quote:

Originally posted by Paul-M:
Actually about 2.12:1 on my DVD copy... I'm more concerned about the loss of 20 minutes in the runtime, and I've complained to C4 by email.

The wording in your post is a little confusing, Paul (especially since I regularly forget to take the right medication these days ). When you say the film was 2.12:1 on your 'DVD', do you mean a DVD you bought from a shop, or the broadcast version which you burnt to DVD-R? If it's the latter, I'm surprised - the overscan on my TV must be worse than I thought!!

As for the loss of 20 minutes worth of footage, that's definitely woirth complaining about, though I'm sure C4 wouldn't have done it deliberately. Or maybe they would...

The broadcast version of IQBAL, copied to DVD-R, then measured with CursorPos on my "no overscan" PC flat panel screen (which I've checked with the "1.33 Overscan Pattern" chart on my Digital Video Essentials calibration disc).

Channel 4 have replied to my complaint about runtime, saying only that the version they broadcast was supplied to them by the distributor. That doesn't surprise me in the least, although it leaves me wondering whether the UK DVD would be an improvement, in terms of runtime and aspect ratio! I couldn't find any reviews.

Oh well, at least I now have an OAR recording of THE SATAN BUG. It looks like a different source from the one used for the previous C4 1.78:1 broadcasts. There was visible print damage in today's broadcast at 12:19 which wasn't present in the 1.78:1 version.

There was visible print damage in today's broadcast at 12:19 which wasn't present in the 1.78:1 version.

More ambiguity! THE SATAN BUG was broadcast at 4:35 p.m. The print damage occurred at 12min 19sec from start of film.

Thanks for that clarification, Paul.

IQBAL runs 126 minutes on home video according to the BBFC's website, which tallies with the theatrical print of 132 minutes (PAL speed-up, and all that). How long was C4's print, I wonder? And if it wasn't 126 minutes, where on earth did the shorter version come from, I wonder?

Yes, it was nice to see THE SATAN BUG at the full Panavision dimensions for the first time on terrestrial/Freeview. I noticed the print damage you mentioned, and I can also report the soundtrack was full of cracks and pops (I listened to the film through a 5.1 amplifier, though the soundtrack was mono). Not so loud that they distracted from the entertainment value, but noticeable nonetheless.

Virgin 1 screened CHINA MOON at something around 2.00:1 last night (at least, that's how the AR appeared on my TV). Not the full enchilada, of course, and the channel is one of far too many on Freeview which don't broadcast in 16:9, but I thought I'd bring it to everyone's attention anyway. They did the same thing with NELL last week, which may indicate an ongoing pattern.

I do wish these forums weren't closed for posting between midnight and 8 a.m. It's the time when I try to do most of my internet business, because my ISP (PlusNet) offers free downloads during that period!

Emails on IQBAL (excluding salutations etc).

Me to C4

quote:

The C4 network premiere of IQBAL (2005) at 00:55 on 5 November seems to have been heavily cut.

According to the BBFC website, the original theatrical release had a runtime of 132m 8s, and the video release had a runtime of 126m 26s (4% PAL speedup).

C4's broadcast occupied a 2 hour time slot. However, the runtime of the film, after removing the introduction and adverts, was only 106m 33s, almost 20m shorter.

No doubt there are good reasons for your broadcast of a heavily cut version, and for your failure to warn viewers beforehand. I'd like to hear them, please.

C4 reply (as received - not corrected)

quote:

We apologise if you felt the film was editied excessively; the version broadcast yesterday morning on Channel 4 was provided to Channel 4 by the distributor for trammission.

Please be assured that your complaint regarding the matter has been logged and distributed throughout Channel 4.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate all feedback from our viewers; complimentary or otherwise.

Though it was nice to see FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX being shown at the original Panavision ratio, I was alarmed to see this 12 certificate film scheduled twice in a pre-watershed slot last week (3 - 9 Nov), occasioning several cuts for language and violence. And there's no sign of the uncut version being scheduled appropriately anytime soon.

