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Warner Brother's 2-Disc Special Edition Series (1 Viewer)

Nils Luehrmann

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As a collector of DVDs I have found that there are a few 'Special Edition' series from studios that I could have purchased without even looking at the title and would have rarely been disappointed.

When I first started collecting back in '97 it was New Line's 'Platinum Series' that would continually produce the best quality 'special edition' DVDs (even though some of the film choices were not all that great). Criterion took a while before they embraced DVDs, but once they did, they quickly became a favorite. Fox's 'Five Star' Collection DVDs helped raise the bar for quality SE DVDs. Occasionally, Universal's 'Collector's Edition' are worth hunting down, as are a few of Buena Vista's 'Collector's Series' DVDs, but the series that has really impressed me as of late is Warner Bros. '2-Disc Special Edition' series (aka 'The Slip Cover Series' due to the style of packaging).

For the most part, Warner SE DVDs (and those wonderful snapper cases) have been some of my least favorite SE DVDs and when I found out that they were going to be bringing 'Citizen Kane' to DVD I cringed.

Well when it finally arrived I could not have been more excited by what Warner Brothers had done with this historic film.

A couple months later they released 'Doctor Zhivago' with the same kind of DVD treatment and again I was blown away, but then nothing for weeks, even months, so I thought that maybe it was just a one/two time deal?

I suppose someone at Warner Brothers pushed the idea of a series similar to what they did for 'Citizen Kane' & 'Doctor Zhivago' because the following year Warner Bros. unveiled five '2-Disc Special Edition' DVDs in the same week: ('Singin' in the Rain', 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', 'Amadeus' (Director's Cut), 'True Romance' (Unrated Director's Cut), and 'Unforgiven').

From that point on I was hooked.

I've tried to pick up each DVD in this series, but I was amazed to discover that Warner Brothers seems to not offer any or very little marketing support for this series and they don't even have a complete list of this series so collectors can find out which they might not have. Nor can I find any information from Warner Brothers on what films they plan on releasing in the future under this series.

Which brings me to the reason for this thread. Below is the current list of: titles already released; upcoming releases; rumored releases; and titles that HTF members would like to see released in the future.


NOTE: Considering the level of interest, I'll try and keep all these lists up to date as new information is gathered about future Warner Bros. 2-Disc Special Edition (Slip Cover) DVDs and as members continue to add new titles to the wih list.





Citizen Kane
#1 - Release Date: 9/25/2001
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Doctor Zhivago
#2 - Release Date: 11/6/2001
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Singin' in the Rain
#3 - Release Date: 9/24/2002
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
#4 - Release Date: 9/24/2002
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Amadeus (Director's Cut)
#5 - Release Date: 9/24/2002
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Unforgiven
#6 - Release Date: 9/24/2002
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



True Romance (Unrated Director's Cut)
#7 - Release Date: 9/24/2002
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Stephen King's: The Shining
#8 - Release Date: 1/7/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



The Color Purple
#9 - Release Date: 2/18/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



The Cardinal
#10 - Release Date: 2/25/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



The Mission
#11 - Release Date: 5/13/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Giant
#12 - Release Date: 6/10/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



The Right Stuff
#13 - Release Date: 6/10/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Once Upon a Time in America
#14 - Release Date: 6/10/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (Extended Edition)
#15 - Release Date: 6/10/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Casablanca
#16 - Release Date: 8/5/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



The Adventures of Robin Hood
#17 - Release Date: 9/30/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Yankee Doodle Dandy
#18 - Release Date: 9/30/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
#19 - Release Date: 9/30/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



A Christmas Story
#20 - Release Date: 10/7/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Space Jam (I'm still scratching my head wondering why this title was included???)
#21 - Release Date: 10/28/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



JFK (Director's Cut)
#22 - Release Date: 11/11/2003
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



My Fair Lady
#23 - Release Date: 2/3/2004
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Meet Me in St. Louis
#24 - Release Date: 4/6/2004
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



