Isn't it about time for The African Queen? (1 Viewer)

[Patrick McCart]

It's mentioned in the last Warner chat as being out before the end of the year as part of the WB anniversary celebration.

Remember, The African Queen isn't a classic starring John Wayne, so it wouldn't sell anyways.

 

[Brandon Gantt]

Here's something I posted on this site 3 years ago:

 

[Jason_V]

This is just aggravating. Hepburn is gone, Bogie is gone, John Huston is gone...what are they waiting for? The last credited cast member to go, too? (Theodore Bikel, for reference sake.)

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Hopefully we will be talking with the folks at Paramount
in the next 4 weeks and this is a title we can mention to them
and (hopefully) find out more information.

Honestly, back in 2004 when we last visited the studio our group
was told that the film was currently being restored for a DVD release.

 

[ted:r]

That's great news Ron. Hopefully they will give you some solid info. At the very least, they will be apprised on how desired this release it. Honestly though, I can't see how they would be unaware.

 

[Casey C.]

Time for a bump.

Anyone heard anything new out of Paramount on this?

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Casey,

It's rather impossible to talk with anyone from Paramount.

However, it has been suggested that the film is probably
tied up in a rights dispute at this point. I see no other reason
why the studio would withhold a release.

 

[Jefferson]

Perhaps now that we are entering a whole new phase of dvd technology, this will be pulled out of mothballs.
It was very unexpected that I would own some of my most obscure favorites from my wishlist...but that major titles should still be missing in action.

 

[Patrick McCart]

I went ahead and picked up the Carlton release (along with other R1 no-shows like "Spaced" and the 21-disc Laurel & Hardy box) while in England a few months ago. While it's not the best transfer, it still looks quite good and it has a Jack Cardiff commentary. Excellent film, too!

Not sure how rights issues can be a problem, though. If it's between CBS/Paramount and Granada (owns Carlton), Criterion would be the obvious pick for a release since CBS issues a lot of stuff through Image (which Criterion is now part of) and both Paramount and Granada license a lot to Criterion.

 

[JulianK]

I would suggest that anyone else contemplating buying the UK version keeps hold of their money for a bit longer.

 

[MattPeriolat]

How much longer would you suggest? Not trying to be pushy, but this has been a very long time to wait.

This release had better be amazing when it does come for as long as it's taken.

 

[willyTass]

....crickets chirping...

 

[Joel Vardy]

Another year with no word? There is no doubt in my mind that if the interest would be consolidated that Paramount would feel some pressure and perhaps get a clue...The market is there...

Joel

 

[Ed Moroughan]

A restored edition would be great. My VHS copy from the old CBS/FOX brand is fairly worn out and looks like crap.

 

[MielR]

It's on TCM tonight at 10pm (EST). Get your recorders warmed up!

 

[Mike Frezon]

Missed it. Out of town. :frowning:

 

[MielR]

It was shown 4:3 - is that how it was filmed (?)

 

[ahollis]

The African Queen was released in 1951 and was filmed before the advent of widescreen. The aspect ratio for the film was 1.37. The showing on TCM was not pan-scan. That was the proper way to show it.

 

[MielR]

Thanks- I wasn't sure. Good to know TCM showed it at the correct aspect ratio.
There have been a few films lately on TCM that haven't been OAR (like 'Skidoo').

I guess African Queen was right on the borderline when widescreen became prevalent.

 

[Craig Beam]

@#$&!!!!! Missed it! Happily it's got a few more airings coming up:

Sep 28
Oct 14
Nov 26