Cinerama's Russian Adventure Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Cinerama's Russian Adventure Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov December 7, 2016

"Russian Adventure" (1966) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of independent distributors Flicker Alley. The supplemental features on the disc include original promotional materials for the film; original trailer; video interview with film editors Craig and Hal Dennis Jr.; John Fernhout's short film "Fortress of Peace"; and more. The release also arrives with a 32-page facsimile representation of the original program booklet. In English, with optional English subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

The Kremlin

Russian Adventure is the most interesting Cinerama title to be released by Flicker Alley to date. It emerged at the peak of the Cold War and incorporates plenty of footage that was actually shot by Soviet directors in the Kinopanorama format. This format was created in the now defunct U.S.S.R. specifically to compete with the Cinerama format which had quickly become popular in the West. Kinopanorama films also required a three-panel projection setup, though many films that were shot in the format were actually screened in 70mm printdowns. According to Dave Strohmaier, the man behind the many beautiful Cinerama restorations in Flicker Alley’s catalog, this is also how the majority of people in the United States saw Russian Adventure during the 1960s.

The film is quite amusing for a couple of different reasons. First, it promotes an extremely positive image of the U.S.S.R. which must have had the Kremlin’s stamp of approval. For example, there is a pretty interesting segment early on where Moscow is praised by the American narrator (Bing Crosby) as a bustling metropolis with an incredibly rich culture and history while the camera seemingly casually visits the beautiful subway, some of the crowded main streets, and eventually the Kremlin. It all plays out like one big commercial whose goal was to convince western viewers -- and no doubt foreign political figures who had not visited the U.S.S.R. -- that life on the other side of the Iron Curtain was as perfect as the red rulers in the Kremlin claimed. Different footage from the old states in the union then promotes the notion that diversity is a core principle in their policies and that it contributes to growth and prosperity. It is pretty amazing material, really, and with the American narrator sounding very sincere it all looks seriously legit.

There is lot of footage from the Arctic Ocean and the vast countryside, however, that isn’t affected by the propaganda filter. Occasionally there are a few statements here and there that clarify how even in the most remote areas of the union people are working hard to build their dream cities and factories, but there is plenty of footage that shows nature’s raw beauty and some of it is quite simply extraordinary.

The final third of the film is dedicated to Russia’s rich artistic heritage. In the best segment here the legendary Bolshoi Theatre opens its doors and the camera even visits some of the practice rooms where iconic stars like the great Galina Ulanova began their careers. Beautiful footage from lavish stage productions is also included at the end.

There is a political element in Russian Adventure that separates it from all other Cinerama films that have been released to date. In a way it is impossible to ignore it because the image of the U.S.S.R. that is promoted in it is deeply flawed, but the massive amount of archival footage that is preserved in it makes it absolutely fascinating to behold.

Cinerama's Russian Adventure Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.56:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Russian Adventure arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Flicker Alley.

It appears that this was the most difficult of all the Cinerama films to reconstruct and restore because there were various complex technical issues that Dave Strohmaier and the people that assisted him had to address. They ranged from alignment issues (because footage and sound elements came from multiple sources) to age-related anomalies that exacerbated some structural problems. While not ideal, the end result is very pleasing. After the 2K scan some traces of fading and density fluctuations remained, but the film now has a balanced appearance that is virtually identical to that of the other Cinerama films in Flicker Alley's catalog. Delineation, depth and color reproduction are probably a notch below the other Cinerama films, but the technical presentation is still quite good. To be clear, where the original elements were in great condition the end result also ranges from good very good. The only visible fluctuations are where time has clearly left its mark and there was little or nothing that could be done to reverse the effects from the ageing. Ultimately, what is important to make clear here is that there are no issues that are introduced by poor digital work. So, while the film could appear slightly dated at times it certainly has the organic qualities we expect from these types of difficult restoration projects. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player or PS3 regardless of your geographical location).

Cinerama's Russian Adventure Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two standard audio tracks on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0. Optional English subtitles are provided for the main feature.

Depth and clarity remain pleasing throughout the entire film. Also, there are no signs of ageing or digital anomalies. I would assume that ideally the original theatrical mix could be even more impressive, but the current remastering job is very good and the 5.1 track serves the film very well.

Cinerama's Russian Adventure Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Restoration Fetaurette - in this featurette, Dave Strohmaier discusses the production history of Russian Adventure and some of the main issues that had to be addressed during the reconstruction and restoration of the film. In English, not subtitled. (13 min, 1080p).

• Fortress of Peace - this short film directed by John Fernhout in 1964 has been fully remastered and is presented as seen by audiences at 70mm Cinerama theaters. The film takes its audience on a fascinating trip through beautiful Switzerland. In English, not subtitled, Dolby Digital 5.1. (22 min, 1080p).

• Concorde - this short film by Pierre Jallaud in 1966 has been fully remastered and is presented as seen by audiences at 70mm Cinerama theaters.It takes a closer look at the classic technical design of the turbojet-powered supersonic passenger jet. In English, not subtitled, Dolby Digital 5.1. (16 min, 1080p).

• Working with Our Father on Russian Adventure - in this video interview, film editors Craig and Hal Dennis Jr., sons of producer Hal Dennis, discuss the production history of Russian Adventure. In English, not subtitled. (25 min, 1080p).

• A Look at Some Old Cinerama Equipment - with film editors Craig and Hal Dennis Jr. In English, not subtitled. (2 min, 1080p).

• Trailer - restored theatrical trailer for Russian Adventure. In English, not subtitled. (5 min).

• Trailer Gallery - presented here are nine original restored trailers for various Cinerama films. In English, not subtitled. (1080p, 42 min).

• Russian Adventure Ads & Publicity Slideshow - with music. (9 min, 1080p).

• Booklet - a 32-page facsimile representation of the original program booklet.

Cinerama's Russian Adventure Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Russian Adventure gives you the opportunity to visit a country that no longer exists. There is an obvious dated political element in the presentation, but its presence actually makes the film even more fascinating to behold. Kudos to Dave Strohmaier and all the people that assisted him during the restoration process. It has been quite a treat to revisit and rediscover all of these Cinerama titles that are now part of Flicker Alley's Blu-ray catalog. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.