70MM 2.39:1 is a thing in 2025-2026 with three releases

[Michael Coate]

Steve: From my perspective this is a settled matter since (1) I researched all of this ages ago for other projects, and (2) the DTS-70mm format was not yet a thing in 1993. But since you asked…

The Uptown’s run of Gettysburg was indeed promoted as “70mm Dolby Stereo” (meaning: magnetic). I can think of a couple of reasons why you might be recalling it being DTS: (1) the crappy multi-format word salad in the artwork section of the ads that blended 70mm, DTS, and Dolby all into a single line of copy e.g. “70mm DTS Digital Dolby Sound.” This was the first time New Line released a movie in 70mm and so I think they didn’t quite have a handle on promoting multiple formats on a single release. (2) the Uptown did not have a DC area exclusive; the film opened simultaneously at Tysons Fairfax Square in, wait for it, 35mm DTS. (3) You have a more vivid memory of running Jurassic Park in DTS for many, many weeks earlier that year and these kinds of memories sort of blend together decades later.

Per your request, here are a couple of images from the 10/8/93 edition of The Washington Post.


IMG_7859.jpg

[Steve Guttag]

Michael, what I remember of the Gettysburg run was doing the CD swap mid-show. I would not have remembered a WaPo add since I didn't look up the theatre I was working unless, for some odd reason I forgot to check on report times at the theatre (I worked, primarily, Saturday). As for there being a 70mm Dolby Stereo logo in the credit...that isn't conclusive of the sound format, in my opinion. DTS was new enough that such technical notations were bound to be sloppy. The 70mm Dolby Stereo notation would have been common place cut/paste to the ad.

What I wouldn't rule out is having a premiere of some sort that may have been 35mm DTS with 70mm Dolby Stereo being for the run. Dolby DTS disc swaps mid show was such a rare thing, I don't recall doing it for any other title.

[Michael Coate]

Steve… You are changing your story! Initially you stated you remembered running “Gettysburg” in 70mm with DTS audio and THAT’s what compelled me to chime in since I knew the 70mm-DTS format did not exist at the time of the release of “Gettysburg.” And you asked me to check the DC newspaper ads to see how the Uptown’s run was promoted and I did that in good faith, but now you’re reminding me of those unpleasant exchanges with guys like Sam and Louis and Will, etc.

[Steve Guttag]

Michael, if you have access to the Washington Post from the era, I would be interested to see what the Uptown in DC was promoting (70mm and/or DTS). What I remember is doing disc swaps and I can't remember us running a title that was available in 70mm when we didn't run it in 70mm. Heck, I don't remember if we ran a screening or the full-run, it's been that long ago.

What I said was above...Film-Tech doesn't allow edits this late so it isn't tampered with. Clearly, what I said was 70mm and/OR DTS. What I have been consistent about was we did a DTS disc swap mid-show. So, I don't see where you are finding inconsistencies. A plausible scenario that agrees with my memory is a DTS-35 premier followed by a 70mm magnetic run.

I'll take your word for it, for now, that DTS-70 was not available then because I don't recall the first feature we ran DTS-70. I do remember the installation as we got a second DTS player for it and there was an incident on the run through and the DTS rep (we'll call him Walter) got hot under the collar because of an incident where mistracking occurred. He, in essence, accused the technical staff (including projectionists, service engineers) of "trying to *%uk him. As if, putting a bad performance out of any type served anyone's purpose. He didn't last long at DTS as was unwelcomed in the booth after that incident. I do not recall the title of the movie that set up was for. I don't recall ever having a DTS-70mm sound drop or ever falling back to the backup player.

[Michael Coate]

Clearly, what I said was 70mm and/OR DTS. So, I don't see where you are finding inconsistencies.

Prior to that you said, “Gettysburg was of equivalent length, 70mm and DTS audio.“ And THAT’s what motivated me to chime in.

The DTS-70 format was tested in 1994 on that year’s re-issue/restoration of My Fair Lady and formally introduced in 1996 on Independence Day for a one-off screening event in Norway and officially on that year’s re-issue/restoration of Vertigo.