NitrateVille.com

Although I was pleased to find out that a number of early Warners / First National Technicolor films were coming back into circulation, it seemed a pity that they were only (SWEET KITTY BELLAIRS, FIFTY MILLION FRENCHMEN, etc) available in black and white. I was horrified to read (Barrios, again!), therefore, that when the films were sold to tv in the 1950s, they were copied onto 16mm b/w and the colour elements junked.

While I can appreciate that it was only practical to make b/w prints for transmission, would it not have been feasible to donate the colour prints / negatives to an archive for proper restoration when financially and technically possible? And on the same thread, which films were subjected to this treatment? I understand that GOLDEN DAWN (1930) and KISS ME AGAIN (1930) are b/w survivors, but was this the reason in those cases?

earlytalkiebuffRob wrote:Although I was pleased to find out that a number of early Warners / First National Technicolor films were coming back into circulation, it seemed a pity that they were only (SWEET KITTY BELLAIRS, FIFTY MILLION FRENCHMEN, etc) available in black and white. I was horrified to read (Barrios, again!), therefore, that when the films were sold to tv in the 1950s, they were copied onto 16mm b/w and the colour elements junked.

While I can appreciate that it was only practical to make b/w prints for transmission, would it not have been feasible to donate the colour prints / negatives to an archive for proper restoration when financially and technically possible? And on the same thread, which films were subjected to this treatment? I understand that GOLDEN DAWN (1930) and KISS ME AGAIN (1930) are b/w survivors, but was this the reason in those cases?

Don't cry for Sweet Kitty, which I thought "OK," but rather unremarkable...but tear your hair & gnash your teeth for the loss of Sally & On With the Show, all-color, as well as the many, like Desert Song, with color scenes.

entredeuxguerres wrote: Don't cry for Sweet Kitty, which I thought "OK," but rather unremarkable...but tear your hair & gnash your teeth for the loss of Sally & On With the Show, all-color, as well as the many, like Desert Song, with color scenes.

Was surprised to see SWEET KITTY at all, having found most of the film uploaded (foggily) on YT. It was enjoyable, within the limitations of presentation, but the trailer for the Warners Archive copy looks nice and clear, at least. Still, a pity we can't see it as originally shown. And was aware of the others lacking Technicolor, but wasn't sure if this was 'natural' or part of the 1950s vandalism.

And have made note of your 'Speed of Sound' recommendation and will order one soon...

I wonder how difficult it would be to restore the color elements -- that early 2-strip process looks similar to the derided colorization that was a fad in the late '80s. I wouldn't think it would be too difficult (but perhaps pricey?) to do.

earlytalkiebuffRob wrote: ...And have made note of your 'Speed of Sound' recommendation and will order one soon...

I can't believe you'll regret it. As prologue to his descriptions of early experiments with sound, he presents one of the most cogent analyses of the affective power of silents I've read.