Press Release SPHE Press Release: Frank Capra at Columbia Collection (4k UHD) (Blu-ray) (2 Viewers)

[Ronald Epstein]

​

​ Celebrating 100 Years of Columbia Pictures And One of the Most Iconic Filmmakers of All Time

​ FRANK CAPRA AT COLUMBIA COLLECTION

​

​ 20 Films Directed by Frank Capra from the Columbia Pictures Library In a Limited Edition Gift Set November 19th

​ All 20 Films Presented on Blu-ray Disc™, With Nine of Those Films Also on 4K Ultra HD™

​

​ CULVER CITY, Calif. (September 12th, 2024) – Celebrate 100 years of Columbia Pictures and the work of iconic and award-winning filmmaker Frank Capra as Sony Pictures Home Entertainment proudly assembles 20 of his films, exclusively within the FRANK CAPRA AT COLUMBIA COLLECTION, available November 19. Each film is presented in high definition from original and existing elements, with nine films also presented in full 4K resolution! From romantic pursuits to explosive action, from spectacular thrills to insightful social commentary, the FRANK CAPRA AT COLUMBIA collection features a wide variety of films that still feel fresh and timely today: the perfect collection of films for any mood or occasion! Then for fans of classic cinema, the scope of pre-code rarities to Best Picture-winning classics makes this set a must-own! The 20 films in the FRANK CAPRA AT COLUMBIA COLLECTION represent Capra’s earlier work at the studio through to the more well-known award-winning blockbusters, with many films making their long-awaited disc debut! The discs are included within a coffee table-worthy sleek outer box that opens to showcase the films inside. The set also includes several new commentaries from film historians, hours of archival special features, and the full feature-length 2024 documentary, FRANK CAPRA: MR AMERICA! In addition to the physical gift set, several Frank Capra classics will also be debuting at digital retailers this holiday season, including SO THIS IS LOVE, THE WAY OF THE STRONG, THAT CERTAIN THING, THE MIRACLE WOMAN and LADY FOR A DAY. These must-see films will be available for digital purchase or rental, alongside such favorites as IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT, MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN, LOST HORIZON, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU and MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON. FRANK CAPRA: MR AMERICA is also available now for digital rental or purchase.

