- Joined
- Jul 3, 1997
- Messages
- 66,684
- Real Name
- Ronald Epstein
I had an extended conversation with Warner Brothers today about
their plans to put THE BOWERY BOYS out on DVD. After all,
these films have been amongst the most requested titles that the studio
has not yet released to the format.
The truth of the matter is that Warner could have released many of
the 48 1-hour films at any time. In fact, there were plans to release
the first 6 films as early back as 2005. The problem has always been,
however, that the studio didn't want to do a half-ass job for the fans.
Based on the feedback the studio received during prior HTF chats and
related threads, it seemed that most people wanted the studio to wait
to obtain the best elements possible and then release the films in
chronological order.
Let me begin by talking about one title in particular that has become
a huge stumbling block in getting these movies out: Mister Hex,
which was released in 1946. Right now, what Warner has on hand
is a 16mm print that has been duplicated over several times. The
transfer is filled with burn marks and splices -- the sort of transfer
you would find in a bargain bin from an obscure company. In fact,
to make matters worse, the studio doesn't even have a complete
negative, though they are continually optimistic they will eventually
find a 35mm print from a collector.
The rest of the titles in the Bowery Boys catalog look mostly
acceptable, and because of that, the DVDs would be priced according to
quality. What this means is that the titles would be available at budget
prices.
The studio feels they can get the Bowery Boys films out rather quickly.
What they need to know is whether all of you would support a
"Best of" release plus added features, with hopes of doing a
chronological effort at a later time.
We are posting a poll to obtain your feedback. Additionally, you
can be assured that the folks from Warner Brothers will be reading
your comments. Be polite!
their plans to put THE BOWERY BOYS out on DVD. After all,
these films have been amongst the most requested titles that the studio
has not yet released to the format.
The truth of the matter is that Warner could have released many of
the 48 1-hour films at any time. In fact, there were plans to release
the first 6 films as early back as 2005. The problem has always been,
however, that the studio didn't want to do a half-ass job for the fans.
Based on the feedback the studio received during prior HTF chats and
related threads, it seemed that most people wanted the studio to wait
to obtain the best elements possible and then release the films in
chronological order.
Let me begin by talking about one title in particular that has become
a huge stumbling block in getting these movies out: Mister Hex,
which was released in 1946. Right now, what Warner has on hand
is a 16mm print that has been duplicated over several times. The
transfer is filled with burn marks and splices -- the sort of transfer
you would find in a bargain bin from an obscure company. In fact,
to make matters worse, the studio doesn't even have a complete
negative, though they are continually optimistic they will eventually
find a 35mm print from a collector.
The rest of the titles in the Bowery Boys catalog look mostly
acceptable, and because of that, the DVDs would be priced according to
quality. What this means is that the titles would be available at budget
prices.
The studio feels they can get the Bowery Boys films out rather quickly.
What they need to know is whether all of you would support a
"Best of" release plus added features, with hopes of doing a
chronological effort at a later time.
We are posting a poll to obtain your feedback. Additionally, you
can be assured that the folks from Warner Brothers will be reading
your comments. Be polite!