Last night, we watched The Lost World (1925) on my Keystone K-100 R8 film projector. That this is a story by Arthur Conan Doyle interested me because, I've recently read Arthur & George, on the life of Conan Doyle, and his The Hound of the Baskervilles. A story of dinosaurs existing in a place lost somewhere, seemed uncharacteristic of Doyle. We were looking forward to this movie, until the film began. This print by Niles Films has a rather soft focus, which is disappointing. Take a look.
I was disheartened. So much so that in a few minutes, I threaded up the first reel of Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ by Blackhawk Films. Perhaps the pictures don't do justice to the print, but trust me it is excellent.
Is there a good Niles print? After a series of soft focus prints from Niles, I am considering purchasing only Blackhawk films in future. Is this a bad idea?
In times of multitudinous modern movie watching options, I seem to have picked the most testing one - films. It seems like some prints were made to test my faith in film. Last night, while watching The Lost World, I looked at the projector behind me, a Keystone K-100. In the dark screening room, the film projector had a glow like some Film God. And every God needs a disciple to spread his gospel.
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