LIFE WITH FATHER (1 Viewer)

First off, I apologize if this topic has been covered previously. I did use "search" and nothing came up. So, with that out of the way, here's my question: Is finding a decent DVD of LIFE WITH FATHER a lost cause? One of 1947's biggest hits, it was nominated for four Oscars, including one for Best Actor William Powell. Yet it seems to be forever imbedded in the Public Domain Morass. It was a Warner Brothers film, but doesn't appear to be on the horizon with Warner Archive.

I asked Warner about this in their FB page a months ago and their answer was that they had some legal issues that needed to be cleared up but it would take time if they could. My next question was how can there be so many PD versions released if there are legal issues. They responded by they want to make sure there is not any kind of hindrance when and if they do it.

I never found it in decent shape on any DVD, and even the version they run on TCM is equally poor.

I think done correctly, it would be stunning in that rich, saturated Technicolor and all those warm interiors.

Thank you both!
Allen ... I've often wondered that. I've purchased at least four copies from different companies over the years. All were total disasters.
Matt ... I agree. Oh, to see it as it was meant to be viewed!

Well, we got "Royal Wedding" and "The Last Time I Saw Paris" (2 other well-worn PD regulars) in authorized editions from Warners, so here's hoping. I'd imagine it would be through the Archive if it's released at all.

classicmovieguy said:

Well, we got "Royal Wedding" and "The Last Time I Saw Paris" (2 other well-worn PD regulars) in authorized editions from Warners, so here's hoping. I'd imagine it would be through the Archive if it's released at all.

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WHV also gave us a great transfer of THIS IS THE ARMY and rescued it from PD hell.

ahollis said:

I asked Warner about this in their FB page a months ago and their answer was that they had some legal issues that needed to be cleared up but it would take time if they could.My next question was how can there be so many PD versions released if there are legal issues. They responded by they want to make sure there is not any kind of hindrance when and if they do it.

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Yeah, there are legal issues that prevent it in regards the book's author's estate.

I'd say the reason that the PD companies get away with it is because the said estate appears less strict about it and probably because issuing a lawsuit against a second string PD company would likely yield little reward. Otherwise, this film is in the public domain.

WB is a big company, so it has to be 100% certain it won't run into a lawsuit that could potentially cost millions.

Till the Clouds Roll By was another public domain nightmare rescued by Warners and released in a beautiful transfer. Fox did similarly with The Little Princess.

Matt Hough said:

I never found it in decent shape on any DVD, and even the version they run on TCM is equally poor.

I think done correctly, it would be stunning in that rich, saturated Technicolor and all those warm interiors.

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The version TCM shows is a UCLA film archive restoration-circa 2010, at least TCM touted it as new. It looks pretty good but the color seems a bit off to me. The AFI catalog explains what may be the rights issue "Warner Bros. acquired the screen rights to the play in November 1944 for a reputed down payment of $500,000 plus a percentage of the net proceeds. As part of the agreement, the film was not to be released before 1947 and the property was to revert back to Oscar Serlin after a period of seven years." Serlin originally produced the play on Broadway.

I bought this version on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Life-with-Father-Restored-Edition/dp/B00K2DKXAW/

Quality was excellent and better than any other PD release I've seen.

Markiebuggles: Many thanks for the recommendation. I've now added it to my Amazon basket, and can't wait to see a decent version!

PODER, glad I get help.

I hate how Amazon has all of the reviews mixed for different releases by different companies. So you have no idea what review is for what release. They really need to fix that, it's very confusing.

My biggest wish is that "ONE EYED JACKS" can be rescued from PD Hell.
Olive films might be our only chance.

There was a really nice looking print of 'Father' run on Pay TV here a couple of years ago. (for locals it was shown on Bill Collins' Classics)

Doug.

Markiebuggles: The version of LIFE WITH FATHER which you recommended has now arrived. We watched it last night, and were delighted. What an improvement! I can't really find any fault with it. It's clean (I didn't see one single bit of dust, debris, etc.), crisp, and what appeared to us to be filmed in a nice muted Technicolor. The sound was fine, as well. I'm guessing that the reason this film isn't better remembered is because, until now, there's been no decent copy available. Thank you so much ... I'm deeply in your debt! Happy Thanksgiving, Poder

PODER said:

Markiebuggles: The version of LIFE WITH FATHER which you recommended has now arrived. We watched it last night, and were delighted. What an improvement! I can't really find any fault with it. It's clean (I didn't see one single bit of dust, debris, etc.), crisp, and what appeared to us to be filmed in a nice muted Technicolor. The sound was fine, as well. I'm guessing that the reason this film isn't better remembered is because, until now, there's been no decent copy available. Thank you so much ... I'm deeply in your debt! Happy Thanksgiving, Poder

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I'm thinking that one reason the Alpha DVD version of LIFE WITH FATHER (1947) tends to fall under the radar is that they aren't exactly known for quality visuals in their releases. Apparently, this was an above average effort for them, although being an early '00s release, I wouldn't be surprised if the visual imaging is a bit on the soft side, even for DVD. That's just speculation, of course!

I would really like to see Warner issue this one to DVD, if not Blu-ray, as William Powell really shines, in my opinion!

By the way, how is it that so many Elizabeth Taylor featured classics struggle for even a decent DVD, let alone Blu-ray release? Very puzzling!

CHEERS!

Tony Bensley said:

By the way, how is it that so many Elizabeth Taylor featured classics struggle for even a decent DVD, let alone Blu-ray release? Very puzzling!

CHEERS!

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I've often wondered about that. Rhapsody is a good example of an Elizabeth Taylor film with poor elements out on a MOD Disc. If properly restored, Rhapsody would look and sound marvellous, but this is one film I do not expect Warner Archive to release on Blu-ray disc.

Elizabeth is not the only MGM star to suffer this way. Most of Lana Turner's work is available only on MOD DVDs of less than stellar quality.

We will be getting Ash Wednesday soon. I remember liking it alot. Did very poor business @ the time.