This screenshot is from the only true widescreen copy out there, from a German DVD. For some odd reason, this scene is edited in the most unusual way (some German DVDs are just weird). Anyway, the colours in this scene are terrible. Sylva's garment looks radioactive. At least the skin tones are good. It's amazing that this classic still doesn't have a decent print or even an HD broadcast available anywhere. From what I know, Antonini is still alive. I'd love to interview him.
Also irritating is that the most respectable widescreen English dub version of HERCULES UNCHAINED omits scenes needlessly.
ReplyDeleteFor example, the very short snippet from the pictured scene -- in which Ulysses guesses Antaeus is the son of the Earth goddess (Gaia) -- is cut ... leaving the inexperienced viewer clueless about what is going on.
It's no more than four seconds long ... why on Earth, so to speak, was it cut?
Sometimes a movie is not available in a new and better version because of some copyright issue.
ReplyDeleteThe problem could be as trivial as a particular song on the soundtrack.
Another issue could be disputed fractional ownership claims. The industry is noted for its multiple marriages and divorces on both sides of the cameras.
HERCULES UNCHAINED is such a terrific Peplum that its release on DVD or via streaming would almost certainly make $$$.
I therefore assume that some legal issue is holding up this obvious business opportunity.