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How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

#1
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From the Bits.....

Quote:
In announcement news this morning, Warner has set a 2-disc How the West was Won: Special Edition for release on 8/26. The film is presented in all its Cinerama 70mm glory, along with audio commentary by film historians, the vintage The Making of How the West was Won featurette, the new Cinerama Adventure documentary and more. We expect both DVD and Blu-ray editions to be available. Also on the way to DVD on 8/26 are The Law and Jake Wade, Escape from Fort Bravo, Many Rivers to Cross, Saddle the Wind, Cimarron (1960) and The Stalking Moon, as well as the Errol Flynn: The Warner Westerns Collection box set (containing Virginia City, San Antonio, Rocky Mountain and Montana).

I will be grabbing all of these.
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#2
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

I thought Warner wasn't releasing any classics this year?

They are all mine, finally have "The Law and Jake Wade" and "Rocky Mountain" on DVD.




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#3
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

What the monkey?! Only FOUR Errol Flynn films to be released in the boxset? Just complaining ONLY due to the fact both Volume 1 & 2 had five films each. Oh, and the release continuity type jobby. So I take it this is essentially Volume 3 in a sense for him? Disappointed they didn't keep it in the line like I mentioned with the previous two volumes with five films.
Don't worry, I'll be buying it anyway!
Here's to also hoping WB shall be using thinpaks/slimline cases like Errol Flynn Volume 2 has. My request for the essential Volume 4: (World War II themed, I guess. And more probably.)

(Actiony)
Desperate Journey
Edge of Darkness
Northern Pursuit
Uncertain Glory
Silver River (Should've been released in the Western set!)
Adventures of Captain Fabian

There are of course many other films of his I'd readily purchase, including the above. Obviously WB will be better being more diversified with the next Volume for Mr. Flynn. I wouldn't even mind a 6-film boxset. Of course with his more actiony films mixed with dramas. WB, release more Errol Flynn on DVD for me to buy dammit!
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#4
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Warners is really going to town on these Ultimate Collector's Editions which is awesome.

I hope I didn't confuse people with the date of release. I just realised that you guys write it the other way

There was a great documentary done on Errol Flynn here in Australia. It was called Tasmanian Devil: The Fast and Furious Life of Errol Flynn. I might pick up a copy to compliment the set in August.
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#5
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by BethHarrison
Warners is really going to town on these Ultimate Collector's Editions which is awesome.

I hope I didn't confuse people with the date of release. I just realised that you guys write it the other way

There was a great documentary done on Errol Flynn here in Australia. It was called Tasmanian Devil: The Fast and Furious Life of Errol Flynn. I might pick up a copy to compliment the set in August.
Is it available on ezydvd? I'd be able to play it on my Oppo 971H.
http://www.invelos.com/DVDCollection.aspx/Ray_Rogers
Non-Supporter of Tai Seng, DNR/EE, DRM, Digital Copy and The Digital Bits.
Errol Flynn films wanted as boxsets and not released in the "Archives"!
Zero Interest in all things Harry Potter.
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#6
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray_R
Is it available on ezydvd? I'd be able to play it on my Oppo 971H.

Certainly is!!! $A29.95
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#7
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Any word on whether the movie will be presented in the Smilebox process? If they're talking about "all its Cinerama glory", you gotta show it on the curve! I also hope they didn't remove the join lines - they're a part of Cinerama too.
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#8
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Will be pre-ordering HWWW, the Flynn westerns and Many Rivers to Cross for sure!!!! Wonderful news!!!
Sing your worries away, smile, be kind and accentuate the positive!
DVD wish list: The Accused (48), Margie (46), I'll Get By (50), The Constant Nymph (43), The Voice of the Turtle (47), The Barretts of Wimpole Street (34), Her Twelve Men (54), The Lost Moment (47), I Walk Alone (48), The Glass...
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#9
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

HOW THE WEST WAS WON on Blu-ray: couldn't be happier.
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#10
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Ditto on How the West Was Won on Blu-ray.

I might pick up the Flynn set if I can't get Virginia City by itself

I'll pass on the other Westerns, most of them I've seen but none of which I need to own. The Stalking Moon looks intriguing though.
The Movie Library
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#11
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Although i am a huge Flynn fan, I think I will pass on this set. The inclusion of Silver River would have made it a must-have, but I do not really need the ones they included. I will get HTWWW, Jake Wade(!) and Many Rivers to Cross.