​ SO THIS IS LOVE (1928) Synopsis: Dress designer Jerry McGuire, (William Collier Jr.) is secretly in love with Hilda Jensen (Shirly Mason) who works at the delicatessen. But Hilda is in love with the self-admiring pugilist Spike Mullins (Johnnie Walker). Can Jerry summon up the courage to woo Hilda? And more importantly stand up to Spike? With all-new music score by Michael D. Mortilla. Presented in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Stereo Audio; Includes All-New Commentary with Film Historians Stan Taffel and Bryan Cooper SO THIS IS LOVE has a run time of approximately 55 minutes and is not rated. THE WAY OF THE STRONG (1928) Synopsis: Handsome Williams (Mitchell Lewis), a brutal bootlegger, falls for blind violinist, Nora (Alice Day). Handsome’s rivals recognize that she is his vulnerability--and target the innocent Nora as retribution. With all-new music score by Michael D. Mortilla Presented in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Stereo Audio; Includes All-New Commentary with Film Historians Stan Taffel and Bryan Cooper THE WAY OF THE STRONG has a run time of approximately 58 minutes and is not rated. THAT CERTAIN THING (1928) Synopsis: Viola Dana plays Molly, a poor girl who falls in love with A.B. Charles, Jr. (Ralph Graves), son of a millionaire restaurateur. When the son meets and impulsively marries Molly, his father cuts him off without a dime, but with Molly’s ingenuity and “that certain thing,” her prospects are better than ever. With all-new music score by Donald Sosin. Presented in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Stereo Audio THAT CERTAIN THING has a run time of approximately 64 minutes and is not rated. SUBMARINE (1928) Synopsis: Columbia’s first film to be released with a synchronized score is a taut drama about a deep-sea diver's efforts (Jack Holt) to rescue the crew of a submarine lodged 400 feet underwater, with Ralph Graves, his best friend and rival, on board. Newly reconstructed score by Rodney Sauer, from original source materials, performed by the Mont Alto Orchestra. Presented in 4K SDR on 4K Ultra HD disc and in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio SUBMARINE has a run time of approximately 103 minutes and is not rated. THE YOUNGER GENERATION (1929) Synopsis: In this moving drama, Jean Hersholt is a Jewish pushcart vendor whose ambitious son’s success allows him to move the family to a fancy uptown address where new tensions push father and son apart. Columbia Pictures first “talkie” contained limited dialog. Includes restored audio, including newly reconstructed score by Rodney Sauer, performed by the Mont Alto Orchestra. Presented in 4K SDR on 4K Ultra HD disc and in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio THE YOUNGER GENERATION has a run time of approximately 83 minutes and is not rated. FLIGHT (1929) Synopsis: The second of three technological spectacles featuring Jack Holt and Ralph Graves as rivals in love despite a friendship forged as Marine Corps fliers in training and action. Presented in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio; Includes the Theatrical Trailer FLIGHT has a run time of approximately 120 minutes and is not rated. LADIES OF LEISURE (1930) Synopsis: Kay (Barbara Stanwyck) is a wild party girl out to snare herself a rich suitor. Jerry (Ralph Graves) is a young man from an affluent family striving to become an artist. What starts out as a relationship of mutual convenience soon blossoms into love in this charming film. Presented in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio; Includes an Audio Commentary with Film Historian Jeremy Arnold LADIES OF LEISURE has a run time of approximately 98 minutes and is not rated. RAIN OR SHINE (1930) Synopsis: Mary (Joan Peers) inherits her late father's financially floundering circus. With the help of her charismatic manager, Smiley Johnson (Joe Cook), they try to salvage the big top. Presented with an alternate version released without sync dialog, created for international audiences. Both Domestic and International Versions of the Film Presented in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio; Includes the “Frank Capra Finds a Place in the Sun with Michel Gondry” Featurette RAIN OR SHINE has a run time of approximately 88 minutes and is not rated. DIRIGIBLE (1931) Synopsis: Adventure duo Jack Holt and Ralph Graves pair again as great rivals, but better friends challenging the elements and attempting to conquer the air and the South Pole. Presented in 4K SDR on 4K Ultra HD disc and in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio DIRIGIBLE has a run time of approximately 100 minutes and is not rated. THE MIRACLE WOMAN (1931) Synopsis: Barbara Stanwyck shines as the daughter of an undervalued minister, who, grieving after her father's death, joins a fraudulent church as a preacher. David Manners, a blind ex-pilot, hears Stanwyck preaching and goes to her. Presented in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio; Includes the “Ron Howard on The Miracle Woman” Featurette THE MIRACLE WOMAN has a run time of approximately 90 minutes and is not rated. PLATINUM BLONDE (1931) Synopsis: A wise-cracking newspaper reporter’s entanglement with a wealthy socialite (the glittering Jean Harlow) stirs the class prejudices of both her publicity-shy family and his ink-stained pals (including Loretta Young) in this fast-paced classic Capra comedy. Presented in 4K with Dolby Vision on 4K Ultra HD disc and in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio PLATINUM BLONDE has a run time of approximately 88 minutes and is not rated. AMERICAN MADNESS (1932) Synopsis: Walter Huston stars as an idealistic bank president dealing with the aftermath of a robbery. While rallying local businessmen to deposit funds to keep the bank afloat, he learns the truth about the loyalties of the people around him. Presented in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio; Includes an All-New Commentary with Film Historian Steven C. Smith Featuring Victoria Riskin, Plus Commentary with Frank Capra Jr. & Author Cathrine Kellison and the “Frank Capra Jr. Remembers...‘American Madness’” Featurette AMERICAN MADNESS has a run time of approximately 76 minutes and is not rated. THE BITTER TEA OF GENERAL YEN (1932) Synopsis: Barbara Stanwyck plays an American missionary who reluctantly falls for the General who kidnaps her amid the Chinese Civil War. Presented in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio; Includes an All-New Commentary with Film Historian Kimberly Truhler, Plus the “Defining Capra's Early Style with Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard” Featurette THE BITTER TEA OF GENERAL YEN has a run time of approximately 87 minutes and is not rated. FORBIDDEN (1932) Synopsis: In this pre-code romantic drama, Barbara Stanwyck stars as a staid librarian swept away by a charming married man (Adolph Menjou). When their affair produces a daughter, Menjou proposes an unconventional, heart-breaking solution. Presented in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio; Includes a Commentary with Author Jeanine Basinger FORBIDDEN has a run time of approximately 85 minutes and is not rated. LADY FOR A DAY (1933) Synopsis: A gangster and his gal help his good luck charm, Apple Annie, a depression-era apple seller, convince her daughter’s future in-laws she’s a proper match. Presented in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio LADY FOR A DAY has a run time of approximately 95 minutes and is not rated. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934) Synopsis: Winner of all 5 major 1934 Oscars®, including Best Picture! When a brash reporter (Clark Gable) meets a runaway heiress (Claudette Colbert), can love be far behind? Presented in 4K with Dolby Vision on 4K Ultra HD disc and in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio; Includes an All-New Commentary with Film Historian Julie Kirgo, Plus Commentary by Frank Capra Jr., 2 Featurettes, Original Live Radio Broadcast and a Theatrical Trailer IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT has a run time of approximately 105 minutes and is not rated. MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN (1936) Synopsis: Gary Cooper plays Longfellow Deeds, whose simple rural life is upended when he inherits his uncle's fortune. Jean Arthur is the cynical reporter tasked with exposing him for laughs (and circulation) but ends up overwhelmed by his honesty and decency. Presented in 4K with Dolby Vision on 4K Ultra HD disc and in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio; Includes an All-New Commentary with Victorian Riskin and Steven C. Smith, Plus Commentary by Frank Capra Jr., Featurette, and a Theatrical Re-Release Trailer MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN has a run time of approximately 116 minutes and is not rated. LOST HORIZON (1937) Synopsis: Ronald Colman and Jane Wyatt star in this unique journey to the enchanted paradise of Shangri-La, where time stands still. Presented in 4K with Dolby Vision on 4K Ultra HD disc and in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio; Includes Commentary with Charles Champlin and Bob Gitt, Alternate Ending, 4 Featurettes, 5 Theatrical Teasers & Trailers LOST HORIZON has a run time of approximately 133 minutes and is not rated. YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU (1938) Synopsis: A man from a family of rich snobs becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family. Winner of the Academy Award® for Best Picture! Presented in 4K with Dolby Vision on 4K Ultra HD disc and in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio; Includes Commentary with Frank Capra Jr. & Author Cathrine Kellison, Featurette and Theatrical Trailer YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU has a run time of approximately 126 minutes and is not rated. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939) Synopsis: James Stewart takes on the powers-that-be in our nation's capital in Frank Capra's timeless classic. Nominated for eleven 1939 Oscars®, including Best Picture. Presented in 4K with Dolby Vision on 4K Ultra HD disc and in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Mono Audio; Includes an All-New Commentary with Film Historian Julie Kirgo, Plus Commentary with Frank Capra Jr., 5 Featurettes, “Frank Capra’s American Dream” Documentary and Theatrical Trailers MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON has a run time of approximately 129 minutes and is not rated. FRANK CAPRA: MR AMERICA (2024) Synopsis: FRANK CAPRA: MR AMERICA tells the story of Frank Capra, a young immigrant who rose through the ranks of early Hollywood to become one of the Great American storytellers and one of the most successful and influential film directors of his generation. His iconic films, including IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT, MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON, and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, offered an inspiring vision of America where ideals win out, integrity triumphs, and ordinary people have their day. The documentary uses never-before-seen footage and audio tapes from Capra’s life to examine his career and relationship with America, offering a portrait of a complicated man whose tales of hope in difficult times still speak to audiences today. Written and Directed by Matthew Wells. Presented in High Definition on Blu-ray Disc; English DTS-HD MA Audio; Includes a Theatrical Trailer FRANK CAPRA: MR AMERICA has a run time of approximately 92 minutes and is rated PG-13 for brief strong language, smoking and thematic elements. Academy Award® and Oscar® are the registered trademarks and service marks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

