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Warner Brothers 3-D

post #1 of 87
8/29/11 at 10:55am
Thread Starter 
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Isn't it time Warner Brothers led the charge into 3-D Blu-ray?

Warner Brothers produced several state-of-the-art stereoscopic films in 1953 and 1954. They also control distribution for stereoscopic films made by other studios.

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Edited by Richard--W - 8/29/11 at 10:26pm
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post #2 of 87
8/29/11 at 1:41pm

I would buy every single one of these on 3D if Warners would make them available. They truly have the cream of the crop in terms of quality 3D titles from the first 3D period, and I wish vault titles sold more strongly so these would be done deals. 

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post #3 of 87
8/29/11 at 1:46pm

Same.  Every one of them.  SOLD.  Which a lot of us have been saying for at least the past year.

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post #4 of 87
8/29/11 at 2:26pm
Green Lantern looks to be a test case for them
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post #5 of 87
8/29/11 at 2:33pm

 

 

Quote:
Green Lantern looks to be a test case for them

 

 

Certainly not a test case.

 

Warner has already released a handful of 3D titles that include:

 

Polar Express

Clash of the Titans

Yogi Bear

Cats and Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore

 

And Imax releases that include

 

Space Station 3D

Under The Sea

Deep Sea

 

 

Warner has already led the brigade on 3D releases -- probably one 

of the very first studios to do so.

 

But I do see the point the original author is trying to make.  He wants

classic 3D releases to see the light of day.

 

I do think House of Wax is in the works for release.  I would have to

check again, but I think George Feltenstein announced it at Comic-Con.

 

(Please, before anyone spreads that rumor check the video from The

Digital Bits Comic-Con panel to confirm)

 

If that is the case, the success of that sale will ultimately decide the

fate of the other classic releases.   You know the environment we live

in these days.  Classic fare seems very hard to sell.

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post #6 of 87
8/29/11 at 4:07pm
Thread Starter 
Classic 3-D films will NOT be hard to sell.
3-D is an attraction in and of itself, an added incentive, like the name of a movie star, to buy the Blu-ray.
Now that the home viewing technology is available, EVERYBODY wants to see them.
People have WANTED to see these films in 3-D for A LONG TIME.
Classic 3-D films will prove more popular in 3-D than the flat versions as 3-D players and displays become more widespread.
The studios are holding back on these titles much too long.
They could have made a lot of money from them during the field-sequential phase.
The hardware and DVDs would have helped to sell each other.

Watching classic 3-D films will also give home video enthusiasts a new perspective on current stereoscopic films in general.
The older films are much better, technically and visually and even dramatically, than most people realize.

Since no classic stereoscopic films are available on Blu-ray, I don't see how you can conclude they are a hard sell.
Edited by Richard--W - 8/29/11 at 6:00pm
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post #7 of 87
8/29/11 at 5:39pm
Some limited theatrical reissues would raise the profile of these films among consumers and create demand. (And it's not like they have to make prints now.) House of Wax and some others would be perfect around Halloween!
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post #8 of 87
8/29/11 at 6:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard--W View Post

Classic 3-D films will NOT be hard to sell.
3-D is an attraction in and of itself, an added incentive, like the name of a movie star, to buy the Blu-ray.
Now that the home viewing technology is available, EVERYBODY wants to see them.
The older films are much better, technically and visually and even dramatically, than most people realize.

Since no classic stereoscopic films are available on Blu-ray, I don't see how you can conclude they are a hard sell.



I think that is overstated. Not "EVERYBODY" wants to see them.  I have many friends and family members who rushed to see Johnny Depp in 3-D in Alice in Wonderland (and other recent 3-D movies) who have ZERO interest in seeing House of Wax or KIss Me Kate or Dial M For Murder.  The classics in general are too slow and hokey for them, even in 3-D. And most of those 3-D classics are pretty mediocre films anyway.  Even in 3-D, they'd be strictly for the classics lovers mostly. 

