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Help! (Remastered film and DVD)
by Rik Sansone
No matter what you critically (or personally)
feel about the Beatles
oft-maligned second feature film, there is no doubt that
the refurbished DVD, is an impressive modern accomplishment.
The restoration has made a remarkable difference to the
film on all facets. Of course the restoration does improve
the plot, there are no added scenes, and it is not re-cut.
It is, however, stunning to look at and hear.
The images contain deeper, richer colors and
details free of spots,
duct, rips, and washout enhance the visual playfulness integral
to the
whole over all tone of the film. The famous opening titles
are much more fun now that there is a bigger contrast between
the black & white film of The Beatles projected on to
a shoddy screen (complete with fibers, folds, holes) and
the gorgeous inner temple where Leo McKern is throwing darts
at the screen. Details of objects, in foreground and background
are crisp and seem to sparkle. The painted doors to the
Beatles' houses burst out from the brick walls on their
street.
The creative work of the production team is
far more noticeable as a
result, Julie Harris' costumes such as Elanor Bron's feathered
headdress, her pink leather outfit with matching gun, the
cult's multi
colored Sari's, and the suede textures to the Beatles' jackets
are
dynamic in the "I Need You" sequence on Salisbury
Plain; and if you
couldn't before (or you are not a Beatles guitar aficionado)
George's
Country Gentleman has painted-on F-holes!
Also, the sets themselves are given more depth,
which results in a
better feeling of space for the viewer. When lighting the
film, Director
of Photography David Watkin was among the first to use reflected
light, and his efforts are for more appreciated here in
the remastered version. Also groundbreaking was Lester's
decision to throw filters over key (but quick) scenes and
shots...popping out "Another Girl's" music sequence
to startling effect.
Ambient sounds have been improved as well.
The temple congregation is heard echoing all around you,
bemoaning the loss of the ring. The crowd running away from
the "Stingy thingy" in the Austrian Alps gives
a heightened sense of urgency. The dialogue benefits from
the remastering as well, no more so evident as when the
chattering Beatles enter or exit certain scenes with overlapping
witticisms.
Before, it was a mish mash of gibberish and now hilarious
ad labs (or
intentional wordplay by co-screenwriter Marc Wood) can be
heard clearly.
No doubt, myself and other fans will be replaying
these short bits in an
attempt to pinpoint the lost gems and which Beatles is saying
what; much like repeated listening of their music. Which
brings us to the
remastered 5.1 surround mix of what we all love about the
Beatles most.
Every song shines and shimmers. Guitars on
the left channel absolutely ring clear as a bell, particularly
noticeable on ("You're Going To Lose That Girl")
the separations are amazing yet still are all cohesive as
a whole... you're still awash in that glorious Beatles'
sound, without any muddiness. Paul's bass is heavier, yet
still retains it's clarity; and John may well have been
right calling "Ticket To Ride" the first heavy
metal record. "I Need You"' s volume knob effect
shines out, the background harmonies and full lead vocal
tracks are placed in the perfect spot and level. One wonders
when all the albums will be released in 5.1 surround, film
or no. I'll settle for the soundtrack CD of this remastered
version of HELP!
The DVD release comes with a bonus disc, (see
Tom Frangione's review) which includes documentaries
on the making of HELP!, the remastering & restoration
process, trailers, radio spots (accessed by "easter
eggs" on the main menu).
Listen to Beatle Brunch to win your DVD copies
as well as the limited edition 7 song sampler.
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