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World
3-D Film Expo Update
Read Glenn
Erickson's Review column of the screening of GOG
at the World 3-D Film Expo!
World
3-D Film Expo Announces Film Lineup
Special guest speakers include Julia Adams (Creature
from the Black Lagoon), Rhonda Fleming (Inferno) and Kathryn
Grayson (Kiss Me Kate).
 SabuCat
Productions will present the largest 3-D tribute show ever
mounted anywhere in history, from Friday, September 12 -
Sunday, September 21 at the Egyptian Theatre (6712 Hollywood
Boulevard) in Hollywood. The 10 day festival, which celebrates
the golden era of 3-D filmmaking, will include many of the
best known 3-D titles of the 1950's, such as House of
Wax, Kiss Me Kate and Creature from the Black Lagoon,
but will also offer fans of the format an opportunity to
see some of the more obscure 3-D movies, many of which have
not been seen in 3-D in over 50 years! L.A. Premieres include
The Nebraskan, Flight to Tangier, Jesse James vs. The
Daltons, The Glass Web. The films star favorites from
the golden age such as Rock Hudson, Rita Hayworth, Dean
Martin, Jerry Lewis, Vincent Price, the Three Stooges, Casper
the Ghost, Beany & Cecil and many others.
In all, 33 features and 21 short subjects will be shown
along with a "rarities" show consisting of rare,
wonderful, stereoscopic images, many of which have never
been seen in a public setting. In person guests will speak
at selected screenings. Guests will be announced as they
are confirmed. See the movie listings below to find out
some of the special guests including Rhonda Fleming (Inferno),
Julia Adams (Creature from the Black Lagoon) and
more. All prints will be 35mm and run in the "double-interlock",
Polaroid System, the original method (and still the best
method) for showing true 3-D. All guests listed below are
appearing schedule permitting.
Festival organizer Jeff Joseph says, "Many of the
prints that we're running are the last in existence... and
in some cases the original negatives no longer exist. Due
to the complexity of projecting these films in the stereoscopic
format, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to
experience these movies the way they were meant to be seen."
It has been over 50 years (November 26th, 1952) since Bwana
Devil, opened at the Paramount Theater in Hollywood.
While not the first 3-D feature film (which was Power
of Love, U.S.A., 1922), the popularity of Bwana Devil
was the direct cause of the production of a total of 50
3-D films from 1952 through 1955, often referred to as the
golden era of 3-D.
The following is a complete schedule of the series. Shorts
will precede the feature unless noted otherwise. All shows
will be presented with an intermission as they were originally
shown. Guests attending each show are listed at the end
of the film synopsis. If you are interested in learning
more about tickets, press information, etc. please see the
bottom of this press release.
The Festival kicks off on Friday, September 12 at 7 p.m.
with House of Wax (1953, 88 min., color) directed
by Andre de Toth. Cast: VINCENT PRICE, PHYLLIS KIRK, FRANK
LOVEJOY. Fifty years later, House of Wax still thrills,
entertains and reveals stereoscopic wonder. Jack Warner
invented the term "sensation," and set his technicians
to building a 3-D camera in December 1952, just after the
opening of Bwana Devil. But as the Warner 3-D camera
would take a few months to build, Jack contracted with Milton
Gunzburg to use the Natural Vision cameras (used first on
Bwana Devil). In a matter of days, a reworked script
from 1933's Mystery of the Wax Museum became The
Wax Works and finally House of Wax. Advertised
as the "First 3-D Film from a Major Studio," House
of Wax was and still is the quintessential 3-D film.
A wonderful blend of ageless story, good color, fun settings,
and another 3-D first: stereophonic sound. Although the
one-eyed director de Toth couldn't see 3-D, he understood
perspective and framing better than many cameramen. Jack
Warner demanded de Toth have at least some 3-D "gags"
and the most obvious is the famous paddle ball scene featuring
Reggie Rymal. Sadly, Andre de Toth passed away Oct. 28,
2002 and Reggie Rymal Dec. 25, 2002.
Guests: Paul Picerni (lead actor) and Mrs. Andre de Toth
are scheduled to attend.
With short film, Motor Rhythm (1939, 10 min., color)
One of the earliest examples of 3-D, this short was created
by John Norling for the 1939 World's Fair. Not seen theatrically
in over 50 years, we're going to have one of the first public
screenings of this stop-motion rarity. This clever novelty
short simulates the manufacture of an automobile. Dancing
to the beat of the music, the automotive parts find their
own particular places in the mechanism.
Friday, September 12 at 9:30 p.m.
STRANGER WORE A GUN, THE (1953, 83 min., color) Cast:
RANDOLPH SCOTT, CLAIRE TREVOR, LEE MARVIN. Director: ANDRE
DE TOTH. Columbia brought in one-eyed director Andre de
Toth (House of Wax) to be the trail boss of Randolph
Scott, Claire Trevor, Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine and other
characters. Typical western plot of the time, but many more
3-D gags than House of Wax, so duck! Not seen in
3-D in over 50 years!
Saturday, September 13 at 11:15 p.m.
GORILLA AT LARGE (1954, 84 min., color) Cast: CAMERON
MITCHELL, ANNE BANCROFT, RAYMOND BURR. Director: HARMON
JONES. Fox's second 3-D feature, set in a carnival involving
a killer gorilla. Bancroft is radiant, Mitchell young, and
Burr sinister with an excellent supporting role by Lee J.
Cobb. Watch for Lee Marvin's bit.
Saturday, September 13 at 1:30 p.m.
