Southwest Passage 3D Blu-ray (1954) [Region A Locked TBC] coming soon-ish

[Interdimensional]

Southwest Passage



Among the rarest of 1950s 3-D films, this has not been screened in 3-D since its original limited 3-D release towards the end of 3-D's Golden Age in 1954. For many years it was considered a partly lost 3-D film, as the left eye 35mm material had been sent overseas and used for foreign prints. Up until very recently, only 5 of those 9 reels had been accounted for and despite extensive worldwide search, no complete print from the overseas release was known to exist. As a 2d film, it has remained complete, and has been broadcast on tv, but the original 3-D version has not been reassembled since 1954.

The film's story is centered around an actual historic incident in the 1850s in which the US government imported a number of camels for a test to see if they would offer an advantage crossing arid desert terrain to reach California. In the movie's version of these events, some outlaws on the run assume false identities and tag along with the expedition.

In the past year it was revealed that the missing material had resurfaced (much to the excitement of many of us here on the forum). It is represented among elements located in a British archive.

[Interdimensional]

I hope no one minds me starting this thread pre-emptively (and I apologize in advance if anyone gets exited only to be let down). I'm still very much hoping it will be among the licensed 3-D titles yet to be announced. Still quite uncertain at this point in time, so fingers crossed.

I will of course edit the thread and title, in the happy event that this comes to pass!

[T. Warren Scollan]

Originally Posted by Interdimensional

I hope no one minds me starting this thread pre-emptively (and I apologize in advance if anyone gets exited only to be let down). I'm still very much hoping it will be among the licensed 3-D titles yet to be announced. Still quite uncertain at this point in time, so fingers crossed.

I will of course edit the thread and title, in the happy event that this comes to pass!

While we now know that complete materials exist for both eyes in "Southwest Passage", Bob has said that some of them are in pretty bad shape, needing a lot of time and work to restore, which I think will bring the costs up to the point where its prospects may be bleak.

[Interdimensional]

Originally Posted by T. Warren Scollan

While we now know that complete materials exist for both eyes in "Southwest Passage", Bob has said that some of them are in pretty bad shape, needing a lot of time and work to restore, which I think will bring the costs up to the point where its prospects may be bleak.

Well, like I say, fingers crossed.

Even if the material that turned up in the UK wasn't in the best shape, they would also have the incomplete 5 of 9 reels that was previously found in Italy.

Here's what Bob had to say about the condition of the more recent find:

Originally Posted by Robert Furmanek

Other than some slight color fade which we can correct digitally, the elements that were located of the missing reels are in fantastic condition!

[T. Warren Scollan]

Originally Posted by Interdimensional

Well, like I say, fingers crossed.

Even if the material that turned up in the UK wasn't in the best shape, they would also have the incomplete 5 of 9 reels that was previously found in Italy.

Here's what Bob had to say about the condition of the more recent find:

Well, I thought I read another quote, but I'll stand corrected!

[Interdimensional]

Announced earlier today on Cereal at Midnight!

Originally Posted by Robert Furmanek

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaHg0QEO1i0

Announcement at 16 minutes in. There's a wonderful trailer I'd never seen before which does a great job at conveying the premise. Exciting to also see some promotional material there I hadn't come across before.

Originally Posted by Robert Furmanek

All credit for this discovery goes to the amazing Darren Gross at MGM for finding those lost elements. We’ve been waiting nearly 5 years to make this announcement!

Major kudos to Darren Gross for this incredible discovery

Did Bob really say camera negative?! That's just amazing if true. For whatever reason I was assuming these were prints or maybe printing negatives that had been found. This is going to look spectacular!

Originally Posted by Robert Furmanek

Note to Mod: I have edited the title in my original post to reflect this new development but for whatever reason the thread title remains unchanged. Perhaps I don't have the ability to edit thread title, or maybe there's a way I'm not seeing.

[the13thman]

Originally Posted by Interdimensional

Note to Mod: I have edited the title in my original post to reflect this new development but for whatever reason the thread title remains unchanged. Perhaps I don't have the ability to edit thread title, or maybe there's a way I'm not seeing.

Only mods can edit thread titles so I've done it. I'll update it again once a release date is known.

I'm also presuming this will be region locked but correct me if I'm wrong.

I remember when there was a possibility this would be released partially flat, am overjoyed we're getting a full restoration.

[Robert Furmanek]

Yes, I tell the story in the podcast. Darren found the four missing right eye camera negative reels, which were rescued in 2018 from an abandoned film lab in Italy!

[Joe D.]

Originally Posted by Interdimensional

Announced earlier today on Cereal at Midnight!



Announcement at 16 minutes in. There's a wonderful trailer I'd never seen before which does a great job at conveying the premise. Exciting to also see some promotional material there I hadn't come across before.



Major kudos to Darren Gross for this incredible discovery

Did Bob really say camera negative?! That's just amazing if true. For whatever reason I was assuming these were prints or maybe printing negatives that had been found. This is going to look spectacular!



Note to Mod: I have edited the title in my original post to reflect this new development but for whatever reason the thread title remains unchanged. Perhaps I don't have the ability to edit thread title, or maybe there's a way I'm not seeing.