It's my own fault for choosing to watch it, given that it was obvious there were going to be edits. But to be honest, I'm offended that a dedicated movie channel would run such films at inappropriate times and then neglect to mention they've been edited before the broadcast itself. Film 4 has promised to list edited versions on their website, but when I went to check it out a couple of minutes ago, my computer froze up completely and I was forced to go offline altogether and start all over again - that's the last time I'm checking out their online listings, and no mistake!! When all's said and done, however, they shouldn't be running edited versions of any films, at any time, for any reason. And cutting the 'S' word after 7pm just because some prude might find it offensive, or might use their kids as an excuse to complain, is just plain cowardly, and means any film rated higher than U is going to suffer some degree of editing in an early evening slot.

INNOCENCE turned out to have been shot in Super 16 for a 2.39:1 release print, and Film 4 duly screened it at the original ratio - striped across the top of the screen. I switched the damn thing off immediately.

And was it my imagination, or was the 1.78:1 version of THE CRYING GAME broadcast on Film 4 subject to a noticeable squeeze? Characters seemed a little thinner than expected, and the geometry looked more than a little 'off'. Anyone else notice this, or was my medication on the blink that night? As for everything else broadcast last week -

A bottle of Dom Perignon to all those responsible for the following properly-framed widescreen movies on Film 4:

BATS
BROKEN ARROW
FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX
INNOCENCE
K-PAX
THE RIVER'S EDGE
ROUNDERS
THE SATAN BUG

And a bottle of Tesco's plonk to all those responsible for the following cropped/altered movies:

THE CRYING GAME
GALLIPOLI
G.I. JANE
WITHOUT A PADDLE

Though nothing is guaranteed, there's more chance of seeing both ELEKTRA and HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS at the original 2.39:1 ratio on Film 4 than was ever possible on Channel 4, though if the latter *is* screened in scope, it will no doubt be striped across the top of the screen. Wholly, completely unnecessary, and I won't be tuning in for any other reason than to confirm the broadcast aspect ratio, before switching off as soon as possible.

Elsewhere, Film 4 should place GLADIATOR on a moratorium (for crying out loud, enough already!), while other channels should do the same with THE BEACH and THE SIEGE, both of which are becoming ubiquitous 'filler' for channels who seem to be wholly cash-strapped and/or suffering a complete lack of imagination.

Oh, and the BBC is screening - yet again! - the edited, re-scored and much-reviled US-release version of LEGEND, which is not only cropped to 1.78:1, but doesn't even represent the director's original intentions. Does the phrase "waste of time" spring to anyone else's mind?...

KINGS AND QUEEN (Film 4) and EXILES (BBC4) were both shot in one widescreen format or another, but I haven't been able to confirm which one. And SWADES (Channel 4) may have been shot in scope, but I wasn't able to confirm it beforehand.



17 - 23 November



Film 4

8MM (Super 35)

BLOW OUT (Panavision)

ELEKTRA (Panavision)

GLADIATOR [2000] (Super 35)

HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS [Shi Mian Mai Fu] (Super 35)

JEAN DE FLORETTE (Technovision)

KIDNAPPED [1971] (Panavision)
KINGS AND QUEEN [Rois et Reine]

THE MACHINIST [El Maquinista] (Super 35)
MANON DES SOURCES: JEAN DE FLORETTE 2ème PARTIE (Technovision)

OUT OF TIME [2003] (Super 35)

STEALING BEAUTY [Io Ballo da Sola] (Super 35)

URBAN LEGEND (Super 35)

THE WOODLANDERS (Panavision)



Terrestrial / Freeview

ABOUT A BOY (Super 35)
ARIZONA RAIDERS (Techniscope)

THE BEACH (Super 35)
THE BLACK TENT (VistaVision) [1.85:1]

COPYCAT (Panavision)

DAYS OF THUNDER (Panavision)
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (Panavision)
DONNIE DARKO (Panavision)

EXILES [Exils]

FALLING DOWN (Panavision)
FIGHT CLUB (Super 35)
FREE WILLY (Panavision)

GERONIMO [1962] (Panavision)
GUNMAN'S WALK (CinemaScope)

HEAVEN (Super 35)
HITCH (Super 35)

JERSEY GIRL (Panavision)

LEGEND (J-D-C Scope)

MATILDA (Super 35)

THE RISING: BALLAD OF MANGAL PANDEY (Super 35)
THE RUSSIA HOUSE (Technovision)

SCENES OF A SEXUAL NATURE (Super 35)
THE SIEGE (Super 35)
SMALL SOLDIERS (Super 35)
STAR TREK: NEMESIS (Panavision)
SWADES
SWAT (Super 35)

VERONICA GUERIN (Super 35)



Next update: Tuesday 20 November

BBC4 screened a properly-framed version of LIFE AND NOTHING BUT last week (10-16 Nov), though it was an old TV print, formatted in 4:3 with the 2.39:1 frame letterboxed within that smaller screen area (prompting the use of the 'Zoom' button on anyone with a 16:9 TV). And saints be praised, the subtitles were half-on/half-off the scope frame, and it didn't compromise the image one iota! Are you listening, Film 4? Do you care?...