CAT-WOMEN OF THE MOON (1954, 64 min., b&w) Cast:
SONY TUFTS, VICTOR JORY, MARIE WINDSOR. Director: ARTHUR
HILTON. Astronauts land on the moon and get in trouble when
they meet a race of leotard-clad humanoid cats. So-bad-it's-good
sci-fi appeals to trashy camp fans with its cheesy art direction
and lurid cat fights. Music by... Elmer Bernstein!
With short film, Adventures Of Sam Space (10 min.,
color) A dramatic flight to the year 2001, when Earth is
at war with pirate planets from outer space! This cartoon
was not released until 1960, as Space-Attack, when
it ran with September Storm. And even then, it was
run in CinemaScope, distorted from its correct aspect ratio.
This cartoon has been completely lost until now. We will
be presenting a brand new, fully restored print!
Saturday, September 13 at 4:15 p.m.
GOG (1954, 85 min., color) Cast: RICHARD EGAN, CONSTANCE
DOWLING. Director: HERBERT L. STROCK. This very rare title
hasn't been seen in 3-D since its premier over 50 years
ago! One of the last 3-D's of the golden era, it evokes
memories of the 1950's TV show Science Fiction Theater.
Directed by Herbert L. Strock, who is planning to attend
the screening and who also hasn't seen this film in 3-D
in over half a century!
Saturday, September 13 at 7 p.m.
KISS ME KATE (1953, 109 min., color) Cast: HOWARD
KEEL, KATHRYN GRAYSON. Director: GEORGE SIDNEY (II). MGM's
big 3-D production of the famous Broadway play. Flawless
3-D, colorful production numbers (including Bob Fosse),
energetic direction from George Sidney. First time shown
in stereophonic sound in Los Angeles in 50 years! Certainly
a classic in many respects.
Guests: KATHRYN GRAYSON, TOMMY RALL, WILLIAM TUTTLE (MAKEUP
ARTIST). Q&A to follow the screening.
With short, Lumber Jack Rabbit (1953, 7 min., color)
Excellent Bugs Bunny cartoon, directed by Chuck Jones. Bugs
Bunny wanders into the land of giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan
and his equally huge dog. Bugs, after the huge carrot patch,
outwits the giant hound.
Saturday, September 13 at 10:15 p.m.
In Stereophonic Sound for the first time in 50 years! IT
CAME FROM OUTER SPACE (1953, 81 min., b&w) Cast:
RICHARD CARLSON, BARBARA RUSH. Director: JACK ARNOLD. Universal
also took notice of Bwana Devil's success and quickly
constructed their own 3-D camera. Secrecy surrounded their
first 3-D film which started filming in January, 1953, based
on a story by Ray Bradbury. A highly atmospheric film which
stands on it own without 3-D. Arnold spares the 3-D gimmicks,
allowing a few "natural" effects to remind us
it's a 3-D adventure. One of the top five 3-D films, the
"space" special effects are 1953 modest budget.
Yet, allow yourself to fall into the 3-Dimensional heart
of this serious-themed sci-fi and you'll remember it forever.
Not seen in Polaroid 3-D in over 50 years!
Guest: Actress Kathleen Hughes will introduce the feature.
NOTE: The short subject, "Nat King Cole" follows
the feature presentation, as this is the order that these
were originally shown.
With short, Nat King Cole With Russ Morgan's Orchestra
(1953, 20 min., b&w) The great Nat "King"
Cole sings his hit song "Pretend," then swings
out with "It's Crazy." Russ Morgan and his Orchestra
play "Wang Wang Blues" (watch out for that sliding
trombone!) The Gene Louis Dancers enact "The Bull,"
songstress Joan Elms croons "Blue Moon" and the
Marvels perform some wild acrobatic stunts. This entertaining
musical short was prepared by Universal-International as
a companion piece to It Came from Outer Space, and
this is the first time they are being presented together
since 1953!
Sunday, September 14 at 1 p.m.
ROBOT MONSTER (1953, 63 min., b&w) Cast: GEORGE
NADER, CLAUDIA BARRETT. Director: PHIL TUCKER. Found on
most "worst film" lists, this is a must-see. Supposedly
shot on either a $15,000 or $20,000 budget over a few days
time, and it shows. But remarkably the B&W 3-D is generally
pretty good. George Nader and cast perform a living comic
book of sci-fi from a young boy's perspective...and this
flick hasn't been seen in 3-D in 50 years! Music by Elmer
Bernstein.
With short, Stardust In Your Eyes (1953, 4 min.,
b&w) Cast: SLICK SLAVIN. Made by the same people who
produced "Robot Monster", this short was designed
to be run before it, but: it never was. So, this is another
short that's never been seen, until now! Famous rockabilly
singer Slick Slavin shows us how various popular screen
stars will appear in the fabulous new medium of 3-D movies.
Sunday, September 14 at 2:45 p.m.
FLIGHT TO TANGIER (1953, 90 min., color) Cast: JACK
PALANCE, JOAN FONTAINE. Director: CHARLES MARQUIS WARREN.
This film has never played in 3-D in Los Angeles, even in
its original release. This will be it's Los Angeles 3-D
premiere! Perhaps Palance's first "good guy" role,
oddly cast with Fontaine. Certainly oil and water, but the
Technicolor 3-D is great. Not seen in 3-D in over 50 years!
This was one of only two films shot in Technicolor "3-strip"
AND 3-D... meaning six rolls of film were being shot at
the same time!
Sunday, September 14 at 5:45 p.m.
