DVDizzy Forum

I missed this last fall when it got released, but the low budget Canadian horror film "The Mask" (1961) was released last September for the first time on DVD. The film is probably most known for its 3D sequences. The majority of the film is a flat 2D film, however when the main character puts on a South African mask (a time when the audience would put on their 3D glasses), psychedelic dream sequences would ensue in 3D.

Here's the kicker. While polarized 3D was well established by the early 1960s, "The Mask" utilized a red-blue anaglyph 3D process for the 3D sequences in theatres. The film premiered on TV with its original 3D sequences intact in 1982, and aired several times throughout the 1980s on late night television. I think Elvira even did a send up of this film.

Most 3D films were shot with a polarized anaglyph process, and the lesser quality red-blue anaglyph would be how it might air on television or in a cheap VHS release. This would lose any color (if the film was originally shot in color 3D), because the red-blue anaglyph 3D process results in a black and white 3D image. Red-blue anaglyph also typically loses quality of 3D.

"The Mask" was shot in black and white, however, and was originally filmed in red-blue anaglyph. This DVD release shows the 3D the way it was shown originally in theatres!!! And it comes with a free pair of 3D glasses!

For anyone who has a knack for low budget horror, 3D, or cult cinema...check it out:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... eimprovemz

(While I purchased the DVD I haven't received it yet. I'm not sure of the video/audio quality but maybe someone else out there has it and can comment on quality)

Judging that it's being released by Cheezy Flicks, the transfer would be so-so.

My copy of "The Mask" (1961) came in today and I watched it this evening. I was pleasantly suprised. While the film itself generally blows, the 3D sequences are incredible. There isn't anything quite terrifying in them, but they are so weird they are creepy and have a sense of true horror to them.

The print of the film is pretty decent (on par with Disney's "Son of Flubber" a 1963 Black and White film), and while the production budget is slightly above an Ed Wood picture the film itself is well produced.

For any 3D fan, cult horror, or just plain pop culture fan I recommend checking this film out. You have to purchase it, though, to get the 3D glasses. It comes with a free pair, but you can't "rent" the red/blue anaglyph glasses.