Bwana Devil (3-D) [Blu-ray]

I saw BWANA DEVIL in Philadelphia, PA, probably on the last Sunday of 1952. Until last night, that was the only time I had even seen this movie.I remember the natives' spears coming off the screen and the people in the front rows putting up their hands or ducking. Frankly, that's all I remember of the film itself.I also remember that I thought that the film was terrible!We have a home theater which is equipped with, among other things, a 3D projector and a 110" screen. I have purchased quite a few 3D Blu-ray discs and I really wanted to own this one as it was the first full-length color 3D feature-length film and is therefore very important in film history (it did set off the 3D craze of 1953-1954).The disc arrived on July 30 but we waited to watch it last night (August 1).And do you know what? It's STILL a terrible movie!BUT --- if you are a film lover AND if you have the ability to show 3D movies, you will definitely want to own this disc.Actually everyone can show this film in 3D because the disc contains an "anaglyph" (red-blue) version and the disc comes with one pair of red-blue glasses (if you need more, Amazon has them at very low prices). Unfortunately, if you watch this version, you will see the film essentially in monochrome - Black & White - as there appears to be no way to reproduce full color using the anaglyph method.The disc also contains a "flat" (2D) full-color version but, believe me, THAT is not worth watching (unless you can only watch the 3D version using the anaglyph system which, as I mentioned, shows the movie only in B&W and you do want to see it in full color).There are a couple of extras:Mike Ballew's presentation of the history of BWANA DEVIL is excellent and well-worth watching (it alone is almost worth the price of the disc in my opinion). Plus there are two previews.Even though BWANA DEVIL is a very poor film, it is well-worth owning just for its historical importance. As I mentioned, it was the first full-color sound feature-length film in 3D and it started the 3D "boom" of 1953-54.I have to say that 3 3D Archive and its restoration crew have done a magnificent job of restoring this film - even the Ansco color restoration is superb. And it includes Lloyd Nolan's B&W introduction to the film.The 3D image is excellent and I saw only two or three very brief instances of ghosting. And there is one unintentional effect which both my wife and I noticed: near the beginning of the film, a fly got onto the set and, if you have a large enough screen, you will think there is a fly in your room! Amazing - and funny!I hope Kino-Lorber as well as all associated with the production and distribution of this disc make a lot of money from it. They deserve it!If you've read this review this far, do not hesitate: BUY THIS DISC. (Amazon's current price, $21.98, is a genuine bargain!)Obviously EXTREMELY HIGHLY AND URGENTLY RECOMMENDED!Thank you for your attention to my review.Lawrence H. Bulk

The first film to start the 3-d craze. Very good 3-d. The early 3-d films used 2 -35mm cameras to capture the images so the pictures really are good not like the present 3-d that is electronic adjusted to be 3-d. The first 3-d film from the early 1950's. Get it. Also not a lot of extras with this package.

OK, this is not a great movie, but it did start a major move into 3D movies back in the 1950s. The plot is weak, the acting is so-so, and the special effects are less than impressive. So why would I give it five stars? The restoration is great, and the 3D effects are good. When you consider when it was made and how primitive the technology for doing 3d was, it's an impressive movie.If you have seen it in 2D, or bad 3D, you will be surprised how much difference having a pristine print to watch makes. If you like 3D, you will like this movie. If you don't like 3D, don't buy it.

An exquisite presentation. I couldn't believe how good this looked - PQ and all-round restoration are aces. And what's remarkable is how disciplined and well-integrated the 3D was in only the first feature-length stereoscopic release. Nothing like the gimmicky rush-job its reputation suggested. As with every Golden Age 3D movie I've seen so far, a lot of thought and creativity went into Bwana Devil.The script, not so much. As a film it's certainly watchable, and again better than I was led to believe. Stack is fine in the lead, and there are some nice flourishes. It made me want to watch Ghost and the Darkness again, a film I find vastly underrated.Mike Ballew's bonus featurette was interesting, as always. I also enjoyed the vintage prologue with Lloyd Nolan and Miss USA. Great release.

They really phoned this one in. It is based on the same account that The Ghost in the Darkness is based. The story takes place around the turn of the century, but it looks like the 1950's. They just had to put an American in it too, for some reason. I didn't finish it, it was so bad.

I’m glad to have seen this film in 3D. I’ve been waiting for this edition for a long time

It’s OK movie this one

IMO opinion this is the best work so far from the 3D Film Archive. The 3D is perfectly aligned and the Ansco Color is eye popping. The movie itself has gotten a bad rap over the years but this is a film that uses it outdoor location to enhance the 3D experience. Robert Stack and Nigel Bruce were very good as the leads. Currently the Archive is prepping Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in MONEY FROM HOME sourced from 6K elements. I can’t wait!

3D is awesome , better than the current quality of new movies.

First ever 3d feature length film is based on a true story of two lions who terrorised rail workers in Africa. Special effects not as good as the remake Ghost and the Darkness but still good for that era. Those with 3d compatable eguipment will enjoy the added benifit. A 2d version is also included.