STEREO-TECHNIQUES 3-DIMENSION (1953, 50 min.) This
is a show consisting of five short subjects. After Bwana
Devil was released (but before the first studio films
came out), theaters needed some 3-D product. So they imported
five shorts and tied them together under the title Stereo
Techniques. Most of these shorts haven't been seen in
50 years, and certainly not in the format and way they were
intended. The shorts are
AROUND IS AROUND SHORT (1951, 10 min., color)
This short, produced by Norman McLaren, with 3-D supervision
by Raymond Spottiswoode, will be run as part of Stereo
Techniques. Lines and figures are used in color in an
abstract, animated, form.
BLACK SWAN SHORT (1952, 13 min., b&w)
This short will be run as part of Stereo Techniques.
This is a ballet subject with the story enacted to the
music of Tchaikovsky.
NOW IS THE TIME (TO PUT ON YOUR GLASSES) (1951,
3 min., color)
This short will be shown as part of Stereo Techniques.
This introductory film is based on a light, humorous angle.
Because the third-dimensional figures and system is so completely
different, this diversion sets the stage for the longer
subjects.
ROYAL RIVER (1951, 9 min., color)
This short will be run as part of Stereo Techniques.
In Technicolor, this is a casual trip on a slowly moving
boat down the Thames River, showing pictures of the English
countryside, touching on the foliage and rolling lawns.
An old castle along the shores is also seen, the cameras
picking up the entire vista. This gives the viewer the impression
of actually being present on the boat ride. A stunning,
wonderful 3-D short!
SOLID EXPLANATION (1951, 8 min., b&w)
This short will be run as part of Stereo Techniques.
This takes the audience into an English zoo, where the antics
of the giraffes, seals, fish and bird life are explained
by a British commentator.
Sunday, September 14 at 7 p.m.
CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (1954, 82 min., b&w)
Cast: RICHARD CARLSON, JULIA ADAMS. Director: JACK ARNOLD.
The last great Universal Horror Monster, the Creature is
both scary and sympathetic. This is a truly terrific film,
not to be missed. And it hasn't been seen in a theatrical
setting in proper Polaroid 3-D in 50 years until now!
Guest: Actress Julia Adams will appear in person after
the screening for discussion.
Sunday, September 14 at 9:15 p.m.
CHARGE AT FEATHER RIVER, THE (1953, 95 min., color)
Cast: GUY MADISON, FRANK LOVEJOY. Director: GORDON DOUGLAS
Warner Bros. second 3-D feature (after House of Wax has
some of the best 3-D photography and "comin' at ya"
effects shots ever done! Released in the summer of 1953,
this western has something for everyone!
Showing with: 3-D TRAILER SHOW
Monday, September 15 at 7 p.m.
ARENA (1953, 83 min., color) Cast: GIG YOUNG, JEAN
HAGEN director Richard Fleischer RICHARD FLEISCHER This
action-packed western has not been seen in 3-D in over 50
years! Thrilling rodeo scenes and the great direction of
Richard Fleischer make this a can't miss flick!
Special Guest: Barbara Lawrence, director Richard Fleischer,
George Wallace, Robert Horton, William Tuttle (Q&A to
follow the screening).
Monday, September 15 at 9:30 p.m.
REVENGE OF THE CREATURE (1955, 82 min., b&w)
Cast: JOHN AGAR, LORI NELSON. Director: JACK ARNOLD. Last
title from the golden era, this sequel to Creature from
the Black Lagoon is almost as good as the original;
entertaining and scary! The 3-D is right on, especially
the underwater scenes shot in Marineland's (Florida) big
tank. Fish swim out of the screen into your face. And check
out that fellow in the lab... Clint Eastwood! Not seen in
3-D in 50 years!
With short, Working For Peanuts (1953, 7 min., color)
Chip and Dale, two hard working chipmunks. have to search
for their daily meal of peanuts. Donald Duck is the zoo
keeper who tries to prevent them from stealing peanuts from
Dolores the elephant. This wonderful Disney cartoon had
very few 3-D playdates in its original November, 1953 release.
Tuesday, September 16 at 7 p.m.
Bwana Devil (1952, 79 min., color) Cast: ROBERT STACK,
BARBARA BRITTON, NIGEL BRUCE Director: ARCH OBOLER. 1952
through 1955 was the golden era of 3-D cinema. Worldwide
over 50 3-D films were made. Many are still the best examples
of stereoscopic film art. When the major studios turned
down Arch Oboler's idea to shoot a movie in 3-D, he did
it himself... the result was Bwana Devil, which was
the first 3-D feature to be seen around the world and was
the cause of the golden era of 3-D, which we are celebrating
at this festival. While in no way a classic, this film needs
to be seen in the proper format to be appreciated.
Special bonus: An interview with the late, unsung hero
of 3-D, Lothrup Worth.
With Short Film, M.L.GUNZBURG PRESENTS 3-D (1952,
6 min., b&w) Also known as "Time For Beany",
the short was produced by Gunzburg (one of the fathers of
3-D) to introduce audiences to the "Polaroid"
3-D process. This short was designed to go before Bwana
Devil, so that's where we're running it. Stars puppets
Beany and Cecil, with the assistance of Lloyd Nolan. Voices
by Daws Butler and Stan Freberg.
Guests: Shirley Tegge ("Miss 3-D") and Stan Freberg.
Tuesday, September 16 at 9:15 p.m.
DANGEROUS MISSION (1954, 75 min., color) Cast: VICTOR
MATURE, PIPER LAURIE. Director: LOUIS KING. RKO put together
a pretty good yarn with a good cast (including Vincent Price)
and a forest fire in 3-D. Very good 3-D throughout. This
seldom seen thriller was produced by Irwin Allen!
