Tony Bensley
Senior HTF Member
While the first version of this set has actually been in existence for quite some time (Since 2008), the second reissue was issued earlier this year, and features slightly more compact outer casing. It's total width is only about 1 and a half times that of the previously issued Universal THE BEST OF ABBOTT AND COSTELLO 4 Volume Series stacked together, though it contains nearly double the discs!
The main purpose of this thread (Besides the Blu-Ray question!) is primarily to demonstrate what both versions of this set has to offer. Perhaps these can also serve as a comparison to the aforementioned Universal THE BEST OF ABBOTT AND COSTELLO 4 Volume Series (A total of 8 double-sided DVDs Issued during 2004-2005) , which didn't include their 1943 Feature IT AIN'T HAY, due to the then still ongoing rights issues with the Damon Runyon estate.
For further reference to the "Best Of" series, I highly recommend reading up on the following HTF Archive Thread: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/topic/147933-8-abbott-costello-films-coming-21004/
Please note that with the above being an archive thread, no new posts can be added. Otherwise, posting there would have been my last ditch effort to inquire about a possible existing thread for the complete Abbott & Costello Universal Set! Please also note that the final fourth volume had not yet been released at the time that the final post (November, 2004.) was made.
A Few Fast Facts About " Abbott & Costello: The Complete Universal Pictures Collection":
- 15 DVD Set that contains all 28 Abbott & Costello Features that were released by Universal Pictures/Universal International from 1940 to 1955. They made 8 other Features for various Movie Studios from 1942 to 1956, which are of course, not a part of this collection.
- Though their last two pictures in this collection (ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE KEYSTONE KOPS and MEET THE MUMMY.) were originally released to Theaters in Widescreen Format, they've never been issued that way to Home Video. The versions that appear in this set (And elsewhere!) are the 1.37:1 Matte "Protected for Standard Screen" transfers.
- In addition to the first ever Home Video issue of IT AIN'T HAY, 6 Features have had commentary tracks added! BUCK PRIVATES features commentary by the Home Theater Forum's own Film Preservationist and Cinematic Expert, Bob Furmanek!
- Includes a 44 page Booklet that contains Abbott & Costello's Universal Filmography, along with other valuable information about Bud & Lou's lives and career!
Anthony Bensley
The First Complete Universal Pictures "Open Trunk" 15 DVD Set (2008):
The Second, Slightly More Compact Reissued Universal DVD Set (2014):
The main purpose of this thread (Besides the Blu-Ray question!) is primarily to demonstrate what both versions of this set has to offer. Perhaps these can also serve as a comparison to the aforementioned Universal THE BEST OF ABBOTT AND COSTELLO 4 Volume Series (A total of 8 double-sided DVDs Issued during 2004-2005) , which didn't include their 1943 Feature IT AIN'T HAY, due to the then still ongoing rights issues with the Damon Runyon estate.
For further reference to the "Best Of" series, I highly recommend reading up on the following HTF Archive Thread: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/topic/147933-8-abbott-costello-films-coming-21004/
Please note that with the above being an archive thread, no new posts can be added. Otherwise, posting there would have been my last ditch effort to inquire about a possible existing thread for the complete Abbott & Costello Universal Set! Please also note that the final fourth volume had not yet been released at the time that the final post (November, 2004.) was made.
A Few Fast Facts About " Abbott & Costello: The Complete Universal Pictures Collection":
- 15 DVD Set that contains all 28 Abbott & Costello Features that were released by Universal Pictures/Universal International from 1940 to 1955. They made 8 other Features for various Movie Studios from 1942 to 1956, which are of course, not a part of this collection.
- Though their last two pictures in this collection (ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE KEYSTONE KOPS and MEET THE MUMMY.) were originally released to Theaters in Widescreen Format, they've never been issued that way to Home Video. The versions that appear in this set (And elsewhere!) are the 1.37:1 Matte "Protected for Standard Screen" transfers.
- In addition to the first ever Home Video issue of IT AIN'T HAY, 6 Features have had commentary tracks added! BUCK PRIVATES features commentary by the Home Theater Forum's own Film Preservationist and Cinematic Expert, Bob Furmanek!
- Includes a 44 page Booklet that contains Abbott & Costello's Universal Filmography, along with other valuable information about Bud & Lou's lives and career!
Anthony Bensley
The First Complete Universal Pictures "Open Trunk" 15 DVD Set (2008):
The Second, Slightly More Compact Reissued Universal DVD Set (2014):