The last time a lot of Americans saw "Gone With the Wind" on the big screen, it had been "color restored" at the behest of media mogul Ted Turner for a 50th anniversary re-release. However, the film has only been improved with age.
An epic adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's beloved novel about the relationship between two mismatched rogues (Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh) during the Civil War, the film has actually been released to theaters several times since it opened in 1939 (including re-issues in 1947, 1954, 1961 and 1967, as well as the 1989 anniversary).But the latest promises to show audiences the film "in the pristine condition that producer David O. Selznick and director Vic-tor Fleming intended."
New Line Cinema is releasing "Gone With the Wind" to 200 theaters nationwide on Friday, with digitally reproduced sound and yet another "restored" print. Rather than re-color the movie this time, though, technical wizards have revived the Technicolor die transfer printing pro-cess, which brings the original hues back to life naturally and quite vividly.
("Gone With the Wind" began an exclusive engagement Friday at the Loews Cineplex Crossroads Plaza Cinemas.)
Like the 50th anniversary showings, "Gone With the Wind" will be screened in its original length-to-width ratio, allowing audiences to see as much as one-third more of the images than modern-day moviegoers have ex-pe-ri-enced.
Additionally, the film is being presented with the original musical overture, which will play in the theaters that show it before the movie begins and as patrons are leaving. There will also be a 15-minute intermission.
"Gone With the Wind" is rated G, but does contain some wartime violence and one memorable, mild profanity.
For showtimes and ticket prices, call either 355-5047 or 355-3883.