Wednesday, September 17 at 12:30 p.m.
MAN IN THE DARK (1953, 70 min., b&w) Cast: EDMUND
O'BRIAN, AUDREY TOTTER. Director: LEW LANDERS. Edmond O'Brian
and Audrey Totter star in this suspenseful crime story about
a criminal who looses him memory...but does he know where
the stolen loot is?
Wednesday, September 17 at 2:30 p.m.
HANNAH LEE (1953, 75 min., color) Cast: JOHN IRELAND,
JOANNE DRU. Director: LEE GARMES, JOHN IRELAND. Noted cameraman
Lee Garmes (Gone with the Wind) and actor John Ireland
teamed to co-produce and co-direct this typical, low budget,
Western of the era (1953). MacDonald Carey and Joanne Dru
co-starred with Ireland. This had a troubled release, with
Ireland/Dru sueing the distributor claiming poor distribution.
There weren't many 3-D showings and the title was changed
to Outlaw Territory . It is very rare, and this may
be the last public showing ever.
Important Note: This is the only surviving 3-D print of
this feature, and is in faded Eastmancolor. Due to its rarity,
we have decided to run it anyway, but please be advised
that the color is "off" on this title.
Wednesday, September 17 at 5:15 p.m.
JESSE JAMES vs. THE DALTONS (1954, 65 min., color)
Cast: BRETT KING, BARBARA LAWRENCE. Director: WILLIAM CASTLE.
Another excellent Columbia western, William Castle directs
this one, starring Brett King and Barbara Lawrence. Not
seen in 3-D in over 50 years!
This film has never played in 3-D in Los Angeles, even
in its original release. This will be its Los Angeles 3-D
premiere!
Wednesday, September 17 at 7 p.m.
PHANTOM OF THE RUE MORGUE (1954, 84 min., color)
Cast: KARL MALDEN, PATRICIA MEDINA. Director: ROY DEL RUTH.
Warner's follow up to House of Wax. Similar time
period, but very different flavor. More 3-D effects than
House of Wax, and Malden's performance is slick.
Pure 3-D entertainment!
Wednesday, September 17 at 9:45 p.m.
GLASS WEB, THE (1953, 81 min., b&w) Cast: EDWARD
G. ROBINSON, JOHN FORSYTH. Director: JACK ARNOLD. Edward
G. Robinson and John Forsythe star in Universal's and director
Jack Arnold's second 3-D feature. This is one of the first
films dealing with television production... and it's complicated
by murder... in 3-D! Not seen in 3-D in over 50 years.
This film has never played in 3-D in Los Angeles, even
in its original release. This will be its Los Angeles 3-D
premiere!
Guests: KATHLEEN HUGHES (Q&A to precede the screening)
With short, Hypnotic Hick (1953, 8 min., color)
This terrific Woody Woodpecker cartoon hasn't been seen
in years! Woody Woodpecker decides to make a fast buck when
he takes on the job of serving the tough Buzz Buzzard with
a subpoena. This is one of the most enjoyable 3-D cartoons,
with some great off-screen effects, and terrific use of
depth as Woody tangles with Buzz at the top of a construction
site.
Thursday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.
FORT TI (1953, 73 min., color) Cast: GEORGE MONTGOMERY,
JOAN VOHS. Director: WILLIAM CASTLE. Set in the 18th century,
the film recounts the exploits of Rogers' Rangers, a band
of adventurers devoted to seeking out a "northwest
passage" through Canada. At this juncture, however,
Major Rogers is more concerned with helping the British
forces at Fort Ticonderoga during a series of French and
Indian raids. Top billing is bestowed upon George Montgomery
as Captain Pedediah Horn, Rogers' right-hand man. The film
boasts two leading ladies: Joan Vohs, as a suspected French
spy, and Phyllis Fowler as a married Indian woman who falls
in love with Captain Horn. Fort Ti was filmed in 3-D, and
in typical William Castle fashion the stereoscopic gimmick
is exploited to the hilt.
Important Note: The Three Stooges short Spooks will
be shown after the feature film, "Fort Ti". This
is how this feature and short were designed to be shown
and they haven't been shown properly in over 50 years!
With short, Spooks (1953, 16 min., b&w) Cast:
LARRY, MOE and SHEMP. Director: JULES WHITE. In their first
3-D appearance, the Three Stooges are private investigators
hired to find a missing girl. They disguise themselves as
bakery delivery men, and stumble across her in a mysterious
house where she is the victim of a mad scientist and his
assistant. This classic Stooges short contains some of the
most effective off-screen gimmicks of any 1950's 3-D title,
including Moe's famous finger-poke, and the mad scientist
with the hypodermic needle. And watch out for the Shemp
Bat, one of most surreal visual gags in any Stooges short!
Thursday, Sept. 18 at 9:15 p.m.
MAZE, THE (1953, 81 min., b&w) Cast: RICHARD
CARLSON, VERONICA HURST. Director: WILLIAM CAMERON MENZIES.
Actor Richard Carlson's second 3-D film, this mystery film
is classic low budget fun. The 3-D is very good, including
bats flying in your face. Directed by production designer
William Cameron Menzies (Gone with the Wind), most
of the story takes place in a dark castle (emphasized in
B&W 3-D), and offers a mystery with an odd, surprising
payoff.
Important Note: The short Doom Town will be shown
after the feature film, The Maze. This is how this
feature and short were designed to be shown and they haven't
been shown properly in over 50 years!
