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THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans (UPDATE 4/19:... - Page 6

Poll Results: How would you prefer THE BOWERY BOYS to arrive on DVD?

 
  • 40% (63)
    Release them now as a "Best Of" effort with features
  • 59% (91)
    Wait for better elements to arrive for a chronological release
154 Total Votes  
post #151 of 747
3/4/08 at 9:32am

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

I found this thread in the process of running a Google search on The Bowery Boys. I am so glad to find out that there are many others, like myself, who appreciate this classic movie series.

I am wondering if you could tell me how to get an update from WB on a potential release date.

I am also wondering if you have any information as to the potential release of quality DVD complete sets of the works "the Boy's" did when they were known as, "The Dead End Kids", "Little Tough Guys", and the "East Side Kids"?

I realize that during the twenty years that this group of actors made these films, there were several different studios involved.

I have been trying to get an update from WB, as to when we might expect to see the Bowery Boys material released. I have been trying for two months now, still to no avail. Following the advice of the WB operator, I called (818) 954-6000, spoke with a person who said the protocol is leave one's request with her, and she will have the correct party return the phone call with the information requested. After repeated attempts, still no answer.
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post #152 of 747
3/5/08 at 12:40pm

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

I just thought I'd bump up this thread to see if there's been any progress in Warner getting these films out? Lately a friend and myself have had that old urge to watch the Bowery Boys comedies, and it's been really frustrating that all we've had available for the present time are 6 measly official Warner VHS releases from way back in 1992 (!!) as well as weak off-the-air recordings (and in some cases, multiple generation dupes from other collectors!). What's the current status?
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post #153 of 747
3/5/08 at 2:01pm

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

I'm tired of looking at a fifth-generation dupe of CRASHING LAS VEGAS where all the Boys' mugs look blurry. I want to see Slip Mahoney's bloodshot eyes and shaky mannerisms in crystal clear digital! It would also be great to get a digital gander at Phyllis Coates' gams in BLUES BUSTERS.

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post #154 of 747
3/5/08 at 6:22pm

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Count me as curious for an update also. From the first post of this thread from July of last year...

Quote:

The studio feels they can get the Bowery Boys films out rather quickly.

Given that announcements are approximately 3 months ahead of release date we're looking at Summer 2008 as the earliest the first batch would be released. I'm all for waiting until WHV feels that they can put a quality release out profitably and have no desire to make them commit to a date that may have to change, but it's still a valid question to ask if these releases are still on track or did something happen to further delay them?

Steve
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post #155 of 747
3/5/08 at 7:35pm

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ANNUAL WARNER BROTHERS ONLINE DIALOGUE?!!!!!

Usually every February there is a live online chat conducted by the Home Theater Forum with Warner Brothers Home Entertainment representatives pertaining to their upcoming DVD releases but this year seems to be an exception.

Warner Brothers will probably keep everyone waiting an inordinate amount of time ultimately making available only what has been deemed their best existing prints rather than having constructively been performing the expected digitally remastering and full restoration of pristine video transfers which anxious Bowery Boys fans would naturally expect having been kept waiting so long for.

Of course the three 1950s Allied Artists 1950s SF B-film programmers where newly remastered so there is always hope that Warner Brothers will do the necessary work as befitting a quality DVD release of a highly popular and entertaining classic comedy film series.

If The Bowery Boys films were not in high demand than Warner Brothers wouldn't have gone to all the trouble to consult prospective consumers on just how to go about properly marketing this film franchise.

I reiterate if it will expediate things than how about a Best of The Bowery Boys sampler just to get something positive going in the interim?!

Hopefully something pertaining to a Bowery Boys DVD release will finally manifest itself at least by the year's end.

Jeff T.
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post #156 of 747
3/6/08 at 3:24am

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve...O
I'm all for waiting until WHV feels that they can put a quality release out profitably and have no desire to make them commit to a date that may have to change, but it's still a valid question to ask if these releases are still on track or did something happen to further delay them?

Yes. But as for "profitably", sooner has to be much better than later, because the core audience for these movies aren't getting any younger. The main consumers who'll go right out and buy these releases no-questions-asked will be the people in their late 40s, 50s, and over - those who grew up with these movies on TV or saw them in theaters. Waiting another 10 years or more for 20-somethings who think Huntz Hall is a type of tomato paste aren't going to be giving WB the better sales numbers they'd like to have.