In related news, GURU turned out to have been filmed in Super 35, but Channel 4 ran it striped across the top of the screen. This, despite an introductory segment preceding the film containing beautifully-rendered images striped across the centre of the screen, where they belong. Truly, my feelings on this subject would require the use of several very strong swear words, so I'll refrain from going over the top, but I truly, truly wish Channel 4/Film 4 would STOP DOING THIS!! And if not, why not?

Sadly, as expected, BBC1's print of HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH was still censored. In the hospital murder scene, the uncut version shows the victim having fingers dug into his eyes and the bridge of his nose being pulled out (charming!). And the scene in which 'Marge Guttman' uses a needle to fiddle with a badge from one of Mr. Cochran's Halloween masks and ends up being blasted in the mouth with a bolt of sonic energy originally concluded with a shot of her removing her hands from her face, revealing a gaping hole from which several spiders emerge.

As for the widescreen films on Film 4 last week:

The sublime beauty of Ave Maria to all those responsible for the following properly-framed widescreen movies:

ALIEN
BATS
GLADIATOR
I COULD GO ON SINGING
L.A. CONFIDENTIAL
ROUNDERS
THE SATAN BUG
THE STRAIGHT STORY
URBAN LEGEND

And the sublime beauty of Agadoo to all those responsible for the following cropped/altered movies:

G.I. JANE
KIDNAPPED

Still not sure which widescreen format was used on KINGS AND QUEEN (probably Super 35, though the filmmakers might have dusted the cobwebs off a set of anamorphic lenses instead), but Film 4 is scheduled to show it again next week, no doubt striped across the top of the screen. And no doubt I'll put my foot through the screen when they do.

But not before checking out next week's broadcast of THE TRUE STORY OF JESSE JAMES. Will it be letterboxed to the correct dimensions? Will it contain hideous animal cruelty, or will it conform to the BBFC's (and therefore Ofcom's) requirements? And will the 4-track stereo soundtrack still be completely unbalanced, or has it been corrected? Or will they just plump for plain old mono? I'm on the edge of me seat in anticipation...



24 - 30 November



Film 4

ELEKTRA (Panavision)

FIGHT CLUB (Super 35)

HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS [Shi Mian Mai Fu] (Super 35)
THE HUSTLER (CinemaScope)

I COULD GO ON SINGING (Panavision)
I STILL KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER (Panavision)

KINGS AND QUEEN [Rois et Reine]

MR. AND MRS. SMITH (Super 35)

PATRIOT GAMES (Panavision)
THE PROPOSITION (Super 35)

A SHOT IN THE DARK (Panavision)

THE TRUE STORY OF JESSE JAMES (CinemaScope)



Terrestrial / Freeview

ALONG CAME A SPIDER (Panavision)
ANNIE (Panavision)

THE BANGER SISTERS (Panavision)
BEHIND THE SUN [Abril Despedeçado] (Super 35)
BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY (Panavision)

DAYS OF THUNDER (Panavision)

ELECTION [1999] (Super 35)

GO (Super 35)

HARD RAIN (Super 35)
HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART 1 (Panavision)

THE JOURNEY OF NATTY GANN (Panavision)

MAVERICK (Panavision)
ME WITHOUT YOU (Panavision)
MR. HOBBS TAKES A VACATION (CinemaScope)
THE MUMMY [1999] (Panavision)

NORTH BY NORTHWEST (VistaVision) [1.85:1]

OCTANE (Super 35)
THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES (Panavision)

PALE RIDER (Panavision)
PAYBACK (Super 35)
PERFECT (Panavision)

THE SIEGE (Super 35)
STAR TREK: NEMESIS (Panavision)
SUPERBABIES: BABY GENIUSES 2 (Super 35)

VERA CRUZ (Superscope) [2.00:1]

xXx: THE NEXT LEVEL [xXx: State of the Union] (Super 35)



Next update: Tuesday 27 November

Just to follow up the previous entry, KINGS AND QUEEN was filmed in Super 35 and, from the little I saw of it, qualifies as one of those films shot in widescreen for no good reason whatsoever. None of the compositions would have looked any different at 1.85:1 or even 1.37:1, with only a little extra head-room necessary to make a difference to the stifling close-ups and TV-friendly medium shots. Absolutely dreadful.

