BACKGROUND INFO:
I am not a 'film enthusiast' and my past working life has revolved around electronics (many fields including communications, industrial and audio) and "The Arts", more specifically, creative arts such as handcrafted fine china, ceramics and landscape artworks.
An associate has asked me to help find new owners for HIS large collection of photographic and film items ... this is yet another one of those items. I am frequently asked "THE QUESTION"
So how many films do you have, Russ?
My response is ... boxes and boxes of them, perhaps 350+ films are now left for me to look through ... plus a few projectors
Another question I am often asked "Can I come and have a browse through the films?" Sorry, but the answer has to be a flat NO!
ALL film stock is safely away in my storage units, nice n cool and out of harms way, each day (or so) I will retrieve a few films, take a look (and smell!) at each film ... absolutely NO ONE can just casually "browse" the collection. My associate wouldn't like that and neither do I.
There is a lot of detail on this page plus even more HERE ... I strongly suggest anyone who is interested in this film to read everything carefully, including looking at the link. To not do so is at your own peril!
Vinegar Syndrome "smell test" ☑= Negative
CHINATOWN
Marketing Film International (Paramount Pictures)
CHINATOWN (1974)
3x 400 Feet Black unbranded (Country of origin unknown) reels
3x individual 400' library cases (with drop down front door), these have no identification either but look very similar to POSSO's
Leader film is fitted to reel 3 ONLY, the first two reels have no film clips
Colour
Sound (Mono)
A neo-noir mystery film directed by Roman Polanski, Jake (played by Jack Nicholson) is hired to investigate an alleged affair involving water commissioner Hollis Mulwray, Gittes is drawn into a complex web of murder, incestuous secrets, and a massive conspiracy to steal the city's water supply led by tycoon Noah Cross.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
USED
CLEAN
The unbranded library cases with drop down doors are in good condition, no physical damage although some light marks as it appears these library cases have previously been used with other films. Each library case has the contents identified with a single White paper label (typed on a real typewriter!)
Each reel has only the reel number indicated on it, not the film title
The reel is not cracked or damaged
NO personal writing on any of the film reels or the library cases
TESTING:
Test machine: ELMO 1200ST
The projector film path has been completely cleaned prior to running this film through the machine. I now have a "running sheet", my maintenance schedule if you like - I record when each maintenance is performed because I am running a lot of films through the machine.
Film stock on the reels, including the sprocket holes, appears to be physically undamaged - I have played each reel but only the first five minutes or so of each.
The film colour is not bad, if you like Sephia-Brown tones that is. Yes there is signs of Greens and Blues but these mix with the Reds to create an overall Sephia Brownish tonal quality. The sky scenes are fine, Whites with Greens but not a lot of Blues could be seen. I found that even with this Sephia tone (overall) the film was very watchable, I was fascinated by the quality of the picture, particularly the faces of Jack and Faye - I have seen these actors before but something about this film grabbed my attention (my wife suggested they were not wearing lots of makeup!) but in general I found the primary characters drew me into the film - the Sephia look didn't really matter (at least it wasn't like a scene from Mars - bright Red!)
A little annoying (for me) was the same title and credits screens on each reel, I just wanted the film to play!
On all three reels, the audio is fine, clear and crisp at a good consistent level.
SPECIAL NOTE: I felt I needed to add this little note ... whilst viewing the film on the screen, it actually looks "less Redish" than the photographs would indicate ... My antiquated digital camera (very old, one of the very first 'point n shoot' models!) just isn't up to the task in regard to colour representation nor the ability to portray contrast properly. The screen shots I take are now taken with the film on pause which gives an improved image but the light is dimmer and sometimes a bit blurry as it is difficult to stop the film at "just the right spot" These photographs are only a very rough guide for what to expect in any case.
These three reels are now stored in a cool, low humidity environment while the film awaits a new owner to consider bringing to their home ...