 

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post #9 of 87
8/29/11 at 7:22pm
George Feltenstein talked about Warner's 2012 3-D plans, in this radio interview, which I think is from April/May 2011. He mentions HOUSE OF WAX, DIAL M FOR MURDER, THE BOUNTY HUNTER, and THE CHARGE AT FEATHER RIVER.

The 3-D talk is in the last 6 minutes of the interview: INSIDE THE WALLS OF THE WARNER ARCHIVE: http://www.wmpg.org/archivefiles/dvdclassics.htm
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post #10 of 87
8/29/11 at 7:25pm
Thread Starter 
JohnMor:
Perhaps a slight exaggeration, but you don't mind if the many people who love classic films and buy classic films get their 3-D classics, do you. The membership of HTF appreciates classic films and buys them. I've been to repertory screenings and witnessed newcomers being won over by classic 3-D films. In fact the World 3-D Expos in Los Angeles and its many off-shoots contributed greatly to the industry's re-acceptance of stereoscopic cinema as well as to audiences renewed enthusiasm for it. I was in the theater and meeting the industry-players who came to find out what classic 3-D had to offer. Besides, the crowd you're referring to isn't interested in much of anything except the newest and the shiniest and the coolest so they can be dismissed from any further consideration.

Objectively speaking, Burton's Alice In Wonderland is a shallow mediocrity and an unpleasant exercise in the infantile and in fetishism. House of Wax, Kiss Me Kate, and Dial M For Murder may be older, but they are infinitely better crafted in all respects, and much better films. They also integrate stereopsis for storytelling instead of as a mere special effect. In other words, the 3-D in 1954 is superior in quality to Burton's neurotic and glossy piece of junk.
Edited by Richard--W - 8/31/11 at 11:18pm
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post #11 of 87
8/29/11 at 7:41pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Gu View Post

George Feltenstein talked about Warner's 2012 3-D plans, in this radio interview, which I think is from April/May 2011. He mentions HOUSE OF WAX, DIAL M FOR MURDER, THE BOUNTY HUNTER, and THE CHARGE AT FEATHER RIVER.

The 3-D talk is in the last 6 minutes of the interview: INSIDE THE WALLS OF THE WARNER ARCHIVE: http://www.wmpg.org/archivefiles/dvdclassics.htm

Thanks for the link.
This is encouraging news.
I like George Feltenstein enthusiasm.
He says what I said in my response to JohnMor above.
Let's hope Warner Brothers follows through with more 3-D releases and encourages other studios to do the same.

It's not a good idea for the studios to suppress their stereoscopic classics any longer.
There is money to be made now.
Edited by Richard--W - 8/29/11 at 8:24pm
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post #12 of 87
8/29/11 at 7:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnMor View Post





I think that is overstated. Not "EVERYBODY" wants to see them.  I have many friends and family members who rushed to see Johnny Depp in 3-D in Alice in Wonderland (and other recent 3-D movies) who have ZERO interest in seeing House of Wax or KIss Me Kate or Dial M For Murder.  The classics in general are too slow and hokey for them, even in 3-D. And most of those 3-D classics are pretty mediocre films anyway.  Even in 3-D, they'd be strictly for the classics lovers mostly. 

 



i think that some might disagree that those three titles are MEDIOCRE films

 

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post #13 of 87
8/29/11 at 7:50pm
I'd strongly disagree with that statement., having seen and enjoyed all three of them in 3D. Besides, there's not a huge pool of 3D movies out there; sooner or later the studios, including Warner, will have to plumb their vaults for content.
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post #14 of 87
8/29/11 at 8:19pm
Thread Starter 
Warner Brothers also controls RKO's stereoscopic films, which George Feltenstein talks about in the interview cited above.
Perhaps WB will accelerate the program and release these as well:

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There is always room for a cartoon in the supplements:

