VistaVision Visits Norway

When this short first made it to the screen in all its splendor in 1954 it would have had a huge impact on audiences of the day - with its towering images of majestic fjords, green rolling valleys, massive waterfalls, and a look at life amid the Reindeer herding Laplanders on rugged Alpine slopes. All this and more was spectacularly set to the striking music of Norway's own Edvard Grieg (with some pieces I have not heard since!). The VistaVision photographic technique was certainly the best way to see this unique travelogue from prolific nature lover James Fitzpatrick and seeing it in the original 3 strip (IB) Technicolor process would certainly have made it unforgettable.

Seems that other VistaVision films can still be seen in selected special cinemas in the USA. But here in Australia, we didn't experience this presentation wonder (except as demos) as all VistaVision films were re-printed on standard 35mm and released in 1.85 widescreen ratio. Still, I had the privilege of screening this film as a full IB Technicolor 35mm print at a later date and recall it with fond memories. Maybe someone can inform us if this gem has been preserved? I look forward to the possible opportunity of seeing it once more (even with the expectation that the style of narration might appear dated by today's standards...?).

Would certainly be wonderful to find this rare treasure of the past making a re-appearance.

In February of 1954, James A. Fitzpatrick produced the last of his Traveltalks for MGM. In October, he started this series for Paramount, at two reels in length instead of one, in Paramount's new widescreen process, and using the Oslo Philharmonic to play excerpts of Grieg and Halvorsen, This short went out with the road-show version of WHITE CHRISTMAS.

It's pretty good. Fitzpatrick seems to have mellowed. He still talks emphatically, but he waits until the show is half over before he offers the audience his useless facts culled from the almanac, and he allows us to enjoy the music. Hone Glendinning's camerawork is stolid but competent, using the 1.66:1 ratio well enough. The copy I looked at was a bit worn, and not a brilliant as later entries in the series, but more than adequate.