MovieChat Forums > Algiers (1938) Discussion > TCM Version Is Terrible!

TCM Version Is Terrible!

posted 14 years ago by reader4
10 replies | jump to latest

It seems like TCM only broadcasts DVDs these days.

I began to doubt this when I saw the version of Algiers that they showed the other day. It is unrestored in any way, full of scratches and blips. It jumps. Probably worst of all, it is faded and very fuzzy, almost like it's out of focus the whole way.

The audio is also extremely difficult to understand in many places, and there are no closed captions.

I went out today to check and see if it could possibly have been a DVD. According to Amazon, there are 2 versions of Algiers available on DVD. Neither of them has been restored at all. Apparently one of them is so cheezy it even has the soundtrack from some other movie accidentally blended in!

So apparently the choices for this movie are either to watch a basically unwatchable version, or don't watch it at all.

What a pity for such a classic film!

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] 14 years ago

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[–] guetzow 14 years ago

Dear viewer,

Considering this film is merely a remake of "Pepe le Moco", I suggest you obtain a copy of the original. "Pepe" is available in a fully restored version through Criterion Collection, and is fantastic.

[–] judith-mcgee1025 13 years ago

I am currently watching TCM's version of "Algiers". Unfortunately this film is in public domain status. I continue to hope that a restored version of the film is out there, but so far I haven't seen it. Seeing the film in its present condition is frustrating as it is heavily dependent on sounds and visuals, and the cinematography by James Wong Howe is extraordinary.

[–] AnjaValentine 11 years ago

Welp, I came to imdb to see if others had commented. Not lately, apparently, but yep, the version airing on TCM tonight is terrible. They might was well not broadcast it, in this state. :(

[–] Laura_848 10 years ago

Rented the dvd from the library. I'm about 20 minutes into it and the recording is terrible, audio is to. Came to imdb to see if others have this problem, and well, there you go. What a disappointment.

[–] marhefka 9 years ago

@lauragrace.

My streamed copy of it is also terrible. I guess this movie is a classic but I did not enjoy it. I thought Boyer was great in "Hold Back the Dawn." In this movie, not so much.

[–] DodgersRule 9 years ago

Watching this movie now on TCM and I do agree with all of the above BUT having heard of it but never seeing it before -- I'm enjoying ALGIERS.
However, if it's a really bad copy I would love to watch a restored version some day. Fingers crossed.

[–] dmlundquist 8 years ago

@marhafka.....My sentiments exactly. It's hard to believe this film received Oscar considerations.

[–] mdonln 8 years ago

reader4 says > I saw the version of Algiers that they showed the other day. It is unrestored in any way, full of scratches and blips. It jumps. Probably worst of all, it is faded and very fuzzy, almost like it's out of focus the whole way.

It's been six and a half years since the OP's comments were posted. It's possible TCM is airing a different version these days; I don't know. The version I saw was not restored and it wasn't perfect but I had no problems watching it. It aired on August 29. I saved it to DVR and just watched it today.

Let's remember the movie is nearly eighty years old and is now in the public domain. Restoration is expensive and probably unlikely since no one owns the rights to the movie and anyone can copy and sell version they get their hands on.

the choices for this movie are either to watch a basically unwatchable version, or don't watch it at all.

I did not find the movie to be un-watchable. I thought it was a good movie and well worth watching. I have encountered movies with far greater technical issues than this one and still managed to watch and enjoy them.

I guess I don't focus too much on the problems because I have a higher threshold for imperfection than some people. Maybe it's because I realize I'm watching an older movie. The fact the movie still exists, is available instead of hidden away on some warehouse shelf, and I'm able to watch it makes me happy and appreciative. Any copy; even a less than perfect one, is a blessing so I can't get too hung up on the quality.

Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]