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70mm is a distinct film format that provides a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience. It differs from the standard 35mm format by offering larger frames with a wider aspect ratio, resulting in significantly higher resolution. This format enhances the mise en scène and allows audiences to notice details they might have otherwise missed. With the emergence of IMAX, 70mm provides the ultimate projection quality for motion pictures.
Nevertheless, creating a film with such exceptional image quality and materials is a challenging endeavor, which is why 70mm movies are relatively rare. They demand expensive equipment and specialized projectors to truly showcase the material. It’s worth noting that higher resolution and brighter images alone don’t guarantee quality, but fortunately, there are several outstanding 70mm cinematic masterpieces available.
Here is a list of the finest films shot in 70mm.
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10 Greatest Movies Shot on 70mm
West Side Story (1961)
The 1961 film “West Side Story” is a poignant tale of a love that defies societal norms, unfolding between two young individuals from opposing New York gangs: the Jets, comprised of American youths of Polish heritage, and the Sharks, a group of Puerto Rican immigrants. The narrative is a striking contrast, beginning with the spark of romance and culminating in a dramatic eruption of violence.
What Makes It Outstanding “West Side Story” stands out as a classic musical that exemplifies the boundless possibilities of cinema. Its musical sequences are not only electric and expertly choreographed but also enhanced by the captivating cinematography that accompanies them. It’s no surprise that the film garnered 10 Oscars out of 11 nominations, including the prestigious Best Picture award.
Tron (1982)
In Tron, the utilization of the 70mm format contributes to the creation of a unique atmosphere that resembles a disruptive video-game experience. It combines elements of science fiction and action to foreshadow the immersive gaming and digital revolution that would unfold in the years to come. The movie follows Jeff Bridges, who portrays a computer hacker transported into a virtual world called “The Grid.” With the assistance of a security program and his own technological expertise, he must overcome a tyrannical force bent on his destruction.
What Sets It Apart Tron offers a distinct digital adventure that envisions the future while embracing its contemporary context. While some modern viewers may argue that the film’s visual effects have not aged well, they may overlook the fact that these effects were more interested in capturing the visual aesthetics of 20th-century video games rather than attempting to depict a futuristic model. The movie takes some of the boldest visual risks ever taken, paving the way for other groundbreaking works such as the Wachowskis’ Speed Racer and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
The Master (2012)
“The Master” stands out as the ideal Paul Thomas Anderson film to be captured in 70mm because it accentuates the film’s indoor settings and suburban landscapes, adding depth and beauty to what might be considered conventional environments. While 70mm format is often associated with grand epics and innovative set designs, Anderson demonstrates that it can equally enhance more everyday settings. The movie’s central story revolves around a solitary Navy veteran who discovers purpose within a enigmatic cult led by Lancaster, a charismatic yet enigmatic leader.
What Makes It Exceptional Throughout the film, Anderson employs unconventional camera angles that effectively highlight the stark contrast between the film’s various settings and Joaquin Phoenix’s character. These angles emphasize the pervasive sense of isolation that he experiences in crowded rooms compared to the moments of freedom and solitude he cherishes.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Quentin Tarantino has a consistent dedication to paying tribute to his major influences while striving for the highest level of quality. In his 2012 film “Django Unchained,” he provided a fresh take on the Western genre. However, he decided to push the boundaries of the genre with “The Hateful Eight.” In this film, he brought together iconic figures from the Western genre in a single-location narrative, resulting in intense tension and suspense. The story unfolds as an unforgiving blizzard forces a group of untrustworthy strangers to seek refuge in the same place, leading to violent consequences.
What Sets It Apart Although investing in 70mm film for a movie primarily set in a single room might appear unconventional, the wider aspect ratio encourages viewers to pay extra attention to the details as they search for clues. Additionally, since there are so few characters in the film, it is often possible to observe what each of them is doing in the background while the central action unfolds on screen.
The Sound of Music (1965)
The Sound of Music, a beloved romantic film from the 1960s, is known for its ability to deeply touch the emotions with its gentle and heartwarming storytelling, accompanied by beautiful music. The story centers around a young woman who becomes the governess for a widowed naval officer and his seven children.
