Big Screen Movies are meant for the big screen

Rating: 8/10 (14 December 2005)

I must admit to leaving movies like this on the shelf in the 'I must watch this again someday' rack, but the recent upgrade from half decent TV to projector and decent sound system has brought new life to movies that were often in my above category. A big TV is better than small, but there is a magical glow that comes from the dimly lit room and the projected image that draws you in, in a way that no glass trap can. (In my honest opinion)
To be honest there isn't much I can add to what has already been written here, only to add, that directors like Polanski create their vision to be seen on the big screen and (IMO) it is on the big screen that they breathe life. Subtle lighting directions, cute camera angles (like Gittes watching Mulwray through the wing mirror of his car) often drift into obscurity on the TV
When I first saw Chinatown it was on the TV, I liked it, but then i have always liked a touch of Noir, and have watched it a number of times since. But seeing it 'large' put it back where it was meant to be. Up at the top. The film has class, the actors play it to the full, (with Nicholson at his best) and the direction is just.... well, Polanski. I am just sorry that I never managed to catch so many greats like this on the big screen when they came around. (Something I intend to rectify)