Up till now, I’ve only been able to share images from the film that have been scanned crudely on a flatbed. This image, on the other hand, comes from the same professional grade film scanner used by the Criterion Collection to digitize their film releases, the DFT Scanity. Yesterday marked the first scanning session in the project, which is still fundraising on Kickstarter, and I’d like to share this image to give people a more accurate view of the level of quality that the restoration is working at.
For the story behind the restoration, click here.
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If a frame from a 16mm workprint of frikkin’ “Manos” can look that good, there’s really no excuse for any disappointing Blu-Ray discs of any other film (beyond penny pinching in the scan, of course).
That looks amazing. First the 2K scan, then a 3D conversion!
I agree with Greasyfries; this looks great. I fear, however, that we will still see many shoddy releases from those fly-by-night (and some not so fly-by-night) companies.
I applaud the Manos restoration, and can’t wait to see the final product.
I, too, applaud the Manos restoration, although I can’t help but think that my nightmares about this movie are only going to be intensified–or, rather, clarified.
>>2
Very this.
Every god-forsaken upscale will forever be shamed with the fact that Manos has a true HD transfer.
I rather like that idea.
I am so glad that I have donated to this project, Manos was a tough film to get through, the MST3K crew made it bearable, then the film actually started to grow on me. I hope there are some awful extras to go along with this awful movie when it finally arrives on Blu-Ray.
The Master would approve
Who knew that was an alternate title to Manos: The hands of fate.>>>——> Manos: The fingers of fate. Ummmm, it did not make a difference, it’s still kinda odd. Hey, my fate just got fingered! See, kinda creepy isn’t it?
Wow, the difference is simply astounding. “Manos” holds such a weird, twisted place in all our hearts and I can’t wait to see it restored in all its glory.
@ Big61al, The Flying Fickle Finger of Fate. lol
It looks astoundingly good! Hopefully a new version will cause either CT or RT to reriff it!
O_O wow, never thought Manos could look so clear. I think it’s a great find/project, but I do wonder what effect the vast improvement in quality might have on viewing the film. I think it was Joel who said ‘every frame of this film is like someone’s last known photograph.’ I hope it retains that dreariness, despite being really clean. Something tells me it will haha It will be interesting to watch the original and HD one after the other.
Oh, not sure if this has been brought up, but an OST/soundtrack would be great, I’d certainly pay extra for it.
Any word on how they plan on restoring the film’s sound?
The combined casts of Cinematic Titanic and RiffTrax should reunite for the MST3K 25th Anniversary and do a live riff of the restored Manos. In Minneapolis, of course.
@13 In addition to the workprint he’s using as his video source, Ben also has a 16 mm print of the finished film, which he could use for the audio. He’s also been in touch with Hal Warren’s son, who may or may not have a better source for the audio material. Keep your fingers (of fate) crossed.
So i wanted to contact the guy whos heading this up just to ask what he thinks the apprx. price of the finished product would be (hey-i’m cheap- 50$ is alot to donate) but i can’t find any contact email address on his site? Anybody have one… or know approximate pricepoint on the finished product?
Total shot in the dark guess, but I would suspect the blu-ray will be priced similarly to commercially available BD’s ($20 to $30 price range).
You can ask him on the Facebook fan page, he’s pretty good at responding to comments there.
#15
Chris, thanks fo the info!
I brushed this off at first, but this guy is really putting his heart and soul into this. I just may have to throw a few bucks his way after all.
There’s been a phenomenal outpouring of support for this–a few bucks from MSTies would certainly be an appropriate gesture. For my part, $50 for a film that has given us all so many hours of…um…enjoyment is a relatively small price to pay, especially given the care and attention given to DVD/Boo-ray versions of run-of-the-mill Hollywood crap movies (as opposed to extra-special, unique, independent crap movies like “Manos”). Besides, the more money the project gets, the more goodies he’ll be able to stuff into the DVD package.
Final argument: for “Manos,” spend $50 and you’ll buy the movie once. When they release yet another version of Star Wars/LOTR and charge another $100 bucks for the new-and-improved set, you’ll see this as a bargain.
I find it amazing the quality of digital scan from a 16mm print- Just imagine the depth and detail you could get from say a 35mm or even a 70mm. Seeing how clean the print is… may make the film more cheery due to its vibrance.
Topless Robot just called Manos: Hands Of Felt “the greatest … thing I have ever seen in my entire life.”
http://www.toplessrobot.com/2012/01/manos_the_hands_of_felt.php
Meanwhile, Manos: The Restoration posted a terrific restored photo closeup of Torgo earlier today.
Mr B(ob): Thanks for the 1:14 of pure gold! Not sure I’m quite with Topless Robot on the greatness of the thing, but it sure was hilarious. Puppet Torgo must be seen to be believed.
He’s posted the first HD clip here: http://vimeo.com/35354214
This is good…but now it won’t look like a snuff film anymore…so that’s kind of sad.