Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, new remaster different from the Criterion edition, and other Peckinpah films in new German 7-bluray box set (1 Viewer)

[Stefan Andersson]

Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid has been released in a new German bluray box set from Plaion. Four versions in HD, with color correction not on the Criterion edition:

Peckinpah's West (7 Blu-rays) | 1119157

Man nannte ihn "Bloody Sam" und er war wohl der letzte Desperado Hollywoods. Er belebte den damals dahinsiechenden Hollywood-Western mit einer bis dahin nicht gekannten Wildheit. Seine Charaktere waren keine Helden. Sie waren Überlebenskünstler, Vagabund…

shop.plaionpictures.com

Screen shots from this German edition of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid:

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (Comparison: Theatrical Version - Final Preview (Criterion / Plaion)) - Movie-Censorship.com

Comparison: Theatrical Version - Final Preview (Criterion / Plaion)

www.movie-censorship.com

Box also contains a 14-min. extra about Wild Bunch deleted scenes.

Specs:

Ride the High Country - 1962 - 1 Blu-ray
Running time: approx. 94 minutes
Image: 2.35:1 (1080p)
Extras:
Audio commentary Nick Redman, Paul Seydor, Garner Simmons, David Weddle
A look back at his work: Sam Peckinpah and Sacramento (approx. 23 minutes)
Passion & Poetry - Peckinpah's early westerns - by Mike Siegel (approx. 40 minutes)
Cinema advertising gallery - by Mike Siegel (approx. 13 minutes)
Photo gallery - by Mike Siegel (approx. 7 minutes)
Trailer (approx. 3 minutes)
Trailer from Hell (approx. 3 minutes)

The Wild Bunch - 1969 – 2 Blu-rays

Disc 1
Film in both versions (Director’s Cut (approx. 145 minutes) and Roadshow Version (approx. 146 minutes)
Image: 2.35:1 (1080p)
Extras:
Audio commentary Nick Redman, Paul Seydor, Garner Simmons, David Weddle
US trailer (approx. 3 minutes)
8 US radio spots (approx. 6 minutes)

Disc 2
Extras:
Sam Peckinpah’s Western: The Legacy of a Hollywood Renegade (approx. 83 minutes)
The Wild Bunch – An Album in Montage (approx. 33 minutes)
A Simple Adventure Story: Sam Peckinpah, Mexico and The Wild Bunch (approx. 24 minutes)
Deleted Scenes (approx. 9 minutes)
Passion & Poetry – The Wild Bunch – by Mike Siegel (approx. 9 minutes)
Cinema advertising gallery (approx. 23 minutes)
Filming gallery 1 – by Mike Siegel (approx. 10 minutes)
Filming gallery 2 – by Mike Siegel (approx. 10 minutes)
Color photo gallery – by Mike Siegel (approx. 7 minutes)
Video essay “Deleted Scenes” (approx. 14 minutes)
Trailer from Hell (approx. 3 minutes)

The Ballad of Cable Hogue - 1970 – 1 Blu-ray
Running time: approx. 121 minutes
Image: 1.78:1 (1080p)
Extras:
Audio commentary with Nick Redman, Paul Seydor, Garner Simmons, David Weddle
An afternoon with Stella Stevens (approx. 27 minutes)
Interview with Stella Stevens (approx. 3 minutes)
Passion & Poetry – Cable Hogue - Stories by Mike Siegel (approx. 48 minutes)
Trailer
Trailer from Hell (approx. 3 minutes)
2 US TV spots (1 minute)
11 US radio spots (approx. 5 minutes)
Cinema advertising gallery (approx. 15 minutes)
Photo gallery (approx. 11 minutes)

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid - 1973– 3 Blu-rays

Disc 1
Theatrical version (approx. 106 minutes) and “50th Anniversary” version (approx. 117 minutes)
Image: 2.35:1 (1080p)
Extras:
Audio commentary by Nick Redman and others for the “50th Anniversary” version

Disc 2
Turner Preview version (approx. 121 minutes)
Image: 2.35:1 (1080p)
Extras:
Audio commentary by Nick Redman and others
Passion & Poetry – The Last Western – by Mike Siegel (approx. 48 minutes)
Extended brothel scene

