This Xmas gift to myself from a Borders' gift card isn't a Criterion edition but it's good, loaded with informative extras, and cheaper. Lost Horizon has been a favorite film since seeing it on TV as a teenager and made me read James Hilton's novel. You've seen it too so there's no need to rehash the plot or post a trailer although I couldn't find a decent one.
What's interesting about this edition is the movie has been restored to its original length of 132 minutes. The audio commentary explains why it was edited/shortened a few times its 1937 premier and how it took years to locate the missing sections. TV versions were never complete so this is like seeing it for the first time. The original source material, except for the complete soundtrack, is gone so the gaps were filled from prints of varying quality and production stills. At least we now have director Frank Capra's original version and there's a documentary about its making including his pre-release longer cut and an alternate ending. Here's Capra being interviewed about the disastrous sneak preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE2VUhGDu5Y&feature=related
There was no actor classier than Ronald Colman or since his time. Like The Wizard of OZ, Lost Horizon is one of those big budget movie fantasies you never get tired of watching. This one's a keeper. Its pacifist preaching might seem dated and simplistic/corny but modern audiences should keep in mind that WWII soon followed so the novel and movie were a warning and an alternative to the coming madness. The safety and sanity of Shangri-La is needed as much today as then.
What's interesting about this edition is the movie has been restored to its original length of 132 minutes. The audio commentary explains why it was edited/shortened a few times its 1937 premier and how it took years to locate the missing sections. TV versions were never complete so this is like seeing it for the first time. The original source material, except for the complete soundtrack, is gone so the gaps were filled from prints of varying quality and production stills. At least we now have director Frank Capra's original version and there's a documentary about its making including his pre-release longer cut and an alternate ending. Here's Capra being interviewed about the disastrous sneak preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE2VUhGDu5Y&feature=related
There was no actor classier than Ronald Colman or since his time. Like The Wizard of OZ, Lost Horizon is one of those big budget movie fantasies you never get tired of watching. This one's a keeper. Its pacifist preaching might seem dated and simplistic/corny but modern audiences should keep in mind that WWII soon followed so the novel and movie were a warning and an alternative to the coming madness. The safety and sanity of Shangri-La is needed as much today as then.
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