THE BOWERY BOYS on DVD: continuing discussion of Warner's eventual release plans (UPDATE 4/19:... - Page 9

THE 'ORIGINAL' THEATRICAL TRAILERS!!!!!!

Both the above images are taken from AMAZON.COM

All we are really talking about at present is a single (test run) volume set (of 6 to 8 films) which will likely be released despite the uncertainty of some...whether it continues on to full completion only time will tell!

But it seems clear enough (at least to myself) that Warner Brothers is indeed committed to making this ambition a reality for which I intend to enthusiastically support.

I might point out that the aforementioned 6 Bowery Boys VHS tapes (now since long out-of-print) became instant collector's items commanding exorbitant prices almost at the very outset from many home video retail dealers.

This is going to prove to be an immensely popular DVD collection beyond a shadow of a doubt with broad appeal for all age groups. I wouldn't discount the preferences of many "serious" younger fan DVD collectors either. Just the commotion that has been stirred up here is sufficient to arouse the curiosity and interest of the "uninitiated" assuming there are unfortunates who have never heard of the Bowery Boys before (!).

All are certainly most welcomed to join in on all the hilarious fun and delightful enjoyment that lies ahead!

Looking at that excellent online compilation of videoclips taken from NO HOLDS BARRED (1952), JALOPY (1953) and DIG THAT URANIUM (1956) made me realize just how funny a comedian Leo Gorcey really was!

I thoroughly concur that many of us (likely the vast majority) unabashed Bowery Boys aficionados first discovered these treasured little classics on tv collectively making us predominately "latter" generation series fans who have taken up the cause in a revival of the Bowery Boys on a (quality) DVD release.

Just as a reminder to Warner Brothers as this Bowery Boys discussion thread has now taken on a life of its own where ever possible it would appreciated if the original theatrical trailers could also be included.

Jeff T.

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

Tiger...

I don't have anything against "younger people"... don't take it personally. I am simply stating what I see in personal observation and what I have read on various forums. I am 51 years old but work many times with people in their late teens and early 20s. I "have" tried to advocate watching older films to them with only resistance and excuses. There have been discussions in the past about how the various generations expect different things and as you touched upon, exposure. Most people in the under 30 category will not be familiar with anything made pre 1980 so all they know is color, widescreen, blood spatter in your face special effects, and movies that do the thinking for them. And those are the facts, not opinion. I am afraid the days of local public broadcasting are gone so those minor movies that I grew up watching will rarely if ever get played and you have to either seek them out and/or subscribe to a package that includes them. I don't think there is or ever was such a thing for the Richmond, VA area.

I do admire what you are accomplishing and wish I had your talent but on the other hand I am a novice at this and can only state what a novice sees and hears and that sometimes can include mis-information. I am open for correction as long as it is not reprimanding or out and out mean spirited comments. I too am still learning. There are right ways to answer someone who is not in the know and blasting one another is not helping either.

All other points have already been mentioned - population of those interested are dying off which has a trickle down effect ending with the consumer but the studio is in-between. I think in idealistic and analytical ways, just my nature.

Eric

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

I think Eric and the others have made good points.

The sad reality is that there are now fewer B&M outlets in which to purchase pre-1970 classic films. Best Buy, Wal Mart & Target are very hit or miss when it comes to older films, and I notice that they are stocking fewer and fewer of them with each passing year. As a few other have stated, if you don't have a cable package (with TCM), then the chances of a young person encountering a classic film on late night television is almost non-existent.

I think this is why Warner is now being more careful with what/how they market older films. The Bowery Boys are something that I'm not too familiar with and I consider myself an enthusiast! heck, we are still waiting for dvd collections on Lana Turner & Jean Harlow from Warner, two stars most young people may've not had much exposure to, but likely at least know who they are. There is also the economy to consider. Yes, we enthusiasts will find ways to get our favorite films no matter how bad things get, but the studios have to also consider the purchasing habits of the non enthusiast buying public. I fear that the marketing of classics will only become more difficult in the days ahead due to all of these factors.

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

I would much prefer a chronological release, but would accept them mixed as long as all the Bowery Boys films are eventually released.

I would absolutely not buy a "best of" release, if it was going to be followed by a chronological one.

I wouldn't mind a decent release of the East Side Kids films either.

However, I would very much prefer a release of the Warner "Dead End Kids" films in a box set before any of the others.

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

Blonde Dynamite is another that has been in bad shape and is missing some footage in the middle due to a break in all the TV copies. I hope this one can be found as well.[/quote]

That's interesting because, to be honest, I have a copy of it (bought from an on-line dvd dealer) and I believe it's uncut. And the print is fine.