Now it sounds like we're going over old familiar territory, but I still don't see the need for EVERY SINGLE FILM in this series to look immaculate. If you have 40 of the 48 films looking pristine, but the elements on 8 of them are not so phenomenal, I say release those too the best you can (perhaps with an explanation at the beginning as to the condition of elements) and let's go. Some things just aren't going to be as spiffy as others, and this has occurred with other film series as well. Is the option to wait another 10 years or not to ever get them at all, if the studio feels they're not sparkling enough? I'd rather have them all from WB and not have to depend on other options. Not all the Tarzans looked as wonderful as some others, for example.
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post #157 of 747
3/6/08 at 3:40am

Re: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ANNUAL WARNER BROTHERS ONLINE DIALOGUE?!!!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffT.
I reiterate if it will expediate things than how about a Best of The Bowery Boys sampler just to get something positive going in the interim?!

Hopefully something pertaining to a Bowery Boys DVD release will finally manifest itself at least by the year's end.

But I hope it's not the same situation that occurred in 1992 -- six films put out on home video, and then "goodnight" for 16 years (and counting). I also want the later 1950s films more than the '40s ones!
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post #158 of 747
3/6/08 at 5:22am
Thread Starter 

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Quote:
Usually every February there is a live online chat conducted by the Home Theater Forum with Warner Brothers Home Entertainment representatives pertaining to their upcoming DVD releases but this year seems to be an exception.

We have invited the studio to partake in a chat here many times
and they seem to have gone silent in responding to us.

We also can't seem to get any update on the status of The
Bowery Boys releases. One would have hoped that these would
start trickling out by now.

We are somewhat confused by the lack of response from a
studio that has always been easy to communicate with. Warner
seems to be holding their cards very close these days and I
think there are just a lot of internal changes being made over
there (with the dissolve of New Line) that are putting their
priorities elsewhere.

In any event, we wish the Warner folks the very best. They
are a real joy to deal with, and have always taken a very
special interest in this forum and the opinions of its membership.
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post #159 of 747
3/6/08 at 7:29am

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Karlosi
Yes. But as for "profitably", sooner has to be much better than later, because the core audience for these movies aren't getting any younger. The main consumers who'll go right out and buy these releases no-questions-asked will be the people in their late 40s, 50s, and over - those who grew up with these movies on TV or saw them in theaters. Waiting another 10 years or more for 20-somethings who think Huntz Hall is a type of tomato paste aren't going to be giving WB the better sales numbers they'd like to have.

No doubt it's a declining market for The Bowery Boys with consumers either dying off or just not (largely) active consumers of video products. There is also no doubt that a film sitting inactive is cash in the wrong form.

Unfortunately, there may be other factors that may affect the release schedule. Fall titles did not do as expected, even for first run releases. With concerns about the economy and the trends that aren't looking good since Fall, some releases may be postponed. The problem for the studios is they make their money on a DVD in the first 12 weeks of release. So the timing of a release is critical. Naturally, film box sets tend to get Fall releases as gift purchases are critical.

The Bowery Boys is a tough title. Guys tend to be into films more than woman but the demographics of The Bowery Boys (like The Stooges) has to even be more so. The problem being is that women more often then men buy the gifts. Will a woman know or even appreciate that their husband, brother, father or father-in-law likes The Bowery Boys?

Of course, this last bit will be true at any time for The Bowery Boys sales, so it may come down to the state of the economy. We may be enjoying some of the heavy discounting as a reaction to slower sales that is occurring but the other edge of the sword is the studios' interest in releasing titles.
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post #160 of 747
3/6/08 at 2:22pm

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
We are somewhat confused by the lack of response from a studio that has always been easy to communicate with. Warner seems to be holding their cards very close these days and I think there are just a lot of internal changes being made over
there (with the dissolve of New Line) that are putting their
priorities elsewhere.

Ouch...... I just hope that Warner doesn't revert back to how they used to be, say pre-2003.... back when it was near impossible to hope for seeing old horror films and such released...
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post #161 of 747
3/8/08 at 5:36am

A MANAGEMENT CHANGE?!!!!!

Nothing lasts forever!

My thanks to Ronald Epstein for his informative message post and quite frankly the annual online discussions with Warner Brothers Home Entertainment had become quite an event which I always anxiously looked forward to myself. I was hoping that this (innovative) practice would be further expanded to include representatives of Universal, Paramount, 20th Century-Fox, MGM, etc.

If there has indeed been a significant supervising-decision making management shuffling at Warner Brothers than this could well spell certain doom for any (initially) intended DVD release of The Bowery Boys film series which may now be completely abandoned...in addition to the unlikeliness of any more 1950s Allied Artists Artists SF B-movie classics!

Already the consequences have been significantly felt with the apparent discontinuation of the online chat conducted here.

