STATE FAIR (1933) (1 Viewer)

Since the Library of Congress just added this film, do you think we might finally see a release from Fox? Or is this a pipe dream?

You'd think they'd at least pack it in with the Rodger/Hammerstein releases, but they never did.

Fox clearly doesn't care about that one nor shows signs that its even aware of its existence. An FCA MOD release seems like its most likely fate.

At this rate I hope that if it does turn up on MOD, it's not a 20+ year old transfer.

Long over due. A blu ray would be nice.

If they did not put the musical remake in the Rodgers & Hammerstein Blu Ray set, they sure would not have put the 1933 one in. They showed some nice footage from the film in one of the Fox documentaries a few years back that did give me hope then. But, alas, nothing.

Fox gave us a good BD of Cavalcade. Can the elements of State Fair be in such poor condition that they couldn't be used for a decent release (BD)? The TCM print shows some tear and wear, so I'd hope that better elements can be found and used.

Put me down for this or any other Will Rogers film, perhaps in a Double Feature with the (already restored) Steamboat Round the Bend.

I have a recording of this from a cable broadcast. The print is quite good, just un-restored. It contains a number of pre-Code elements that somehow survived post-1934 editing for Hays-approved re-release.(eg. as in the 1962 remake, it is clear that the son loses his virginity to the Fairground entertainer). It should at least be released as a Fox Cinema Archives title. It's quite surprising that it wasn't utilized in either of the Will Rogers boxed sets. They really 'missed the boat' by not including it in the Blu Ray release of the 1945 STATE FAIR (as they did re excluding the 1962 version- which is not without merit, particularly regarding the exuberant Alfred Newman orchestrations).
The 1930 Borzage version of LILIOM should have been included with CAROUSEL. The Lang/ Boyer version is good but Borzage's is far more creative than all later versions of this story. (As much as I admire Henry King's CAROUSEL). It's pre-Code elements make it extra appealing (eg. Julie never marries Billy and is continually pursued by a carpenter played by Walter Abel who seeks her hand in marriage). A great transfer was employed in the expensive Borzage/Murnau boxed set. It would look stunning on Blu Ray. BTW, LILIOM was originally planned as a vehicle for the popular team of Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor. Miss Gaynor, however, wanted a break from being teamed with Farrell, and thus Rose Hobart (who is excellent) was given the role.

The 1930 Borzage.....

More than that TCF should have rounded up the Hungarian early 30s version which I believe survived WW11. Although some wartime titles are lost, the earlier Hungariam sound films survive fairly well, even if they had splices all over the place.The waterfront film archive was bombed probably about early 1945.

Since FOX is giving the library if Congress a copy, should they not be giving one in perfect condition, so it lasts forever?So if they HAVE a good copy... Put it out for us!

I would guess that Fox has restored the movie and presented the Library of Congress with an HD version of the film (2K or 4K). I doubt these days that they would be giving them a 35mm print. The division of Fox which does these restorations doesn't appear to communicate much with the 'sell-thru' department, particularly the Fox Cinema Archives people (who used old pan-and-scan masters for their releases of THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE and APRIL LOVE, despite recent restoration work done on both movies which resulted in select 35mm screenings in theatres.
THE ADVENTURES OF HAJJI BABA was also restored and shown in film society screenings but has not been released in any format in the USA- Spain has released a pan-and-scan dvd from an old (I presume) TV or VHS master. Fox seems to be working extra hard to ignore or do poor releases of their catalogue titles, unlike Warners, who are "on the ball" re restorations, remastering and correct Aspect Ratios.

lionel59 said:

Fox seems to be working extra hard to ignore or do poor releases of their catalogue titles, unlike Warners, who are "on the ball" re restorations, remastering and correct Aspect Ratios.

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This is truly sad. You would think Fox, seeing how Well Warners is doing would want to emulate the formula, but no... Just put out anything for a buck, I guess...

Does anyone at Fox ever read this stuff?

I'm guessing not.....

lionel59 said:

I'm guessing not.....

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Don't be too sure...Fox's Jamie Finn is a member here...

Well, one could only hope, and pray (if you do that)...

Is State Fair public domaine?

Nothing for any year becomes public domain until January 1, 2019, but don't get your hopes up, Congress will probably prevent that from happening.

http://www.vox.com/2015/1/1/7478515/copyright-extension-batman-public-domain

Adam_S said:

Nothing for any year becomes public domain until January 1, 2019, but don't get your hopes up, Congress will probably prevent that from happening.

http://www.vox.com/2015/1/1/7478515/copyright-extension-batman-public-domain

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Personally, I am not a fan for public domain for film. It generally does not work out so well for maintaining quality elements and releases. I think public policy should do more to encourage the restoration and preservation of film.