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#12
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by BethHarrison
From the Bits.....
In announcement news this morning, Warner has set a 2-disc How the West was Won: Special Edition for release on 8/26. The film is presented in all its Cinerama 70mm glory, along with audio commentary by film historians, the vintage The Making of How the West was Won featurette, the new Cinerama Adventure documentary and more. We expect both DVD and Blu-ray editions to be available. Also on the way to DVD on 8/26 are The Law and Jake Wade, Escape from Fort Bravo, Many Rivers to Cross, Saddle the Wind, Cimarron (1960) and The Stalking Moon, as well as the Errol Flynn: The Warner Westerns Collection box set (containing Virginia City, San Antonio, Rocky Mountain and Montana).


I will be grabbing all of these.

"in all its Cinerama 70mm glory"?????

How The West Was Won was not filmed in 70mm Cinerama (except for a few scenes in 70mm Ultra Panavision).

Roland Lataille
Cinerama web site:
http://cineramahistory.com

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#13
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

I'll get How the West Was Won UCE and the Warner Western Classics Collection.

I wonder if HTWWW will include both a regular letterboxed, and the smileboxed version?

Quote:
Any word on whether the movie will be presented in the Smilebox process? If they're talking about "all its Cinerama glory", you gotta show it on the curve! I also hope they didn't remove the join lines - they're a part of Cinerama too.

The press release says:
Quote:
Following several years of careful development, the technicians at Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging perfected a technology that could finally eliminate the ‘join lines,’ and unify the images into a superb viewing experience that captures the essence of the production’s initial road show exhibitions, with an aspect ratio of 2.89:1.

I thought the Cinerama aspect ratio was 2.59:1? Does it become 2.89:1 after smile boxed?

If this page is anything to go by the join lines will be gone:
HP Labs - Movie makeover : HP and Warner Bros. give old movies new life


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#14
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

According to DVDTimes the Smilebox version will be exclusive to the Blu-ray disc. Maybe due to more space being available.

Quote:
Arriving day-and-date with the new DVD release, the Blu-ray release offers an exclusive in the form of the “SmileBox” version of the film which presents the image with a unique curvature that virtually recreates the true Cinerama® experience in a home theater. This Blu-ray Edition comes with a special Digi-book packaging featuring 32-pages of rare press materials and behind-the-scenes photos.

DVD Times - How The West Won (US BD) in August
The Movie Library
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#15
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim_K
According to DVDTimes the Smilebox version will be exclusive to the Blu-ray disc. Maybe due to more space being available.
That's a bit disappointing. For $60 I would've thought two copies of the film on SD-DVD UCE would've been entirely possible.

My guess is that the smilebox version would use SD-DVD resolution more efficiently than a letterboxed version. But I agree it would require at least an extra disc, or side.
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#16
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Looks like How The West Was Won will push me into getting a Blu-ray player!
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#17
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Not to push the thread off-topic, but can a Blu-Ray player be hooked up to a standard TV via its RCA-style plugs? I want the smilebox version of HTWWW, but I have no plans to upgrade my vintage 1994 35" television for quite a few years yet.
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#18
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

When it comes to the 'classics', this is (to my mind) the most exciting announcement from any studio in a very long time. Even in these times of a terrible economy, retail stores closing in record numbers, and consumer ennui and apathy, a bold initiative like this is extraordinary and encouraging.

Bravo, Warner, Bravo!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob_Ray
Not to push the thread off-topic, but can a Blu-Ray player be hooked up to a standard TV via its RCA-style plugs? I want the smilebox version of HTWWW, but I have no plans to upgrade my vintage 1994 35" television for quite a few years yet.

Indeed a blu-ray player can be hooked up to any television through traditional RCA cables.
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#19
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

I was on the Blu-Ray fence for a long time, but the Smilebox edition of "How the West Was Won" has just knocked me off of it.
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#20
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Great news!
Looks like I'm going to spend almost a $100 on How the West Was Won alone. I paid to see the Cinerama restoration three times at the Arclight in September 2003. One of the best cinematic experiences I've had. HTWWW is more than just a western, it's also an inspired and inspiring film. A documentary was also shown with the "smilebox" introduced by the director. I also toured the lab where the restoration was done and the special screening room which they built to facilitate the restoration, complete with three projectors.

