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Warner Archive Discussion Thread (FEEDBACK)

#151
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3/22/09 at 6:33pm
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

It's great to see a bunch or never before released Cary Grant and Clark Gable movies. I'm sure to pick up almost all of those. Crisis 1950 and Room for One More 1952 are two Cary Grant movies that I have never seen as tcm does not air them. It was also nice to see some Spencer Tracy titles but was disappointed that one of his movies with Clark Gable Test Pilot 1938 was not included with all the other Clark Gable movies offered.

Hopefully in the next installment WB will release their remaining catalogue of Gary Cooper movies including The Hanging Tree 1959 OAR, Bright Leaf 1950, Task Force 1949, Saratoga Trunk 1945, One Sunday Afternoon 1933 (if they do still own the rights purchased from Paramount), Today we live 1933 with Joan Crawford, Operator 13 (1934) and Meet John Doe if they have the original elements which should be in a great deal better condition than all the public domain stuff released on it over the years.
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#152
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3/22/09 at 7:29pm
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve...O
This article will be in tomorrow morning's USA Today. WHV is definitely putting a full out marketing blitz on this.

Several interesting things in this article. Mr. Feltenstein indicates the plan is to eventually make virtually their entire catalog available. He also notes the influence that bootlegging has in terms of helping WHV identify high demand titles that aren't available.

Classic Flix also has a nice chart showing the 150 initial entries in alpha or chronological order.

You can bet I'll be checking HTF from work tomorrow looking for the official press release

Steve

Thanks for the great links.

This is getting more exciting by the minute. I am delirious with joy! More films available each month and eventually the whole library - what an amazing opportunity this is!!!

Everything is relative, but just to put this into perspective, a lot of pre-60s DVD classics - mostly WHV releases actually - are still around $17-$20 in stores where I am (plus 12,5% tax), so, as a result, the price for these on-demand titles is pretty much the same (even with the rate exchange).
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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#153
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3/22/09 at 8:03pm
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Regarding the Warner Chat tomorrow, I would make one suggestion - everyone should write out their questions before hand (I don't mean on this forum, just in a text document) so the questions can be quickly copied and pasted into the chat.

This would ensure more time is left for the WHV representatives to write their responses, which would ultimately enable more people to ask questions.

Of course it may be best to write a few questions in case a question is already answered by the time it is your turn.
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#154
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3/22/09 at 8:14pm
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Would love to see a quality print of "Father's Little Dividend".
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#155
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3/23/09 at 12:53am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Crawford
You need to read his post again becasue he doesn't think that Canadians not being able to get these releases is a good compromise, but that a good compromise is this new sales concept versus not having many of these titles available at all on dvd.

Crawdaddy

Correct, Sir, thank you.

Also, it's not obvious but I live in the UK. I'm just as annoyed as you are that these don't seem to be available outside the US, though I'm hoping against hope that WB might address this.

By the way, just a quick reminder - can someone ask about THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING in tonight's chat? Whether that special edition they promised is still in the works and whether we might see it on Blu-ray? Much obliged.

I\'ve been going to bed early . . .

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#156
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3/23/09 at 1:58am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

I definitely have extreme mixed feelings about this.

On the one hand I am estatic that films such as The Rain People, Beast of the City and Dusty and Sweets McGee will finally be available on DVD. I am incredibly grateful that Warner is creating this opportunity for us...a really excellent idea!

On the other hand, $20 plus tax is just too much for me to pay...I am envious of the people who can spend 100's of dollars in buying these titles. The economic downturn has hit my household, so maybe unlike some others, price has become extremely important to me. I would love to own at least 20 to 30 of the titles in this initial list. But it looks like I will only be able to take advantage of the coupon for 5 films at $75 plus tax (it is going to be hard to narrow my wants down to 5), and even that is really too much for me at this time. I guess I am disappointed and frustrated that I will not be able to own many of these
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#157
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3/23/09 at 1:59am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony Neilson
Correct, Sir, thank you.

Also, it's not obvious but I live in the UK. I'm just as annoyed as you are that these don't seem to be available outside the US, though I'm hoping against hope that WB might address this.

Surely studios never do sell directly to individuals resident outside of North America do they? Every Warner DVD carries a notice "Not authorised for sale or rental outside the USA and Canada" and Fox DVDs have a similar notice. This is, of course, mainly due to rights issues - but also to protect the studios' subsidiary companies in other countries. There are many titles on this list which I would like to have but I have no doubt that people willl be selling them on eBay or Amazon market place - at a cost of course!
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#158
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3/23/09 at 2:18am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Douglas R
Surely studios never do sell directly to individuals resident outside of North America do they? Every Warner DVD carries a notice "Not authorised for sale or rental outside the USA and Canada" and Fox DVDs have a similar notice. This is, of course, mainly due to rights issues - but also to protect the studios' subsidiary companies in other countries. There are many titles on this list which I would like to have but I have no doubt that people willl be selling them on eBay or Amazon market place - at a cost of course!
That is the biggest concern I have regarding why Warner is not making these titles available to those outside of the USA. However, what about the Canadians, do they have another right's issue because they're Region 1 too? If not then Warner needs to service those consumers too.