Before reporting on last week's shenanigans over at Film 4 and elsewhere, there are two issues worth covering here: First, something I should have mentioned earlier. Though correctly transmitted at 2.39:1, the recent broadcast of L.A. CONFIDENTIAL seems to have been a little misframed, with a larger black border at the top of the screen than at the bottom, which was rather off-putting. This was unusual because the previous broadcast (also framed at 2.39:1) was properly striped across the dead centre of the screen. Anyone else notice this discrepancy?

Secondly, I think I may have found out why Film 4 keeps screening a 2.00:1 version of DEEP RED, rather than the original 2.39:1 version. Their print appears to have been the same as that issued on DVD in the UK by Blackhorse Entertainment, which I was unfortunate enough to purchase recently. Though it sounded like a bargain, with the full Italian print and the - much superior - International Version (twenty minutes shorter), it turned out to be nothing of the sort. First, the International version was framed at around 1.90:1, while the Italian print was about 2.00:1 (they may be slightly wider, but that's what they looked like when subjected to my TV overscan), far short of the original width. This is a film which deserves to be seen at full visual strength or not at all, as it's one of the finest examples of Techniscope photography in horror film history. Secondly, the original mono soundtrack has been completely ditched in favour of a 5.1 remix, which is nothing more or less than a home video revision of The Real Thing (and done for no other reason than the technology allowed the distributors to do so). The removal of some vile animal cruelty footage (including a shot of a lizard with a needle driven through its body, for which Dario Argento should never be forgiven) was always going to be a deal-breaker for UK fans, but I was happy enough to put up with the removal of such crap. However, the incorrect aspect ratio and insultingly remixed soundtrack made the disc fit only for the bin, which is where it went. I'll stick to the Anchor Bay version, thanks very much (even though that has its issues, too).

Channel 4 ran a couple of Indian films last week (17-23 Nov) which deserve a mention. I really wanted to see THE RISING: BALLAD OF MANGAL PANDEY, but switched off immediately when I found it striped across the top of the screen. I'd really like to know who thought this practice was a good idea, and tell him/her exactly what I think of this irritating stupidity. Even though I've asked for an explanation many times in this thread (given that previous examples of subtitled films striped across the centre of the screen with part of the subs 'intruding' into the frame have proved beyond doubt that shoving the image to the top of the 16:9 frame is COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY!!), it's still going on, months after it first started. SWADES: WE, THE PEOPLE (on-screen title) turned out to have been filmed with anamorphic lenses, and while that, too, was striped across the top of the screen, there was still a small matte at the top, indicating a smaller-than-usual central image. As you may have gathered, I ABSOLUTELY HATE AND DETEST THIS PRACTICE ("Well, I never!" I hear you cry), and I've had no choice but to avoid most of this year's crop of 'Bollywood' films on C4 for that very reason. Way to go, guys - bravo! Not...

Now, I know what you're thinking. Something along the lines of: "Aww, stop yer whinging, and tell us which widescreen films were given the Royal treatment on Film 4 last week, before I hire hitmen to put you out of yer bleedin' misery!!" Your wish is my command:

A hairdressing appointment with Vidal Sassoon to those responsible for the following properly-framed movies:

8MM
BLOW OUT
ELEKTRA
GLADIATOR
HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS
JEAN DE FLORETTE
KINGS AND QUEEN
THE MACHINIST
MANON DES SOURCES: JEAN DE FLORETTE 2ème PARTIE
OUT OF TIME
STEALING BEAUTY
URBAN LEGEND

And a hairdressing appointment with Sweeney Todd to those responsible for the following cropped/altered movies:

KIDNAPPED
THE WOODLANDERS

I've been reading your posts with interests, Libretio. The timing of my routine daily visits (00:00 - 02:00, i.e. during the forums' closed period) coupled with these forums' amazing ability to gobble up my scarce bandwidth, even with animations and pictures turned off (I pay for 1GB a month, and try not to incur excess charges) tend to discourage chatty replies - but I thought one was now overdue!

