Classic series desired on DVD...

roven97 · 07-23-2007, 06:53 PM

I've noticed some of these mentioned in other threads. But here is a list of the many different series I'd like to see in complete uncut restored box sets. Some nice extras would even be the old radio serials. What are some others? And anyone know of any release announcements?

Blondie
Three stooges (of course I just noticed that it's been announced)
Laurel and Hardy
Our Gang complete Roach/MGM
Bowery Boys
Dead End Kids
Andy Hardy
Bomba
Dr. Kildare
Dr. Christian
The Falcon
Francis, the Talking Mule
The Lone Wolf
Ma and Pa Kettle
(I'm so glad we finally have Mr. Moto)
Boston Blackie
Crime Doctor
Jungle Jim
Philo Vance
The Saint
Tarzan (the rest not on the WB set)

MarcoBiscotti · 07-23-2007, 07:15 PM

since you're covering comedy shorts, add a complete collection of Robert Benchley's MGM output to the list. chronological would be the way to go and I assume could be covered with a single-disc.

the Boston Blackie films would be fun but I'm certain we'll never see the Columbia titles and I'm not too confident there'd be a market for the 1920's film output. I'm not even sure what condition the elements are in and there's almost no chance that any of the studios would consider them... I don't think there's much viability there.

I'd kill for all the other listed though, thankfully we already have the Stooges coming!

Steve...O · 07-23-2007, 07:55 PM

Phil, you have great tates!

The bulk of Ma & Pa Kettle are on DVD from Universal. They didn't release the two films without Percy Kilbride but the others are readily available and cheap. There was a volume of Francis movies released also.

Warners has said that Andy Hardy, Dr. Kildare, Falcon, Saint, Philo Vanceand Tarzan are all either on the schedule or are planned. Bowery Boys are in limbo due to an inability to find good prints. The bulk of the ESK are PD and readily available although in sub-par quality.

The Dr. Christian series (also PD) is available from Alpha video.

Sony (Columbia) just hired a consultant (Mike Schlesinger) who has been pushing them to release more classics. He specifically has championed the Lone Wolf series due to the popularity of Warren William among classic film buffs. They're well aware of the popularity of Boston Blackie and their other series. Mike says that they're watching the sales of the Warner releases in 2008 of Saint/Falcon, et al. before making a decision.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the continued absence of Roach era L&H and Our Gang from Region 1 DVD is a disgrace.

Steve

RafaelPires · 07-23-2007, 09:03 PM

Please let1s not forget Maisie!!!!!!!!!
Ann Sothern is just amazing in the title character.

Bert Greene · 07-23-2007, 09:24 PM

I've always greatly enjoyed Paramount's "Henry Aldrich" series, with James Lydon. Seems to have really fallen through the cracks in the past few decades, unfortunately, compared to many other film series. Nonetheless, I'd put it in my top ten list. The films are great fun, and far less cloying than MGM's "Andy Hardy" offerings.

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RobertGr · 07-23-2007, 11:21 PM

The Henry Alrdich series is under the control of Universal/MCA, the film's copyrights have been renewed by them so they would be the ones to contact and voice your support for dvd release. I for one would buy them in a heartbeat! I am surprised TCM has not shown them!

Mark B · 07-23-2007, 11:38 PM

I would like to add a set with all of the James Fitzpatrick "Traveltalks" to the list.

Tory · 07-24-2007, 06:26 AM

Wheeler & Woolsey
Charley Chase
Boy Friends
Taxi Boys
Thelma Todd & Zasu Pitts
Thelma Todd and Patsy Kelly
Andy Clyde
Hildegarde Withers
The Ritz Brothers
Torchy Blaine

LaurenceGarvey · 07-24-2007, 06:12 PM

For features, I see that the Mexican Spitfire series hasn't yet been mentioned. I'd pay to see those. And a good boxed set of Leon Errol shorts would be most welcome; ditto Edgar Kennedy and Andy Clyde. Of course, it goes without saying that the absence of the Hal Roach sound films is indeed a disgrace.

Steve...O · 07-24-2007, 06:45 PM

There are a number of short subjects that if packaged in a collection, I would purchase. I also believe they would do well simply because I read comments at multiple forums asking for them. Folks like Leon Errol, Edgar Kennedy, Charley Chase, ZaSu Pitts, Robert Benchley were all very, very funny and if some of them are on the verge of being forgotten it's about time we're reminded who they were. On the drama side, the CRIME DOES NOT PAY series was also quite well done and deserves more exposure.

Quote:

The Henry Alrdich series is under the control of Universal/MCA, the film's copyrights have been renewed by them so they would be the ones to contact and voice your support for dvd release. I for one would buy them in a heartbeat! I am surprised TCM has not shown them!

Given that Universal has put out innumerable franchise collections, I'm rather surprised this didn't get released. Perhaps the elements are in poor shape? I've also read that some of these collections didn't do well at retail so Universal may be skittish at releasing something that isn't too well known today.

Steve