Not Bashing just, venting about Warners

RobertGr · 01-30-2008, 08:48 PM

I have been a huge fan of Warners classic releases and continue to support them already pre-ordering the Gangster collection number 3. But last year was a big let down when we were hearing about their plans to release 200 classic titles - didn't happen. Now we are about 8 weeks away from Easter 08 amd still no Quo Vadis and still no Northwest Passage. What is the dealio Warners, if you want my greenbacks you need to start coming through with the classics. Please no more remasters of "OZ" of "GWTW" of "ADV OF ROBIN HOOD" in fact why is "AN AMERICAN IN PARIS" years behind your thought of 2006 release and where are the latest Ultra Rez's!!!!!

Break upon the vaults and I will continue to support the releases!!!!

Patrick McCart · 01-30-2008, 10:02 PM

If they don't release them soon, I won't buy them at all!

Seriously, why use Oz, GWTW, and Robin Hood as examples? Oz was 2005, GWTW was 2004 (and the first time WB had worked on it since the first edition was an old 1998 MGM disc), and Robin Hood has only had one DVD (in 2003) besides the identical 2006 HD-DVD (which used the same master and kept all the extras).

RobertGr · 01-30-2008, 10:54 PM

Well I have been collecting product in Home Video since VHS, I also made the mistake of collecting CED discs and then Laser and now SD dvd that is why I will not support HD. OZ was issued once on CED two or three times on VHS I remember the 50th Anniversry edition then the "Vide-Oh" relabel. The on Laser the 50th edition then the Ultimate OZ. Then on dvd the 1998 version then the 3 disc special edition dvd which might or might not have framing issues. Now to be fair to Warners they only have 2 editions of it too date. But I have named what at least 8 versions since 1989. Northwest Passage had been on VHS once and Laser. Same with Quo Vadis. Quo Vadis was the biggest moneymaker MGM had in the films release year and listed in the top ten MGM moneymakers well into the 1960's, It was a blockbuster and Northwest Passage was considered a breakthrough film as it had a great story and was a great action film that did not depend on color as a gimmick the story stood on its own. These two films are sitting on the shelves when we see re re re masters of other retreads. In regard to Spencer Tracy his output of great films are MIA where is Edison the Man? In fact it would be a great box of films to include Northwest Passage, Edison the Man and Plymouth Adventure. I would grab that in a heartbeat!

Simon Howson · 01-31-2008, 01:20 AM

To be fair to Warner, each new version of The Wizard of Oz has been better than the last. It isn't like they are offering up different version of the same transfer.

The other thing is that old reliable films like Oz are probably what pays the bills so that lesser films can be released.

Lastly, Warner are still the best at releasing library titles. I was somewhat disappointed that they seemed to slow down in the last third of 2007, but my guess is that they just saved up some titles for the 85th year onslaught.

Let it begin...

Patrick McCart · 01-31-2008, 02:10 AM

I just think it's ridiculous to vent at Warner of all studios about double-dips. Except for last year's Poltergeist dud, nearly every special edition they've released was justified. Not that new-to-DVD titles should take a back seat, but they still put out over 150 catalog titles in 2007, plus a lot of great special editions. From looking at their release list, 2007 was a great year for B-movies and arthouse fare, as well as lots of titles from big stars like Katharine Hepburn, James Cagney, Barbara Stanwyck, Burt Lancaster, and Errol Flynn. We also got Popeye, The Jazz Singer, and another volume of Looney Tunes.

So, about those movies being left on the shelf...

**HTF Ads**

troy evans · 01-31-2008, 02:33 AM

The problem is the best selling classic title can't touch the current titles in sales. This means we either don't get it or we get a no frills edition on dvd. That is bad, but, the facts are facts. Studios want lots and lots of money for what they release and that's why standards like OZ and GWTW keep getting re-issued. Simply put, they sell. However, even they don't produce the revenue that current titles do. Sadly, the market just doesn't seem big enough for them to put it out, I'm guessing. Now, I have seen more on dvd than I've seen on any other format, so, there is hope to at least get a release. Just no guarantee.

george kaplan · 01-31-2008, 04:55 AM

My only complaint, is that we're still waiting for OAR versions of films like Grumpy Old Men and Funny Farm that were released as p&s only. They said quite a while back that they're coming, but no sign of them.

CinéKarine · 01-31-2008, 07:40 AM

I can't imagine complaining about Warner. Look at all that's in store that we know of already: Classic Musicals, Pre-Codes, Gangsters, Bette Davis...wow!!! And I thought last year was a fabulous year for releases too! No other studio is doing so much for their classics.
Naturally, we can't ALL have our favorites released at the same time. So whether I am interested in a release or not, I am always just as thrilled for the people who have been longing for those titles the way I have for the next Classic Musicals for instance!!!

And besides I just LOVE surprises!!!

Ken_McAlinden · 01-31-2008, 07:50 AM

[sarcasm]Yes. Just look at their release record for Q1 of thi