The good news is that they've re-digitised the original film to 4K resolution and made it available on YouTube with some interviews of the reporter and cameraman who were just 23 years old at the time.

https://youtu.be/V6CLumsir34

Bit of a shame with the unnecessary titling that was added to the remastered video, but at least it's in pristine higher definition quality.

The story of it all, including extra interviews, can be found at https://katu.com/news/local/the-exploding-whale-50th-anniversary-of-legendary-oregon-event

Andrew

There was a recorded discussion with the reporter and cameraman who are still alive today despite it being a 50 years anniversary. Amazing stories surrounding this, whether it being how it was shot on film, or the smelly state of their rental car when handed back at the airport (as they had been covered in a spray of dead whale when filming the story). Highly recommended if you have a spare hour.

https://youtu.be/QYMF2mcPNWI

Andrew

thx fir sharing. shockingly I never heard or saw it until now.

“The blast blasted blubber beyond all believable bounds”

Oh, I just stumbled across this retelling from what looks to be the 1990s. It too is hilarious.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: The exploding whale of Florence, Oregon - YouTube

Andrew