Crawdaddy
G.W. McLintock: Camille, you're on your own.
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#159
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3/23/09 at 2:20am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Douglas R
Surely studios never do sell directly to individuals resident outside of North America do they? Every Warner DVD carries a notice "Not authorised for sale or rental outside the USA and Canada"
I always thought this was to stop, for example, an Australian DVD company buying a heap of U.S. DVDs then selling them in Australia. It could also be the U.S. companies covering themselves against claims if a company imported them for the purpose of sale. I can't see how there could be anything against the law about a private person importing a DVD for their own use.
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#160
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3/23/09 at 2:24am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay E
On the other hand, $20 plus tax is just too much for me to pay...I am envious of the people who can spend 100's of dollars in buying these titles. The economic downturn has hit my household, so maybe unlike some others, price has become extremely important to me. I would love to own at least 20 to 30 of the titles in this initial list. But it looks like I will only be able to take advantage of the coupon for 5 films at $75 plus tax (it is going to be hard to narrow my wants down to 5), and even that is really too much for me at this time. I guess I am disappointed and frustrated that I will not be able to own many of these
I hear you Jay and I hope Warner does too. At the very least, they need to continue to offer these 25% off codes every month and maybe up the discount to 30% and the limit from just 5 dvds. Also, the free shipping for orders of $50 or more should be continued for consumers. I expect some of these things to occur because the Warner site has always offered those options.

If these dvds are more affordable then people will buy them and the volumes should be profitable for Warner.



Crawdaddy
G.W. McLintock: Camille, you're on your own.
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#161
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3/23/09 at 2:29am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Crawford
That is the biggest concern I have regarding why Warner is not making these titles available to those outside of the USA. However, what about the Canadians, do they have another right's issue because they're Region 1 too? If not then Warner needs to service those consumers too.
Have you read if the downloads will be available world-wide? The $15 downloads are referenced in this article:
Warner Bros. launches 'on demand' DVD sales - USATODAY.com

I still hate the idea of buying DRMed files that may be impossible to play in a few years time. Let's remember it has happened before when after just four years Microsoft shutdown the DRM server for their MSN Music service.
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#162
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3/23/09 at 3:01am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

It looks like the Warner Archive FAQ has been added (and it makes it clear these are DVD-Rs):
WBshop.com - The Official Online Store of Warner Bros. Studios: Warner Archive FAQs

Also the list of films is up to 151 - I believe the addition is Tugboat Annie with Marie Dressler and Wallace Beery.

Add my voice to the list that would like to see deeper discounts on these - a subscription service / membership club sounds like a good idea. If these were priced a bit lower, I could see these becoming a big part of my monthly spending. As it is, I will likely use the service only to fill major gaps in my collection.
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#163
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3/23/09 at 3:06am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Warner Archive FAQ
Quote:
Do you have a question regarding DVD On-Demand? To find a quick answer to your question, read through our FAQs below.

* What makes an on-demand DVD Different than a Commercial DVD?
* What do I do if my DVD doesn’t play?
* I’m trying to make a few extra copies of my DVD, for “safe keeping” and for a surprise present to my mom. When I copied the disc it was un-playable. Why is that? And what can I do about it?
* My DVD behaves differently on my Blue-ray player vs. my other DVD players.
* My DVD won’t play on my computer.
* Will X-Rays hurt my DVD-R made on-demand?
* Should I care for my DVD-R made on-demand any differently than a DVD purchased at retail?

Q: What makes an on-demand DVD Different than a Commercial DVD?

A: DVD’s produced on-demand are similar to, but not quite same as, DVD’s you’d buy at the local video store. DVD movies you buy at the local video outlet are manufactured from a mold via a stamping process whereas on-demand DVDs are "burned". Each carries information read by the DVD player, but the physical properties of the two are different.

Most DVD players are compatible with both commercial DVD-Video and one or more of the “recordable DVD formats. Our on-demand DVD’s are manufactured using the most widely accepted format, DVD-R.
The owner's manual of the DVD player usually lists which DVD recording formats it can play. Almost all DVD players can play DVD-R (except for some older models made before 2000)

Q: What do I do if my DVD doesn’t play?

