Trailer Talk: Remakes

I know that there are a lot of movie fans out there who hate remakes. Personally, I don't mind a well done remake. The problem I have is that it's rare for Hollywood to take the time and do a good and interesting remake. The Thing, for example, is a great remake. Dawn of the Dead was well done. There are more than two good remakes, right?

Sometimes though, a film gets remade in order to bring it to a wider audience. I understand this, too. Trying to get the average American to go see a subtitled movie is akin to pulling teeth. And getting kids these days to go back and watch an old black and white movie...well, lets just say that that isn't happening enough eaither. So, when one of my favorite movies, like The Day The Earth Stood Still for example, gets remade, I understand why. I may not like it, but at least they put Keanu Reeves in it. And nothing says quality sci-fi flick like Keanu Reeves.

One of the things that gets lost though, and this may just be a way that times have changed, is that the trailer ends up being much less interesting. Compare:

1951:


2008:


Look, I'm not saying that one type of trailer is better than the other. Wait. No. That's exactly what I'm saying. I'm saying that trailers for sci-fi movies in the 1950's were better and more interesting than they are now. While both are attempting to accomplish the same goal, ie build excitement and imply drama, I personally find the 1951 trailer to be more visually interesting. It tells me more about the actual story. Not to mention the sense of bravado that emanates from it. Am I alone on this? Am I the only one who really thinks trailers used to be better? Am I the only one who would love to see more old-style trailers as opposed to some swelling music over action jump cuts for two minutes?