If it is still of any relevance I would welcome a Best of the Bowery Boys 5 or 6 film sampler encompassing all their work (early to late periods) as I feel having something is far better than not having anything at all.

With any proposed DVD such additional bonuses as the original theatrical trailer would also be most appreciated.

Jeff T.
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post #162 of 747
3/8/08 at 5:47am
Thread Starter 

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

I have known and corresponded with the folks at
Warner Brothers for as many years as I can remember
here. You could never hope to work with a better team
of individuals. More than any studio, these people have
a genuine concern about what gets posted on this forum.
I truly believe that because of the manner in which we
conduct ourselves, they rely on feedback here more than
anywhere else.

I know these people and my gut feeling is that they have
not abandoned THE BOWERY BOYS or the chats on this forum.
I think that there is a lot of things going on over there these
days on a corporate level that are probably preventing them
from being as "open" to this membership as they previously
have.

These are good people whom I trust would never abandon
this forum or their plans of releasing titles that are in
demand such as these. One thing we have on our side is
that George Feltenstein loves these films and is interested
in making sure they are treated with the respect they deserve.

Patience.
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post #163 of 747
3/8/08 at 9:54am

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Thanks to Ron for his recent comments.

In addition to factors he mentioned, the sluggish Amercian economy is likely at play. Also, if it is true that Sony only sold 12,000 units of a bargain priced and critically acclaimed Stooges Vol 1 collection WHV would likely be re-looking at the best way to release the BB. The Stooges have had constant exposure over the years and the BB have not.

I don't know how WHV's sales have been over the past six months but the apparent slowdown in announcements since last fall as well as various news reports suggest a softening market.
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post #164 of 747
3/8/08 at 10:33am

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Please, Steve, don't put any negative concerns in their heads!

In the case of the Stooges film shorts on DVD, those have been packaged in DVD theme collections, re-packaged, colorized... all sorts of things. Maybe fans figured enough is enough if it's true that this new "Volume One" didn't sell that many.

But with the 1946 - 1958 Bowery Boys, their films have never been released to DVD. Still in all, I hope Warner would not be unrealistic about expecting them to make huge number$.

Jeff T -- while a "best of" may be better than nothing, I really would hope that in this day and age of multidisc DVD box sets that we can have more than that.

Ron -- thanks for restoring some balance, because I think I myself am also becoming guilty of jumping to conclusions. We don't really know anything for certain yet, and we owe WB the benefit of the doubt. We'd be doing them an unfair disservice to start a bunch of rumors.
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post #165 of 747
3/11/08 at 7:42am

Re: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ANNUAL WARNER BROTHERS ONLINE DIALOGUE?!!!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Karlosi
But I hope it's not the same situation that occurred in 1992 -- six films put out on home video, and then "goodnight" for 16 years (and counting). I also want the later 1950s films more than the '40s ones!

Ditto. I'm afraid of the same and because many will not buy Best of's holding out for a complete release it will hurt sales and convince Warner's there are not enough sales to continue. So please no best Of's.
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post #166 of 747
5/28/08 at 12:38pm

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Hello Warners?
The majority voted release them now in chronological order and skip the films with problem prints until a better source can be found. The year is nearly half over and no release announcement. You have alot of sales here but most of the potential sales aren't getting any younger. Would it help if we say: Please!
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post #167 of 747
5/28/08 at 1:07pm

WANTED 'MORE' ALLIED ARTISTS SF B-FILM CLASSICS!!!!!

Well I deliberately waited until someone else c-r-a-c-k-e-d under the strain of prolonged uncertainty...and how delicious that somebody finally succumbed!

In this (rugged) business of online DVD lobbying it is necessary to have (literal) nerves-of-steel and infinite patience!

What do we make out of this wait considering we are now (almost) five months into the new year?!

Can we expect fully restored digital remasters? Because if it is anything less then the (ongoing) wait has been sluggishly unnecessary.

Come this June it will be an entire year since the Allied Artists 1950s SF B-film doublebill programmers ATTACK OF THE 50-FT. WOMAN (1958), QUEEN OF OUTER SPACE (1958) and THE GIANT BEHEMOTH (1959) were all (finally) made available in quality disc pressings.

Just when are we going to see a (long anticipated) follow up with ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS (1957), NOT OF THIS EARTH (1957) and WORLD WITHOUT END (1956) the latter presented in CinemaScope and glorious technicolour?

Jeff T.
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post #168 of 747
5/29/08 at 3:54pm

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

I'm glad Randy bumped this up. So I might as well chime in with my two and a half cents. I've been highly anticipating the start of these releases myself.

