Anyone else want NATIONAL VELVET (1944) on Blu? (1 Viewer)

Andrew Budgell · Feb 21, 2013

I'd love to see National Velvet (1944) starring Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney, and Angela Lansbury on Blu-ray. The DVD is ancient and has always looked awful. I think it was one of the first MGM released back in 1997, and when Warner acquired the MGM catalogue, they just re-packaged the same disc. Apparently it's a big seller for Warner, so it would make sense to see it remastered on Blu-ray.

Brian McHale · Feb 22, 2013

Count me in. Great movie, terrible DVD.

Mark B · Feb 23, 2013

One of the best MGM films of the era. Is anyone privy to the state of the original elements?

Richard--W · Feb 23, 2013

I'll buy this wonderful film on blu-ray in a heartbeat.

Andrew Budgell · Feb 23, 2013

Glad to see some other fans of this classic--hopefully WB is listening!

WB owns many of Elizabeth Taylor's films, and so far they've only released the documentary, "That's Entertainment!" Thankfully "Giant" will be out this year.

bujaki · Feb 23, 2013

Great, lovely film. Count me in. Young Taylor did look lovely in Technicolor, didn't she? One could tell she was going to grow up to be a real stunner.

AnthonyClarke · Apr 7, 2014

Even more pertinent given Mickey Rooney's death yesterday.
This was important for Elizabeth, but was also one of Mickey's standout roles.
I'd add to the immediate 'overdue' list what I think was Mickey Rooney's finest movie, 'Captains Courageous'.

Mike Frezon · Apr 7, 2014

bujaki said:
Great, lovely film. Count me in. Young Taylor did look lovely in Technicolor, didn't she? One could tell she was going to grow up to be a real stunner.

I was surprised when I recently watched the Orson Welles version of Jane Eyre (1943) and found an uncredited Elizabeth Taylor in the role of one of Jane's young schoolgirl friends.

Even in glorious (and dramatic) black & white, it was obvious she was going to grow up to be an absolute stunner!

Mark Collins · Apr 7, 2014

Mike I do not even believe she received on screen credit in that role.

Mike Frezon · Apr 7, 2014

Mark Collins said:
Mike I do not even believe she received on screen credit in that role.

That must be why I referred to it as "uncredited," Mark!

Mark Collins · Apr 7, 2014

Sorry Mike!!

Mark B · Apr 7, 2014

NATIONAL VELVET is long overdue for a proper restoration. It is one of the most beautifully shot and well made films of the era, and has never looked particularly good on home video.

Mike Frezon · Apr 7, 2014

Mark Collins said:
Sorry Mike!!

That's why I have my own rule of reading each post at least four times before I respond. I miss things all the time.

Mark B said:
NATIONAL VELVET is long overdue for a proper restoration. It is one of the most beautifully shot and well made films of the era, and has never looked particularly good on home video.

And fairly popular, for goodness' sake. I would think it would do pretty well in sales.

Andrew Budgell · Apr 7, 2014

When I asked about it on a chat with WB here about 10 years ago, they did say it was one of their most popular films on DVD. Hopefully Mickey Rooney's death yesterday will accelerate things.

AnthonyClarke · Apr 7, 2014

And when I re-read one of my own posts a while after posting and spot a glaring error, I remember a dictum I was taught as a cadet journalist at my old newspaper The Age here in Melbourne, 'Never sub your own copy'. You can stare forever at your own mistake and not see it!

bob kaplan · Apr 8, 2014

Most certainly would welcome a blu-ray of this title....!

bujaki · Apr 8, 2014

If you've ever seen a 35mm IB Tech print of this, and gazed at a close up of Velvet Brown's face, and those violet eyes, you'd know that this, properly done, would be a knockout of a BD. Plus, it won Anne Revere an Oscar; it's one of Rooney's best roles as he transitioned into adulthood; Clarence Brown's direction is wonderful (and unsung); and you also get to see a young Angela Lansbury. This film is a treasure.
Yes, we want a BD release of this great family film.

classicmovieguy · Apr 8, 2014

Warners is re-releasing the DVD (yet again) for one of their TCM double-feature packs, paired with "Lassie Come Home". I think that says a lot about their plan for any Blu release in the near future...

MatthewA · Apr 8, 2014

I agree with everyone who said this film needs a restoration. A wonderful film, beautifully shot in Technicolor, but the DVD has registration errors all over the place. Imagine just how good the Blu-ray can look, even if it's only done through the Warner Archive.

Andrew Budgell · Apr 8, 2014

It was just announced that National Velvet will screen at the TCM Film Festival this Sunday as a tribute to Mickey Rooney. I'll be at the festival and hoping to attend.

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Anyone else want NATIONAL VELVET (1944) on Blu? (1 Viewer)

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