I know how much you hate C4/Film 4's framing of foreign films. You've missed some good films, mate, but I suppose you wouldn't be able to appreciate them if you are fuming about the framing. Still, you have a chance tonight to see a properly framed Indian, although it's a 1929 "silent", so it will probably be 4:3.

Going back over your comments in earlier posts:

CHINA MOON - looked at the reviews, and gave it a miss.

NELL - didn't watch (I own it on DVD).

FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX - recorded on DVD-R. Film 4 website, which I checked beforehand, mentioned cuts for language and violence, but I didn't notice any obvious cuts, and the runtime was pretty close to BBFC, allowing for faster end titles. In any event, it's not one I care to buy on DVD, although I may re-record if it gets a post-watershed showing. Your problems with the Film 4 website sound similar to those I used to have with the find-dvd site, with my previous PC, when I was using Windows 98SE and IE5.5. I switched to Firefox for that site, and had no more problems. (Now I'm using Windows XP Prof/SP2 and IE 7.)

INNOCENCE - recorded on DVD-R.

THE CRYING GAME - didn't watch (I own it on DVD).

ELEKTRA - didn't watch (I own it on DVD).

HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS - didn't watch (I own it on DVD).

GLADIATOR - didn't watch (I own it on DVD).

THE BEACH - didn't watch (I own it on DVD).

THE SIEGE - didn't watch this time (watched it on 22/10/07. Looked cropped, not open matte).

LEGEND - didn't watch (I own it on DVD - R1 Ultimate Edition).

KINGS AND QUEEN - recorded on DVD-R.

EXILES - recorded on DVD-R. (Shown 1.78;1, except main and end titles. Probably cropped, although it didn't look too bad to me).

SWADES - recorded on DVD-R. (First 40 minutes, and last 32 minutes (corresponding to first and last ad free segments) were in 2.49:1; rest of film varied between 2.38:1 and 2.30:1).

LIFE AND NOTHING BUT - recorded on PVR, so I noticed the correct AR, albeit on 4:3 frame. I didn't watch it - I'm waiting for the R1 DVD to arrive. (I've also ordered the R1 DVDs of A WALK TO REMEMBER and DOUBLE JEOPARDY, following cropped screenings on BBC and ITV).

GURU - recorded on DVD-R.

HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH - didn't watch (I own it on DVD - R1 Universal, OAR, uncut).

L.A. CONFIDENTIAL - didn't watch (I own it on DVD).

DEEP RED - didn't watch (I own it on DVD - R1 Anchor Bay).

THE RISING: BALLAD OF MANGAL PANDEY - recorded on DVD-R.

THE WOODLANDERS - didn't watch this time, because I have a DVD-R recording from a previous broadcast in June 2006. My db note says I thought it was open matte, not cropped.

KIDNAPPED - well, that was definitely cropped, and I cancelled the recording as soon as I noticed it.

Have C4 contacted you about ‘The TV Show’?

Nice to hear from you again, Paul.

The timing of my routine daily visits (00:00 - 02:00, i.e. during the forums' closed period) coupled with these forums' amazing ability to gobble up my scarce bandwidth... tend to discourage chatty replies

I tend to write long replies such as this one offline and simply cut 'n' paste. Saves eating into my online time.

I know how much you hate C4/Film 4's framing of foreign films. You've missed some good films, mate, but I suppose you wouldn't be able to appreciate them if you are fuming about the framing.

My hatred of this practice grows stronger with every film I'm basically forced to miss, for the very reasons you cite.

FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX - recorded on DVD-R. Film 4 website, which I checked beforehand, mentioned cuts for language and violence, but I didn't notice any obvious cuts, and the runtime was pretty close to BBFC, allowing for faster end titles.

And still no sign of a post-watershed screening! Sadly, COACH CARTER is scheduled for December screenings as one of the channel's 'Early Evening' films, but it was classified 12, so edits are expected anytime before 9pm. This would not be a problem if an uncut version was scheduled for the very same week (or shortly thereafter), but this seems to have eluded the boffins at Film 4.