What sets this movie apart is not only its iconic musical performances and vibrant cinematography, but also the enchanting presence of Julie Andrews. Her charisma elevates The Sound of Music to the status of an unrivaled masterpiece. Through her charming and infectious performance, she embodies kindness and hope, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
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Baraka (1992)
Baraka’s message is crystal clear: it’s the first-ever 70mm documentary, filmed across 24 countries in just over a year, and it runs for 97 minutes without a single spoken word. This film places complete trust in its visual storytelling, conveying the inexpressible without any shortcuts or pretension.
What Sets It Apart The most notable strength of Baraka is its refusal to persuade the audience of anything; it simply presents the world as it is, life as it unfolds. Remarkably evocative, the film juxtaposes challenging images with heartwarming ones, revealing an unending cycle of creation and destruction in which we are mere observers.
Cleopatra (1963)
“Cleopatra is a film that exudes opulence and grandeur in every scene, which is why it rightfully holds the title of the most expensive movie of the 1960s according to The Guardian. The use of the 70mm format is just the perfect finishing touch in a movie that is determined to mirror its substantial budget, showcasing the iconic Liv Taylor as the enchanting Cleopatra and her unquenchable thirst for power.
What Sets It Apart This is a film that fully embraces its extravagance, boasting an imposing 248-minute runtime that delivers on its promise with stunning set designs and a captivating narrative, despite the enormity of the story it undertakes. Cleopatra stands as a cinematic rarity, a once-in-a-century production that has earned its place in the annals of film history for its unparalleled dedication to capturing such a pivotal era with an extraordinary level of attention to even the minutest details.”
The Wild Bunch (1969)
“The Wild Bunch,” directed by the legendary Sam Peckinpah, stands as the ultimate masterpiece within the classic western genre. It was released in 1969, during a time when the western genre was in decline, and it redefined the traditional western storytelling by offering a profound exploration of morality and mankind’s inclination towards violence. The film follows a group of outlaws on a quest for one last significant heist in the fading American West.
What Sets It Apart Exquisitely filmed, “The Wild Bunch” is a movie that remains deeply committed to capturing both the essence of human nature and the environment that envelops humanity. The utilization of the 70mm film format is crucial in depicting the grandeur and deterioration of the vast landscapes that unfold before the film’s central characters.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
The 70mm print of 2001: A Space Odyssey enhances the profound sense of the vastness of space and effectively conveys a mesmerizing glimpse into both ancient history and the enigmatic future awaiting humanity. Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece revolves around the discovery of a mysterious monolith, which hints at the potential existence of extraterrestrial life. In their quest to uncover the object’s origins, a space crew embarks on a journey to Jupiter, delving into the depths of the unknown.
What Sets It Apart More than five decades later, long surpassing the year 2001 referenced in the title, 2001: A Space Odyssey remains as captivating as it was upon its release. The film celebrates the enigmas of the cosmos, revealing how the more knowledge and advancements humanity accumulates, the less they seem to comprehend about themselves. The surreal visuals of the film’s conclusion, when presented through the wider 70mm lens, intensify the impact and captivation, ensuring that viewers remain entranced by the immersive imagery that unfolds over a remarkable five-minute sequence.
Oppenheimer (2023)
The movie “Oppenheimer” stands as a remarkable cinematic achievement, justifiably earning praise for its outstanding storytelling, tension-building, flawless performances, and a haunting musical score that could easily suit a horror film. Portraying the controversial life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the genius behind the atomic bomb, is no simple feat, yet Christopher Nolan exceeded all expectations by creating an intense historical portrayal that presents both the positive and negative aspects of this enigmatic historical figure.
Universal Pictures took a bold marketing risk by releasing “Oppenheimer” as a summer blockbuster on the same day as “Barbie.” This unconventional move gave rise to a cultural sensation known as “Barbenheimer,” demonstrating to global audiences the true cinematic power of a movie shot in 70mm.
Audiences who had the privilege of watching “Oppenheimer” in IMAX 70mm had the best possible movie theater experience in 2023. This contributed to record-breaking box office success, a feat unmatched by any other R-rated biographical film.
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