How the West Was Won (Ultimate Collector's Edition)

I would give this Blu-ray version more stars due to this is flawless. I love the 2nd disc (only on blu-ray version) Smileybox effect. I have even a 42 inch HD tv and it looked great. I watched it tonight and will probably watch it again tomarrow (the 2nd disc, smileybox). I even after that watched the hour and half documenty on the history of Cinearama (on the first disc that has the letter box widesreen version it also), and throughly enjoyed that. Brvavo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:-)

Unbelievable picture quality and soundtrack. The lines from the 3 strip original are only just noticable in all but a few scenes and mostly the sky area.
Worth the purchase. ***** stars.

If there was ever a time to experienc the gratiication of exploration, the ol'US West gave every individual the opportubity to become a part of the 'thrill-of-it-all'!

If you can't see HOW THE WEST WAS WON in full three-screen Cinerama, this is just about the next best thing. I only regret that this package doesn't include the "Smilebox" version that simulates the curved Cinerama screen (you'll have to get the Blu-ray for that). But otherwise, this package is well worth having for its gorgeous image and full-range audio, its informative five-handed commentary, the excellent CINERAMA ADVENTURE documentary about the Cinerama process itself, and the nifty hard-copy extras: miniature facsimiles of the souvenir program, press book, lobby cards and on-set photos. After all the wretched video transfers of this classic western, we finally have one that does it as much justice as home video can.

Back in 1962, or so, when this movie was at a Cinerama Theater near my home, I think I saw it 4 times -- not because the best movie I ever saw but because of the "adventure" of the Cinerama experience, the sound, and the music. This Blu-Ray digitally doctored version certainly comes closest to that experience. Most older films don't look any better in HD than the regular DVD. This one is an exception. In Blu-Ray it gets me very close to the original AND the missing lines between the cameras is a huge improvement from the previous DVD and LaserDisc incarnations.

Others have covered the plot and cast and the lore behind the film. There is NOTHING to compare, these days, with the visceral impact of Cinerama back in the day. But this Blu-Ray on my 60"+ HDTV comes closer than anything else has in the 46 years since it was new. A must-have for the Blu-Ray collector...