They still cling to this offensive notion that every possible bit of rudeness must be scrubbed clean before a certain time of day, which - as I said in an earlier posting - means that virtually every film produced since about 1975, rated higher than a U certificate, is likely to be edited in the early evening slot (or the afternoon, for that matter). But the solution is simple: Show the edited version, but warn viewers before the film begins (don't consign such info to to a website that most people won't bother to consult), and/or schedule an uncut version within a few days.

THE WOODLANDERS - didn't watch this time, because I have a DVD-R recording from a previous broadcast in June 2006. My db note says I thought it was open matte, not cropped.

This comment made me consult my database, where I discovered - to my horror! - the film was actually shot in Super 35, and not anamorphic Panavision, as I noted in its last appearance here in this thread. So Film 4 may well have run an open matte version, as you say. I've given the person responsible for such reckless incompetence (ie. me) three lashes and a job in HM Customs & Revenues...

Expect edits in the early evening transmission of GHOST BUSTERS on Film 4 next week (in fact, it would be handy if someone could provide a list of edited titles on this thread - all films, not just scope movies - taken from Film 4's online listings, which I can't access without crashing my computer), which may be exacerbated if the film is also cropped to 1.78:1.

I can't confirm whether THE LAST WAGON (produced in 1956) was photographed at either 2.35:1 or 2.55:1, which may become a moot point anyway if Film 4 crops that, too.

E4 is screening INDEPENDENCE DAY, so the two of you who may have missed the many, MANY screenings of late may want to check out whether it's framed at 2.39:1 (it was properly letterboxed on its recent Channel 4 broadcast, which I assumed was an accident).

Elsewhere, ITV4 is running a 'tribute' to John Carpenter next week which involves cropping all of his Panavision films to hell and back in a way he never intended. Some tribute.



1 - 7 December



Film 4

FIGHT CLUB (Super 35)

GHOST BUSTERS (Panavision)

THE HOUSE OF MIRTH (Arriscope)

I COULD GO ON SINGING (Panavision)

THE LAST WAGON (CinemaScope)

MR. & MRS. SMITH (Super 35)

THE PROPOSITION (Super 35)

STUCK ON YOU (Panavision)

THE TRUE STORY OF JESSE JAMES (CinemaScope)

VAMPIRES (Panavision)

THE WORLD [Shi Jie] (HD Widescreen)



Terrestrial / Freeview

BAD BOYS II (Super 35)
BITE THE BULLET (Panavision)
THE BOURNE IDENTITY (Super 35)

THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE [1968] (Panavision)
CHRISTINE (Panavision)

THE DESCENT (Super 35)
DRAGOON WELLS MASSACRE (CinemaScope)
DUDLEY DO-RIGHT (Super 35)

ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK (Panavision)

THE FOG [1979] (Panavision)

GAMBIT (Techniscope)
THE GAUNTLET (Panavision)

HOUR OF THE GUN (Panavision)

I HEART HUCKABEES (Panavision)
INDEPENDENCE DAY (Super 35)

MAD MAX 2 (Panavision)

RED PLANET (Panavision)

THE SHERIFF OF FRACTURED JAW (CinemaScope)
STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE (Hawk Scope)

THE THING (Panavision)

VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED [1995] (Panavision)

WHALE RIDER (Super 35)



Next update: Tuesday 4 December

I tend to write long replies such as this one offline and simply cut 'n' paste. Saves eating into my online time.

Two great minds at work here! But although I've been drafting posts in "Word" - easier, and safer too, IMO - for some time, I don't bother going offline to do it. Keeping my internet connection open uses negligible bandwidth: I only get "charged" for downloads, and I get free usage between midnight and 8 a.m. My present routine is to switch on my PC about 10 p.m., and finish by about 2 a.m. Naturally, I do my lowest priority tasks last, and I defer high bandwidth tasks until after midnight. C4 forums are in my lowest priority group, and also use relatively high bandwidth, so I rarely get round to visiting them until after midnight. By that time, they are closed for posting - unlike the other forums I visit - and this usually acts as a "cooling off" period. Of course, if I can't completely suppress the urge to post, I can arrange to visit the forums before midnight at a later date…

list of edited titles…

I wish you luck in your quest for a volunteer. BTW, have you tried using another browser? As I mentioned before, your problem sounds very similar to one I used to have with the find-dvd website, and I cured it by using Firefox for that site instead of Internet Explorer 5.5.

