DavidLean.com News

RUMOR: Lawrence Blu-Ray To Restore Scene

sorgan@arkmediainc.com — 2010-10-01T11:05:23-07:00

Though it has not been officially confirmed by the Studio, Robert Harris, the key principle player in the restoration of Lawrence, stated that he believes he will be able to do a full restoration of the balcony scene between Lawrence and General Allenby. This was a scene that in the original restoration was incomplete due to the inability to properly match Jack Hawkin’s voice after they were unable to find the recorded audio. Many people, including Lean and Robert Bolt, felt that this was one of the most important scenes in the film and were dismayed that they didn’t have the time to finish it properly. Whether or not it will happen, is still not confirmed, but if Mr. Harris is talking about it perhaps the studio will see the benefit in finishing the job. Fingers crossed.

Kwai Blu-Ray Package

sorgan@arkmediainc.com — 2010-09-15T10:44:01-07:00

The deluxe package for the upcoming Kwai release on Blu-Ray has surfaced. Looks like an impressive release.

Kwai Moves To NY

sorgan@arkmediainc.com — 2010-09-15T10:41:04-07:00

The digital restoration of The Bridge On The River Kwai will appear in New York on September 24 - 30 at the Film Forum. Don’t miss the chance to see this incredible restoration in the theatre. More information and tickets here.

Kwai Restoration in SF

sorgan@arkmediainc.com — 2010-09-12T10:30:07-07:00

As I reported earlier, The Castro theatre in San Francisco is currently screening the restored digital version of the The Bridge on the River Kwai on its large screen. I had a chance to view it last night and I can tell you it looks remarkable! They’ve done an absolutely stunning job. Although I’ve seen the film a number of times in theaters, I felt like it was the first time I as actually seeing the picture. The richness of the photography and the clarity of the sound combined to present the definitive presentation of this film The Blu-Ray will hopefully looks just as impressive

Lawrence in 70mm - Quebec

sorgan@arkmediainc.com — 2010-09-08T12:51:31-07:00

Although I have been unable to find it listed on the official web site, in70mm.com is reporting that “Lawrence of Arabia” will be presented in its original 70mm format on September 25 & 26th at the Museum of Civilisation in Quebec. If the listing is accurate, and you have the opportunity to see it, make the effort. Seeing Lawrence in 70mm on a large screen is THE only way to see it.

UPDATE: I was finally able to track down some information regarding this very special screening (and series). You can read more about it by going to the Lost Dominion blog. There is also a mention that Robert Harris (who was personally involved in the restoration) may be on hand for a Q&A, though the website does not list when/where/time. I’ll update once I can confirm this event.

UPDATE 2:Thanks to some readers of the site, I’ve been able to find out where you can get additional information on the 70mm presentation of Lawrence. Thanks to all those who wrote me.

Brownlow Receives Honorary Oscar

sorgan@arkmediainc.com — 2010-08-26T11:10:52-07:00

Along with Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now), Jean-Luc Goddard (Breathless), and Eli Wallach, Kevin Brownlow will be receiving an Honorary Academy Award on November 13th. As David Lean fans already know, Mr. Brownlow has written what many consider the definitive biography on Lean and has also been a celebrated film historian who was instrumental in reviving Abel Gane’s “Napoleon.”

On a personal note, Brownlow was also extremely helpful to me in helping with my “David Lean: Interviews” book, providing me with unedited transcripts of his many hours of interviews with Lean.

Congrats, Kevin!!

Restored "Kwai" Hits Shelves 11/2

sorgan@arkmediainc.com — 2010-08-25T11:07:40-07:00

(Taken from Digital Bits) Here’s one we've all been waiting for! You may recall that a few weeks ago we reported Sony was prepping a Blu-ray version of Sir David Lean's Bridge on the River Kwai for release before the end of this year. Well... Sony has just finally announced the title as a 2-disc Blu-ray Disc/DVD Combo Collector's Edition, due to street on 11/2 (SRP $34.95). In addition to HD and SD versions of the film (presented in the original 2.55:1 aspect ratio, fully restored and mastered from a 4K scan with audio in newly-remixed DTS-HD MA 5.1), extras on the 2-disc set will include a new Crossing: Picture-in-Graphics viewing mode, an exclusive new retrospective documentary covering everything from the adaptation of the original Boulle novel to the restoration, 2 featurettes (An Appreciation by John Milius and Rise and Fall of a Jungle Giant), rare audio of William Holden narrating the film's premiere events, a USC short film introduced by Holden, footage of holden and Alec Guinness on The Steve Allen Show and a photo gallery. The package will also include a 35-page book with liner notes and production photos, as well as original lobby card replicas.

Digital Kwai at Castro Theatre

sorgan@arkmediainc.com — 2010-08-20T07:39:15-07:00

Following the El Paso presentation, The Bridge on the River Kwai will be shown at the famous Castro Theatre in San Francisco. The showings are from September 10th - 16th. This is a great theatre to see this classic film. More info here.

Kwai Restoration Discussed

sorgan@arkmediainc.com — 2010-08-20T07:29:47-07:00

On August 8th, the Plaza Theatre in El Paso Texas premiered the brand new digital print of “The Bridge on the River Kwai.” To accompany this show, the El Paso Times posted an interesting article on its third reconstruction and digital scanning process. Interesting reading.

DavidLean.com on Twitter

sorgan@arkmediainc.com — 2010-08-03T14:53:56-07:00

DavidLean.com now has a Twitter account where you can add us and find out all the latest information on David Lean and his films. You can follow us by clicking here.