Guest: PETER KURAN (Q&A to precede the screening)
With short, Doom Town (1953, 13 min., b&w) This
unusual short received very limited distribution in 1953,
and has not been seen since. This is the story of a nuclear
test explosion done on May 17, 1953. In addition to the
short itself, we have added something special: Newly discovered
and declassified footage of the bomb blast aftermath...the
buildings being blown over, the trees being uprooted...
all in never before seen 3-D! Peter Kuran (Trinity and
Beyond), who discovered and preserved this footage,
will be on hand to present the material and answer questions.
Friday, September 19 at 7 p.m.
INFERNO (1953, 83 min., color) Cast: ROBERT RYAN,
RHONDA FLEMING, WILLIAM LUNDIGAN. Director: ROY WARD BAKER.
20th Century Fox was fully promoting their answer to 3-D,
CinemaScope, but hedged their bet by releasing this 3-D
gem. It's a very satisfying crime adventure filmed on location
in the California desert. Ryan is wonderful as a husband
left to die in the desert by his wife and her lover. Excellent
3-D photography puts you there!
Guests: Actress RHONDA FLEMING (Q&A to follow the screening)
With short, On The Ball (1952, 10 min., b&w)
This British short from 1952 was never shown in the U.S.
until now! A stereoscopic angle on sport, with John Arlott
commentating.
Friday, September 19 at 9:30 p.m.
DIAL M FOR MURDER (1954, 105 min., color) Cast: RAY
MILLAND, GRACE KELLY, ROBERT CUMMINGS. Director: ALFRED
HITCHCOCK. Alfred Hitchcock was of two minds on this. It
is not one of his finest, but his use of 3-D (strictly artistic
except for one gimmick shot at the end) truly made this
claustrophobic stage play interesting to see. In fact, the
subtle use of 3-D in this film enhances it. The cast is
great, highlighted by John Williams' London inspector investigating
a "murder" committed by Milland's wife, Grace
Kelly. Look around: The more you look, the more you see.
Saturday, September 20 at 10:30 a.m.
MAD MAGICIAN, THE (1954, 72 min., b&w) Cast:
VINCENT PRICE, MARY MURPHY. Director: JOHN BRAHM. OK, this
one is usually trashed as a rip off of House of Wax.
Why? Well, same producer and same writer as House of
Wax. Vincent Price going mad. Time period the same.
Hmmm. But, it stands on its own as having very good 3-D
(B&W), and watching Price as he evolves into the persona
macabre for which he is most known.
Saturday, September 20 at 12:30 p.m.
RARITIES IN 3-D We will be showing over 90 minutes
of some of the rarest stereoscopic material in existence.
This is a clip show, not complete features or shorts. Not
only will there be material considered "lost"
for many years, but there will also be material never heretofore
known to have been shot in 3-D. This is the show for the
3-D fanatic! Much of this material will never be seen again.
This show is being put together until the day before the
presentation, so sorry, no titles will be made available
until the day of the show.
Please note: Due to the technical complexity of this presentation,
the admission price for this show will be $15 per ticket
Saturday, September 20 at 4 p.m.
I, THE JURY (1953, 87 min., b&w) Cast: BIFF ELLIOTT,
PEGGY CASTLE. Director: HARRY ESSEX. This film noir hasn't
been seen in 3-D in over 50 years! Terrific black and white
cinematography by John Alton (Raw Deal, T-Men) and
starring Biff Elliot as Mike Hammer, this is one of the
rarest of our feature screenings.
Important Note: The short subject, Pardon My Backfire
follows the feature film, as it was originally shown in
this order.
Guest: BIFF ELLIOT (Q&A to follow the screening)
With short, Pardon My Backfire (1953, 16 min., b&w)
Making the most of the 3-D medium, this has the Three Stooges
running an automobile repair shop, and becoming involved
with three crooks running from the law. The boys eventually
capture the burglars and hand them over to the police, but
not before everything available has been thrown at the audience!
Saturday, September 20 at 7 p.m.
MONEY FROM HOME (1953, 100 min., color) Cast: DEAN
MARTIN, JERRY LEWIS. Director: GEORGE MARSHALL. This terrific
Martin & Lewis film, was done up in glorious Technicolor
(this was the first of two films using dual three strip
Technicolor cameras), the 3-D is natural and avoids gimmicks.
And you can check out a harem in 3-D!
With short, Boo Moon (1954, 8 min., color) Poor
Casper scares away all the Earth people, so he goes to make
friends with inhabitants on the moon. They also fear him,
until he becomes a lunar hero by driving off the ferocious
Treemen. The outstanding use of depth and perspective in
this cartoon make it (arguably) the very best example of
stereoscopic animation from the 1950's. Magnificently restored
by the 3-D Film Archive, this wonderful cartoon (not shown
in 3-D since 1954) will be one of the highlights of our
event!
Saturday, September 20 at 9:30 p.m.
SECOND CHANCE (1953, 82 min., color) Cast: ROBERT
MITCHUM, LINDA DARNELL, JACK PALANCE. Director: RUDOLPH
MATE. RKO's first 3-D featured their top stars, and is enjoyable
to watch, especially with bad guy Palance (fresh off of
Shane acclaim). Shot on location in Mexico, it's
the first Hollywood 3-D feature shot on a foreign location.
Robert Mitchum is terrific...and there's wonderful 3-D on
a hanging tram!
With short, Melody (1953, 10 min., color) This excellent
Disney cartoon depicts how music is born. Various methods,
including abstractions, are used to trace the development
of a musical composition.
Sunday, September 21 at 11:30 p.m.
GUN FURY (1953, 83 min., color) Cast: ROCK HUDSON,
DONNA REED. Director: RAOUL WALSH. Rock Hudson stars in
this excellent Columbia western, shot on location in Arizona.
