The final Cinerama feature, a lavish 1966 travelogue filmed in the Soviet Union—actually shot in a nearly identical Russian three-camera process called Kinopanorama—is essentially a "greatest hits" entry edited for American release from six Kinopanorama films, with folksy narration by Bing Crosby, who plays the genial host. It opens with the camera mounted in a dog sled speeding through the snows of Northern Russia and then jumps between natural wonders and cultural treasures. Sequences include drifting down the Volga River, observing an Arctic whaling ship kill and harvest an orca, a close-up look at a wild antelope round-up, and an underwater journey in the Sea of Japan to see an octopus in motion. Back in civilization, Russian Adventure serves up postcard looks at both the Kremlin and idealized life on Moscow streets, and offers extended segments on the Moscow Circus (featuring a dramatic trapeze-eye view of the audience from a swinging camera), the Bolshoi Ballet, and the acrobatic Moiseyev Dance Company. No Cold War tension is evident here, as the footage was all shot by Soviet filmmakers for Soviet audiences and the American narration is free of any social or political commentary. The restoration shows minor damage but is otherwise lovely and is presented in the "smilebox" format to simulate the curved screen of theatrical showings. Extras include two Cinerama short films, a restoration demo, publicity materials, and a booklet. A strong optional purchase. [Note: also newly available at the same price is The Best of Cinerama.] (S. Axmaker)
Russian Adventure
Flicker Alley, 127 min., not rated, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $39.95 Volume 32, Issue 2
Russian Adventure
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