It’s Time to Celebrate, Not Bash, New ‘GWTW’

Is it possible for a film purist to be pure wrong? Bill Desowitz and the Calendar section seem to be just that with “Frankly, My Dear, You’re a Bit Blurry” (July 7).

New Line Cinema is confident that all of the “Gone With the Wind” prints currently in circulation deliver the high standards that audiences expect and deserve for this classic motion picture. While we were quick to acknowledge some isolated problems with presentation during the opening weekend, we worked swiftly with Technicolor and our partners in the theatrical exhibition community to replace approximately 20 damaged reels.

The Times failed to relate that there are almost 2,800 reels in circulation, and we have not received any complaints since this rotation took place. We are currently monitoring each venue through theater management, and are taking every possible precaution to ensure that those wishing to see “Gone With the Wind” have a thoroughly memorable, one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.

We would like to believe that Desowitz, who writes with authority on complex issues involving the film industry, would know that there is no such thing as “the SDDS Dolby format.” Dolby and SDDS are two different companies that market two different sound systems. But his article was riddled with factual inaccuracies.

For instance, he quotes a mysterious off-the-record source who says that buildup of flaking and dust does not cause a film to go out of focus. We will gladly put your reporter on the phone with dozens of experts who will dispute that fact on the record.

The overwhelming majority of the country’s respected film critics have praised and supported this newly issued print, including The Times’ own Kenneth Turan.

The Times seems genuinely miffed that audiences would embrace the 1998 release as eagerly as they have. In the past three weeks, the film has earned approximately $4 million, a substantial figure for a 60-year-old limited-release film that can only run two times a day because of its length.

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Moviegoers young and old are rediscovering “Gone With the Wind.” In fact, exit polls indicate that almost 25% of the audience (mostly those under 35) never saw this classic before.

Anyone who loves the art of film should appreciate that young fans are being exposed to this precious national treasure for the first time. Instead, The Times prefers to attack a rare opportunity to see a genuine American classic on the big screen.

Despite The Times’ protestations, filmgoers in Los Angeles have supported our achievement. Here and throughout the rest of the country, theater owners report that audiences are enthusiastically applauding (literally) this new print--many customers are even returning again and again. Frankly, my dear, they give a damn.