(Oct 19, 2015 02:18 AM)elte Wrote: That brings back my memory of the show Kung Fu.
Hubby sometimes watches it on one of those vintage channels called H&I (Heroes and Icons). I was surprised that it had been converted to widescreen / hi-def. Surprised from the standpoint that there are other old shows from the same era -- that lasted more years and had better ratings -- that are still in their original SDTV format. But though
Kung Fu only survived 3 seasons and 63 episodes, I guess it became one of those revered cult-classics like
Star Trek, as well as receiving a favorable nod from critics back then.
Even setting aside such priority treatment due to special status, it may not be possible to convert some retro series into widescreen if the film they used only had the 4:3 ratio of the bygone TV sets; or the original wider film footage no longer exists.
Of course, the videotaped shows are completely out of the ballgame. Barring some artificial intelligence and CGI miracle in the future (that I can't even imagine) creatively and realistically adding not just more detailed lines of pixels but also expanded, simulated scenery to the sides which blend in flawlessly. Sounds like too herculean and technological an effort to justify enhancing old comedies, game shows, soaps, etc (no matter how historically significant some might be).
Quote:I wonder if foul play was involved in the actor's death.
Last I heard, it's still the official conclusion that Carradine accidentally killed himself via one of the least flattering activities in terms of public disclosure. But doubtless there are some fans, friends, and family members that yet feel otherwise that it was made to look that way by some culprit. Certainly wouldn't be the first martial-arts related conspiracy: Bruce Lee is actually still secretly alive, like Elvis.