Disc 3
Final Preview version (approx. 122 minutes)
Image: 2.35:1 (1080p)
Extras:
2 dubbings
One Foot in the Grave – Memories of Sam Peckinpah (approx. 28 minutes)
One for the Money: Sam’s Song (original songs by Kris Kristofferson and Donny Fritts; approx. 6 minutes)
An analysis by Pat and Billy (approx. 15 minutes)
Scenes from the TV version (approx. 22 minutes)
Trailer from Hell (approx. 4 minutes)
German trailer (approx. 3 minutes)
US trailer (approx. 3 minutes)
US TV spots (approx. 2 minutes)
Gallery photos (approx. 6 minutes)

Peckinpah fan Mike Siegel contributed to the box set.

More info from Mike Siegel about the Wild Bunch Roadshow version and Pat Garrett:

We did it to preserve a filmhistorical detail. The film itself is the same. But 70mm screenings had a break / intermission before the train robbery sequence. With intermission music. Even 35mm screening in the UK back in 1969/70.

My friend saved the the original intermission 35mm film & music back then and had it in his archive for 54 years. So Ithought it would be a nice little extra to make that roadshow experience available for interested film fans...

PLAION is the only company so far, except for the "super premium" Criterion, that was able to license the Peckinpah westerns! That is major coup in itself, but I guess UHD is Criterion exclusive (like my CONVOY extended with IMPRINT).
The "roadshow" BUNCH gimmick for instance had a budget of approx. $200. If that doesn't sound much, I'd totally agree! It happened because Jeff Slater had the footage in his collection, nobody will thank him either I suppose. But he also does everything for Sam.

Finally I had the time to check the Turner Preview. Again, without a budget to speak of you always wind up with a fan restoration - some dedicated guy who spends his time preserving film history. I did the same with OSTERMAN (Imprint), I'm still in the reds with this project since I could only license it to Imprint. I need at least two or three int. releases to recoup my money when I produce all these extras. Money-wise this new box is a negative deal for me, but to finally have my BUNCH doc out there is an artistic triumph for me.
Artists do it for the art - studios & labels are into BUSINESS. That alone answers most of the forum questions...
Anyway, to me this new fan restoration is the only way to watch PAT from now on. Maybe a future release can deal with issues that couldn't be dealt with now (remaining scratches and scans of the unique Turner footage). But it beats to hell out of the unrestored Preview 2 version released 2024.

Source/discussion:

Sam Peckinpah - Page 6 - criterionforum.org

 

[SwatDB]

The Wild Bunch - 1969 – 2 Blu-rays

Disc 1
Film in both versions (Director’s Cut (approx. 145 minutes) and Roadshow Version (approx. 146 minutes)

My reaction on the Roadshow Version introduced for Blu-ray:

 

[Stefan Andersson]

Update to my first post:

Plaion did their own color correction, different from Criterion´s, of the Final Preview only.

 

[Stefan Andersson]

Comparison of Director´s Cut and Road Show of The Wild Bunch, in Plaion´s Peckinpah box:
https://www.schnittberichte.com/schnitt ... p?ID=63498

 

[mskaye]

Comparison of Director´s Cut and Road Show of The Wild Bunch, in Plaion´s Peckinpah box:
https://www.schnittberichte.com/schnitt ... p?ID=63498

I love The Wild Bunch almost as much as life itself but the roadshow version isn't really a game changer with me. I've seen it 99% of the time without the intermission and it doesn't really need it. At home watching it with two -three people, it simply becomes an official time for a potty break. Let's see what Criterion or WHV does with it (a statement of faith not certainty.)

 

[SwatDB]

I love The Wild Bunch almost as much as life itself but the roadshow version isn't really a game changer with me. I've seen it 99% of the time without the intermission and it doesn't really need it. At home watching it with two -three people, it simply becomes an official time for a potty break.

I saw a Vintage [Red Faded] Swedish 70mm Print once, GIFF-2023, Gentofte, CPH [on a January]

In a time where the interstitial was not on home video.