A: First – check to see if your player is compatible with DVD-R media as noted in #1 above. If it is compatible, contact customer service at: 1-866-373-4389. We’ll arrange to replace the disc at no charge or refund your purchase.

Q: I’m trying to make a few extra copies of my DVD, for “safe keeping” and for a surprise present to my mom. When I copied the disc it was un-playable. Why is that? And what can I do about it?

A: This DVD on-demand disc was recorded using CSS encryption. CSS is designed to prevent unauthorized reproduction of the DVD. We’re delighted that you’d like to surprise your mother with the gift of a Warner Bros classic movie. May we suggest she’d like an officially produced and packaged DVD even more? As such we welcome your visit back to the Warner.com classic store at any time.

Q: My DVD behaves differently on my Blue-ray player vs. my other DVD players.

A: This is normal. While Blue Ray machines are mostly compatible with regular DVD’s, some variation in the way the player interprets the DVD software instructions may occur. As a general rule, the movie will still play. Certain menu functions may behave a bit differently, however.

Q: My DVD won’t play on my computer.

A: As noted on the DVD case wrap, DVD’s encrypted with CSS may not play on all computers or DVD player/recorders. This is normal. To address this, we recommend viewing the DVD on a DVD player that does not have recording capability.

Q: Will X-Rays hurt my DVD-R made on-demand?

A: X-ray machines such as those used for airport security have no effect on store-bought DVDs or on DVDs made on-demand. Nor will the X-ray glasses sold in Madd Magazine in the 60’s and 70’s allow you to see through clothing on any of our movies you purchase (we’re sorry to burst that bubble if you were still holding out hope).

Q: Should I care for my DVD-R made on-demand any differently than a DVD purchased at retail?

A: Each DVD is made specifically for the recipient at the time of purchase. So we hope you enjoy and care for it as you would….say… a new puppy. Seriously though, DVD-R’s made on demand similar care and maintenance requirements as store purchased DVD’s.

Avoid popcorn greasy finger prints on shiny part of the disc. Handle it from the edges and/or the center hub. Don't bend the disc when taking it out of the case, and be careful not to scratch the disc when placing it in the case or in the player tray. Keep the DVD in its protective case when not in use. And, avoid high heat sources or direct sunlight. Cared for properly, your DVD will provide many years of enjoyment.
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#164
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3/23/09 at 3:08am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Edward Weinman
...well, I tried to place an order just now and failed...I got to the final page only to be informed that I could not proceed "at this time."

Same thing happened to me. I guess we'll find out!

Kindest Regards,

Don May, Jr.
President, Synapse Films
http://www.synapse-films.comSynapse Blog: http://www.synapsefilms.blogspot.comMyspace: http://www.myspace.com/synapsefilms

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#165
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3/23/09 at 3:21am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark_D_Fischer
It looks like the Warner Archive FAQ has been added (and it makes it clear these are DVD-Rs):
WBshop.com - The Official Online Store of Warner Bros. Studios: Warner Archive FAQs

Also the list of films is up to 151 - I believe the addition is Tugboat Annie with Marie Dressler and Wallace Beery.

Add my voice to the list that would like to see deeper discounts on these - a subscription service / membership club sounds like a good idea. If these were priced a bit lower, I could see these becoming a big part of my monthly spending. As it is, I will likely use the service only to fill major gaps in my collection.

DVD-Rs. Ah. Forget it. Not interested.
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#166
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3/23/09 at 3:27am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Weirdest answer ever:
Quote:
This DVD on-demand disc was recorded using CSS encryption. CSS is designed to prevent unauthorized reproduction of the DVD. We’re delighted that you’d like to surprise your mother with the gift of a Warner Bros classic movie. May we suggest she’d like an officially produced and packaged DVD even more? As such we welcome your visit back to the Warner.com classic store at any time.
Wouldn't it be better for them to say "It is unlawful to copy any DVD when the the owner of the disc does not own the copyright to the film. Simply buying a DVD does not mean the purchaser owns the film's copyright. Do not copy Warner Home Video DVDs, doing so is illegal."?
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#167
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3/23/09 at 3:52am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Download services are almost always restricted. They usually do it by insisting that the billing address of the payment card is a domestic resident. Amazon Downloads are restricted in that way.

And that's even harder to work around. It's still possible, but involves a high degree of trust
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#168
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3/23/09 at 3:56am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

If they ever get around to releasing Andy Griffith's "NO TIME FOR SERGEANTS" (1958) I'll be the first in line, or zeroth if possible...
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#169
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3/23/09 at 4:06am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Hi ya

Just discovered this thread.

Very excited about all of this, however since I live in the UK, I would like to know how Warner will resolve the international issue.

