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Fleischer Superman DVD question

post #1 of 95
9/28/04 at 5:14pm
Thread Starter 
Does anyone know if the The Complete Superman Cartoons - Diamond Anniversary Edition DVD, from Image Entertainment, feature the Snafuperman short?
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post #2 of 95
9/28/04 at 5:48pm
It doesn't.
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post #3 of 95
9/28/04 at 6:32pm
.
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post #4 of 95
9/28/04 at 6:51pm
SNAFUPERMAN is available on Bokso Video's THE COMPLETE UNCENSORED PRIVATE SNAFU, sold at fine retailers everywhere (or at least on Amazon).
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post #5 of 95
9/28/04 at 7:39pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks guys!
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post #6 of 95
9/29/04 at 12:48pm
I've got that Image disc, and it's terrific. I haven't looked at all the cartoons, but the first 5 or 6 have been from pristine 35mm elements.

My only complaint is the un-necesary addition of the original release date over the opening shot in the cartoon. It's very annoying, and mars an otherwise perfect transfer.
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post #7 of 95
9/29/04 at 12:58pm
.
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post #8 of 95
9/29/04 at 3:15pm
Snafuperman is on the "Original Superman Cartoons" (originally on LD)by Bokso Cartoons..
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post #9 of 95
9/29/04 at 5:04pm
Snafuperman is also available on Image's first Superman DVD, The Superman Cartoons of Max & Dave Fleischer.
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post #10 of 95
9/30/04 at 6:33am
Rodney,

You're right, I'm wrong!
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post #11 of 95
9/30/04 at 8:19pm
My only complaint is the un-necesary addition of the original release date over the opening shot in the cartoon. It's very annoying, and mars an otherwise perfect transfer.
I forgot about that. Yes, I'd rather they'd placed this information on the menu instead of over the film itself. But it only lasts for a second or two.


Either that or use the DVD subpicture track that is used to put removeable subtitles on most DVDs.
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post #12 of 95
9/30/04 at 8:29pm
My only complaint is the un-necesary addition of the original release date over the opening shot in the cartoon. It's very annoying, and mars an otherwise perfect transfer.


Aren't you forgetting about the 'Bosko' bug that pops up in the bottom RH corner? These are PD cartoons, and they're necessary to help curb pirates (It didn't help - the VHS volumes were pirated years ago).

Rhino had a VHS tape several years ago with some of them, but nowehere near as good as the Bosko set (in quality).

Quote:
Snafuperman is also available on Image's first Superman DVD, The Superman Cartoons of Max & Dave Fleischer.

...which was directly ported over from a LD master (which I still have). These were not actually complete - several opening and closing credits were altered or faded out prematurely. I don't know if the later Bosko version has them properly represented - the old VHS versions were supposed to be the best presentation anywhere.
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post #13 of 95
12/26/05 at 11:01am
Hey,

I'm currently trying to find these Fleischer cartoons on a reputable release, but have been unable to find the ones previously mentioned in this thread on any store. I have seen a DVD that looks like this (though may not be) in stores such as HMV and Wal-Mart, with somewhat of a big price tag, usually over 12 or 13 bucks.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...v=glance&n=130

Also, I heard this was the worst one to pick up out of all the cheapo Fleischer Superman releases:

http://video.barnesandnoble.com/sear...09183998&pwb=1

Can anyone help me out on this particular matter? I understand WB restoring these threads and releasing them is very unlikely and...well...impossible, so I'm looking for a fine collection with good audio/video quality.
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post #14 of 95
12/26/05 at 11:25am
Jim, if you're looking for the Fleischer Superman cartoons THIS is the only one to consider.


Don't bother with the reviwes on Amazon. They are terrible when it comes to sorting them for multiple issues and often times the people are citing a release which is NOT the one listed that you're browsing. Despite some of the comments regarding enhanced audio tracks, this one features the original monaural sound with no added effects. It is complete and sorted chronologically and remastered to the best of the available public domain releases.