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

For what it is worth, a poster on the BB Yahoo group that is publishing a book on the group says that he's been advised that the first releases are coming in February 2009. Obviously this is NOT a studio announcement, and being the internet, all info posted should be viewed skeptically. We will know soon enough if this is true since Feb titles will most likely be announced in November.

THE BOWERY BOYS 'FIRST' BEFORE THE OTHERS!!!!!

Most any intelligence (of a positive nature) is certainly most appreciated but if there is (finally) a DVD release of the actual Bowery Boys films it will likely not happen until the late Summer or Fall of 2009 the earliest...if we are lucky that is! It might not happen until 2010!

February 2009 would be great but in the light of the discovery of actual 35mm source elements (ie. MR. HEX) and our explicit demands and expectations (not to mention the current state of the global economy) this may well necessitate some further time and effort on the part of Warner Brothers...albeit from my own experience this company just doesn't make it a consistent practice of utilizing newly restored and fully restored source element for its video transfers in its older film and tv series properites...indeed it is usually the opposite with the acquisition of just "passable" film prints already in its possession!

I am positive that there will be a bona fide Bowery Boys film series DVD release long before there is any movement on this venerable group's previous splinter encarnations (ie. Dead End Kids, Little Tough Guys and Eastside Kids) and Warner Brothers Home Entertainment has surely concentrated and committed its efforts toward what it well knows to be the most popular.

I also welcome anything written on the history of this highly esteemed comedy film series and should any further definite word be made known about such forthcoming projects please feel perfectly to appropriately discuss it here.

Well, what else remains now but to patiently wait?! It is really all up to Warner Brothers to take action.

Jeff T.

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

OK I just had to do it. Anything new on this release at all? Obviously Feb. 09 is not happening right now.

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

Yes, insulting Warner Brothers will get these titles released for sure.






Crawdaddy

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

I don't mean to speak for Randy, but I didn't interpret his observation as an insult...

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

It wasn't Randy's post while the post in question was removed, but not by me.





Crawdaddy

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

So I got curious and checked my e-mail notices for the offending post. My take (not that it matters) is that a poster with several valid points (frustrated by this wait) made one comment that I'm sure he wishes he said differently. Moving on, nothing to see here folks. Other than Robert being right for a change. Just kidding.

If it's not time to lock this thread, at least let's rename it. Certainly WHV wanting our input is old news now and no longer valid.

I know I've commented on it before but the big issue for WHV is not what to release as much as when to release The Bowery Boys. I know many get frustrated and ask the question (or variations of it) 'how hard can it be just to put them on shiny discs and get them out there?' Unfortunately, the reality of DVD sales is that profits are structured so that the producer needs to make their money in the first weeks of the DVD release. After that, revenue sharing (as a percent of the total) shifts to the retailer; along with price reductions (typically starting after 8-9 weeks). So, releasing titles in a market when consumers are scared to spend (or don't have money to spend) has significant risk to say the least. That puts WHV in a tough spot.

The other reality is that if they did release a set and and then came out with the same set 2-3 years later with a few more frills, guys like me would hammer them for it.

An approach they may consider (when they do release it) is do somewhat what Fox did with the Ford at Fox box set. Release the fancy everything but the kitchen sink release and then follow up with smaller box sets. Just announce that the smaller sets are coming (date to be determined) so that the consumer doesn't feel cheated. Certainly there will be people that want the whole shooting match as well as others who don't want or can't afford all of that.

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

Sorry for my misunderstanding (with my "what insult?" remark). I must have missed the offensive post, and I'm glad I did.

I still have nothing but kudos to give Warner at this stage in the DVD game, and I am still confident at the report that they at least have the Bowery Boys in their minds. I really hope the shaky economy has not put a curse on seeing this series sooner rather than later, but in the meantime I think it's a good idea to periodically bump this thread up and see (or ask) what's what.

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

Any further word on the project?

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

As I recall from the last WB movie chat,they were looking at 2010 for a release.

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

We hope 2010, Its been pushed back a year for 3 straight years now. I hope there are enough fans still alive by the time the releases come out to make it worth it for Warners.

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

Ron, thanks for the update; much appreciated.

Yes, it has been a very long wait for these titles especially given the false starts they've had over the past several years. It's great to hear that in addition to finding better prints of problematic titles (Mr. Hex et al) that they'll be presented OAR. This is why, despite any concerns about dwindling retail releases or hiccups with the Archive, WHV is still the gold standard in my opinion when it comes to classic film.

Without asking you to reveal any confidential information, would you please clarify whether:

"looking to release The Bowery Boys in original release order by the end of next year"

means the first volume of the releases will come by the end of 2010 or that WHV hopes to have the releases completed by the end of 2010? I suspect the former but rather have the statement misinterpreted and spread throughout the net it seems wise to level set expectations upfront.

