I sent TCM an e-mail thanking them for their broadcast of Abandon Ship but also pointing out it was a cropped 4:3 version. I also asked them to locate a version in the original 1:85 aspect ratio and to air that sometime.
I suspect my message will be filed somewhere without response, but you never know. :)
I couldn't believe when I saw those "..film has been modified.." words before the film started, yes. You just want to bang your head against a wall! AND TCM of all places! I thought we'd be home free with this one.
That's great that you e-mailed TCM Peachtree. I'm just too lazy to be honest, so it's great that you took the time to send them a note (like you say, don't count on an answer, though).
I've never seen this film before, so it will be nice just to be able to see it, but I agree with all of you that TCM should have done the best thing to have it in full screen view.
On another matter, I liked the old format better--what did Bravenet do????
Yeah, Bravenet changed the format a bit. Actually, one change that is pretty good is that you can alter (add/delete) your message within an hour of posting it.