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In this episode Adam and Charlotte discuss the later years of Technicolor with their special guest, author Bob Hoffman. Bob wrote a book that focuses on the post-1950s era of Technicolor, after they had abandoned their film cameras and embraced film print manufacture. Bob's book Alchemy In Technicolor also examines Technicolor's forays into other countries and the downfall of physical prints. And of course, you cannot discuss Technicolor without discussing Natalie Kalmus, along with several other heroes of the company that aren't as well known.

This is the third part to our larger Technicolor narrative, which includes episodes THE UNTOLD STORY OF TECHNICOLOR and NATALIE KALMUS: THE WOMAN THAT ALMOSST RUINED TECHNICOLOR.

You can buy Alchemy In Technicolor here: https://moviealchemy.com/

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Adam and Charlotte had a wonderful opportunity to introduce Charlotte's amazing new Restoration of Popeye (1980) at the American Cinematheque's Friend of the Fest movie festival in August. Now in celebration of that restoration appearing on the Criterion Channel, we want to share it with you.

So grab some popcorn and wine, sit back and watch our intro, and then head over to the Criterion Channel to check out Popeye. It will be just like you were there in Los Angeles at the screening.

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We can finally share the news we've been teasing for months - Charlotte is heading to the TCM Film Festival to give a talk on The History of VistaVision alongside Craig Barron! In this special mini-episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this widescreen deep dive, the classic films she’ll be introducing, and how this whole crazy project came to life. From behind-the-scenes stories to the magic of VistaVision on the big screen, we’re giving you a sneak peek at what’s in store. See you at TCMFF (and yeah, this one’s totally our fault)!

Head over to https://filmfestival.tcm.com/programs/vistavision/ for more info on the VistaVision film prints.

Charlotte's Presentation "Bigger, Sharper, Better: The History of VistaVision" can be found here: https://filmfestival.tcm.com/schedule/bigger-sharper-better-the-history-of-vistavision/

Charlotte's TCM page can be found here: https://filmfestival.tcm.com/programs/special-guests/charlotte-barker/

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Building on our last episode about widescreen formats in the 1950s, we’re taking you inside a virtual restoration room for a hands-on look at how we determined the correct aspect ratio for The Country Girl (1954). You'll see clips of the film in multiple aspect ratios so you can decide for yourself—was it meant to be seen in 1.66:1 or 1.85:1? If you’ve ever wanted to be a film restorationist for a day, this is your chance to experience what the job is really like. Join us as we compare the film side by side, break down the visual and historical evidence, and reveal how the final decision was made—no lab coat required!

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Join us for an eye-opening (and hilarious) deep dive into the wild world of Hollywood aspect ratios! We’re thrilled to welcome Bob Furmanek and Jack Theakston from the 3D Film Archive, who share their extensive research and experience restoring classic films and solving aspect ratio mysteries.

We discuss some fascinating case studies from their recent restorations, including "The Glass Web (1953)" and "Gog (1954)," and Charlotte shares the challenges of finding the correct aspect ratio for "The Country Girl (1954)." Along the way, we crack jokes, geek out over widescreen formats, and have a great time unraveling the history of how Hollywood framed its biggest films.

PLUS—don’t miss an exclusive premiere of a newly restored clip from "Money From Home  (1953)," coming soon from Kino Lorber!

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The original widescreen articles referenced in this episode can be found archived on the Wayback Machine here:

https://web.archive.org/web/202201260...

https://web.archive.org/web/202201260...

Check out 3dfilmarchive.com for more news from Bob, Jack and the rest of the 3D Archive gang!

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In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Republic Pictures and the two brothers who turned a B-studio into an A-list innovator: Howard and Theodore Lydecker. Known as the masters of miniature effects, the Lydecker brothers created jaw-dropping special effects that set Republic Pictures apart in the 1930s through the 1950s. Their groundbreaking work inspired generations of filmmakers, including Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.

Join us as we tell the story of these unsung heroes of Hollywood, explore their creative process, and showcase some of Republic’s best miniature work—from rocket-fueled serials to daring action sequences. Discover how the Lydecker brothers brought big ideas to life on small scales and cemented their legacy in film history.

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Perf Damage returns to White Christmas for a third time, but in this episode, we're diving deep into the dazzling 2024 restoration that breathes new life into this holiday classic. Join us as we unpack the unique challenges of restoring a VistaVision film, from tackling flickering and stabilizing stock shots to managing color breathing and other quirks of the original negative. We’ll reveal how crucial detailed notes from past transfers were in shaping this restoration, helping to capture every frame’s brilliance. And because this ambitious project involved so many skilled hands, we’re giving special shoutouts to everyone who played a part in making this restoration a reality. 

Ready to uncover the secrets behind this restoration? Press play and celebrate White Christmas like never before!

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In this episode of Perf Damage, Adam and Charlotte take a deep dive into the 2024 Film Restoration of Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief, overseen by Charlotte herself! They discuss the painstaking process of sourcing materials for the restoration, the unique challenges presented by the VistaVision format, and how modern technology was used to address issues with the original film elements. Along the way, they share some fascinating lesser-known trivia about the production and discuss why VistaVision played a crucial role in capturing the film's stunning visuals. If you're a classic cinema and film restoration fan, this episode is not to be missed!

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In this exclusive interview, Charlotte talks to Heath Holland from Cereal at Midnight, about her job as the Director of Film Preservation and Restoration at Paramount Pictures. She takes us behind the scenes of the fascinating world of film restoration. Check out this sneak peek and head over to  @CerealAtMidnight to see the full interview!

www.CerealAtMidnight.com

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This is the audio from our recent YouTube version of "TECHNICOLOR PART II: THE DRAMA." This version is slightly different than the original audio-only version.

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In this episode of Perf Damage, we dive deeper into the fascinating world of Technicolor by focusing on the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind the company: Herbert and Natalie Kalmus. This companion piece to our episode, THE UNTOLD STORY OF TECHNICOLOR, explores the couple’s innovative partnership, their influence on the film industry, and the complexities of their personal and professional relationship.

Natalie Kalmus wasn't just Herbert's wife—she was a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Known for her strict artistic control over the Technicolor process, she famously clashed with legendary filmmakers like Cecil B. DeMille, Michael Curtiz, David O. Selznick, and Michael Powell. Behind the scenes, her influence was valued and dreaded as she fiercely defended Technicolor’s vision. After her and Herbert’s relationship soured, she spent years in court, making his life a living hell and adding drama to an already colorful legacy.

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