The only one worth picking up.
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post #15 of 95
12/26/05 at 1:01pm
Quote:
Aren't you forgetting about the 'Bosko' bug that pops up in the bottom RH corner? These are PD cartoons, and they're necessary to help curb pirates (It didn't help - the VHS volumes were pirated years ago).

I didn't notice a Bosko bug on my DVD.

As good as these films look in the Bosko version, they could still look a lot better if restored and remastered from original negatives, if they still exist...these transfers are extremely long in the tooth. Who might own such material on these classics?
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post #16 of 95
12/26/05 at 1:21pm
Quote:
Who might own such material on these classics?



Warner Bros.
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post #17 of 95
12/26/05 at 1:25pm
I noticed that the Superman release from Platinum Entertainment DVD has a corner logo and apparently the Bosko version does as well. Do all of them have the corner bug/logo?
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post #18 of 95
12/26/05 at 4:24pm
I don't think there's any watermark on the Winstar release, apart from the insertion of the theatrical release date into the title card at the start of each short. It's been a while since I've watched the disc, but I'm almost certain.

The Bosko and Snafu DVD's do feature a logo however, but it only lasts on screen for a quick second or so and than dissapears. Much like the Rocky & Bullwinkle sets. It isn't too intrusive, considering the remasterings that went into these public domain films. I'm perfectly content with them until something better comes along, which really isn't likely. I think the Bosko Snafu disc is terrific, with my only criticisms being the windowboxing applied which was not necessary. Otherwise, a worthy purchase if you can still track it down!
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post #19 of 95
12/26/05 at 5:03pm
I have the 1st Image DVD which is pretty much a port of the Image laser disc. Is the 2nd Image DVD, "Diamond Anniversary Edition" worth double dipping on? Does it have a new transfer or anything?
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post #20 of 95
12/26/05 at 5:10pm
As I said, the Diamond Anniversary set offers the complete filmography of the Fleischer/Famous shorts from the very first 'Superman' in 1931 to 1943's 'Secret Agent', all in chronological order. They are remastered to the best of my knowledge from available p.d. elements. I assume they were sourced from 16mm prints. Unlike other collections available, there are no "added effects" on the soundtrack. The quality is very good compared to the other products on the market. It is the version own.
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post #21 of 95
12/26/05 at 5:40pm
Quote:
As I said, the Diamond Anniversary set offers the complete filmography of the Fleischer/Famous shorts from the very first 'Superman' in 1931 to 1943's 'Secret Agent', all in chronological order. They are remastered to the best of my knowledge from available p.d. elements. I assume they were sourced from 16mm prints. Unlike other collections available, there are no "added effects" on the soundtrack. The quality is very good compared to the other products on the market. It is the version own.
Marco, I also own the first Image release that Charlie mentioned and it includes everything from the Diamond Anniversary set PLUS Snafuperman. I compared both collections when the Diamond Anniversary disc first came out and opted to keep the earlier version. I was hard-pressed to see much difference between the two transfers (as were several of the reviewers at the time) so I decided that since the original included Snafuperman, I would just hang onto it.

To be honest, I think Image released the Diamond Anniversary collection as a lower-priced alternative to the original. The original had a list price of around $30 (which was not uncommon back then) and they probably had a hard time competing with the plethora of crummy, cheap PD versions that had flooded the market. I also guess that there may have been a licensing issue with Snafuperman preventing its inclusion on the new disc.

The other thing I really like about the original version is the cover art! I bought this set originally on laserdisc (a 2-disc set for $50!) and I always thought the gatefold cover was a gas! To me, it is much more classy than the fairly nondescript Superman pose that graces the cover of the Diamond Anniversary collection. As always, YMMV, but as far as I am concerned, if you have the original Image disc, I see no need to look further.
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post #22 of 95
12/26/05 at 6:26pm
The thing I like about the first Image release is that the sound is encode PCM, not DD. Is the Diamond Anniversary disc the same?
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post #23 of 95
12/26/05 at 7:50pm
Quote:
As good as these films look in the Bosko version, they could still look a lot better if restored and remastered from original negatives, if they still exist...these transfers are extremely long in the tooth. Who might own such material on these classics?

