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I have different copies of "Gone with the Wind" released at different times on home video. While the latest release from Warner is quite lovely, these older editions are of interest to see how the film was seen by audiences at different times and how presentation of the movie evolved over time.

I've tried to find on Nitrateville and on the web, some kind of outline that gives a history of the different restorations and tinkering with the film, particularly in the home video era. Does anyone have a link to something I've missed.

I think, but I'm not absolutely sure, that the different home video releases worked out something like this:

1985 - First home video release by MGM/UA using pretty much the same print they ran on tv in the 1970s. Had simulated stereo sound.

1989 - Release on home video of the Turner restoration done from the nitrate negatives. Subsequent tape and laserdisc releases used this version throughout the 1990s.

circa 1998 - First release on dvd by Warners; used the same print as the mid-90s theatrical run distributed by Miramax. I think this one had some reworking done of the Turner restoration. Included a simulated stereo (or was it remixed stereo?) and original mono tracks.

2009 - First release on blu-ray by Warners using the 4K restoration. Used a remixed stereo and original mono tracks.

May sound like heresy, but it would be interesting to see what the 1968 70mm reissue looks like now. That was the way I first saw the film, together with millions of others. Of course GWTW wasn't the first film to be similarly mistreated, and doubtless won't be the last. And it does count as an alternative version. To understand the ways different films were regarded at different times, it is essential to know how they were presented. There have been countless arguments on the merits (or otherwise) of particular films where those in disagreement have seen what amounts to different films.

I agree. The 70mm version's never been released on video, though.

earlytalkiebuffRob wrote:May sound like heresy, but it would be interesting to see what the 1968 70mm reissue looks like now. That was the way I first saw the film, together with millions of others. Of course GWTW wasn't the first film to be similarly mistreated, and doubtless won't be the last. And it does count as an alternative version. To understand the ways different films were regarded at different times, it is essential to know how they were presented. There have been countless arguments on the merits (or otherwise) of particular films where those in disagreement have seen what amounts to different films.

From what I gather, nearly 90% of people presented with a DVD in Academy ratio will play it in widescreen - so most people would be watching the current issue of GWTW in the equivalent of 70mm anyway.

I saw GWTW about soxty-nont years back - in a proper cinema and in academy ratio. I also saw the 70mm version when that came out - and though it awfully grainy apart from anything else.

Donald Binks wrote:

earlytalkiebuffRob wrote: I saw GWTW about soxty-nont years back - in a proper cinema and in academy ratio. I also saw the 70mm version when that came out - and though it awfully grainy apart from anything else.

Not to mention those partially cut off heads - a real mess.

I saw it on Broadway in 70mm in '68. The chief thing I seem to remember is that the color had a yellowish cast to it, and as mentioned, the film was grainy. When "That's Entertainment" was released and included clips from GWTW I recall a projectionist friend complaining "why couldn't they get the color like that when they reissued it?" I also saw it when it was reissued in '61, but the only thing I remember about it is that my father got my ticket at the "under twelve" kid's price when I was 14 - with the manager (who was ripping tickets) admonishing the booth clerk about it (my dad wasn't dishonest, but took it as a personal challenge to always get the best bargain possible