A Room with a View
#25 - Release Date: 4/6/2004
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Around the World in Eighty Days
#26 - Release Date: 5/18/2004[
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Enter the Dragon
#27 - Release Date: 5/18/2004
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Wyatt Earp
#28 - Release Date: 5/18/2004
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



The Lost Boys
#29 - Release Date: 8/10/2004
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Goodfellas
#30 - Release Date: 8/17/2004
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Purple Rain
#31 - Release Date: 8/24/2004
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Strangers on a Train
#32 - Release Date: 9/7/2004
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



The Shawshank Redemption
#33 - Release Date: 10/5/2004
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Gothika (yet another odd addition to the series)
#34 - Release Date: 10/12/2004
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
#35 - Release Date: 10/12/2004
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Chariots of Fire
#36 - Release Date: 2/1/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Malcolm X
#37 - Release Date: 2/8/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Heat
#38 - Release Date: 2/22/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Bringing Up Baby
#39 - Release Date: 3/1/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



The Philadelphia Story
#40 - Release Date: 3/1/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



The Band Wagon
#41 - Release Date: 3/15/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Easter Parade
#42 - Release Date: 3/15/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



The Big Red One
#43 - Release Date: 5/3/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Bullitt
#44 - Release Date: 5/31/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



East of Eden
#45 - Release Date: 5/31/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Rebel Without a Cause
#46 - Release Date: 5/31/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



New Jack City
#47 - Release Date: 8/23/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



UPCOMING RELEASES



The Outsiders
#48 - Release Date: 9/20/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Batman
#49 - Release Date: 10/18/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Batman Returns
#50 - Release Date: 10/18/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Batman Forever
#51 - Release Date: 10/18/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



Batman & Robin
#52 - Release Date: 10/18/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



The Wizard of Oz
#53 - Release Date: 10/25/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews



King Kong
#54 - Release Date: 11/22/2005
A/V Specs
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=169855
Special Features
Reviews




SIMILAR RELEASES




Any Given Sunday (Director's Cut)
#1 - Release Date: 1/
 

Patrick McCart

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Warner's first release through the "TCM Archives" label, The Lon Chaney Collection, is one of their 2-disc releases.

My Fair Lady will be re-released in Feb. as a 2-disc edition.

Of course, there is also Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and The Matrix Reloaded.


It's also worth counting the Looney Tunes 4-disc set... it's really in its own category, but it's the same excellent quality as their 2-disc releases.
 

Ronald Epstein

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The amount of care that Warner Brothers
puts into these releases is amazing.

Both Warner and Fox seem to be at the top
of the list of studios that have the most
coveted "classic" film library. Fortunately
for all of us, these studios put the most
elbow grease into both restoration and
production of some of the most outstanding
Collector Editions available on the market.

I would pretty much estimate that I speak
for just about everyone here when I say that
we are very proud of Warner's contributions
to the DVD format. They got this format
rolling in '97 and have never stopped since.
 

Jon Robertson

Screenwriter
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Messages
1,568
I must reiterate the sentiments already expressed.

As far as I'm concerned, Fox, Warner and Criterion are the golden trio of DVD studios releasing their great classics with the lavish care and attention they deserve and truly living up to the phrase "excellence as standard".
 
Joined
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Messages
33
I agree; these things are great!

There's a pretty comprehensive list at www.two-disc.com Warner's web site advertising these discs.

Actually, there's a buy 2 get 1 free (by mail) special going on, so y'all might want to boogie over there. The free disc isn't some chinsy throwaway -- you get to choose another one of the 2 disc SEs! :)

Happy shopping,
-Brian
 

John Hodson

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Got most of these and I can't heap any more praise on Warners than has already been done, except to say that I'm looking forward to Warner Legends - Box 2 - (The Sea Hawk SE, The Maltese Falcon SE, The Roaring Twenties SE - well I can hope... ;) )

But, I haven't even seen The Cardinal, let alone got the SE; anyone got an opinion on either (or both)?

---
So many films, so little time...
 
