7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Photographed over an eight-year period by Russia s top filmmakers, Cinerama s Russian Adventure brings together some of the most exquisite, jaw-dropping, and beautiful sequences from over six Soviet Kinopanorama productions (the Russian equivalent of three-panel Cinerama). The film s locations stretch from the snow-covered countryside to the majestic subways of Moscow, from the deck of a whaling ship to the front seats of the Bolshoi Theater. Bing Crosby narrates the journey.
Starring: Roman Karmen, Bing CrosbyDocumentary | 100% |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.56:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.59:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English: LPCM 2.0
English
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
"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
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).
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.
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.
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Deluxe Edition
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Special Edition
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Regular Edition
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IMAX Enhanced
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