Abbott and Costello vol. 4? (1 Viewer)

[Blu]

Will there be a vol. 4 of this series? I am happy with this series but disappointed that Meet the Mummy wasn't included yet. I know I can get it as a stand alone but would rather have it and a few of the other unreleased titles.

 

[John Morgan]

Also ....meet Jekyll and Hyde. In one of the Films of Abbott and Costello books, it is mentioned that this film had stereo sound in the budget. The laser was mono and I wonder if Universal still has the stereo elements.

 

[Bob Furmanek]

That was in my book, "Abbott and Costello in Hollywood." The studio considered dubbing the film onto 3-track from the mono stems, but decided against it. It was released mono only.

Bob

 

[John Morgan]

Thanks Bob.
It makes sense since the film was flat and non 3-D, but it would have been nice.
And your book is terrific. I have been reading up on the films as I view the DVDs. I love those sidebars!

I hope Warners puts out their MGM A&C films as a set someday. I saw the CAPT KIDD restoration at UCLA and always set up my DVR when it plays on TCM hoping for that print to appear.

Oh Well...

John

 

[Bob Furmanek]

Thanks very much John, I'm glad that you enjoyed our efforts.

Universal also considered Technicolor for "Mexican Hayride" and 3-D for "Fireman Save My Child." Both ideas were scrapped before the start of principal photography.

By the way, Bud and Lou fans in the New York area will have a chance to see the East Coast premiere of the newly restored "Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd" next March at the Lafayette Theater in Suffern, NY. Keep an eye on their website for details: www.bigscreenclassics.com

 

[Rodney]

Does anyone have the full specs for Volume 4 coming out in October? I remember seeing it, but the search function here only brings up this thread.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Steve Tannehill]

Sure:

http://homevideo.universalstudios.co...?childId=34935

- Steve

 

[John Whittle]

DVD Description

The sidesplittingly hilarious classic comedy team of Abbott and Costello are showcased here in the fourth collection of their beloved films. This volume includes the films: ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET JERRY SEINFELD, ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE KEYSTONE KOPS, ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY, and THE WORLD OF ABBOTT AND COSTELLO. In addition to all the hilarity and hijinks, the collection also provides glimpses into the backstage lives of these two comic geniuses with three insightful documentaries about the duo and their lasting influence.

DVD Information


Title: BEST OF ABBOTT & COSTELLO V.04
Director:
Year: 1953
Runtime: 357M
Rating: NR
Language: English
Closed Captioned: CC
UPC: 025192898822
Item Number: MCA028988D

 

[Randy Korstick]

Can't wait this has been a great series. Good transfers, a great price and small shelf space. all the way Universal.

 

[Michael Elliott]

I got my set today and viewed A&C MEET DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE already. It's the best I've ever seen the film look especially compared to the VHS. I'm not sure how it looked on LD but this DVD is pretty close to Warner quality. I recall one little scratch but the rest of the transfer is free of any issues (including freezing ).

KEYSTONE COPS and JEKYLL AND HYDE are on disc 1, side A with MEET THE MUMMY on side B. Disc 2 is rather strange because it looks like your typical double sided DVD-18 but instead all three of the other features are on side A with nothing on side B. J&H features a trailer as well.

 

[Bob Furmanek]

Aspect ratio fans should know that Keystone Kops and Mummy were photographed and originally presented in the 1.85 ratio.

 

[Steve...O]

I'm assuming the DVDs are open matte; please correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, is it a fair statement that in 1955 when these films were released that many theaters hadn't yet converted and still showed these films in the academy ratio? Again, please correct me if I'm wrong; just trying to get educated here. I'm getting this set regardless.

Universal should be applauded for getting us 27 A&C features, mostly in great shape. Contrast that to Hallmark's shameful Laurel and Hardy output. This is why Universal trails only Warners in my ranking of studios going a great job getting classics out.

Steve

 

[Jeffrey Nelson]

What I want to know is, whether ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET JERRY SEINFELD is intact, with all previously missing footage of Kramer pantsing Costello reinstated...

 

[LaurenceGarvey]

Nope.

 

[Bob Furmanek]

Hi Steve,

Most theaters in the U.S. were running widescreen by time these films were released in 1955. Most were converted during the CinemaScope/VistaVision/SuperScope boom of 53/54.

Where is the outrage from Theatrical Aspect Ratio advocates over this unforgivable oversight from Universal? Watching these films with an open matte is not how they were intended to be seen by director Charles Lamont or cinematographers Reggie Lanning and George Robinson.

The film-makers artistic vision must be preserved...

Bob

 

[Michael Elliott]

There was the same debate over the CREATURE sequels. Apparently Universal released them into theaters 4:3 and 1.85:1. Of course the DVDs are open matte.

As far as the outrage goes....I don't think these are big enough to be noticed. I mean, these three films aren't too popular even among A&C fans. I doubt too many people will be buying these, which could also be the reason for this rather small thread (considering the other releases had bigger threads).

 

[John Hodson]

I've just received my set and only had time to check it out through my lap-top which displayed some lip-synch problems (on 'Meet Seinfeld'). Anyone else, or this (I hope) just a player related problem?

 

[Steve...O]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the information. Based on what you said, I agree that OAR should have been preserved. Unfortunately Universal waited so long to release V4 that this DVD probably went under the radar for many consumers which is probably why there isn't more outcry over this. Not a deal breaker for me, but irritating nonetheless.

I have a beef about the cover design Universal put on this DVD. In big bold letters they say "6 Classics". Huh?? There are only 3 A&C movies on this set. I guess they're calling the compilation film, a mini documentary, and the Seinfeld special classics as well. I hope nobody buys this thinking "A&C Meet the Monsters" is an actual movie.

Too bad "It Ain't Hay"'s issues didn't get resolved. One wonders why 50+ years later with all the principal parties deceased that people can't make this happen.

Steve (still holding out hope that Universal will finish off the Kettle and Francis films)

 

[John Sparks]

"Meet the Monsters" was pretty good. I wish they had included all the out-takes that they owned, not just a few snippets.

"Meet Jerry Sienfeld" was pretty good too. Nice to see the duo in color. Again, I wish they had included all the out-takes that were on the "Best of A&B" on the LD Box Set. Instead, only a few snippets were shown. Glad I have both Box Sets!!!

I have to admit that some of the clips from their movies were beautiful prints. I wonder if the prints they released on these DVD's were as good as the clips???

The clip from "Meet Capt. Kidd" was beautiful. Will we ever see that on DVD or even "Jack and the Beanstalk" (not the print Roan stole from the LD that Bob F. restored)!!! But a real print supervised by Bob!!!

 

[Dave Mack]

My vol. 1 set had a mix of amazing, beautiful new transfers like "Hold That Ghost" and recycled laserdisc transfers that didn't look NEARLY as good IIRC. Unfortunately my vol. 1 set was defetcive and I found out too late to return it to Tower Records, (14 day return window) so I haven't bought any of the subsequent sets especially after reading all of the problems people have had.

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