The Western historical saga, “How the West Was Won” will be released September 9, 2008 in three new restored and remastered editions. One of only two feature films produced in the original Cinerama three-panel widescreen process, “How the West Was Won” is an epic following four generations of a courageous New England farm family as they travel to the fertile Ohio Valley during Americas early westward expansion.
Reportedly, M-G-M and Cinerama spared no expense to give this sprawling Western saga the huge vistas made possible with the original Cinerama process. After its initial theatrical engagements in theaters equipped with three synchronized projectors for Cinerama presentation, the film was subsequently presented on traditional theater screens with the three separate Cinerama panels being optically joined to form a standard 35mm 2.35:1 widescreen image, leaving most subsequent viewers puzzled by the annoying “join lines.”
Following several years of careful development, the technicians at Warner’s Motion Picture Imaging perfected a technology that could finally eliminate the “join lines,” and unify the images into a superb viewing experience that captures the essence of the productions initial road show exhibitions, with an aspect ratio of 2.89:1.
“How the West Was Won Ultimate Collectors Edition” is loaded with collectible memorabilia including a 20-page theatrical press book reproduction, 10 behind-the-scenes photo cards and 10 postcards, and an exclusive movie poster offer. Simultaneously, there will also be a Blu-ray Hi-Def version. Exclusive to Blu-ray is the SmileBox version of the film.
Some of Hollywoods biggest stars, including John Wayne, Henry Fonda, James Stewart, Richard Widmark, Gregory Peck, Lee J. Cobb, Debbie Reynolds and Carroll Baker star in “How the West Was Won.”
Set between 1839 and 1889 against the backgrounds of the Louisiana Purchase, the Civil War, buffalo hunters, the Pony Express and the first transcontinental railroad, the film consists of five segments, with direction by Henry Hathaway, John Ford and George Marshall, and written by James R. Webb and John Gay, suggested by a Life Magazine series of the same name.
The film was the winner of 3 Oscars Awards (Best Screenplay, Best Sound and Best Editing) as well as being nominated for an additional five Oscars, including Best Picture).
In 1997, “How the West Was Won” was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the US National Film Registry.
Special Features:
Commentary by filmmaker David Strohmaier, Director of Cinerama, Inc. John Sittig, Film Historian Rudy Behlmer, Music Historian Jon Burlingame and Stuntman Loren James [A rousing roundtable discussion of the unique experiences making this newly restored, classic western shot in wondrous Cinerama.]
Dave Strohmaiers critically-acclaimed, feature-length documentary Cinerama Adventure
The Making of How the West Was Won (Archival featurette)
. Original Theatrical trailer