The Superman camera negatives (sequential exposure) are held at UCLA Film & Television Archive. I'm not totally sure, but I think that the Snafu negatives are held at the U.S. National Archives.
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post #24 of 95
12/26/05 at 8:37pm
The Superman cartoon negatives are held at UCLA along with all the nitrate holdings of Warner Bros. before they bought back their pre-'49 library when they purchased Turner Broadcasting and Turner Entertainment Co. (the division that owned the old library) became part of WB......

Thus, the only company that can legally and legitimately release the SUPERMAN cartoon from their orig. negs is WB, which they did selectively in the late days of the VHS era.

Hopefully, with a new SUPERMAN movie now filming, the rightful owner (WB) will properly restore these great cartoon and present them with the care and smarts they used to bring back the great, classic SUPERMAN (George Reeves) TV series a few months ago.
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post #25 of 95
12/26/05 at 8:46pm
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Hopefully, with a new SUPERMAN movie now filming, the rightful owner (WB) will properly restore these great cartoon and present them with the care and smarts they used to bring back the great, classic SUPERMAN (George Reeves) TV series a few months ago.

Actually, I've heard that WB is planning on putting both the cartoons and the Columbia serials on DVD, but they're undecided if they'll be added to the next 4 seasons of The Adventures of Superman or on their own.

I'd imagine WB would get decent sales from the two serials. Columbia released both of their Batman serials (The Batman and Batman & Robin) to DVD. One good idea would be to split the Superman cartoons in half and put the first 12 on "Superman" and the other 11 on "Superman vs. Atom Man". If both are two-disc sets, there would be plenty of room. Columbia's two DVD's are completely lacking supplements, so the cartoons would allow for an extra pull.
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post #26 of 95
12/26/05 at 8:50pm
^that would be welcome...something along hte lines of the Looney tunes collections or hanna barbera line.
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post #27 of 95
12/26/05 at 9:16pm
So if there's actually a chance to see these fully restored, etc, should I hold off on buying one of these other sets?
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post #28 of 95
12/27/05 at 4:47am
Thanks for the clarification Gary, I didn't realise.

Are you sure that the first Image release features the original mono soundtracks and was not "remastered" to surround mix?

Is the one you're referring to titled "The Superman Cartoons Of Max And Dave Fleischer"?


Anyways, I'm very happy with the Anniversary Collection. I think the cover art is fitting as well and the menu screens are pretty well done. I might be far off here, but I do think there was some sort fo extra included on this set as well, though I might be confusing it with Winstar's Gulliver's Travels Anniversary disc. I think there might've been a short documentary on the Fleischer Studio or perhaps a short featurette on the making of a Popeye cartoon or something like that? I might be way off here... again, it's been a while since I've watched the disc!

Anyways, at a $9 price tag I really wouldn';t bother waiting. What's the best/worst scenario... WB issues their own collection (which is still doubtfull - it seems more liekly from what I've read that these cartoons will simply be distributed as extras on upcoming DVDs). I'd take the plunge, it's not such a huge investment!

Plus having all the cartoons in one place, looking and sounding great, is quite a nice convenience.
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post #29 of 95
12/27/05 at 8:22am
Quote:
Are you sure that the first Image release features the original mono soundtracks and was not "remastered" to surround mix?
Marco, yes. It boasts an "uncompressed PCM MONO soundtrack."
Quote:
Is the one you're referring to titled "The Superman Cartoons Of Max And Dave Fleischer"?
That's the one.

Cheers!
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post #30 of 95
12/27/05 at 7:50pm
Gary Cianciosi:
I was hard-pressed to see much difference between the two transfers (as were several of the reviewers at the time) so I decided that since the original included Snafuperman, I would just hang onto it.


I have to disagree with Gary regarding which DVD to purchase, and I would invite you all to this old thread which discussed the versions available:

Max Fleischer's Superman Cartoons

The main reason to get the Diamond Anniversary Edition is, as stated on the above thread, they are uncut on this edition. I have both, and agree with Jeff Krispow's post regarding the quality of the DVD's.

Now, if you also want Snafuperman, then do what I did, and get both!
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