Perf Damage

Latest Episodes:

Geek Motif Trailer - New Podcast 6/29 Jun 22, 2026

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Adam is back with a new podcast coming June 29th, featuring rotating co-hosts. We trace topics through pop culture, focusing on newer movies, television and video games. New topics, new hosts, same silly voices!

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Alchemy In Technicolor: The Post-1950s Dec 16, 2025

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In this episode Adam and Charlotte discuss the later years of Technicolor with their special guest, author Bob Hoffman. Bob wrote a book that focuses on the post-1950s era of Technicolor, after they had abandoned their film cameras and embraced film print manufacture. Bob's book Alchemy In Technicolor also examines Technicolor's forays into other countries and the downfall of physical prints. And of course, you cannot discuss Technicolor without discussing Natalie Kalmus, along with several other heroes of the company that aren't as well known.
This is the third part to our larger Technicolor narrative, which includes episodes THE UNTOLD STORY OF TECHNICOLOR and NATALIE KALMUS: THE WOMAN THAT ALMOSST RUINED TECHNICOLOR.
You can buy Alchemy In Technicolor here: https://moviealchemy.com/

Popeye Intro - Friend of the Fest American Cinematheque Nov 02, 2025

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Adam and Charlotte had a wonderful opportunity to introduce Charlotte's amazing new Restoration of Popeye (1980) at the American Cinematheque's Friend of the Fest movie festival in August. Now in celebration of that restoration appearing on the Criterion Channel, we want to share it with you.
So grab some popcorn and wine, sit back and watch our intro, and then head over to the Criterion Channel to check out Popeye. It will be just like you were there in Los Angeles at the screening.

VistaVision Expert: The Best Way to Watch One Battle After Another Sep 21, 2025

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VistaVision is back—and you won’t believe how epic it looks on the big screen! In this episode of Perf Damage, we break down every way you can watch Paul Thomas Anderson's new film One Battle After Another: the ultra-rare 8-perf horizontal VistaVision screenings (only four theaters in the world!), massive 70mm, towering IMAX 15-perf film, and DCP. Charlotte—recently quoted as the VistaVision expert—explains why this is a historic film event that hasn’t happened since Strategic Air Command in 1955, and what makes VistaVision different from every other format. Adam shares his favorite line from the movie, we compare formats head-to-head, and we give you the inside scoop on the best way to see this must-watch release.
Charlotte's "VistaVision Expert" IndieWire Article:
https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/how-to-watch-one-battle-after-another-vistavision-1235151416/

Sunset Boulevard: The Real Story Behind the New Restoration Sep 04, 2025

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Step into the world of faded glory and timeless brilliance as Charlotte and Adam dive into the restoration of Billy Wilder’s masterpiece, Sunset Blvd. (1950). Charlotte takes you behind the scenes of the meticulous restoration process—sharing the challenges with picture and audio, and triumphs of bringing this classic back to life—while Adam peels back the curtain on the original production, with tales of Wilder, Swanson, Holden, and the making of one of Hollywood’s sharpest portraits of itself.
This episode also features a special recreation of the film’s long-lost original opening—and a few surprises along the way. It’s film restoration the way you’ve come to expect from Perf Damage: equal parts history, storytelling, and movie magic.

Inside the Archive: How Lost Director's Cuts Like Jade and Star Trek: The Motion Picture Are Found! Aug 06, 2025

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Ever wondered how lost director’s cuts are uncovered in a studio archive? Or how deleted scenes and forgotten footage resurface decades later? In this episode, we go deep with film librarian Jeffrey Osmer from the Paramount Archives, the behind-the-scenes legend who helps bring hidden film history back to life.
We reveal how the director’s cut of William Friedkin’s Jade was reconstructed, and we break down the painstaking process it took to finding each shot for Star Trek: The Motion Picture – The Director’s Edition. Jeffrey even shares an emotional story behind restoring the Twin Towers to Zoolander!
If you're a fan of film restoration, Star Trek, director’s cuts, or you love hearing stories about how archivists rescue lost films, track down alternate versions, and rare footage, this episode is for you!