Cheers

Oscar

Toastmasters International

Communication is Everything

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#170
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3/23/09 at 4:07am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Even though these are DVD-Rs (and how could "made to order" not be?), I'm willing to give the service a shot with an intial order and see how everything is. If the quality shows up on the screen, and the packaging has a professional appearance, I don't see much of a problem adding these to my collection.
They don't have to last forever...just the seven to ten years or so it will take to start getting 1080p copies burned on demand.
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#171
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3/23/09 at 4:30am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul_Scott
They don't have to last forever...just the seven to ten years or so it will take to start getting 1080p copies burned on demand.
I'd be pretty annoyed if a DVD I have paid for no longer works. I sell of my old editions when I upgrade to better versions, I'd want to do the same with these too eventually.
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#172
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3/23/09 at 5:00am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

I'm very pleased about "Mr. Lucky" and "The Citadel". Hopefully, they will get 'round to "Greed" and perhaps, hope of hopes, the censored cartoons everybody's been begging for that they have been hesitating to release!
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#173
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3/23/09 at 5:03am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Cappelletty
DVD-Rs. Ah. Forget it. Not interested.

So Warners is finally opening up their vaults and just because they're not pressed, you don't want them?? Ridiculous I might say!

Corey's most wanted R1 dvds:

Little Darlings (1980), My Cousin Rachel (1952), The Deep Blue Sea (1955), The White Cliffs of Dover (1944), Born to Be Bad (1950), Ivy (1947), Reckless (1935), Springtime in the Rockies (1942), The Barretts of Wimpole Street

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#174
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3/23/09 at 5:10am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Corey
So Warners is finally opening up their vaults and just because they're not pressed, you don't want them?? Ridiculous I might say!
I agree with you, that the only way we can get these films is through DVD-Rs. I'd rather get them than not, so I'm willing to put up with DVD-Rs. I'll just back them up.

Variety article. It mentions some TV shows:
Quote:
Likely upcoming TV additions to the MOD service, said Feltenstein, include "Maverick," "77 Sunset Strip," "Bourbon Street Beat," "Bronco," "Lawman" and "Hawaiian Eye."

Someone in this thread was pleading for Maverick, well there you go.

It also says that Debbie Reynolds is going to promote Warner Archive on the Today show.
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#175
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3/23/09 at 6:20am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Hmmm.... no mention of The FBI or Surfside 6. Let's hope this experiment really takes off!
Bring "The continuing story of PEYTON PLACE" home on DVD: the one that started it all- from Dallas and Dynasty to Desperate Housewives and Gossip Girl!!! Starting this May, see the legendary saga starring Mia Farrow, Ryan O'Neal, Barbara Parkins, and Oscar-winner Dorothy Malone on DVD thru Shout!...
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#176
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3/23/09 at 6:28am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Besides the above mentioned "Greed" and those censored WB cartoons, I'd sure like to see the remaining Katharine Hepburn RKO titles released.

Perhaps someone will ask WB in today's chat about did the Anniversary Hepburn boset sell well enough for them to put out a second volume, and while they're at it, how about some more of the Bette Davis 1930's WB films? One would think that even with the current state of the economy, these would be sure-fire projects.
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#177
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3/23/09 at 6:39am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Simon Howson
I agree with you, that the only way we can get these films is through DVD-Rs. I'd rather get them than not, so I'm willing to put up with DVD-Rs.
Exactly. I wish they were pressed but if my choice is between a DVD-R and nothing, I'll take the DVD-R.
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#178
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3/23/09 at 6:55am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

I decided to limit myself to purchasing 10 DVDs, by the time I decided on the final 10 films I could have watched one of the films.

They probably will not do this but I would LOVE to see them rank the top sellers Amazon-style. Whenever Warners had that contest to pick 10 releases each year I was always amazed by at least half of the films that won, so it would be kind of fun to see how many other people bought Cain And Mabel, Crisis, Interrupted Melody and We Were Dancing among others.
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#179
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3/23/09 at 7:04am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard M S
I would LOVE to see them rank the top sellers Amazon-style.
There is a function to sort the list by "Most Popular", but the page is so heavily flashed that I can't get it to work in my browser. I did manage to manually extract the link, so if you click here. it should list all 150 titles sorted by popularity.

I doubt there have been many sales yet, a lot of people have reported they are getting errors, today is after all the first day.
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#180
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3/23/09 at 7:06am
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re: Warner Archive Discussion Thread

Some important info has come out of today's press reports:

1) Warners says that if demand is strong, the discs might become available through other retailers. That would be good news for overseas customers.

2) They also say that some of the films might receive wide distribution eventually, presumably on pressed DVDs with bonus features, etc. I'm sure WB is watching the sales numbers closely, and the more popular films will receive a more official release. So don't be surprised when this happens - they warned us!
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