The Alamo - Roadshow Version (1960): Reconstructed in HD

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10.0
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The quality is amazing. You have to watch it. I have the laserdisc of the roadshow version and this one does a great job of tweaking that video with the BD material. It is inexcusable that the studio has allowed the materials to deteriorate. They existed well into the home video era when the value of "catalog" titles became clear. Hawaii is another film where there seems to be no interest in producing a high definition version of the original cut, leaving us with just the laserdisc version. Considering some of the terrible films that seemingly have enough appeal to make them financially viable releases I do not understand the lack of interest. I have heard that one reason for this lack of interest in restoring original versions is that foreign language soundtracks for them no long exist, reducing their appeal in other markets.

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Yes
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Digital
N
1 reviews
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Overall rating
 
9.4
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9.0
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10.0
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10.0
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9.0
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9.0
This truly is a behemoth of a film, clocking in at about 3 Hours, 20 Minutes and it shows. Visually, "The Alamo" is quite impressive, with grand scale battle scenes and well-executed period details it's masterful how they were able to achieve the sense of scale without the use of CG. The production values for its time were quite high something akin to modern day event movies. I always loved the term "epic", whenever a movie was tagged with the "epic" tag, I knew I was in for a good time and this movie was truly an epic in the most truest sense of that word. A studio remaster would truly be a sight to behold from film preservation perspective, but until then Wraith's Edit is genuinely the best alternative out there.

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10.0
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Just wanted to add my own praise for this superb edit.

This was inarguably an 'event' film in its days and I'm pleased to say I've now experienced it as it was intended. At least as close as currently possible. I watched it projected, and imagined it was a 'reserved seat only' attraction as it would have been originally.

The Roadshow version of Wayne's epic is long so you need to make sure you've marked out the time needed to give it your full attention. Perhaps do as I did and use the intermission to take a decent break.

I'm neither a big Western fan nor a Wayne fan particularly but this edit definitely helped moved the dial in that direction. This is a BIG improvement over the shorter theatrical release. I think most historians would say the 2004 version wins out in terms of authenticity but this film, corny and preachy as it is in places, stands above that more recent effort in heart and scale.

Needless to say, they just don't make 'em like this anymore. When you're told Santa Anna's army numbers 7000 and you see it crossing the plains, it certainly looks like 7000 and not a single CGI pixel anywhere.

I'm no expert on the true history of the Alamo and I'm sure any criticism you can level at this movie for straying from the facts is warranted. But as an epic tale of legendary honour and courage this does hit the mark. The additional footage adds depth to the characters, their motivations and their politics, making the slow build up to the famous siege much more compelling and plausible than in the theatrical cut. The interplay between Crockett, Bowie and Travis is more fleshed out and this was the standout element for me.

Perhaps for that reason, I found it a lot easier to get through this longer version than I did the shorter. Perhaps the change in pacing alone is enough to remedy what previously felt like a slow first act.

Another thing that really struck me, is that its really hard to believe this was Wayne's first time as director. This truly is a massive production and he acquits himself brilliantly. He's generous with his supporting cast, respectful of the Mexican soldiers and the climactic actions scenes are spectacular and very well handled.

Enormous credit to Wraith for this preservation edit. Its pretty much seamless. The sound (Oscar winning at the time I believe) is excellent and the only indication you're occasionally watching deleted footage is a slight drop in visual quality. I never found this distracting, however, and it was a good way of knowing which parts of the story had been replaced. I found the religious discussion among Crockett's men a surprising and welcome addition.

Is John Wayne's Alamo a masterpiece? I wouldn't say so, but this preservation does move it into classic status. The director was clearly aspiring to greatness and when that director is John Wayne that's something any movie goer should give serious time to.

Here's hoping Wraith's efforts will help an official release become a reality.

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Yes
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Blu-Ray
Owner's reply May 14, 2023

Thank you so much for that. I regard this as my most important edit and grateful for your words.
W

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Overall rating
 
9.4
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10.0
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9.0
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9.0
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9.0
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10.0
Great job and an enjoyable experience to watch. I wish the movie studios would come on board with putting the full version back together like this edit did.

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B
1 reviews
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10.0
Wraith should work as a professional editor in Hollywood or in any studio around the world, talk about talent. This version is so much more inclusive in every way then the copy that I own. The reconstruction is just flawless and I love all of the extra scenes. The audio is also just excellent. This film looks fantastic on a big screen. If only studios took such care and attention to detail before they release films. Just brilliant!!

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Yes
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Digital
B
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