We Took VistaVision to Italy! And Introduced Restorations at an Italian Film Festival Jul 19, 2025

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We just got back from Il Cinema Ritrovato in Bologna, and it wasn’t just a vacation—it was a full-blown film restoration adventure. In this episode, we’re sharing what it’s like to not only attend one of the most beloved film festivals in the world, but to be part of it!
Charlotte shares what it was like to introduce the brand-new restorations of Sunset Boulevard (1950), Danger: Diabolik (1968), and the world premiere of Artists and Models (1955), plus she gave a 45-minute talk on the history of VistaVision (in Italy! In July!). We include clips from her intros and the presentation, and talk about the surreal joy of seeing these restorations on the big screen with audiences from around the world.
Adam and Charlotte talk about their favorite non-Paramount film of the festival, Duel in the Sun (1946).
From spontaneous meetings with fellow film nerds to late-night pasta-fueled movie debates, this episode captures the heart of Ritrovato and why we’re already dreaming about going back. Stick around until the end because Adam grabbed a few "Diabolik-ly" cool tote bags to give away!
Pop in your earbuds, pour yourself an Aperol Spritz, and join us for a cinematic postcard from Bologna, Italy - no airfare required.

Film Restoration Stories: From Silent Seas to Saturday Cartoon with Graham Marshall Jul 12, 2025

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In this episode of Perf Damage, we’re joined by Paramount Film Preservation Manager Graham, who shares some of his favorite restoration projects—from a high-seas adventure to animated antics. We dive into the silent epic Old Ironsides (1926), explore the innovative Magnascope system used for its original release, and discuss the film’s re-edit and re-release in the 1950s.

Then we shift gears to cartoons, as Graham walks us through his collaborative work restoring classic Fleischer Studios shorts! Known for creating cartoons with characters like Koko the Clown, Betty Boop, Superman, Bimbo, and more! Along the way, we touch on some of the pioneering techniques used by Inkwell Imps and Famous Studios and discuss what makes these early animated films so special. It’s a journey through two very different corners of film history, united by the art of restoration!
Go to Rockin Pins for officially licensed Fleischer Merchandise:
https://www.rockinpins.com/
Check out the restored Fleischer Cartoons here:
https://fleischertoons.com/
Vote for REDS (1981) to be inducted into the NATIONAL FILM REGISTRY! (Voting is open through August 15, 2025)
https://www.research.net/r/national-f...

Unmasking Danger: Diabolik in 4K Jun 14, 2025

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This week on Perf Damage, we're going behind the mask of the new 4K HDR release of Danger: Diabolik (1968) — coming soon from Kino Lorber!
Charlotte walks us through the work behind the new transfer from the original 35mm camera negative—what was done, what wasn’t, and why it looks better than ever. She shares behind-the-scenes stories of how some of the original opticals were updated, how a long-missing outro was rediscovered, and why this version is the most faithful to the original Italian release we've ever seen on U.S. home video.
Meanwhile, Adam dives into the wild world of production drama—from casting clashes to Dino De Laurentiis being... well, Dino. Expect pulp, politics, and plenty of behind-the-scenes chaos.
If you're a fan of Mario Bava, deep cuts in film restoration, or just want to know how Diabolik got his groove back in 4K, this episode is for you.
Subscribe for more deep dives, restorations, and film nerdery.
The new 4K HDR disc is coming soon from Kino Lorber!
Note: This episode is not affiliated with or sponsored by Kino Lorber. We're just excited to talk about the work that went into this release and share what went on behind the scenes and we recommend that you pre-order a copy of the disc!

Backstage at TCM Fest: VistaVision's Big Comeback May 24, 2025

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Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival, where VistaVision made a spectacular return to the big screen!
We take you inside the magic of the festival, from the installation of VistaVision projectors in the legendary Chinese Theatre to the building of rare 8-perf film prints for Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and We're No Angels. We’ve got stories, secrets, and stunning footage of these screenings coming together.
Charlotte shares clips from her standing-room-only History of VistaVision presentation, and Adam ambushes her with red carpet footage she definitely didn’t approve!
Whether you're a film nerd, restoration geek, or just love classic Hollywood, this episode is packed with widescreen drama, archival magic, and movie love.

Subscribe for more Perf Damage episodes, restoration deep-dives, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of film.

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