This well produced film was directed by Raoul Walsh, and
also stars Donna Reed and Lee Marvin.
Sunday, September 21 at 1:45 p.m.
NEBRASKAN, THE (1953, 68 min., color) Cast: PHIL
CAREY, ROBERTA HAYNES, LEE VAN CLEEF. Director: FRED SEARS.
Cowboys and Indians fight it out... it's 1953, so guess
who the bad guys are? This Columbia western hasn't been
seen in 3-D in over 50 years!
This film has never played in 3-D in Los Angeles, even
in its original release. This will be its Los Angeles 3-D
premiere!
Sunday, September 21 at 4:30 p.m.
DRUMS OF TAHITI (1954, 73 min., color) cast: DENNIS
O'KEEFE, PATRICIA MEDINA. Director: WILLIAM CASTLE. William
Castle directs Patricia Medina (also seen in "Phantom
of the Rue Morgue") and Dennis O'Keefe in this South
Seas Island adventure with volcanoes erupting and flames
throwing!
Note: The short Down the Hatch follows the feature,
as this is the order in which these were originally shown.
With short, Down The Hatch (1954, 16 mm, b&w)
Cast: HARRY MIMMO. Director: JULES WHITE. After a ruby has
been stolen, the thieves devise a plan to smuggle the gem
out of Italy and into America. They decide to employ Harry
Mimmo, a simple peasant, whom they think will not draw suspicion
as he carries the valuable stone. This Columbia short was
done as a "pilot" for comedian Harry Mimmo and
only released "flat". It has never been seen in
3-D in a public setting until now! A true rarity!
Sunday, September 21 at 7 p.m.
FRENCH LINE, THE (1954, 102 min., color) Cast: JANE
RUSSELL, GILBERT ROLAND. Director: LLOYD BACON. Don't miss
this rarely seen film, with Jane Russell really "coming
at you"! As the ad copy says, "J.R. in 3-D! It'll
Knock BOTH your eyes out!"
Sunday, September 21 at 10 p.m.
MISS SADIE THOMPSON (1953, 91 min., color) Cast:
RITA HAYWORTH, JOSE FERRER. Director: CURTIS BERNHARDT.
This was Columbia's attempt at an "A" film in
3-D. Well produced, shot in tropical paradise, and featuring
some excellent performances, including support from Charles
"Buchinksy" Bronson, and starring a radiant Rita
Hayworth!
With short, Love For Sale (1953, 10 min., b&w)
Cast: BELLA STARR. Dan Sonney Productions specialized in
rather sleazy "adult" material in the late 40's
and early 50's. This short was shot in two-camera 3-D, but
only released (very briefly) in very poor anaglyphic (red/blue)
prints. We have printed...for the first time ever!...this
short in it's proper left eye/right eye format, and will
premiere it here! This features stripper Bella Starr in
a dance routine, as well as a slick gambler and a party
girl in a sensual dance sequence.
There is a printable version of the schedule on the
World 3-D Film Expo Web site.
Tickets are available online. Advance tickets are recommended
as shows are expected to sell out. Tickets are $10 with
the exception of the rarities show which is $15. A festival
pass ($320) includes admission to all 35 shows, plus a festival
souvenir booklet.
The festival can be reached at (661) 538-9259 or by fax
at (661) 793-6755.
World
3-D Film Expo DVD
 As
a souvenir of the World 3-D Film Expo held at the historic
Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, this DVD brings together
for the first time ever, original coming attractions from
45 of the 50 stereoscopic features produced during the Golden
Age of 3-D. Even if you don't get to attend the expo, this
DVD is not to be missed.
One thing I really like about the DVD is that Sabucat Productions
Inc. has included several different versions of original
trailers that promoted the same film. For example, there
is more than one coming soon teaser trailer for House
of Wax. In fact, I think there are three different House
of Wax prevue trailers on the DVD. Even today, theatres
have different trailers to promote films. The DVD producers
have jam packed the DVD with content.
There are trailers included for some 3-D movies that the
Expo is not even showing! The quality of the trailers is
outstanding (no pun intended). Some of the trailers are
even in stereoscopic sound! I was truly amazed at the high
quality transfer of trailers that are almost 50 years old.
There was only one trailer on the DVD that surprised me
with its quality. The trailer for Alfred Hitchcock's Dial
M for Murder had very saturated blacks and some dark
scenes inserted inside the phone dial. I almost hesitate
to even mention it because the dark scenes only last for
a few seconds of screen time. I wouldn't doubt that any
transfer of this trailer would be the same. Only the light
of a projector would illuminate it the way Hitch intended.
The DVD also includes several very special bonuses: Trailers
in real anaglyphic 3-D for The Maze and It Came
From Outer Space and the famous Train Arriving footage,
shot in 3-D by the Lumiere Brothers in the mid 1930s. None
of this footage has ever been seen on DVD in true 3-D until
now! There are over 95 minutes of trailers including 12
minutes of actual 3-D footage. There are also 3-D stills,
super high resolution poster and flat still reproductions
and 3-D trivia.
The DVD menus are easy to navigate. Selections include
background information on the history of 3-D, the Expo and
more than 250 stills of posters and other advertising materials.
Along with other bonus surprises, this limited edition DVD
will entertain you for hours and hours. Each DVD comes with
a pair of anaglyphic (red/blue) glasses at no extra charge!
Note: This is a standard DVD, not a DVD-R. Price of each
DVD is $19.95 each and the DVD can be ordered online.