ITV4 is running a 'tribute' to John Carpenter next week…

Fortunately, I have 17 of Our Blessed Lord JC's films on DVD, so it is unlikely that I will need to see what sort of mess ITV4 make of their tribute to Him.

I only watched a few minutes of THE TRUE STORY OF JESSE JAMES on Film 4 last week (24-30 Nov), but it was interesting nonetheless. It may have been nothing more than my imagination, but the soundtrack didn't seem as distorted as before - most of the balance seemed to have been restored. However, there were clear instances of dialogue coming from front and rear speakers at the same time, which caused the dialogue to sound as if it were 'suspended in mid-air' rather than coming from the screen-plane where it belonged.

The animal cruelty footage had also been removed. In this version, the shots of the two horses falling from the cliff were shortened so the actual sight of the animals themselves was completely eliminated. All that remained were a couple of splashes as the stuntmen hit the water below. Good on Film 4 for deleting this vile crap.

As for everything else on the channel last week - saints be praised! - all widescreen films were broadcast at their original scope dimensions. An accident of scheduling, perhaps, but still worthy of praise. Great stuff!

So, a slap-up meal to everyone responsible for the following correctly-framed titles:

ELEKTRA
FIGHT CLUB
HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS
THE HUSTLER
I COULD GO ON SINGING
I STILL KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER
KINGS AND QUEEN
MR. AND MRS. SMITH
PATRIOT GAMES
THE PROPOSITION
A SHOT IN THE DARK
THE TRUE STORY OF JESSE JAMES

And a slap in the gob to absolutely no one at all!!

As I mentioned in an earlier posting, I'm told the horse-falls removed from THE TRUE STORY OF JESSE JAMES was actually taken from the 1939 film JESSE JAMES, screened on BBC2 this afternoon (1 Dec). If what I'm told is true, then the Beeb removed not only the horse-falls, but also the run-up to the cliff edge, too:

While being pursued by a vengeful posse, the two outlaws are seen pausing briefly, followed by a shot of the pursuing lawmen, followed by a shot of the outlaws already in the river, with no explanation as to how they got there. This may have been perceived by the BBC as a 'smoother' bridge, to eliminate the cruelty without creating a sudden jump, but it still looked a little odd.

I think Film 4 got it just about right when they kept most of the offending shots intact, removing only the visual evidence of animal cruelty.

A few weeks ago, I had thought the 2.39:1 broadcast of INDEPENDENCE DAY on Channel 4 was a mistake, though the screening of THE DESCENT (a terrestrial premiere, no less) at the same ratio last night made me think again. A brave move, possibly gauging audience reaction (surely most people have a 16:9 TV, at least for their primary viewing?), though at this point in time, it's hard to understand why this film was broadcast at the correct ratio and not that one, if you see what I mean. This was good news for movie fans, however, and a decision to be applauded. Where C4 leads, others tend to follow (though I'd hate for anyone to follow the example of striping subtitled films across the top of the 16:9 frame - ugh!!]).

Not so much a creeping sense of deja vu in next week's widescreen listings, more a galloping sense of it. Some people are beginning to complain about too many repeats on Film 4, and looking at the schedule, it's hard to disagree with that particular assertion. Most of these films have been given a good airing across the TV spectrum over the years, and while they do screen a handful of new titles each month, these are easily outnumbered by a range of overly-familiar movies. I like the idea of mixing Hollywood blockbusters with independent films, but the focus seems extremely narrow on both sides of the equation, with what seems like the same old titles trotted out on a regular basis. Now that the channel is fully committed to preserving the original aspect ratio wherever possible, the major area of concern is pre-watershed editing of unsuitable titles and the lack of proper warning (GHOST BUSTERS is still only scheduled for an early evening slot next week, with no corresponding post-watershed uncut broadcast in sight).

Of course, it isn't just Film 4 - cropping and editing is happening on every other terrestrial/Freeview channel on a daily basis, and the commercial channels have long been notorious for the excessive number of adverts which now clog up the airwaves, made worse by sponsorship which simply adds to the increasing irritation. In