Thanks.

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

Were The later BOWERY BOYS films widescreen?

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

Ron, thanks for the update. I am hopeful, but at this point I have to take an "I'll believe it when I see it" attitude. Only because it's been so long already and we've been given other time frames in the past. I am hoping that your speculation does not actually mean that the movies are going to begin coming out until the end of 2010, which is a year PLUS from now.

Interesting to learn that Warner is indeed planning the later films for 16x9, though.

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

Great news if they do come out in 2010. Even better and quite surprising news that they are planning widescreen for the later releases. Didn't think that would ever happen as Universal didn't do the later Abbott & Costello widescreen films in widescreen. Kudos to Warners for this.

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

This sounds like really great news. At the risk of injecting controversy, did Warner give any indication as to how these were to be released? In particular, pressed discs versus burnt Archives?

Either way, it will be nice to at least have them available.

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

Not sure if i missed this or not. Will they be released in sets or single movies?

'WIDESCREEN' BOWERY BOYS FILMS!!!!!!

In response to the previous inquiry the (intended) THE BOWERY BOYS entire movies series DVD releases will be packaged in multi-volume sets with several films contained in each individual set.

The proposed widescreen video transfers of the latter produced films is a very exciting proposition to be sure!

It is interesting how the series strived to adapt itself to the more modern requirements of theatre screenings in the ensuing years to always remain fresh and contemporary for audiences.

It's unfortunate that THE BOWERY BOYS films could not have continued on a few more years but it seems that no one really wanted to go on without the (substantial) participation of Leo Gorcey.

If anything bothers me it is the manner in which THE BOWERY BOYS film series DVD releases are always being backlogged for some other (pet) project (seemingly) deemed more important.

Frankly (as I have already stated in this discussion thread) I confidently feel that this particular DVD release will be an unqualified success (take about understatements).

It is a fact that other such film collection DVD releases like THE NATALIE WOOD COLLECTION or THE SIDNEY POITIER FILM COLLECTION performed (far) less than outstanding in both AMAZON.COM (U.S.) and AMAZON.CA (Canada) online retail sales.

This priority always being afforded to the (so-called) higher class films (specifically by Warner Brothers Home Entertainment) reminds of an interesting analogy made by the legendary Vincent Price when he was criticized for having steered his film career primarily in the horror genre (which in some sensibilities is looked down upon).

In response Mr. Price pointed out that he attended a screening of the prestigious MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1963) at a local downtown Los Angeles theatre and in addition to himself there were 9 other people also present with him.

Meanwhile at the movie theatre just across the street THE RAVEN (1963) with Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff and a young Jack Nicholson was literally playing to a "packed house."

This analogy is just as valid today.

THE BOWERY BOYS (the marvellous kind of "fun" films that everyone overwhelmingly enjoys and buys) will be a definite money maker in direct contrast to what has already been given prior consideration which really weren't.

Shouldn't that be the main criteria in determining just what to market first?!

Jeff T.

Re: 'WIDESCREEN' BOWERY BOYS FILMS!!!!!!

I don't doubt that -- but it's just an anecdote.

It can be easily shown that MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY grossed four or five times as much as THE RAVEN in the long run (although it lost money, due to being too expensive, so THE RAVEN was surely more profitable ... but just as surely, BOUNTY sold more tickets. It ran over 30 weeks at that L.A. theater, so someone must have been going!)

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

Thanks for this. I'm expecting that Sony will have the Stooges wrapped up long before these come out so the timing is good for me. This is probably the last great comedy series that I'm looking for. If I can complete the Stooges, Abbott and Costello and the Bowery Boys, I'll consider myself done.

VINCENT PRICE'S NOTION!!!!!

Oh I am sure that there is a lot of truth in what Vincent Price meant just as I am sure that THE RAVEN (1963) outperformed MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1963) in DVD sales.

Apart from TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES just how many other similar specialty tv services exist out there?

If you take note of the retro television series specialty tv services that also have a film program in their scheduling it is always consistently the B-movies series (or category):

The Basil Rathbone-Nigel Bruce SHERLOCK HOLMES films

The CHARLIE CHAN films

The 1930s and 1940s Universal Pictures Horror films

The Roy Rogers films

The 1950s SF films

and THE BOWERY BOYS films.

This strongly suggests a substantial audience demographic in support of this kind of cult B-movie classification.

Absolutely nothing said here is going to change the (current) committed time table in releasing THE BOWERY BOYS films but I must say that all of us collectively have done an extraordinary job in presenting our case before the powers-that-be.

In that sense I personally feel that I have acquitted myself quite well in (vigorous) support of a DVD release of THE BOWERY BOYS.

Jeff T.