Topic: Question about Technicolor

[lyonsden5]

I watched "The Black Swan" last night and was astounded at how vivid the colors were. This movie would pop right off your screen in HD.

It's a 1942 movie that said it was filmed in Technicolor. I have seen many from that era in Technicolor but for some reason this one really stood out. Any ideas why?

@James - I know at one time you did a "3-strip Technicolor" thread or db or something. Back at IVS. Is 3-strip Technicolor technical term for what is labeled simply as Technicolor in movies like the one mentioned above? or is it a different process from "standard" Technicolor?

Whatever was different about this movie I want more  Pretty good movie too.

[Najemikon]

Have you seen Black Narcissus? It's from 1947 and I had a similar reaction to you. You can feel the amazement they must have once had with colour. I'll look out for the Black Swan... interesting both films called "Black"! 

[lyonsden5]

I've not seen that one. Thanks Jon. I'll add it to the list.

...both called "Black" 

[m.cellophane]

My list of 3-strip Technicolor films is here at Invelos. I moved it to Invelos, but I haven't been conscientious in keeping it updated in terms of which films are out on DVD. 

Here's a Home Theater Forum review which discusses the picture quality and the restoration of The Black Swan. Robert Harris reported the restoration budget at nearly $5 million!

I think when 3-strip Technicolor films are transferred well, they're eye-popping. That's what I love about them. Warner has been using something they call "ultra resolution" for a few of the big name films:
Singin' in the Rain
The Adventures of Robin Hood <--on HD DVD, coming to Blu-ray
Meet Me In St. Louis
Easter Parade
The Bandwagon
Gone with the Wind
The Wizard of Oz

But that's just Warner. The Black Swan was of course 20th Century Fox. Black Narcissus was, or will be, released on Blu-ray in Europe, I believe. Not sure if it's on Criterion's slate for Blu-ray?

I just watched Ziegfeld Follies which was very nice in Technicolor. Another 3-strip in the Fox Studio Classics line is Leave Her to Heaven. I remember it looking pretty gorgeous! It's a soaper though (a little suspense), so just be prepared that it's not a swashbuckler like The Black Swan. Ivanhoe is a swashbuckler though.

Anything after 1954 though is not 3-strip Technicolor. After that point, films could be processed by Technicolor labs, but not in the true 3-strip dye-transfer method that is the eye candy from the 30s-early 50s.