I saw STAR in general release and all that was missing was the Intermission. I do not recall the shorten, re-titled version ever playing in the NYC area.
A shorten 3 hr version of BEN HUR (no intermission, oveture and complete pre title opening sequence removed) was made available for subrun markets. I saw this version in 1969 after the 70mm re-release roadshow ended.
I agree the Arbuckle shorts are very FUNNY!
I contacted WHV about the label mixup on the Varieties set and they will be re-sending a corrected DVD-r set. WHV assured me the new set will be properly labeled. Excellent customer service.
Is the Exit music included? The last time this was available is on the old laser release. Every release since excludes the aprox 3 minutes of exit music following the film.