Tuesday, September 17, 2013

THE SAD STORY OF JOHNNY YUMA - SHOCK AND AWE NEWS


I'm getting prepared not only for SHOCK AND AWE, but an insanely busy next couple of months.

Yes, It's true.  SHOCK AND AWE returns September 28th at the Revue Cinema at 11pm for an all night grindhouse festival.  There's a great collection of materials from my archive including the product friendly ET rip-off MAC AND ME, the softcore classic THE NAUGHTY CHEERLEADER, the infamous and elusive MYSTERY FILM, Klaus Kinski in the grotesque JACK THE RIPPER, ending with the JCVD power house vehicle BLOODSPORT, all being projected from glorious 35mm and 16mm film prints (None of this digital video s**t - In fact, I have still not seen a digital film projection).

Oh yes, the other film which will be presented will be a very good spaghetti western called JOHNNY YUMA, and more than likely for the last time ever.... But more on that in a moment.

I'll be honest,, I'm not a huge western fan, but after viewing JOHNNY YUMA it for sure entertains and on top of it, in order for SHOCK AND AWE to get bigger-stronger-faster, I think there's some film genres that need to be represented during the evening.  We had never shown a western before, and I think it was high time we did.  JOHNNY YUMA is great for it's high body count, risque interactions (for the time) and on top of it, a theme song you will be humming in your head for weeks.

Sadly, when I had got the film print (which was the same English language print that was used for the DVD release), it came with a a strong case of vinegar syndrome.  For those who don't know what this is, it basically is when acid is released in the plastic base of the film, which initially leaves the film smelling like vinegar, but starts to lead to it's deterioration of the film, leading it to its slow demise.

More than likely, this will be the last time the 35mm print that will be able to be enjoyed on the big screen.  Nobody has been knockin at my door offering to restore it for digital cinemas, and I'm pretty sure that won't be happening.  So therefore, it looks like JOHNNY YUMA might have it's final ride at the Revue Cinema.  For me that's kinda sad.

Anyhow, look forward to seeing you all for SHOCK AND AWE on September 28th!  Remember, tickets are at the Revue box office, Film Buff West, Suspect Video and Eyesore Cinema - See you soon!