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I've seen all these films projected in authentic double-interlock, by the way. The left-eye and right-eyes exist and have been restored.
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post #15 of 87
8/29/11 at 9:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard--W View Post


JohnMore:
Perhaps a slight exaggeration, but you don't mind if the many people who love classic films and buy classic films get their 3-D classics, do you. The membership of HTF appreciates classic films and buys them. I've been to repertory screenings and witnessed newcomers being won over by classic 3-D films. In fact the World 3-D Expos in Los Angeles and its many off-shoots contributed greatly to the industry's re-acceptance of stereoscopic cinema as well as to audiences renewed enthusiasm for it. I was in the theater and meeting the industry-players who came to find out what classic 3-D had to offer. Besides, the crowd you're referring to isn't interested in much of anything except the newest and the shiniest and the coolest so they can be dismissed from any further consideration.

Objectively speaking, Burton's Alice In Wonderland is a shallow mediocrity and an unpleasant exercise in the infantile and in fetishism.House of Wax, Kiss Me Kate, and Dial M For Murder may be older, but they are infinitely better crafted in all respects, and much better films. They also integrate stereopsis for storytelling instead of as a mere special effect. In other words, the 3-D is better than Burton's glossy piece of junk.


I completely agree Richard--W.  But my point is those of us that feel that way and hang out at HTF are not "everybody" and not even the core group that the studios cater to.

 

I loathed Alice in Wonderland, but it was a huge hit and the CORE audience that made it so isn't interested that much in classics.  They're the same bozos who refuse to watch anything in black & white.

 



Quote:
Originally Posted by dana martin View Post





i think that some might disagree that those three titles are MEDIOCRE films

 


Some, but not too many probably.  I didn't say they were bad, just mediocre.  I don't know too many fans of horror, musicals or Hitchcock who place those films at the pinnacles of their respective genres.  They're usually ranked in the middle, neither the best nor worst of their genres, hence mediocre.

 

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post #16 of 87
8/29/11 at 10:03pm
Thread Starter 
People who are acquainted with Dial M For Murder, House of Wax, and Kiss Me Kate consider them excellent films. Outstanding films. I know cinematographers who consider them to be superior stereoscopic films and who study them for that reason.

To say that they are mediocre or "ranked in the middle" is just nonsense.
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post #17 of 87
8/29/11 at 10:10pm
Thread Starter 
In the interview with George Feltenstein linked above, Mr. Feltenstein says that WB controls the Popeye cartoons originally released by Paramount, and that they may release this remarkable 3-D cartoon next year:

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post #18 of 87
8/29/11 at 10:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard--W View Post

People who are acquainted with Dial M For Murder, House of Wax, and Kiss Me Kate consider them excellent films. Outstanding films. I know cinematographers who consider them to be superior stereoscopic films and who study them for that reason.

To say that they are mediocre or "ranked in the middle" is just nonsense.


That's fine Richard--W.  Most Hitchcock fans and critics I know do not rank Dial M For Murder at the top of his canon, along with Vertigo and Psycho. It usually ranks in the middle of his list of films.  Just as most musical fans and critics I know don't consider Kiss Me Kate in the same league with West Side Story, Singing in the Rain or The Sound of Music.  And most horror fans and critics I know don't count House of Wax with The Silence of the Lambs and Halloween. This isn't a personal attack on the films or people who enjoy them (as I do.)      

 

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post #19 of 87
8/29/11 at 10:16pm
If Warner released those films, that would actually get me to consider investing in 3D equipment. Add the classic Universal 3D films and I'd be sold.

Doug
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post #20 of 87
8/30/11 at 3:12am
Maybe to sweeten the deal, a double bill, House Of Wax & The Phantom Of The Rue Morgue. That would be a fun evenings viewing. I think Hondo is Paramount now.
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post #21 of 87
8/30/11 at 3:58am

 

 

Quote:
I have many friends and family members who rushed to see Johnny Depp in 3-D in Alice in Wonderland (and other recent 3-D movies) who have ZERO interest in seeing House of Wax or KIss Me Kate or Dial M For Murder. 