So happy this will be ours to have in 3D but distressed when seeing things like "Shattered the Indian Desert Empire". So reflective of those times.

[captveg]

Excellent news!

[gazadams]

much credit to every one involved . Another western in 3d !!!!

[Zivouhr]

Originally Posted by Robert Furmanek

Yes, I tell the story in the podcast. Darren found the four missing right eye camera negative reels, which were rescued in 2018 from an abandoned film lab in Italy!

Cool, thank you, Bob. Looking forward to more news and thanks for the great details on 3-D that you and Greg provide in the youtube new interview for 3-D Film Archive.

[Show spoiler]

An Exclusive Interview with The 3-D Film Archive | Upcoming Title Announcements | Podcast Episode 11 - YouTube

[WaverBoy]

Originally Posted by Robert Furmanek

Yes, I tell the story in the podcast. Darren found the four missing right eye camera negative reels, which were rescued in 2018 from an abandoned film lab in Italy!

I just love hearing stories like this! You just never know what’s gonna turn up somewhere. Excellent interview, thank you so much for sharing, and for all you do for the cause and us fans. Here’s to many more vintage 3D rescues!

[Robert Furmanek]

SOUTHWEST PASSAGE premiered at the 850 seat Rialto Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia on April 22, 1954. United Artists were not making 24 sheet Billboard posters at the time (measuring 104" X 232") so the enterprising manager altered Universal's 24 sheet for TAZA, SON OF COCHISE. I wonder if anyone complained that Rod Cameron did not resemble Rock Hudson!

[Interdimensional]

Originally Posted by the13thman

Only mods can edit thread titles so I've done it. I'll update it again once a release date is known.

I'm also presuming this will be region locked but correct me if I'm wrong.

Much appreciated! Thanks for keeping the forums up to date.

Originally Posted by Joe D.

So happy this will be ours to have in 3D but distressed when seeing things like "Shattered the Indian Desert Empire". So reflective of those times.

Well, I hope we live in more enlightened times (sometimes one might wonder). I hope we're enlightened enough to enjoy 70 year old films as they were, without feeling too conflicted about antiquated world views and harmful stereotypes. One can certainly appreciate the artistry, entertainment and technical qualities involved without endorsing the kind of prejudices that may have been widely held at the time of its production.

[Interdimensional]

Originally Posted by Robert Furmanek

Yes, I tell the story in the podcast. Darren found the four missing right eye camera negative reels, which were rescued in 2018 from an abandoned film lab in Italy!

A lucky thing we had someone like that on the case, and great that they have it all back together now.

Perhaps you'll go into more detail when the time is right, but I was wondering, since the negative had been in use overseas, if it would still have the original titles and intermission card, or if they'd cut in the international title 'Camels West'. I suppose you won't know till you get the scans. Sorry to be pedantic.

Originally Posted by Robert Furmanek

SOUTHWEST PASSAGE premiered at the 850 seat Rialto Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia on April 22, 1954. United Artists were not making 24 sheet Billboard posters at the time (measuring 104" X 232") so the enterprising manager altered Universal's 24 sheet for TAZA, SON OF COCHISE. I wonder if anyone complained that Rod Cameron did not resemble Rock Hudson!

I wonder did they leave that Morris Ankrum credit in place!

Curious that both were filmed in Utah in summer of 1953. Several hundred miles apart it seems, it may have been of some convenience to Mr Ankrum!

[heavyharmonies]

Originally Posted by Joe D.

So happy this will be ours to have in 3D but distressed when seeing things like "Shattered the Indian Desert Empire". So reflective of those times.

Can't we just enjoy a movie?

[Elsinore]

Originally Posted by Joe D.

So happy this will be ours to have in 3D but distressed when seeing things like "Shattered the Indian Desert Empire". So reflective of those times.

Originally Posted by heavyharmonies

Can't we just enjoy a movie?

I agree with you both. It’s something that gay folks and people of color deal with all the time. I think Interdimensional summed it up perfectly above. When old films get cringey, just put on your historian glasses (over your 3d glasses) and remember the time and place the film was made. But it can be hard sometimes to appreciate the beauty of films by someone like Leni Riefenstahl without thinking of the damage they did. It all just goes to show the power of film.

[Interdimensional]

3-DFA have this promotional image on their facebook for the past couple days. I like how it reads from distant background figures racing forward, right up to an out of frame punch. You can almost feel it. Solid use of perspective, exactly the right sensibility for selling a 3-D movie.



I suspect this poster may be overhyping Southwest Passage just a smidge. Still, it's a good sign when a studio has that kind of faith.

I was amused with Glenn Erikson's observation which applies to this and most other poster art for the film:

Original poster art reveals that United Artists apparently saw no advantage in promoting the camel angle, foolishly ignoring America’s all-consuming dromedary obsession.

I'd noticed the same thing in comparing some of the foreign posters: most would rather portray it as a generic western than showcase the film's most unique ingredient. I suppose that speaks to the popularity of the western genre in the 1950s. This French poster at least acknowledges the camels, but definitely doesn't make a big thing of it.

[Elsinore]

“… America’s all-consuming dromedary obsession.”