You: "Not a Game Changer."
Me: *Jackpot*

A' sure as hell would wanna read the room and factcheck ma posts before shootin' somethin' off, mister…

I take you're a 1995 DC fanboy? (since a' ain't sure you seen the US Theatrical Version as a boy [first glance]), Sorta' explains the Frame Extension and dissolve next section [Act 2] to paint a Modern Release picture.

Again dis wuz 1969 so blame WB for requesting de Intermission, rather than the person preferring the Roadshow (as the person who saw de version wuz a mighty lucky SOB to have done so.)

"C'mon join the Peckinpah Convoy" Any time you like
- David

P.S. * WBDHE? Keep WAC handy for oldie catalogue titles for title not released on WBDHV BD/4Ks

My only downer is a lossy DTS 2.0 mix rather than a LPCM 2.0 mix.

 

[mskaye]

I saw a Vintage [Red Faded] Swedish 70mm Print once, GIFF-2023, Gentofte, CPH [on a January]
View attachment 248517
In a time where the interstitial was not on home video.

You: "Not a Game Changer."
Me: *Jackpot*

A' sure as hell would wanna read the room and factcheck ma posts before shootin' somethin' off, mister…

I take you're a 1995 DC fanboy? (since a' ain't sure you seen the US Theatrical Version as a boy [first glance]), Sorta' explains the Frame Extension and dissolve next section [Act 2] to paint a Modern Release picture.

Again dis wuz 1969 so blame WB for requesting de Intermission, rather than the person preferring the Roadshow (as the person who saw de version wuz a mighty lucky SOB to have done so.)

"C'mon join the Peckinpah Convoy" Any time you like
- David

P.S. * WBDHE? Keep WAC handy for oldie catalogue titles for title not released on WBDHV BD/4Ks

My only downer is a lossy DTS 2.0 mix rather than a LPCM 2.0 mix.

As far as know and from what I have read in Paul Seydor's definitive books about Sam, The Wild Bunch was not released in the US with an intermission. It had the intermission in its original European release only (and I am also almost certain the intermission and roadshow release was nothing Sam was really involved with.) The intermission was never anything Sam advocated for - his preferred version is the one shown originally in the US. None of the major Peckinpah scholars that give the commentary on the blu ray etc. even mention the intermission at the time it occurs in the film. If it was included it would disturb the flow of one of the greatest action sequences of all time. Sam knew that and that's why it hasn't been seen since. I hope it is NOT part of any 4k release. The Wild Bunch was not a 3 hour plus musical or biblical that needed an intermission to give people's bladders a break.

PS - not a DC fanboy. I have seen maybe 10 superhero films in my entire life and was a Marvel fan growing up. I'm not sure what your point is.

 

[SwatDB]

As far as know and from what I have read in Paul Seydor's definitive books about Sam, The Wild Bunch was not released in the US with an intermission. It had the intermission in its original European release only (and I am also almost certain the intermission and roadshow release was nothing Sam was really involved with.)

I am aware that the US is a General Release and EU has the Intermission titles (via distributor request, I believe).

The intermission was never anything Sam advocated for - his preferred version is the one shown originally in the US. None of the major Peckinpah scholars that give the commentary on the blu ray etc. even mention the intermission at the time it occurs in the film.

Ah, yes the Dog Brothers. (Nick Redman, Paul Seydor, Lem Dobbs, Garner Simmons, David Weddle and Julie Kirgo) [not referring to Wild Bunch commentary as a whole, just the ones, who joined his Convoy, historically speaking]
Some inspiration, Redman has given us.

Spoiler: How I got to identify him (Name and Voice) aside Twilight Time

Started to build since, "The King of the Big Screen" featurette on "The King and I" (1956) then listening finally getting a positive ID match on the Audio Commentary of "Carousel" (1956)

If it was included it would disturb the flow of one of the greatest action sequences of all time. Sam knew that and that's why it hasn't been seen since. I hope it is NOT part of any 4k release.

