COOPER, BRANDO, AND NEWMAN BOXSETS IN NOVEMBER - Page 2

MattH. · 08-05-2006, 09:33 AM

I think they've made wise choices for these sets. The Brando set interests me the most, but all of them have merit, and I hope Warners continues to drown us in classic releases.

Andrew Budgell · 08-05-2006, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Crawford

It's simple to maximize unit sales! Warner probably feels some of those titles won't sell enough individually to make a profit. Also, it makes the retailers happy by using less shelf space and fewer UPCs.

Anyhow, at least Warner is releasing classic titles which is more than you can say about many of the other studios.

I get the business end of things, and I am a supporter of WB's classics - they are clearly the best in the game. It's just unfortunate for me, a student/Elizabeth Taylor collector on a budget. Maybe these are films I'd like to own at some point down the line, but right now I'd only like REFLECTIONS.

Andy

Marko Berg · 08-05-2006, 12:25 PM

I for one am very happy for this announcement. I'll wait for a good deal on the boxsets, such as the bi-annual Deep Discount DVD 20% off sale, and add these to my collection, if I'm not able to purchase all of them during release week.

The Newman box set would be a great opportunity to simultaneously release Sometimes a Great Notion (1971). Please Universal?

Jim_K · 08-05-2006, 12:33 PM

Too bad about no Hanging Tree as it would've been the most interesting title in these sets. As it is I'll just spring for Sergeant York and Harper out of this batch.

Might have bought Springfield Rifle and The Left Handed Gun if they were made available separately. Neither are great films but I remember enjoying both.

Chalk up 2 more lost sales due to your box-set exclusive tactics Warner.

Daniel BARBIEUX · 08-05-2006, 01:07 PM

Warner Bros France will release the Hanging Tree next week on region 2.
Original version will be available as usual.

Here is the link :
http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B000...734850?ie=UTF8

Michael Elliott · 08-05-2006, 02:24 PM

You know, some of the smaller titles might not sell well enough on their own for a release so perhaps that's why Warner is doing this. I doubt RETURN OF DR. X would sell enough copies but packaged in a box, they can get the thing out there. I'd much rather a title be in a box rather than not getting released at all.

As for the titles selected, I've seen all of the Newman and Brando titles and as a fan I want to own all of them. On its own, I wouldn't have bought a couple of them but at a discounted box set, I'm happy to take them.

I'm somewhat shocked that no one has jumped on them for releasing so many sets at one time. Again, I'm personally happy to get three great boxes in one month even if THE FORMULA is a poor film IMO.

ChrisRose · 08-05-2006, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey

I think this was the year of male star sets and that next year we'll be seeing more female sets with Ginger Rogers, Joan Crawford V2, Bette V3, Doris Day V2, Stanwyck, de Havilland, and Shearer.

I hope you're right... I wondered if Warner's focusing on actors because they think more men buy DVDs, and would prefer testosterone-fueled westerns and action films...

I'd love an Olivia de Havilland set! Neglected to mention her in my list of favorite actresses (this time) because I don't have much hope of it happening. After all, WB doesn't own her Oscar winners, and her "major" Warner films have already been released - most in the Errol Flynn box. I'd be interested in her "lesser" Warner films as well...thanks to TCM I've discovered she had a knack for lighthearted comedy as well as drama. But I don't know if Warner thinks there's an interest. Then again, that's why we're here, right? Hey Warner - I'm interested! Gimme!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mario Gauci

Although you agreed with my sentiments, I think it's amusing that you're passing on the Cooper, Brando and Newman sets and instead are pining for June Allyson, Jane Powell and Esther Williams

I live to amuse!

I think I have pretty eclectic tastes and can appreciate a wide variety of stars/genres. Although I bought Universal's Gary Cooper set, these particular Cooper titles don't grab me. You might not be a fan of June, Jane and Esther (or the musical comedy genre?), but I think we can all agree they were big stars in their own right, and do have many fans...and their films deserve to be on DVD. I should *really* make you guffaw and ask for Ann Miller, Ann Sheridan, Ann Harding, Joan Blondell, Kathryn Grayson, Janet Leigh, and Margaret O'Brien sets!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Budgell

I get the business end of things, and I am a supporter of WB's classics - they are clearly the best in the game. It's just unfortunate for me, a student/Elizabeth Taylor collector on a budget. Maybe these are films I'd like to own at some point down the line, but right now I'd only like REFLECTIONS.

I feel for you, Andy. It's funny, TCM is trying to target the youth market, yet this Warner boxset-exclusive thing only alienates younger collectors who are on a budget. And older collectors on a budget.

I mean, the boxsets are pretty affordably priced, but they're only a good deal if you want at least 2 of the titles within. 'Cause buying them individually would cost about the same as getting the whole box anyway. But if someone only wants *one* of the movies... and it's not sold separately...they're screwed.

I think in this case it would be silly for WB to assume Reflections wouldn't sell well enough to warrant it's own release... Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor? Yeah, I'm pretty sure they're big enough stars that people would pick up the DVD if they saw it on store shelves with those familiar faces plastered on the cover. Whether they were familiar with the film beforehand, or not. If the price is right.

Robert Crawford · 08-05-2006, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_K

Chalk up 2 more lost sales due to your box-set exclusive tactics Warner.

Don't worry Warner, you still have consumers like me that's going to buy them all.

Crawdaddy

Ken Koc · 08-05-2006, 05:12 PM

I will be buying them all as well. I hope THE PRIZE wil show up someday. I'm not sure why THE HANGING TREE was not included considering it is being released in Europe.
As others have mentioned, a Natalie Wood Boxset including Inside Daisy Clover and Sex and the Single Girl, Splendor in the Grass SE, a Gypsy SE
Great Race and Penelope.