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Of course I'd add my voice to your praise of these companies, Warner Brothers in particular.

Unfortunately, I can't join with your praise of Fox given their contemptuous behaviour to regions outside the U.S.
Their recent mystifying decision to deny R2 the commentaries on the extended versions of the Alien films is bad enough, but par for the course.

However, the SUNRISE debacle has been simply outrageous.

Firstly they make it available only to US customers by mail-order. This inspires a slew of complaints from all other regions and Canada in particular.
In what seemed like a concession, they then announced their intention to include SUNRISE in box-set releases of the Studio Classics collection. Not so great for those who'd already bought these discs but again, par for the course.

But now the devious masterstroke - despite packaging, press releases an advertising to the contrary, the boxsets that are released to Canada all contain the old version of HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY.
Now anyone who's seen this disc will know that that's a hard mistake to make - the two versions look completely different.
Fox finally admitted they had made a mistake - in the packaging ! So the Studio Classics collection should actually have been billed as . . . what ? The Studio Classics Collection Except For One ? I don't think so.

The only conclusion that can be drawn from this is that Fox cynically decided to offload old (and now unattractive )stock on Canada by means of fraudulent - yes, fraudulent - advertising. As a lot of R2 importation companies source their product from there, many of us were affected too.

Now I know that there's no reason anyone in R1 US should care, and I don't see much evidence that anyone does. But this kind of petty Corporate swindling has a habit of spreading when it goes unchallenged. And it takes more than simply producing good editions of DVDs to make a good company.

Nobody's expecting altruism here - everyone understands (or at least accepts) the need to make profitable product ; but a good company is one that cares about ALL its customers, and not just the ones in the largest market.
 

John Hodson

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It's very unfortunate that we haven't had any word from Fox on this; surely they monitor these fora and one would have expected them to chip in with a defence, and/or an explanation. I agree with you Anthony, and I said in another thread it was nigh on scandalous - surely Fox realise that their silence on this issue is only allowing us to draw our own conclusions?

I understand the need to be creative in marketing situations, but creative (the FSC boxset that allowed anyone to purchase Sunrise) is one thing, deception (chucking in old stock) is another.

Come on Fox; tell is we're wrong here and I'll gladly apologise.

---
So many films, so little time...
 

CraigF

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Some of the Fox Studio Classics sets in Canada did have the correct HGWMV, when the sets first came out, so my assumption is they ran out...which doesn't excuse the packaging. Sunrise has always been available to Canada, same offer as in the U.S., just seems to take lots longer to get it.

Anyway, these Warner and Fox SC movies are very reliable good viewing. This continual unoriginal cgi blockbuster stuff is sure getting tired really fast, nice to have some movies with content and acting to watch...
 

Tom Tsai

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Messages
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"Firstly they make it available only to US customers by mail-order. This inspires a slew of complaints from all other regions and Canada in particular."

Fox Canada has set up their own office to deal with Canadian mail-orders of Sunrise. I got mine in a matter of weeks :)
 

JeremySt

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WB 2 discs are great. It really gets me excited to know that KING KONG will recieve similar treatment. If anybody at Warner is listening... ROAD WARRIOR.... please.
 

Rob Tomlin

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Warner has pretty much always been at, or near, the top of my favorite studios list when it comes to DVD releases. These two disc sets are perfect examples of why.

Add to this the recent near perfect reference quality releases of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and The Matrix: Reloaded, they are definitely the studio to beat when it comes to quality DVD releases.
 

JeremySt

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While im thinking of it...

ROAD WARRIOR
HEAT
GOODFELLAS
SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
HORROR OF DRACULA
2001
THE EXORCIST (both versions, Fear of God doc)

All of these are prime canidates for WB 2 disc treatment.
 

BarryS

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Aug 1, 2002
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I own several of those and agree that they are great. I hope that Warner keeps releasing catalog titles with this level of quality. I look forward to special edition releases of Goodfellas, The Maltese Falcon, Blazing Saddles and Batman, just to name a few.
 

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