World
3-D Film Expo Souvenir Book
 This
book is being produced by noted 3-D historian Daniel Symmes
(Amazing 3-D).
On sale now and available at the special pre-show price
of $14.95 per copy, plus shipping and handling. Cost of
the book will be $19.95 in the theatre lobby.
This will be a limited edition, so reserve your copy now!
Marvel
ComX3D 
 Marvel
Enterprises Inc. has agreed to license some of its characters
to X3D Technologies, a private three-dimensional graphics
company. X3D received exclusive 3-D publishing rights to
"past and upcoming" Marvel Comics comic books
in 3-D on CD-ROM formats. The CD-ROM is to be known as Marvel
ComX3D. For the first time Marvel Comics' publication portfolio
can be viewed in 3-dimensions on virtually any PC screen.
 The
first limited release collection features six comic book
titles on a "mini" CD-ROM as a first edition release
in 3-D. ComX3D
Deluxe #1 features Spider-Man (2 issues), Hulk (2 issues),
Wolverine, X-Men (2 issues) and Marvels (20 Super-Heroes).
The limited edition CD-ROM is not available in store. You
can only order it online at a cost of $14.95 plus shipping.
Future collections let viewers embark upon 3-D adventures
to experience key moments from the comic and encounter a
variety of the Marvel Universe's personalities, environments
and sub-plots in 3-dimensions for the first time.
 The
mini-CDs feature collectible CD-Rom packaging with each
unit including a show-through 3-D character view. Retail
price is $4.99. Promotion includes Multi-Character Point
of Sale Displays featuring Marvel characters. Launch titles
include Spider Man, X-Men
and The Hulk - Marvel's three biggest sellers of all-time.
One full, interactive comic book is featured per disk with
Special X3D Glasses™ folded into each unit.
X3D has the rights to republish more than 50 Marvel superheroes
characters from the last 40 years. X3D promises over 4,000
exciting titles to come including modern, classic and retro
collections.
Spy
Kids 3-D: Game Over 5 in 1 Watch
 The
5 in 1 Spy Kids watch is a shopspykids.com online exclusive.
This high-tech Spy gadget comes with five different attachable
watch face plates to chose from. The interchangeable face
plates enable Spy Kids to blend into their surroundings
depending on the mission at hand. Telling time never gets
boring with the 5 in 1 Spy Kids watch!
Spy
Kids 3-D: Game Over FM Radio Watch
This cool digital watch actually has a built in FM Radio
and includes 2 piece earphones. 5 Function LCD watch displays
hour, minute, month date and seconds. Black rubberized strap
with Spy kids™ logo in color.
Spy
Kids 3-D: Game Over Arnold's OverTheTop Sunglasses
These sunglasses are worn by Arnold, the Beta tester, in
Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over. These revolutionary shades from
Oakley are the ideal fit and style for all future Beta testers
and spies.
 Only
mad science would reverse engineer the human skull, discarding
earstems for a hingeless frame that wraps the upper cranium.
This lightweight instrument of abuse is engineered to clutch
the braincase, even during the most reckless excuse for
athletic competition. The dual-spherical design combines
flush mounted orbitals with XYZ Optics® for optimum
clarity. Performance eyewear is now combat headgear that
marks the first generation of a new evolution.
Spy
Kids 3-D: Game Over Backpack
 Due
to popular demand, shopspykids.com is now offering the limited
edition Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over Backpack.
The backpack is marketed toward kids at school with the
official Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over backpack featuring both
Carmen and Juni Cortez. The pack comes with a water bottle
and multiple cargo pockets for all the spy gadgets and spy
(school) books.
This is a preorder item shipping on Sept. 30, 2003. Quantities
are limited.
Spy
Kids 3-D: Game Over Kraft Snack Booklet
Wal-Mart stores have a Kraft display featuring a special
Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over Snack Booklet. 3-D Review tried
to get one of the booklets, but the Wal-Mart associates
were unable to find the display in the local store.
3-D
Mania - Encounter in the Third Dimension Presskit
 In
1999, nWave Pictures released the giant screen production
Encounter in the Third Dimension, a groundbreaking
venture into the realm of 3-D filmmaking. Using CGI technology
to its maximum potential, 3-D sight gags abound in this
thrilling presentation that integrates computer generated
imagery and live action to explore the history of 3-D photography
and 3-D motion pictures. Audiences encounter early incarnations
of the third dimension, from a re-creation of one of the
earliest 3-D movies ever made to classic clips from Hollywood's
3-D heyday during the 1950s.
The electronic version of the film's presskit is available
in portable document format (PDF) and is readable with the
free "Adobe Acrobat Reader."
SOS
Planet
 SOS
Planet is a giant screen look at some of the most important
environmental issues of our time. Former CBS-TV news anchor
Walter Cronkite is the host and narrator of SOS Planet.
SOS Planet uses state-of-the-art, giant screen digital animation
to explore three of the planet's most troubled environmental
areas. With the immersive effect of giant screen 3-D and
stunningly realistic computer generated animals, the film
plunges the audience into lush environments, blending live
action and animation. The film enters three different endangered
ecosystems: global warming, rainforest deforestation and
delpetion of the oceans.
The film was produced by nWave Pictures in association
with the World Wide Fund for Nature - The Netherlands.
The presskit
features a history of 3-D and how it works. The electronic
version of the film's presskit is available in portable
document format (PDF) and is readable with the free "Adobe
Acrobat Reader."
