The Academy Museum's upcoming 'Presented in VistaVision' series is a cinematic celebration for film enthusiasts. This event marks a rare opportunity to witness the magic of VistaVision, a format that has seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to visionary directors like Brady Corbet and Paul Thomas Anderson. The series will showcase a selection of films that were originally shot in VistaVision, a format created by Paramount Pictures in 1954 to compete with CinemaScope but eventually fell out of favor after Marlon Brando's 'One-Eyed Jacks' in 1961. The opportunity to see these films in their true VistaVision glory is a treat for cinephiles, as the format's projection entails a projector turned on its side, doubling the image's surface area and providing exceptional resolution and texture. The Academy Museum's initiative is particularly special because of the cost and complexity of retrofitting contemporary theaters for VistaVision technology, making this event a rare and essential experience.
The series will feature rare VistaVision prints of 'Gunfight at the O.K. Corral,' 'The Ten Commandments,' 'White Christmas,' 'Anything Goes,' and 'We're No Angels.' One of the highlights will be the screening of 'One Battle After Another,' which has only previously been shown in its native VistaVision in four theaters worldwide. Most prints of 'One Battle' and all prints of 'The Brutalist' were originally extracted from the VistaVision negative but projected in more common formats like IMAX, 35mm, and 70mm. The Academy Museum's event will offer the authentic VistaVision experience, showcasing the film's artistry in all its precision and detail on the massive Geffen screen.
In addition to the VistaVision prints, the museum will also screen 70mm restorations of films shot in VistaVision, such as 'The Searchers' and 'North by Northwest.' These screenings will provide an unparalleled appreciation of the films' artistry, precision, and detail in a communal setting. The museum will also present DCP versions of classics like 'One-Eyed Jacks,' 'To Catch a Thief,' and others, many of which are taken from new 6K digital scans of the VistaVision negatives. This diverse program caters to various tastes, ensuring that film enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the rich history and artistry of cinema.
The 'Presented in VistaVision' series runs from August 20-31 at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles. Film lovers are encouraged to visit the museum's website for the full program and ticket information. This event is a testament to the Academy Museum's commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich history of cinema, offering a unique and immersive experience for all who attend.