Yep. Warner -- the older, core audience is still here. Waiting to spend their money!
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post #169 of 747
5/29/08 at 7:09pm

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Karlosi
Yep. Warner -- the older, core audience is still here. Waiting to spend their money!

Yup, and that audience ain't getting any younger

There must be something at play here holding up releases other than a few films having bad elements. We can blame the economy for a lack of releases in 2008 but WHV has been talking up Bowery Boys releases for several years and now they've apparently gone stone cold silent on this topic after taking the very generous step of soliciting input a year ago.

In the meantime bootlegs of these films prosper on the net. Just now I looked at the google ad box on this thread and saw a site proclaiming to have all 48 films.

Monogram has their 80th birthday in 2011...surely we're not waiting until then? Although I must admit the idea of a year long 80th anniversary salute to Monogram is intriguing. Besides the inevitable "Frankie Darro & Mantan Moreland" and "Bomba the Jungle Boy" Signature Collections WHV could market a series of "World's Worst B Westerns" sets (with apologies to PRC).
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post #170 of 747
5/30/08 at 3:11am

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve...O
In the meantime bootlegs of these films prosper on the net. Just now I looked at the google ad box on this thread and saw a site proclaiming to have all 48 films.

I must keep saying to myself over and over again: "No, I will wait for WB....No, I will wait for WB... No, I will wait for WB".......
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post #171 of 747
5/30/08 at 8:52am
Thread Starter 

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Gents,

All I am probably allowed to tell you at this point is that Warner
has not abandoned The Bowery Boys.
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post #172 of 747
5/30/08 at 10:33am

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Thanks, Ron! That's good enough for me!
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post #173 of 747
5/30/08 at 12:11pm

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Nice! I'll chime in with a "I'll be buying these!"
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post #174 of 747
5/30/08 at 6:39pm

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Thanks, Ron! That's great to hear. I have a feeling WHV will exceed our expectations with these releases and the wait will have been well worth it.
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post #175 of 747
5/30/08 at 6:46pm

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Thanks, Ron. Excellent news. I'll be buying ALL of them.

Brad
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post #176 of 747
5/31/08 at 7:00am

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Yes, thanks Ron!

Sales waiting here too.
I bought the 2 "Ghosts, Spooks" films with Bela to placate me in the meantime. Poor quality but entertaining nonetheless.
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post #177 of 747
7/25/08 at 9:50pm

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

No further news...?
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post #178 of 747
7/28/08 at 7:58am

SOME TIME IN 2009?!!!!!

I would say it is unlikely that anything definite will develop in 2008 or else something would have been mentioned by now!

So we are probably looking toward some time in 2009.

This discussion thread is almost a year old and Warner Brothers Home Entertainment can't complain that they have been rushed or pressured on this matter. They have been given time and will be given more if necessary...which it obviously is!

If handled correctly this should prove to be (potentially) one of the more exciting DVD releases...at least to Bowery Boys fans!

I hope that quality source elements on a par to those excellent 1950s Allied Artists SF B-films (ie. ATTACK OF THE 50-FT. WOMAN, QUEEN OF OUTER SPACE and THE GIANT BEHEMOTH) are produced.

It would also be great if the original theatrical trailers could be included (where ever possible) to augment the individual films.

I am especially interested in seeing just how these "second features" were promoted.

I would enjoy seeing the trailers for all the popular favourites THE BOWERY BOYS MEET THE MONSTERS (1954), BOWERY TO BAGDAD (1954), SPY CHASERS (1955), DIG THAT URANIUM (1956), CRASHING LAS VEGAS (1956) and whatnot!

Jeff T.
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post #179 of 747
7/28/08 at 8:09am
Thread Starter 

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Actually, there is very positive news regarding The Bowery
Boys, but I have not been cleared by the studio to talk about it.

I would say this....

The studio will be having a chat with us within the next few months.
I think at that time they will be prepared to talk more about the
upcoming release of these films.

I am just here to assure all of you that the project is still on the
front burner (as opposed to the back) and the fact that the studio
waited a little longer to release these titles is working for the benefit
of everyone.

I know it has been a long time coming with lots of promises made,
but I am hoping that the studio will be free to talk more about their
plans by the time our next chat with them rolls around.
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post #180 of 747
7/28/08 at 8:56am

re: THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans

Ron, so will we have a new WB chat????????????
AMAZING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so glad WB folks did not give up on us, despite all those negative comments that sometimes pop up on this forum!
Yes, there are a lot of people here that admires their efforts. And I am definitely one of them!
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Home Theater Forum › Home Theater Forum › Blu-ray, DVD, Streaming Video and Digital Downloads › DVD › THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans (UPDATE 4/19: POST #416)