We’re not talking here of something confirmed in any way yet but we have just found out after several attempts a full 35mm Scope reduction print of the beautiful 1971 epic 70mm cult movie “The Last Valley”. It was released abridged and pan and scanned decades ago by ABC and most prints are faded. This film has not had a better luck with its home video releases: DVDs of it are all awful looking and even the two Bluray editions released worldwide (US and Spain) are lacking. This 35mm print is beautiful with very little wear and complete (125 min.) and, a first, is in Stereo. It could make for a spectacular S8 full feature in Cineavision (to avoid any vertical cropping) and Stereo on 4 x 180 meters reels. We would provide the following audio options to begin with: Original English plus Italian, Castilian Spanish and German (we’re looking for the French dub). We want to hear from you. Is this possible release attractive for you, fellow collectors?.All opinions are welcome!

Regards

Ruben
Ultra 8

Hi Ruben,

For myself I would have to say a definite NO mainly due to cost. With current prices a single 600ft reel costs around $300/300 euro which would make the total cost around $1200, far too high. I would be afraid of running it. This is one reason why I love the shorts and trailers, much more affordable to my budget.

But also The Last Valley doesn't appeal to me to want to pay that sort of money to have it on film. Not really too keen on historical drama's. If I was to buy a full feature on Super 8 at today's prices, I would rather have a modern action title like Terminator 3, Back to the Future etc. both which have never been on Super 8 in full anyway. This is another reason why I like the releases from Dorun and the Reel Image. That 400ft reel of Casino Royale is just about the perfect edit for a brilliant Super 8 experience. The Crane Chase from T3 is also a brilliant reel and affordable.

I do like old films a lot, but the cost of new film I would want something knockout on screen.

Just my thoughts,
Graham S

Thank you Graham, your opinion is very welcome 🤗

Ruben, what a great title, we had the slightly abridge super 8 feature for many years but unfortunately fade crept in so it had to go.
I would love to have this film but like Graham, knowing the cost would be over a grand it would be way over what I realistically spend on a movie, such a shame as I think this is great title to come up up with. If I should win the lottery then maybe I'll change my mind.

Undoubtedly a feature is very expensive so some options should be considered. Thank you for your comments, Tom!

Ruben
Ultra 8

Your welcome, but seriously, for me, what a great title to be able to do.

If you could take a look to the print… it looks, and sounds, terrific…

A random frame capture….

It looks in exceptional condition if the rest of the print is like that.

Heres the funny thing, most collectors are not on the forums but I've just read the other channels replies, I think if a film is not for you thats fine, BUT, I dont think anyone is qualified to suggest there wouldn't be enough interest in it, perhaps there wont be but it isn't for one person to say.

When a 16mm IB tech scope print came up for sale some years ago with Paul Foster I missed, it and it was one of the first films sold on that list, Paul said at the time he could have sold it many times over, he had loads of interest in it. It is a very good film in my view, but others will not agree, we all have our own tastes. This is set during the 30 years war, it isn't actually a historical war film and with Michael Caine, Nigel Davenport, and Omar Sharif in the starring role, the film is topped off with an excellent score by John Barry. Such a shame real film is so expensive, I for one would love it.

Ruben,
Certainly looks like a good print you have there.The reviews for that film are good,but I fear it would be a very niche market for that film.
Also as said the possible price would make an 8mm print of the whole film out of a lot of collectors reach.I could be wrong.Only you know how many prints you would need to sell to break even or make a profit.
Personally I would think you need a more “commercial “ feature. Not in any way knocking The Last Valley,I have never seen the film which as I say has had good reviews it’s just not one that springs to mind as being a feature that would do well on 8mm.
Look forward to your outcome.

Again, thank you for your nice comments. I just wanted to hear what your taste is when collecting Super 8. We’ll see how it goes. Let’s start with our first titles, already ready to order. This is only the start point for Ultra 8 !

Ruben

Gwyn, The last valley is definatly worth a look, a great cast all topped off with a soundtrack by the brilliant John Barry. It isn't a historical war film, it is a story set during the 30 years war. As Ruben rightly said, the DVD/Blu ray are OK but they arnt the best transfers, it's like the companies couldn't be bothered.

I read on the other channel, like here, some people say it isn't for them which is fine, but reading another comment on their by another member who seems to think he's qualified to advise that there would be no interest!! Some years ago an IB tech scope 16mm print of this film came up for sale on Paul Fosters list, I rang immediately i recieved the list but I missed it, Paul said he could have sold it ten times over. It was the first film on that list he sold. When it comes up on ebay, red or not, it always sells yet the 5 x400ft version was pretty crap in colour and it was edited so was over 20 minutes short of the full film and worse, it was 4:3, this is a film for the scope screen.

The other problem is that most collectors dont appear to be on forums so you dont reach the majority. Over the years I've sold my films on ebay 90% of them go to people who are not members on the forums as I'm sure others will know.

As an idea Ruben, is there any way on your website that could could add a section that collectors could perhaps register titles they may like to se released, that way (stating the obvious here), you would see what crops up several times.
It's just sad that the hobby is so expensive.

A few more photos from our print either from the actual 35mm scope frames and the corresponding unsqueezed images…

Hi Ruben,

Once again "Thank You" for your effort in making new releases for Super 8! I would have to also state that due to the cost, a full-feature probably wouldn't provide you enough sales to cover your costs. Unless it was a "blockbuster" title as others have stated here.

As for what is a 'blockbuster' title, of course it will vary. For myself, the original "Bladerunner" would be something I would personally like to see. But the other option aside from a full-feature, is either a digest or a multi-part release. Steve Osborne did this with "True Lies" where there was an edited "Part 1" digest issued, and then later on Steve issued an edited "Part 2" digest. Together these two parts made for a very nice mini-feature. The benefit to the collector, was that the first part could be purchased and enjoyed and then funds could be saved up for the next part when it was released a bit later.

If I may suggest to you, to contact Steve Osborne from The Reel Image at +1-937-296-NINE ZERO THREE 6. I think Steve would be a great resource to talk with about new releases in Super 8 as he has been involved in many. Steve is in Ohio, USA. Steve is one of the most helpful and kindest of people in the hobby.

Kind Regards,
Greg

Thanks a lot for your advice, Greg!

Regards,

Ruben
Ultra 8