 

 

That's my fear as well.

 

I am not calling these films mediocre or making personal attacks

on anyone's taste.

 

However, outside of these forums where the true classic aficionado

resides, these titles would easily get lost amongst the current 3D fare.

 

I am estimating that is the reason why the studios are hesitant to

get these titles out in mass.  It does seem, however, that at least

Warner is willing to test the waters.

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post #22 of 87
8/30/11 at 5:32am

With the studios that have released 3D films already, I can't understand why at least a 3D cartoon or two haven't been added to the mix. I mentioned this in my review of The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D. A 3D cartoon or 3D trailer or two on the disc would give it a lot more added value than just a feature-only release.

 

And I REALLY appreciated the last 2D release of Avatar which had as bonus items a couple of 3D scenes from the film for those who couldn't wait for the official release (or didn't have the 3D set from Samsung's exclusive release).

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post #23 of 87
8/30/11 at 6:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Batson View Post

Maybe to sweeten the deal, a double bill, House Of Wax & The Phantom Of The Rue Morgue. That would be a fun evenings viewing. I think Hondo is Paramount now.



Hondo is under the Paramount umbrella now due to a deal with the Wayne estate. 

 

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post #24 of 87
8/30/11 at 6:07am

 

 

Quote:
With the studios that have released 3D films already, I can't understand why at least a 3D cartoon or two haven't been added to the mix.

 

 

They have.

 

Warner has included two separate RoadRunner 3D cartoons in their

3D features, one of which is Yogi Bear, and I think the other is 

Cats and Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore.

 

The RoadRunner cartoons are quite good.

 

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post #25 of 87
8/30/11 at 7:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Gu View Post

George Feltenstein talked about Warner's 2012 3-D plans, in this radio interview, which I think is from April/May 2011. He mentions HOUSE OF WAX, DIAL M FOR MURDER, THE BOUNTY HUNTER, and THE CHARGE AT FEATHER RIVER.

The 3-D talk is in the last 6 minutes of the interview: INSIDE THE WALLS OF THE WARNER ARCHIVE: http://www.wmpg.org/archivefiles/dvdclassics.htm

This is wonderful to listen to - accurate knowledge of what is and isn't available in 3D for potential future release. Very pleased to hear Kiss Me Kate getting a rave review from someone well versed in fifties warner 3d!!

Not sure how they'll manage this - warner archive blurays, perhaps? - but to hear that stuff like The Command is still available is fascinating. Guess Dial M and House of Wax deserve their time in the spotlight once more, particularly as they are made for an audience that modern 3d is barely targetting to date.. roll on 2012! Sell these well, and a solid collector's base/interest is possible for the less well known titles. Just don't make them too expensive, Warner Archive!!
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post #26 of 87
8/30/11 at 9:50am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnMor View Post




That's fine Richard--W.  Most Hitchcock fans and critics I know do not rank Dial M For Murder at the top of his canon, along with Vertigo and Psycho. It usually ranks in the middle of his list of films.  Just as most musical fans and critics I know don't consider Kiss Me Kate in the same league with West Side Story, Singing in the Rain or The Sound of Music.  And most horror fans and critics I know don't count House of Wax with The Silence of the Lambs and Halloween. This isn't a personal attack on the films or people who enjoy them (as I do.)      

 


Look, these value judgments you're making are simply not valid.
Maybe you just need to get out of the house and into movie theaters.

Regardless of what critics and buffs say, Dial M For Murder has always been one of HItchcock's most popular films with audiences. The 3-D version was re-released nation-wide theatrically in 1971, 1981, and in 1999. I saw it many times each occasion. I've seen it several times in 3-D at Expos and repertory screenings. Every screening I've attended has filled the house and entertained audiences of all ages. The last screenings I attended, in 2003 and 2006, sold out to an audience mostly in their twenties and thirties. Nobody seemed to mind that it was conceived as a filmed version of a stage-bound theatrical play. It's an intelligent and clever film, and a proven crowd-pleaser in 3-D.

