Your thoughts on Kino-Lorber Blu-rays (12 Viewers)

[Angelo Colombus]

I have 16mm prints of both THE SIN OF HAROLD DIDDLEBOCK (original release - the one TCM showed) and MAD WEDNESDAY (1950 tightened reissue). I did a side-by-side comparison of the two and uploaded it to Vimeo. Note the new footage of the singing horse created for the finale of MAD WEDNESDAY.

Thanks for the video and the Mad Wednesday print looks much better and love that ending of the horse singing.

 

[Corn Pop]

Will a Kino-Lorber Spring Sale be happening soon? I apologize if this information has been posted and I overlooked it.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Will a Kino-Lorber Spring Sale be happening soon? I apologize if this information has been posted and I overlooked it.

Perhaps, next week.

 

[Keith Cobby]

Watched The Road to Shame (Des Femmes Disparaissent 1959), first viewing of this very good noirish French drama. KL have provided an excellent transfer for the blu ray, and a good (if a bit dry) commentary.

 

[LouA]

Will a Kino-Lorber Spring Sale be happening soon? I apologize if this information has been posted and I overlooked it.

We’re all waiting for this. I have my wishlist loaded and waiting! LOL!

 

[Corn Pop]

Watched The Road to Shame (Des Femmes Disparaissent 1959), first viewing of this very good noirish French drama. KL have provided an excellent transfer for the blu ray, and a good (if a bit dry) commentary.

I’ve purchased quite a few French language Kino-Lorber discs from the 1950s-1990s and the reason I purchased them were the included audio commentary tracks.

 

[jsmiller60]

Same. The cover has me intrigued, but I've never heard of the film or of any of the names attached to it.

Kino has released so many titles over the years, I'd imagine their selections are becoming somewhat limited based on what's left in the libraries of the studios that are willing to license to them. Kino does not have the freedom to simply select any titles they want, from any studio.

One final thought as I don't want to run afoul of the strict parameters of this thread, but I think it has less to do with what is available to Kino or other boutique labels. Robert hit it on the head as these types of genre films are what sells. You only have to look at the once venerable Eureka's June release slate to see where things are heading. Yes, we are all happy about The Cat and the Canary but this appears to be the exception rather than the rule. I mean there is a British label that recently expanded into North America whose entire slate seems to be Japanese exploitation films. And don't misunderstand me. I have some of these films in my collection and enjoy them, but I fear they may succeed in crowding out what many on this forum, including myself, deem to be more desirable releases.

 

[timk1041]

One final thought as I don't want to run afoul of the strict parameters of this thread, but I think it has less to do with what is available to Kino or other boutique labels. Robert hit it on the head as these types of genre films are what sells. You only have to look at the once venerable Eureka's June release slate to see where things are heading. Yes, we are all happy about The Cat and the Canary but this appears to be the exception rather than the rule. I mean there is a British label that recently expanded into North America whose entire slate seems to be Japanese exploitation films. And don't misunderstand me. I have some of these films in my collection and enjoy them, but I fear they may succeed in crowding out what many on this forum, including myself, deem to be more desirable releases.

It is starting to appear that there won't be a new deal with Universal this year. It is already late March and no word yet. Perhaps someone on here has some update. There are still some classic titles due soon that were announced last year that I am interested, but most of the recently announced ones seem to be post 1970 and beyond. I am glad that Kino has a deal with Paramount as there are some good films from the post 1949 era that are out or coming out soon.

 

[jim_falconer]

It is starting to appear that there won't be a new deal with Universal this year. It is already late March and no word yet. Perhaps someone on here has some update. There are still some classic titles due soon that were announced last year that I am interested, but most of the recently announced ones seem to be post 1970 and beyond. I am glad that Kino has a deal with Paramount as there are some good films from the post 1949 era that are out or coming out soon.

I’m still holding out hope they can secure Universal right’s to John Wayne’s “The Conqueror”. Widescreen and in stereo, I’d be on cloud nine

 

[mbb10429]

Is it permitted to ask KL Insider what the current status of the new Universal deal is? I too would like to see additional Universal titles get released.

 

[Robin9]

Is it permitted to ask KL Insider what the current status of the new Universal deal is? I too would like to see additional Universal titles get released.

I believe it's permitted in this thread but not in the other thread about forthcoming releases.

 

[Robin9]

Robert hit it on the head as these types of genre films are what sells. You only have to look at the once venerable Eureka's June release slate to see where things are heading. Yes, we are all happy about The Cat and the Canary but this appears to be the exception rather than the rule.

I agree with this. I receive regular emails from Eureka - the latest arrived two hours ago - but I haven't found any of them interesting for several months. A great pity.

 

[RichMurphy]

The spring sale starts Thursday, as per the Insider on "that other forum".

 

[JoeDoakes]

Someone in the other thread said that many films in the Paramount license were former Olive releases. One film I'd like to see is John Ford's The Sun Shines Bright. Olive released it, but it apparently has since been restored by UCLA. The restored version was released In Britain but not here. It's a wonderful film and Ford named it as his favorite of his works.

 

[Darby67]

Still hoping Omar Khayyam (1957) is part of the Paramount deal and gets a DVD and Blu-ray release.

 

[LouA]

Still hoping Omar Khayyam (1957) is part of the Paramount deal and gets a DVD and Blu-ray release.

Good film, overdue a HD release.

 

[Kino Lorber Insider]

The KLSC MARCH MADNESS SPRING SALE Starts NOW! (Over 700 Titles)
https://kinolorber.com/collection/march-madness-sale-2024

• Free USA Shipping: Orders of $50 or More!
KLSC MM SPRING SALE Ends: Monday, April 22nd!

 

[timk1041]

That might indicate that both films are ready for Blu-ray releases.

I contacted Criterion about Hail The Conquering Hero (as well as Winchester 73). They replied they have no plans anytime soon to release these on Blu Ray, however they're available on their streaming service. Not good news for those like me who prefer a release on Blu instead. I know if Kino had acquired the rights, they would have already put these out I am sure.

 

[Filmgazer]

I contacted Criterion about Hail The Conquering Hero (as well as Winchester 73). They replied they have no plans anytime soon to release these on Blu Ray, however they're available on their streaming service. Not good news for those like me who prefer a release on Blu instead. I know if Kino had acquired the rights, they would have already put these out I am sure.

Thanks so much for your efforts, Tim!

 

[timk1041]

Thanks so much for your efforts, Tim!

You're welcome. I wish I had better news. However, I did reply back and said they should reconsider and release these soon. We'll see what happens.