I welcome the other western releases, particularly John Sturges' THE LAW AND JAKE WADE, with its Death Valley landscapes in Technicolor and Vista Vision; Robert Mulligan's vastly under-rated THE STALKING MOON which proves that the western can also be a hair-raising thriller; and Anthony Mann's remake of CIMARRON with its iconic Americana imagery and startling widescreen compositions.

These are all very strong films and should prove to be very popular releases. Seriously good film making here, and those who are not fans of westerns will find much to enjoy and appreciate in these superior, state-of-the-art films.
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#21
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

"How The West Was Won" with no vertical lines!! Great, I'm in the no lines camp.
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#22
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

My God, so exciting! Hopefully a comprehensive restoration feature will be included.
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#23
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by David_B_K
Although i am a huge Flynn fan, I think I will pass on this set. The inclusion of Silver River would have made it a must-have, but I do not really need the ones they included. I will get HTWWW, Jake Wade(!) and Many Rivers to Cross.
I agree wholeheartedly about the exclusion of Silver River. They forgot to make it a five film set! Four films my patootie! To hell with it, I'm buying it anyway.
Warner Bros'.! MORE Errol Flynn, dammit!
http://www.invelos.com/DVDCollection.aspx/Ray_Rogers
Non-Supporter of Tai Seng, DNR/EE, DRM, Digital Copy and The Digital Bits.
Errol Flynn films wanted as boxsets and not released in the "Archives"!
Zero Interest in all things Harry Potter.
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#24
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

The Law and Jake Wade


YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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#25
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

I was shocked to see that the smilebox is exclusive to Blu-Ray - that seems like it's a big slap in the face to customers who've been very loyal to Warners over the years. A bad mistake, I think, as I will now not pick up the standard DVD issue. I have been a staunch supporter of Warners, but with this move they've really lost me as a customer. It's just not right.
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#26
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Great news indeed.

Just might go Blu Ray for HTWWW

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Communication is Everything

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#27
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Quote:
Originally Posted by BillyFeldman
I was shocked to see that the smilebox is exclusive to Blu-Ray - that seems like it's a big slap in the face to customers who've been very loyal to Warners over the years. A bad mistake, I think, as I will now not pick up the standard DVD issue. I have been a staunch supporter of Warners, but with this move they've really lost me as a customer. It's just not right.
I would guess that the rationale behind this would be that Bd users would be expected to be the more hardcore HT types, having on average larger displays for one thing. Still it's kind of odd they didn't include it as a bonus in the $60 UCE. I wouldn't be suprised to see that happen after all- there is still almost 4 months to go. 2.89:1 is going to be brutal on most 'average' sized displays. I'm going to be interested to see the reaction to this. Also, since smilebox isn't a consistent dimension, I wonder if the 2.89:1 is equivilent to the center screen height or the larger end heights?
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#28
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

First let me say I'm ecstatic over this release. I've been waiting a long time for a good remastered effort, and the elimination of seam-lines is just icing on the cake.

Now what I totally don't get, is this silly obsession so many of you have over the "smilebox" format. It's one thing to see Cinerama in all its curved-screen glory, but to try and simulate that on DVD? It's just stupid. It makes a ridiculously distorted picture and compromises a lot of resolution in the center. Why anybody would want to watch a movie in smilebox is beyond me. Mini-rant over.
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#29
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

Quote:
I was shocked to see that the smilebox is exclusive to Blu-Ray - that seems like it's a big slap in the face to customers who've been very loyal to Warners over the years. A bad mistake, I think, as I will now not pick up the standard DVD issue. I have been a staunch supporter of Warners, but with this move they've really lost me as a customer. It's just not right.

I think we are going to see more and more of this as studios try to push Blu-Ray. One sure way to get consumers to take the Blu-Ray plunge is to offer content exclusive to that format.

-D
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#30
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Re: How The West Was Won, Errol Flynn, Warner Westerns - 26/08/08

I have just poured all my passion into a posting on the other HTWWW thread.

But to sum it up here.

ABSOLUTELY AWSOME!!!!

George and Warners I love you.
Thank you,Thank you,Thank you, Thank you.
THANK YOU!!


I'm with you MattH about it being on Blu-ray.
It should look and sound incredible.
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