Indeed George Feltenstein realizes that. Listen to his comments about the film in the interview linked above.
He doesn't seem to think a 3-D Blu-ray will have any trouble finding consumers.

Likewise, Kiss Me Kate may not be considered in the same league as West Side Story or The Sound of Music, but so what? That's only from critics who haven't seen the stereoscopic version screened. It is a sophisticated riff on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew even when it's being uncouth. It's an extremely disciplined and imaginative application of stereoscopic methodology. It represents studio craftsmanship at its finest. I sat in a sold-out house in 2003 and 2006 with an audience of twenty-somethings who hung onto every nuance, every dance step, and every three-dimensional set-up. The film drew cheers and applause throughout its running time. Again, it's a crowd-pleaser.

Kiss Me Kate is a respected musical. It doesn't seem old or dated on the big screen. Listen to Mr. Feltenstein's appraisal in the interview linked above.

Likewise, the original House of Wax in 3-D continues to make money for Warner Brothers in theatrical re-releases, repertory screenings, and festivals. It proves itself to be enormously popular with audiences of all ages. Because it's a horror film it does seem to attract a very young crowd. I saw it for the first time in 1971 during it's nation-wide re-release, again in 1983 during another nation-wide re-release, and numerous times since then. It doesn't need to rate higher than Halloween or Silence of Lambs to sell tickets and DVDs. The film is immune to criticism, and there is very real demand among horror film buffs for a 3-D blu-ray. No other film will give consumers more incentive to invest in 3-D hardware.
Edited by Richard--W - 8/30/11 at 8:27pm
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post #27 of 87
8/30/11 at 10:49am
There is curiously little concrete information available to the general public concerning the 50's mini-boom of 3D, one of many cinematic experiments of the time which have been subject to rather more detail amongst widescreen fans, particularly due to a continued popularity into the sixties.

What is available, who has seen it, who has studied the films in any depth from their 3D perspective.. I'm amazed nothing really ticks the boxes in modern terms. One would wish for a genuinely informed 3D documentary, if only for a single studio at a time. The lack of informed opinion is staggering.

I would love to read a 3d chat between HTF and anyone who has access to the available fifties 3D from studio to studio. Certainly Mr Warner Archive interview seems to be aware of what Warner currently holds, and there's certainly been a lot of restoration work via Colombia/sony over the past year.

It would be great for fans like me to know the nooks and crannies of what is actually available at this time! No doubt further study might uncover further movies, such as soviet movies, say. This all requires study and even true critical analyses. I'm amazed there is said to be so little interest; I'm pretty sure there was a great deal of interest (at the time) in what hollywood got to sample in 2003 and 2006. Wonderful news that this stuff is seriously being reevaluated, though, and that Warner Archive has an active interest in making these fifty year old experiments available once more to an interested public.
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post #28 of 87
8/30/11 at 8:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard--W View Post




Maybe you just need to get out of the house and into movie theaters.

 



Now you are just being pompous, arrogant and personal.  How sad. 

 

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post #29 of 87
8/31/11 at 2:15am
Actually, when looking through recent George Feltenstein interviews, grain has been cited as a key problem when remastering fifties 3D.
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post #30 of 87
8/31/11 at 7:19pm
Warner Bros. also owns the RKO/Howard Hughes feature SON OF SINBAD, which was never released in 3-D, and the 1953 RKO feature travelogue LOUISIANA TERRITORY.

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Bob Furmanek
Vice President
3-D Film Preservation Fund
http://www.3dfilmpf.org/
Edited by Bob Furmanek - 8/31/11 at 7:48pm
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