We'll see if WB gives a Green light to Criterion (in case WAC don’t release it for 4K UHD) Using Authentic Film elements (you hope Intermission don't show up on Main Feature of the 4K? How about a slight compromise by presenting them as an extra?)

The Wild Bunch was not a 3 hour plus musical or biblical that needed an intermission to give people's bladders a break.

…Yet, it still satisfying to see Intermission titles resurfaced on Home Video again. It's been too long.

PS - not a DC fanboy. I have seen maybe 10 superhero films in my entire life and was a Marvel fan growing up. I'm not sure what your point is.

You must excuse me I confused you with the DC acronym.

DC Fanboy = Prefer the 1995 Director's Cut rather than authentic/historic EU Version (with Intermission).

I hope it explains.
Thank you.
- David

 

[Alan Tully]

We'll see if WB gives a Green light to Criterion (in case WAC don’t release it for 4K UHD) Using Authentic Film elements (you hope Intermission don't show up on Main Feature of the 4K? How about a slight compromise by presenting them as an extra?)

Well I'm not really sure what these posts are all about, but...please don't give The Wild Bunch to Criterion, & I don't see it as a WAC release either, a WHV 4K release will do very nicely, & no intermission please, as at home there's no need to stop the film to sell candy & drinks to the audience.

 

[SwatDB]

Well I'm not really sure what these posts are all about, but...please don't give The Wild Bunch to Criterion, & I don't see it as a WAC release either, a WHV 4K release will do very nicely.

Just like I thought, a popular title. The options where my candidates, not conclusive decisions.

No intermission please, as at home there's no need to stop the film to sell candy & drinks to the audience.

All because of a distributor request?
This was 1969 and the damage had been done and it is available to us (if not first time ever on Home Video).

You may rat me out (up to you) for preferring the 1969 Roadshow (cause I'm happy that over the 1995 DC (I'm pretty sure a future 4K UHD from WBDHE would foresee the this version, but I'm still on the lookout on whether or not the classic title belong to either popular or a catalog category [Studio or Label]).

Have I done anything wrong by journeying for a purist or an authentic presentation?
- David

 

[mskaye]

Just like I thought, a popular title. The options where my candidates, not conclusive decisions.

All because of a distributor request?
This was 1969 and the damage had been done and it is available to us (if not first time ever on Home Video).

You may rat me out (up to you) for preferring the 1969 Roadshow (cause I'm happy that over the 1995 DC (I'm pretty sure a future 4K UHD from WBDHE would foresee the this version, but I'm still on the lookout on whether or not the classic title belong to either popular or a catalog category [Studio or Label]).

Have I done anything wrong by journeying for a purist or an authentic presentation?
- David

You have done nothing wrong except advocate for a version that isn't the official version preferred by the director.

 

[SwatDB]

You have done nothing wrong except advocate for a version that isn't the official version preferred by the director.

Is it also considered wrong advocating for things that are usually not found on DVD/BD or Home Video or people don't talk about often?

But yes, Peckinpah was not responsible of putting an Intermission, regardless, Which is why the person has the 1995 Re-Issue (Peckinpah passed away in 1984) as an additional presentation.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Let’s stop the back and forth because it only leads to personal animosity.

 

[Todd Mattraw]

I saw the European print with the intermission at the Dryden in Rochester in 2006 or so, and I loved the "feel" it gave to the film; seems like a minor thing but it worked for me to give the story a pause and a sense that we were at a turning point (and a high point from which things would go awry).

That said, I'd prefer any and all cuts to be included so that I could watch them all at least once.

 

[Alan Tully]

Ha, The Wild Bunch version I require is...a 4K Blu-ray from a new 4K transfer of the original negatives. I think we can all agree on that.

 

[JPCinema]

Is this set all region or region B?

 

[SwatDB]

Let’s stop the back and forth because it only leads to personal animosity.

Long story short. Plaion BD gives the person the option to watch 1995 Re-issue [a.k.a. Director's Cut] and 1969 Roadshow [EU] Version, case closed.

My mistake? I'll stop causing more trouble by expressing small interests on selected subjects on a title I tend to focus on, at your say-so.