I know that in this day and age of CG spectaculars, "This is Cinerama" may appear dated. I know in this day of anti-patriotism "This is Cinerama" appears too patriotic. I only know that when I first saw it in 1953 I was totally blown away. When Lowell Thomas uttered that famous line "Ladies and Gentlemen, This is Cinerama" and that screen opened up, it was just mind boggling. The last time I saw it in its full three-panel glory I was boggled all over again. Except for a few scenes that do seem to go on too long (such as the "Hallelujah Chorus" and the bullfight to name just two), the total effect is just one of total wonder. The comments I heard at that screening a couple of years ago to the effect that it was perhaps too patriotic made me say to myself, perhaps it's time for us to return to those patriotic times and perhaps we'd all be happier as a country. But to return to the film: even in the early 2000s, this just was a wonderful two hours of amazement and thrills. The highlights, of course, are the "YOU are in the picture" parts, such as the flight across the country (too patriotic? I don't think so!), the Cypress Gardens segments, and far from being boring, the two operatic highlights, which are great. I do hope the people who run the very few theaters equipped to show this great film will continue to do so periodically or (better) on a regular basis.
Review of This Is Cinerama
