A renowned international film festival just had its 38th annual edition, and Soundies were there.
Organized by the Cineteca di Bologna, a global film preservation powerhouse, Il Cinema Ritrovato presented some 500 films on six screens, including massive open-air programs in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore.
Ritrovato’s Blu-ray & DVD Awards celebrate old movies, restorations, and rediscoveries in home video formats. This year, close to 40 releases competed in categories like “Best Boxed Set,” “Best Single Film Release,” and “Best Rediscovery of a Forgotten Film.” Members of the jury also designated specific titles as their “Personal Choice.”
Soundies: The Ultimate Collection was the “Personal Choice” of Spanish critic and film historian Miguel María Franco, a former director of the Spanish Film Archive. His rationale was brief and to the point: “A wonderful collection of rarely seen films about American popular music.”