Perf Damage

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How I Got Into Film Restoration with Special Guest Jeff McCarty Apr 27, 2025

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In this episode of Perf Damage, we sit down with Jeff McCarty, a Senior Preservation Manager on Charlotte’s team at Paramount, to talk about his incredible journey to get into film preservation. Jeff shares the story of how he got his start from attending the USC film school, to working at Technicolor and he walks us through the many twists and turns that led him to Paramount. Along the way, he’s worked on some major restorations, including The Godfather (1972), the silent classic It (1927), The Day of the Locust (1975), and King Kong (1976).
Jeff gives us an inside look at what it really takes to preserve and restore films—from the technical challenges to the unexpected surprises in the archive, and reflects on what it means to care for cinematic history. It’s a conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories, deep knowledge, and a whole lot of film love.
Plus, Charlotte and Adam geek out about nitrate, color timing, and what it’s like to work with someone who knows his way around a vault reel like nobody else.

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VistaVision invades the TCM Film Festival - and It's Our Fault! Apr 05, 2025

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We can finally share the news we've been teasing for months - Charlotte is heading to the TCM Film Festival to give a talk on The History of VistaVision alongside Craig Barron! In this special mini-episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this widescreen deep dive, the classic films she’ll be introducing, and how this whole crazy project came to life. From behind-the-scenes stories to the magic of VistaVision on the big screen, we’re giving you a sneak peek at what’s in store. See you at TCMFF (and yeah, this one’s totally our fault)!
Head over to https://filmfestival.tcm.com/programs/vistavision/ for more info on the VistaVision film prints.
Charlotte's Presentation "Bigger, Sharper, Better: The History of VistaVision" can be found here: https://filmfestival.tcm.com/schedule/bigger-sharper-better-the-history-of-vistavision/
Charlotte's TCM page can be found here: https://filmfestival.tcm.com/programs/special-guests/charlotte-barker/

The Controversial Aspect Ratio of The Country Girl Feb 12, 2025

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Building on our last episode about widescreen formats in the 1950s, we’re taking you inside a virtual restoration room for a hands-on look at how we determined the correct aspect ratio for The Country Girl (1954). You'll see clips of the film in multiple aspect ratios so you can decide for yourself—was it meant to be seen in 1.66:1 or 1.85:1? If you’ve ever wanted to be a film restorationist for a day, this is your chance to experience what the job is really like. Join us as we compare the film side by side, break down the visual and historical evidence, and reveal how the final decision was made—no lab coat required!

Widescreen Chaos! Unveiling The Truth About Aspect Ratios with Special Guests! Jan 27, 2025

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Join us for an eye-opening (and hilarious) deep dive into the wild world of Hollywood aspect ratios! We’re thrilled to welcome Bob Furmanek and Jack Theakston from the 3D Film Archive, who share their extensive research and experience restoring classic films and solving aspect ratio mysteries.
We discuss some fascinating case studies from their recent restorations, including "The Glass Web (1953)" and "Gog (1954)," and Charlotte shares the challenges of finding the correct aspect ratio for "The Country Girl (1954)." Along the way, we crack jokes, geek out over widescreen formats, and have a great time unraveling the history of how Hollywood framed its biggest films.
PLUS—don’t miss an exclusive premiere of a newly restored clip from "Money From Home (1953)," coming soon from Kino Lorber!
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The original widescreen articles referenced in this episode can be found archived on the Wayback Machine here:
https://web.archive.org/web/202201260...
https://web.archive.org/web/202201260...
Check out 3dfilmarchive.com for more news from Bob, Jack and the rest of the 3D Archive gang!

The Lydeckers: Pioneers of Practical Effects Nov 30, 2024

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In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Republic Pictures and the two brothers who turned a B-studio into an A-list innovator: Howard and Theodore Lydecker. Known as the masters of miniature effects, the Lydecker brothers created jaw-dropping special effects that set Republic Pictures apart in the 1930s through the 1950s. Their groundbreaking work inspired generations of filmmakers, including Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.
Join us as we tell the story of these unsung heroes of Hollywood, explore their creative process, and showcase some of Republic’s best miniature work—from rocket-fueled serials to daring action sequences. Discover how the Lydecker brothers brought big ideas to life on small scales and cemented their legacy in film history.