Major
League Baseball 2003 All-Star Game 3-D Souvenir Program
 Major
League Baseball used 3-D for the Official 2003 All Star
Game Program. The program features two different state-of-the-art
3-D covers. One cover features baseball superstars Barry
Bonds and Alex Rodriguez and a special Limited Stadium Edition
Esteban Loaiza. This classic souvenir is packed with 240
pages of All-Star action and includes exclusive playerfeatures,
All-Star rosters, a scorecard and a section highlighting
the South Side’s baseball heritage. Cost of the program
is $15.
IMAX
Shrek 3-D
The 35mm version of Shrek was released to theatres nationwide
in June 2001. Sample 3-D footage has been repurposed for
the giant screen in 70mm, but the project is currently on
hold.
Synopsis: Shrek is a cynical, no-nonsense ogre whose swamp
has been overrun by annoying fairy tale creatures. He sets
out to save his home and along the way, is befriended by
a wise-cracking donkey, sent to slay a fire-breathing dragon
and save a beautiful princess with a deep, dark secret.
In the end, Shrek learns to love and be loved. Cast: the
voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and John
Lithgow.
Credits: A DreamWorks SKG production. Producers: David
Lipman, Aron Warner, John Williams. Directors: Andrew Adamson,
Vicky Jenson. Distributor Large Format (LF) version: Imax
Ltd. Writers: Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio. LF version Director:
Simon Smith. LF version producer: Don MacBain.
The
Lenticular List
Here is a checklist of some of the lenticular cards you
could purchase or get as free premiums with food products
during the past few years. How many of these do you have
in your collection?
| Subject |
Issued By |
Description |
| Batman |
|
Set of 8, Canada |
| Cheese Head "Dresser" |
|
|
| Crash Bandicoot 2 |
|
Uncut lenticular sheet |
| DC vs. Marvel |
Fleer/Skybox Released in 1995 |
2 card Mirage set featuring lenticular
images (1:360)
includes #1 Superboy/Spider-Man |
| Daredevil |
Kraft Foods |
Set of 3 -Daredevil #1, Elektra #2
and Daredevil #3 |
| Daredevil |
Wal-Mart Exclusive |
Kraft Foods Bonus card |
| Dinocards |
|
Oversize promo |
| Discovery Channel |
Discovery Channel |
Set of 4 |
| Dragonball Z |
Dragonball Z Fruit Snacks |
Set of 3 - Vegito, Gohan and Vegeta |
| Flubber |
|
3-D promo |
| Galidor |
Galidor Cereal |
Only card #4 is lenticular |
| Godzilla |
Taco Bell |
Godzilla's Eye from the USA Godzilla
movie |
| Goosebumps |
Scholastic |
Lenticular promo |
| Guru Guru |
Korean |
Set of 20 |
| Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets |
K-Mart |
Set of 4 |
| The Hulk Magic in Motion
Cards |
Kraft Foods |
Set of 4 |
| Independence Day |
20th Century Fox Home Video |
Large lenticular - White House explodes |
| Independence Day |
20th Century Fox Home Video |
Mini lenticular - White House explodes |
| Independence Day |
20th Century Fox |
Large lenticular (French language) |
| The Iron Giant |
|
Mini lenticular |
| Jurassic Park 3 |
|
3-D card |
| Justice League |
Inkworks
Released in June 2003 |
ActionWorks Cards: Seven cards that showcase each
of your favorite Justice League heroes with lenticular
zoom action.
ActionWorks Case Loader: A special lenticular card
featuring all of the Justice League heroes on one
card.
|
| Lord of the Rings Flipz |
Artbox |
Set of 60 |
| Lord of the Rings The Two Towers |
Artbox |
Set of 60 |
| NASCAR |
Nilla Wafers |
Set of 4 |
| Pocohontas |
Skybox |
3-D panorama |
| Pinochio |
|
Oversize card, movie |
| Pokemon |
Pioneer Video |
Ash Pointing, Squirtle, Pikachu Falling,
Egg Critter, Pink Critter, Pickachu Elect |
| Pop Secret Racing |
Pop Secret |
Car #43 |
| Scooby Doo |
Lunchables |
Set of 7 |
| Scorpion King |
|
SKP-UK lenticular |
| Spiderman |
Dolci Gum |
Set of 10 |
| Spiderman mini 3-D cards |
Marinela Foods, Mexico |
Set of 30 |
| Spongebob Squarepants Got Milk |
Milk Board |
8 x 10 |
| Star Trek |
Rittenhouse Archives, Ltd.
Released in 1999
|
Star Trek In Motion, Rittenhouse's
first product, made its debut in September 1999, was
the first-ever all-lenticular Star Trek card series
with the first-ever Star Trek sound cards. Total production
of the series was limited to 8,000 boxes, one of the
most limited edition Star Trek hobby products ever created.
|
| Star Trek |
Blockbuster Video |
Set of 4 |
| Star Wars II |
Curad Bandages |
Set of 4 |
| Star Wars II |
Energizer |
Set of 3 |
| Star Wars |
Frito-Lay Doritos |
Set of 6 |
| Star Wars |
Frito-Lay Doritos |
Set of 20 Magic in Motion Disks |
| Star Wars |
Topps |
Widevision Promo P1 |
| Star
Wars Episode II - Attack of the Clones |
Betty Crocker Jedi Fruit Rolls |
Set of 8 Magic in Motion Sticker Cards |
| |
|
|
| World Championship Wrestling (WCW) |
Little Caesar's Pizza |
Set of 4 |
| World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Figure
Cards |
|
Bushwackers, Brutus Beefcake and Big
Boss Man |
| X-Men Movie Action Flipz |
Artbox |
Set of 40 including 4 chase cards |
X-Men II
X-Men United Action Flipz |
Artbox |
|
|
