consultation role rather than being the person in charge of the restoration and/or handling anything directly himself. He is essentially giving Universal feedback during the restoration process, and likely getting some info back their way (image files, video, etc..). This is often done over the phone (and computer) rather than being in-person the whole time since it's obviously a lengthy process. It's possible he may visit the place where the restoration is being done too from time to time, the same point remains.

[CinemaScope]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

What's your impression? It's pretty clear from what he's saying that he is merely in a consultation role rather than being the person in charge of the restoration and/or handling anything directly himself. He is essentially giving Universal feedback during the restoration process, and likely getting some info back their way (image files, video, etc..). This is often done over the phone (and computer) rather than being in-person the whole time since it's obviously a lengthy process. It's possible he may visit the place where the restoration is being done too from time to time, the same point remains.

You seem to know a lot, so, er...where are you getting all this information?

The restoration's been done, & it will look how it looks, no matter what's written here. I'm hoping for & expecting the best.

[WorkShed]

Considering some of the same people who restored Dracula and Frankenstein are on this film, I'm sure it will look amazing.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by CinemaScope

You seem to know a lot, so, er...where are you getting all this information?

The restoration's been done, & it will look how it looks, no matter what's written here. I'm hoping for & expecting the best.

From the quote directly from him found in the article you posted:

“The work has been underway since last July, and it’s been a huge, huge project. I’ve been consulting with them, and Universal is taking this very seriously. They’re doing everything that I asked for, and in 4K. You’re going to see detail and color that you haven’t seen since the restored 70mm version screened 24 years ago.”

He states himself that he is just consulting with them. I imagine if he was at the helm of the restoration, he wouldn't really be discussing it in that manner, saying they're doing what he's asked them to do, but rather saying what he has done directly, etc...Again, this is just how it comes off to me, I could be wrong. He is still involved regardless of course, and I'm sure with the amount of work being put into it, it'll be the best the film has looked.

[Bolty]

Just announce this already.

I've been waiting for this since 1967.

[ddwall]

If any movies are going to be released in UHD this one is it I think I'll wait.

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by Brian81

Was thinking...

Wouldn't SPARTACUS be a film that would be best scanned at 8K instead?

but isn't "Super Technirama" 35mm horizontal like "VistaVision" - not true 70mm resolution but close ... wouldn't 8K be a tad overkill.

[CinemaScope]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

but isn't "Super Technirama" 35mm horizontal like "VistaVision" - not true 70mm resolution but close ... wouldn't 8K be a tad overkill.

Looking at the HTF, it looks like it's 6K, which apparently is right for Super Technirama (I assume they've done their sums right), & Technirama is a big frame, the size of two normal frames.

I'm sure the restoration is an interesting story. I understand the original negatives have faded a bit, but the studios seem to be getting very good at getting a nice looking picture from a faded negative, & I'm sure they used some of the b/w separation masters as well (these were usually made for insurance purposes). I'm sure Universal have done it right this time, could be an expensive Blu-ray, but that's fine if it looks great.

[Geoff D]

Ben Hur was scanned at 8K for a 6K finish (with 4K deliverables created for theatrical DCP's), so scanning Spartacus at 6K for a 4K finish sounds about right to me, even considering the 8/35 acquisition. Yeah, 4K is also employed (using 6K oversampling) for the vertical 35mm formats, but unless the film has been shot thick with the very best glass etc etc then it won't resolve 4K's worth of information, however they still use 4K so as to sop up every last bit of detail. In the case of Spartacus, that's much more likely to max out at 4K resolution or thereabouts.

[Blu-21]

Have been tempted to buy the special edition DVD since the orignal BD isn't worth seeking out, and I don't have a HD-DVD player.

but I think I can wait for the new 4K remastered BD.

[Akijama]

Release date: October 6

Blu-ray + DIGITAL HD

Audio:

English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1
French DTS Digital Surround 5.1

Extras:

• Digital Copy of Spartacus (Subject to expiration. Go to NBCUCodes.com for details.)
• Includes UltraViolet (Subject to expiration. Go to NBCUCodes.com for details.)
• I Am Spartacus: A Conversation with Kirk Douglas
• Restoring Spartacus
• Deleted Scenes
• Archival Interviews
• Behind-The-Scenes Footage
• Vintage Newsreels
• Image Gallery
• Theatrical Trailer

[Geoff D]

So they've taken the existing Blu-ray's extras and added a couple of new featurettes. Looks like we're still gonna have to keep the Criterion DVD for the commentaries and the other bits and pieces that weren't carried across.

[filmmusic]

Do you think that 7.1 has changed/updated audio effects in comparison to the original 6-track audio?
Also it would be great if they had retained the original mono too, for archival purproses.

[Geoff D]

We'll have to wait and see. I can't think that there were too many people out there begging to have 7.1 audio on this movie, but because it originally had a 6-track 70mm mix the basis was already there for a competent discrete multi-channel mix; even the hallowed Criterion DVD used the 6-track to create their 5.1.

[MifuneFan]

I might get it when it's under $10, but otherwise I think I'll hold off for the inevitable Criterion edition.

[yellowcakeuf6]

With a 6-track 70mm soundtrack you would want attention to the 5 screen channels with details of L-LE-C-RE-R built into the panning. I'm hoping this isn't overlooked, and doubt it will be. The large format soundtracks that have adhered to those details sound very realistic to on-screen action.

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

I might get it when it's under $10, but otherwise I think I'll hold off for the inevitable Criterion edition.

What makes you think there will be a Criterion edition?
If this is released now, won't it be long before Criterion releases it again?
Maybe 3-4 years?

[CinemaScope]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

I might get it when it's under $10, but otherwise I think I'll hold off for the inevitable Criterion edition.

Ha, now don't be cheap. It probably won't be that expensive, their redo of Apollo 13 was very reasonable, but releases of big old movies done properly is such a rare event these days, I don't mind paying a few bob extra.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

What makes you think there will be a Criterion edition?
If this is released now, won't it be long before Criterion releases it again?
Maybe 3-4 years?

Criterion still has rights to the film, and they often have co-existing releases with Universal titles. I'd be surprised if they didn't put out a version of their own down the road.

I'm in no huge rush to get it, so if it takes over a year that's fine (as mentioned, I'd get a cheap copy of the Uni disc to tide me over). Some Criterion have come out in as little as a few months after the Universal ones. Dazed and Confused came out August 2011 from Universal, and October 2011 by Criterion for instance.