Lost Horizon

[grooverider]

For those who live in the Los Angeles area, the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood will host a rare big screen event: "Lost Horizon" will be shown at 7:30 pm on Sunday, August 16th, all 150 minutes of it! It will be introduced by Alonso Duralde, MSNBC's film critic. It's a truly unique opportunity, since this film is not available on DVD, at least not yet. If only they could have gotten Burt Bacharach, Hal David and/or Larry Kramer to appear!

[grooverider]

I did attend this screening (and thoroughly enjoyed the movie), but I found out that, according to moderator Alonso Duralde, Burt Bacharach was not producer Ross Hunter's first choice to compose the music. He originally wanted Michel LeGrand (The Thomas Crown Affair, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg) but Columbia Studios wanted a score with potential "hits", so they went with Bacharach and David.

The movie, although dated, seemed to me to be, in many ways, as relevant now with it's themes of peace and love. I think Larry Kramer did a great job of keeping novelist James Hilton's basic themes the focus and foundation of the movie. (I wasn't laughing as much as some members of the audience!)

I realize many of the actor's voices were dubbed, but I "heard" Sally Kellermen and Bobby Van's voices actually singing. Were they the only two actors who actually sang in the movie?

[steveo_1965]

Groove,
Thanks for reporting on it. I almost went, but it's hard for me to get away
from my situation at home here, based on certain realities....
I've never seen the film in it's entirety, and hope that it will be released on DVD sometime.......
ANyway, That is the way to see a film, the way you did!It must have been pretty cool to witness it on the "big screen"......
Steveo

[Jerry]

You're fortunate to have seen it in a theatre with all the grandeur of The Egyptian (saw CASABLANCA there, on an LA visit)!

Hope you are well Steveo! Best with everything.

Namaste,

Jerry

[steveo_1965]

Jerry,
Doing ok...hope you are as well, my friend......
Best,
Steveo

[grooverider]

Hi Steveo and Jerry, Moderator Alonso Duralde briefly addressed the fact that "Lost Horizon" is not currently available on DVD. My impression was that it would not soon be available on DVD format, being that the movie was not a hit, but is mostly a cult item.

And, yes, I felt very fortunate to have seen "Lost Horizon" on the big screen in such a magnificent setting, hearing the music loud and clear. The print of the movie seemed like a good one, it was clear and I didn't notice many scratches and/or glitches.

[steveo_1965]

Groove,
Been to the Egyptian Theatre before...it's one of Hollywood's legendary and classic movie houses that goes way back...
I'm sure it was wonderful....what was the color like?was it faded?
Movie film from the 70's (Eastmancolor)usually fades or has a faded look...I'm wondering if you could describe that aspect?

Steveo

[blueonblue]

Some interesting comments........
I love Burt and Hal's wonderful soundtrack !!!


"blue"

[grooverider]

Hi Blueonblue, what a great youtube posting, thank you for sharing that!
Hey Steveo, in response to your question as to the quality of the print that was shown...I'm not the least bit technical, so from my standpoint, the print seemed like it was clear, I did not notice a whole lot of discoloration. I'm not sure where the print came from, I assume it came from the studio, but I could be wrong. There were some scratches that were noticeable, but again, it did not distract from the pure enjoyment of seeing 'Lost Horizon" on the big screen. All the vibrant colors of Shangri-la were still quite amazing.

The special effects, the first viewing the group has of Shangri-la you could see the matting, but then again that was 1973. That actually made the film all that more enjoyable.

[steveo_1965]

Groove,
Thanks for responding.....sounded like it was a good print.
Steveo

[blueonblue]

Groove, Steveo,
I wish I'd been there !!!

"blue"