Newspapers / Elon University Student Newspaper / Dec. 8, 1988, edition 1 / Page 5
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Ihe Pendulum December 8, 1988 Op-Ed page 5 Bad comparisons, wrong issues cloud colorization editorial Bob Anderson Staff Member It is both interesting and depress- *og that the author of the recent ar- ^‘cle in The Pendulum, “Modern Technology Not Always So Great,” "'ould compare with such fanfare, the date of the initial public broad- ^ast of the colorized version of ^^sablanca on November 9, 1988, "'ith dates such as December 7, ^^41 and November 22, 1963. In my opinion, comparisons of I is nature demonstrate difficulty distinguishing between levels of ‘storical signifigance and tend to trivialize the importance associated "'ith the bombing of Pearl Harbor the assassination of President Kennedy. Being able to make distinctions •'elative importance is an essen- part of offering an objective and~in my opinion-- such ^distinction was not made by Mr. ^^yd in his article. On the matter of colorization, I am neither offended nor elated by the use of this new technology. Some experiments with coloriza tion have been dismal failures. Others, such as with Casablanca, have added new and exciting dimensions and perspectives from which to view an already great pro duction. In most cases. I, unlike Mr. Floyd, would encourage such ex perimentation with colorization — not to replace -- but to further enhance our appreciation of the art of classic black and white films. Mr. Floyd never mentioned if he had viewed Casblanca in its col orized state — nor did he mention specifically ‘why’ colorization was such a heinous offense - other than that it was “utterly sickening.” I would propose to Mr. Floyd that the issue.presented in this case by Casablanca is not how to pre vent colorization of classic black and white films -- (assuming the deader suggests buying black and white T.V. Charles E. Shultz P^cial to The Pendulum I failed to find any valid points ^ ohn Floyd’s criticism of the col- ^•^tion of Casablanca. He sug- ^^sted in his. opinion that the ^ ^ssic film was not intended to be color. Of course not. In Op 3’ the film was made, col- had not yet been perfected 'vas quite costly. ^eidentally, Casablanca was in- ed to be seen in movie houses. condemn the ^ '''ing of movies on television? symphonies were in- Qj. , to be heard played by a live ^stra in a grand concert hall. Of "'e not produce recordings Works? I also fail to see how giving a classic film the colors of real-life can be compared with electronical ly shaving Rhett Butler’s mustache or altering Vivian Leigh’s accent. The colorization process does not deprive the film of the talents of the writers, actors or directors. It merely gives the film the technology that was not available at the time of its production. I would, however, see reason for Mr. Floyd to be angry had Mr. Turner chosen to colorize the open ing and closing scenes of The Wizard ofOz- Those scenes were artistically filmed in black and white to intensify the separation of the Technicolor fantasy from the boring Kansas reality. The way I see it, Mr. Floyd has two choices. He can rent or buy one of the existing black and white copies of Casablanca or he could buy a black and white television to watch WTBS broadcasts.- If I thought Mr. Floyd knew what he was talking about, I would suggest that he himself take Mr. Turner (who just happens to own the rights to Casablanca) to court. Support Pendulum Advertisers films have been colorized after en suring that no copyright laws were violated) — but how to evaluate and appreciate better the different perspectives offered on these classic films by new advances in technology. Technology will always be changing and, in the process, of fering us new ways to evaluate older practices and products. The new colorized Casablanca does not diminish the significance of the original black and white Casablan ca. It merely offers the viewer another opportunity to enjoy the timeless performances of Bogart and Bergman and learn that truly “great films” can retain their “greatness” even when viewed through “colored glasses.” “Being able to make distinctions of relative Importance is an essen tial part of offering an objective review.” Know When Ib Ssy When .. .A Campaign for Responsible Drinking For most adults, having a drink is a way to relax and eiyoy the company of family and friends. Only when alcoholic beverages are abused do they pose a danger, leading to drunk driving and other serious problems. Anheuser-Busch and your local distributor are proud of the prod ucts we sell... the world’s greatest family of quality beers. We want you to enjoy our fine products but to remember to drink sensibly and to know your personal limits. That’s why we’re encouraging consumers to “Know When lb Say When” in a campaign to promote greater awareness of the re sponsibilities associated with drinking. So, enjoy your favorite beverage ... responsibly. Please. Know When To Say When. R.H. BARRINGER DISTRIBUTING CO.. INC. Greensboro Winston-Salem Burlington BUD LIGHT Ri Natural MJCHEU)6 I ^ BUSCH MICHEIOR ^ Copynglil 1983. AiUteuser-Busch. Int.. St. Louis, Mo.. Iten No. 003-624
Elon University Student Newspaper
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Dec. 8, 1988, edition 1
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