White Christmas: The Real Story Behind the New Restoration Nov 09, 2024

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Perf Damage returns to White Christmas for a third time, but in this episode, we're diving deep into the dazzling 2024 restoration that breathes new life into this holiday classic. Join us as we unpack the unique challenges of restoring a VistaVision film, from tackling flickering and stabilizing stock shots to managing color breathing and other quirks of the original negative. We’ll reveal how crucial detailed notes from past transfers were in shaping this restoration, helping to capture every frame’s brilliance. And because this ambitious project involved so many skilled hands, we’re giving special shoutouts to everyone who played a part in making this restoration a reality.
Ready to uncover the secrets behind this restoration? Press play and celebrate White Christmas like never before!

To Catch a Thief: The Real Story Behind the New Restoration Oct 15, 2024

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In this episode of Perf Damage, Adam and Charlotte take a deep dive into the 2024 Film Restoration of Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief, overseen by Charlotte herself! They discuss the painstaking process of sourcing materials for the restoration, the unique challenges presented by the VistaVision format, and how modern technology was used to address issues with the original film elements. Along the way, they share some fascinating lesser-known trivia about the production and discuss why VistaVision played a crucial role in capturing the film's stunning visuals. If you're a classic cinema and film restoration fan, this episode is not to be missed!

Film Restoration Explained - Teaser! Sep 28, 2024

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In this exclusive interview, Charlotte talks to Heath Holland from Cereal at Midnight, about her job as the Director of Film Preservation and Restoration at Paramount Pictures. She takes us behind the scenes of the fascinating world of film restoration. Check out this sneak peek and head over to @CerealAtMidnight to see the full interview!
www.CerealAtMidnight.com

Natalie Kalmus: The Woman Who Nearly Ruined Technicolor Sep 19, 2024

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This is the audio from our recent YouTube version of "TECHNICOLOR PART II: THE DRAMA." This version is slightly different than the original audio-only version.
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In this episode of Perf Damage, we dive deeper into the fascinating world of Technicolor by focusing on the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind the company: Herbert and Natalie Kalmus. This companion piece to our episode, THE UNTOLD STORY OF TECHNICOLOR, explores the couple’s innovative partnership, their influence on the film industry, and the complexities of their personal and professional relationship.
Natalie Kalmus wasn't just Herbert's wife—she was a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Known for her strict artistic control over the Technicolor process, she famously clashed with legendary filmmakers like Cecil B. DeMille, Michael Curtiz, David O. Selznick, and Michael Powell. Behind the scenes, her influence was valued and dreaded as she fiercely defended Technicolor’s vision. After her and Herbert’s relationship soured, she spent years in court, making his life a living hell and adding drama to an already colorful legacy.

Cinecon: The Longest Running Classic Film Festival You've Never Heard Of! - EXTENDED EDITION Aug 18, 2024

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In this episode of Perf Damage, we dive into the world of classic cinema with Bryan Cooper, co-producer of the Cinecon Film Festival—an unmissable hidden gem for film buffs and a must-have on your festival bucket list! Bryan, a staple of Cinecon for years, reveals his behind-the-scenes secrets and discusses the meticulous selection process for the festival’s lineup which includes the world premiere of many rare, recently restored classics from Paramount. Hear how he collaborates with Charlotte to bring you films that are virtually unseen anywhere else. With its star-studded atmosphere and unpretentious charm, Cinecon—held every Labor Day weekend—is a mecca for classic film aficionados. From previously lost Clara Bow films like "The Pill Pounder" with a live score to Roy Rogers gems like "Song of Arizona" Cinecon has something for everyone.
Join us for an engaging conversation about this iconic festival and the magic that makes it a haven for lovers of timeless cinema!

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