Synopsis:

To compare the two versions of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers that were filmed in CinemaScope (2:55) and one in a "flat" widescreen (1.77). respectively with full annotations explaining how and why EVERY shot in the movie differs.

Intentions:

Filmed in two different versions: one in CinemaScope (2:55) and one in a "flat" widescreen (1.77). The CinemaScope version is the one generally screened, but both are available. The main difference between the two versions is a slight difference in angles, some minor differences in sound clarity and finally the "flat" widescreen version features more camera movement in order to capture all the action. Warner Brothers has released a 2-DVD set of this film containing both of these versions.

Change List:

The film uses the Cinemascope version as the source for the audio. The project is fully annotated and the "FLAT" version is kept in audio sync to ensure that viewers see the differences.

Additional Notes:

With the advent of TV, the movies fought back with ever increasing screen size, multi channel sound and even higher frame rates (sound familiar)... Well, back in the 1950s only a handful of movie theatres were equipped to sceen movies shot in 30fps TODD AA, or multi-camera/multi-projector Cinerama. One way round this was to shoot the movie TWICE!!!! By the mid 1950s, many cinemas could project CinemaScope, so films like The Robe, Svene Brides and Okalhoma were shot with two camera setups to ensure the wides distribution and better box office takings. Sometimes, both cameras would roll at the same time with slightly different angles, but often, entrire scenes were re-staged with differing performances. This Special Project compares one of two such examples that are avaialble for a FULL comparison. The other movie is Oklahoma (tha will also be coming). The entire movie is visible TWICE simulaneously, with a fully annotated captions and side bars detailing how the shots differ. One version was shot in CinemaScope (2:55) and one in a "flat" widescreen (1.77). The CinemaScope version is the one generally screened these days. Another movies that was subjected to this production nighmare was The Black Shield of Falsworth (a fave of mine) but alas is only available in one version.

Special Thanks:

ParanoidAndriod, Dwightfry and ArtisDead