Pandora and the Flying Dutchman [DVD]

As some one who loves the old technicolor films, as against the modern dingy colour technology in many of today's films; this "re-mastered" blu ray version of "Pandora and the Flying Dutchman" is extremely grainy, full of spots, hairlines, and other visual damage. The sound is also less than perfect, with crackles and hissing in places.

I know this is an old film from 1950, but if you have seen the "Black Narcissus" , "Casablanca" or "Wizard of Oz" restorations on Blu-Ray you'll see just how well old films can be restored. There is simply no excuse for spots and lines appearing on a remastered Blu Ray film.

The story itself is an overlooked classic, and if you do not own this film it is worth while buying, but don't expect anything from the Blu-Ray in terms of improved quality.

The last time I watched this film was many years ago on TV. The picture quality, as you may well imagine, was pretty dire, but I was hugely impressed with the film which made a lasting impression. I was very excited, bearing in mind I get excited driving quickly over hump back bridges these days, when I saw the film had been remastered and was now available on blu-ray. Reading the Amazon reviews was a bit off putting but I decided to give it a try anyway. I agree with the other Amazon reviewer who cannot understand what all the fuss is about. Although the clarity may not be perfect, it looks pretty damn good to me. It is astonishing to think that this film was made way back in 1950 given the clarity and astounding colour. Far from being a disappointment, I would describe this latest release as a triumph on all counts.

The charming story appeals to my love of history and a romantic side to me that my wife might be surprised at, if in the unlikely event she should ever read this review. The Flying Dutchman is according to legend a ghost ship that can never make port, and was doomed to sail the seven oceans for eternity. In this version though the Dutchman is able to make port once every 7 years, where for a short period the Captain is able to make landfall. To add further interest, should he find a woman willing to die for him, he will be released from his curse and gain salvation. In the film James Mason plays the doomed Captain and Ava Gardner the woman who falls for him. But will she love him enough to be willing to lay down her life for him when she learns the truth?

The casting of the two leads was inspired. Was there ever a more beautiful woman to have graced the screen than Ava Gardner, who was at her glorious peak when this film was made. Indeed, has ever a more beautiful woman ever lived? I recently saw Rachel Weisz on the screen, and thought how lovely she was, but she is no Ava Gardner, who had the sort of looks that men would fight wars over. The same kind of beauty described in Homeric legend. With only a few exceptions could any male leads hope to compete with this. James Mason who had perhaps the richest voice of any screen legend, and was also a strikingly handsome man in his day, was one of those few exceptions. He also happened to be a very fine actor indeed. His impeccable Queens English does not make for a very convincing Duthman, but at least he sensibly does not attempt an accent which could have proved embarrassing. Nigel Patrick is rather overshadowed as a suitor of Pandora. The indefatigable John Laurie, Private Fraser of "Dads Army", makes a surprising appearance, showing a lively fleetness of foot in a dancing sequence. He also grabs a bottle of Scotch at a party in an amusing scene.

The fictional Spanish port of Esperanza was acually filmed in Tossa De Mar where they have erected a statue of Ava Gardner. I sincerely hope this beautiful place has not been spoilt by tourism. The film opens with a wonderful shot of the beach through a clanging church bell that overlooks from a high point. The colours in the film are quite stunning, especially the aqua blue glittering seascapes. But perhaps most striking are the dresses worn by Ava Gardner that would have had Edith Head drooling with jealousy. Look out for the amazing green outfit she wears in the scene with the dying matador. Sadly they just don't make dresses like these any more, that make the very most of feminine grace. Of course this preposterous story line goes against all reason, especially modern reasoning, but what a glorious sort of nonsense it is. There is a line at the end of the film, that is one of the better ones to end a film on. It goes "Because we live in a time that has no faith in legends, we live in a time that has no faith". It is a pity to have lost so much innocence that you cannot enjoy a film such as this.

great movie with wonderful performances from AVA GARDNER & JAMES MASON. the colour restoration is beatiful and this is a film which really stands the test of time.