It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)

[Atreyu]

Originally Posted by Treadwell

Well, my memory was a little off.
Interview with RAH here:
http://events.hometheaterforum.com/m...ris_Q%26A.html

of note:





In short, it seems the laserdisc did restore some roadshow stuff, but is still missing much of it, and it added footage that was never in the roadshow version.

Did anyone read my earlier post when I quoted from the back cover of the laserdisc and the insert found inside? Just wondering what to make of what it says.

[rdf8585]

Does anyone else think the sound on this just isn't that good? Not out of sync, but the dialogue seems very low (clearly lower than the musical score). I don't remember this on the DVD. I've had to turn my volume way up to hear the dialogue at a decent level. A disappointing audio transfer. Cable TV sounds a lot better than this.

[Clark Kent]

Originally Posted by Vincent89

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World was scanned at 8k by Fotokem from original 65mm elements

Wow, that is a major and welcome development for such a popular catalog film. Very few studios are even bothering using 65mm elements on their Blu-rays, even if they exist. Hopefully my Walmart will have it available.

[Maggot]

Originally Posted by rdf8585

Does anyone else think the sound on this just isn't that good? Not out of sync, but the dialogue seems very low (clearly lower than the musical score). I don't remember this on the DVD. I've had to turn my volume way up to hear the dialogue at a decent level. A disappointing audio transfer. Cable TV sounds a lot better than this.

Yes, I noticed that as well. I had to bring up my center channel just a bit as the front and surrounds were higher in volume. Still, an amazing looking film!

[Jacksmyname]

Originally Posted by rdf8585

Does anyone else think the sound on this just isn't that good? Not out of sync, but the dialogue seems very low (clearly lower than the musical score). I don't remember this on the DVD. I've had to turn my volume way up to hear the dialogue at a decent level. A disappointing audio transfer. Cable TV sounds a lot better than this.

The opposite for me.
I've felt for quite a while now that too many films are mixed in a way that can make dialog difficult to hear. There's a lot going on in the center channel these days that can sometimes overpower dialog.
Mad World, on my system, is fine. I found it to be clear and discernable.
Considering the nature of this particular film, clear dialog is really important.
Too many great one liners that could be missed if the dialog is lousy.
Especially from Buddy Hacket.

[Atreyu]

Originally Posted by Jacksmyname

The opposite for me.
I've felt for quite a while now that too many films are mixed in a way that can make dialog difficult to hear. There's a lot going on in the center channel these days that can sometimes overpower dialog.
Mad World, on my system, is fine. I found it to be clear and discernable.
Considering the nature of this particular film, clear dialog is really important.
Too many great one liners that could be missed if the dialog is lousy.
Especially from Buddy Hacket.

"A ...a...a...watchtower!"
Don't know why that strikes me so funny, I think it's just the way Hackett actually says it.

[HonestJohn]

Originally Posted by Atreyu

"A ...a...a...watchtower!"
Don't know why that strikes me so funny, I think it's just the way Hackett actually says it.

in the extended scenes he suggested wallaper as well ....

[tsetse27]

Originally Posted by Vincent89

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World was scanned at 8k by Fotokem from original 65mm elements

Amazing!

BR definitely get me more interested to watch those older large format films, than current modern movies. (just finished How The West Was Won last weekend. That one also has spectacular PQ.)

sorry for off topic; in comparison, it is a shame that Warner did not do a new scan for Kenneth Branagh's Hemlet BR.

[Betamax001]

Does this Blu Ray have the overture music on it? I love that song.

"I know it may sound jeeerrrkky,but in Tuuurrrkkeey who eats turrrkkeey?"

[LimeiBook86]

Yes before the film starts the lyrical version of the song plays on the Blu-Ray

[Vincent89]

Originally Posted by DarknessBDJM

Is this true? If so I am very impressed!

I don't know what resolution was used for create this master (2k, 4k), but i'm sure that this film was scanned at 8k by Fotokem (like South Pacific).
I read this on a International 70mm Publishers, The Netherlands.

[hendersd]

Just brought it home. Looks pretty decent, and nice stereo too.

[Atreyu]

Originally Posted by HonestJohn

in the extended scenes he suggested wallaper as well ....

Also he says, "A Walnut Tree".
Rooney says, "No."
Hackett, "In bags!"
Rooney yells, "NO!".

[DarknessBDJM]

Originally Posted by Vincent89

I don't know what resolution was used for create this master (2k, 4k), but i'm sure that this film was scanned at 8k by Fotokem (like South Pacific).
I read this on a International 70mm Publishers, The Netherlands.

I still have the MGM HD version stored, so I was a bit hesitant to buy it if the upgrade wasn't big enough, but this has impressed me enough to purchase it.

[BohemianGraham]

I can't wait to watch this! I was able to get someone to grab me a copy in Portland, ME today. I just have to wait until they come back into Canada.

[Deciazulado]

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World Blu-ray Review

[whitesheik]

Originally Posted by Indian Hills Theater

It is missing the restored road show footage. It also doesn't have the police calls that were played in the lobby and restrooms to tell patrons to return to the theater after intermission.

Can we just stop confusing everyone? There is no "restored" road show footage. First off, they've found everything except about five or six minutes, but none of it has been "restored". Also, the roadshow version that opened in November of 1963 ran 192 minutes (that running time includes overture, entr'acte and playout music). Mr. Kramer cut the film DURING its roadshow release, in December. Therefore, all these pundits who think they've somehow seen the roadshow version most likely were not there in the first four weeks of its run. I was, but that's another story. Therefore, the 164 minute version is also the roadshow version, because that version played a helluva lot longer (a year or more in certain roadshow engagements) than the four-week 192-minute version. The shorter version is what Mr. Kramer preferred - he'd been rushed in post-production and they had to open when they did. He went in and did his final edit during the run.

[whitesheik]

Reviewer Jeffrey Kauffman would be surprised if this wasn't a new transfer off of the large-format elements and says if he's proven wrong he'll amend his review. No need to - a) it's quite obvious that it's from the large-format element - this could never look this good off a 35mm dupe neg. Second off, I can tell you unequivocally that it's new because I'm transferring a film right now at the very lab that did the new transfer - yes, off the large format element. So, you can speak with authority, Jeff.

[avalon_84]

i'm sure it's come up before but does anyone know about the region coding on this release? looking for region B :P much abliged ^_^

[LimeiBook86]

Originally Posted by avalon_84

i'm sure it's come up before but does anyone know about the region coding on this release? looking for region B :P much abliged ^_^

According to this post on the previous page it is region B friendly.