Lawrence vs. Hulu
The so-called "restored director's cut" of Lawrence of Arabia that's now up and viewable on Hulu doesn't include Maurice Jarre's overture. Which means it's not the "restored director's cut." This is a gross error on Hulu's part. It makes them look like they don't have a clue.
All I want for Christmas is the Blu-ray Lawrence, but the work is proceeding very carefully and slowly, I'm told, so we probably won't see it until 2010. Unless Sony's home video division decides to delay its release until 2012 so they can call it a "special 50th anniversary collector's edition."
HE reader Carl LaFong asks, "Did you see how Hulu breaks to an advertisement just as Lawrence blows out the candle with that landmark cut to the sunrise?" I never got that far into the film. Now I have to watch it again. Has anyone else noticed this and is this in fact the case? If so, it would appear that Hulu has a two-point strategy. One, they're actively trying to denigrate the Lawrence experience. And two, they're trying for some reason to convince viewers that they're morons.
As LaFong writes, "Maybe when Hulu shows 2001: A Space Odyssey they can break to a commercial just as Moonwatcher's bone falls and jump-cuts into a spacecraft!"
Posted by Jeffrey Wells on November 16, 2008 at 8:03 PM
comment #1
Nick Rogers
says ...
Why the hell would you want to watch "Lawrence of Arabia" on your laptop anyway?
Posted by Nick Rogers
at November 16, 2008 8:54 PM
comment #2
TheCahuengaKid
says ...
"I carry twenty-three great wounds, all got in battle. Seventy-five men have I killed with my own hands in battle. I scatter, I burn my enemies' tents. I take away their flocks and herds. The Turks pay me a golden treasure, yet I am poor! Because *I* am a river to my people! "
Posted by TheCahuengaKid
at November 16, 2008 10:33 PM
comment #3
Carl LaFong
says ...
Did you see how Hulu breals to an advertisement just as Lawrence blows out the candle with that landmark cut to the sunrise?
Maybe when Hulu shows 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY they can break to a commercial just as Moonwatcher's bone falls and jump-cuts into a spacecraft!
In many ways just as much as an abomination as cutting the overture. But as Nick said above, why the hell would anybody watch LAWRENCE OF ARABIA on a teensy screen anyway?
I remember seeing this movie for my first time in the 70s on the ABC Sunday Night Movie, and it was the horribly cropped pan&scan version with the reels notoriously flopped backwards for a couple reels - I was bored to tears and couldn't see what all the fuss was about. Years later, I saw the Restored Director's Cut at the late, lamented Northpoint Theater in San Francisco and it became one of the three transcendent cinematic experiences of my life. Saw a newly struck print at the Rafael Film Center some months back, and the movie still packs a wallop. Took some friends who had never seen it, and it's a delight to introduce it to newbies. The flick never disappoints...
If anybody reading this column hasn't experienced Lawrence theatrically, PLEASE don't watch the Hulu presentation. It's very nice that they are showing it for free on the Internets, but it is far from any notion of an ideal first exposure.
Posted by Carl LaFong
at November 16, 2008 10:53 PM
comment #4
doobiedoo
says ...
until looking at that pic i didn't realise Orlando Bloom was in Lawrence of Arabia
Posted by doobiedoo
at November 17, 2008 12:53 AM
comment #5
bluefugue
says ...
I agree any sort of small screen is hardly the best venue for Lawrence, but watching a movie on Hulu (or any other download service) doesn't automatically mean a "laptop" or a "teensy screen." My 22" monitor is bigger than any TV I own. I'm sure that is unforgivably awful and makes me the lowest scum on planet earth, but I have enjoyed watching many movies on my computer, DVD's or streamed or any which way. With the economy the way it currently is, a big 40" TV screen is pretty low on my list of things to do with my money.
Posted by bluefugue
at November 17, 2008 1:23 AM
comment #6
BurmaShave
says ...
I don't think the Overture is an integral part of the home viewing experience. It's charming when you see a revival screening in the theater, but I really don't consider it part of the film. It should always be included on the DVD and maybe even be optional to play, but I've never been more infuriated than when I sit down to watch something on TCM and have to sit through 10 minutes of the score set over a painted curtain. Also I prefer movies on my ibook over anything, because I can catch little details.
Posted by BurmaShave
at November 17, 2008 1:52 AM
comment #7
CitizenKanedforChewingGum
says ...
As opposed to those "little details" you somehow miss while watching LoA presented theatrically? C'mon Burma, unless you were being sarcastic, that's just insane.
Posted by CitizenKanedforChewingGum
at November 17, 2008 5:45 AM
comment #8
Rich S.
says ...
Did I miss something? Isn't Hulu free?
I guess it's fair game to point out flaws in their presentation, but come on. LoA is one of the greatest movies ever made and you can watch it anytime you want, on your schedule. for free.
20, even 10 years ago, that would have been considered the holy grail for movie lovers, who would gladly have suffered through a lack of overture or some awkwardly-placed commercial cuts for the privilege.
Now it's cause for endless complaining. I guess you could call that progress.
Posted by Rich S.
at November 17, 2008 6:47 AM
comment #9
DavidF
says ...
The overture isn't CRUCIAL. When I watch my Superbit DVD I put it in the player and go make popcorn or whatever while it plays.
But Lawrence is a perfect example of the absurdity of people now watching movies on ipods and laptops. It baffles me.
Posted by DavidF
at November 17, 2008 7:40 AM
comment #10
Al-Aurens
says ...
I almost cried when I realized that I was returning from my first trip to LA on the very night that LoA was playing at the Egyptian. I'm only slightly joking.
Fortunately, the 70 mm movie made an appearance in lowly Cowlumbus, OH at a local museum. I tried to get a few friends to go, but the long running time put them off. Their loss.
Posted by Al-Aurens
at November 17, 2008 10:22 AM
comment #11
T. S. Idiot
says ...
"But Lawrence is a perfect example of the absurdity of people now watching movies on ipods and laptops. It baffles me."
Some of my fellow commuters between NJ and NYC watch DVDs on their laptops. Beyond the lack of aesthetic appeal, there's the matter of watching nudity or extreme violence while sitting next to somebody's grandmother.
Posted by T. S. Idiot
at November 17, 2008 11:42 AM
comment #12
rr3333
says ...
If any movie screams to be seen on the big screen, its Lawrence.
Saw it in the Ziegfield many years back when it was first restored. Amazing experience.
Hulu is like McDonalds. Fast food all the way. Not for the film thespians for sure.
Posted by rr3333
at November 17, 2008 12:48 PM
comment #13
BurmaShave
says ...
CitizenKaned, i should have clarified I meant I prefer my computer to watch DVDs. I realize it was unclear. Obviously the big screen is always preferable.
Posted by BurmaShave
at November 17, 2008 4:03 PM
comment #14
BurmaShave
says ...
Also rr3333 is absolutely right. Hulu is for 30 ROCK or having a nightcap and watching BASIC INSTINCT.
Posted by BurmaShave
at November 17, 2008 4:03 PM
comment #15
cinefan
says ...
Here is my short Christmas Blu-Ray wish list:
Lawrence of Arabia
Notorious
Rebecca
Vertigo
Bridge on the River Kwai
Citizen Kane
Chinatown
Posted by cinefan
at November 18, 2008 5:04 AM
comment #16
Cadavra
says ...
The instinct to watch movies on TV has become so overpowering that even when people DO go to a theatre, they invariably sit in the back so the screen remains small.
And I'm sitting down front by myself.
Posted by Cadavra
at November 18, 2008 5:57 PM
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