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[Robert Harris]

Great news. Hoping some silents are among them.

 

[Garysb]

Per Wikipedia there were 25 Capra film made at Columbia. "Lady For A Day" and "Broadway Bill" are not owned by Columbia anymore as they were sold when the films were remade. "Say It with Sables" is listed as lost and the Donovan Affair is listed as having a lost soundtrack. 25 less 4 = 21. My guess for the 21 films included in this upcoming set.

Silent Films

That Certain Thing	Columbia	Viola Dana
So This Is Love?	Columbia	Shirley Mason
The Matinee Idol	Columbia	Bessie Love / Johnnie Walker
The Way of the Strong	Columbia	Mitchell Lewis / Alice Day / William Norton Bailey
Say It with Sables	Columbia	Helene Chadwick / Francis X. Bushman / Margaret Livingston	lost
Submarine	Columbia	Jack Holt / Ralph Graves / Dorothy Revier
The Power of the Press	Columbia	Douglas Fairbanks Jr. / Jobyna Ralston
Sound films
1929	The Younger Generation	Columbia	Ricardo Cortez	partially silent
The Donovan Affair	Columbia	Jack Holt	lost soundtrack
Flight	Columbia	Jack Holt / Ralph Graves
1930	Ladies of Leisure	Columbia	Barbara Stanwyck / Ralph Graves
Rain or Shine	Columbia	Joe Cook
1931	Dirigible	Columbia	Jack Holt / Ralph Graves / Fay Wray
The Miracle Woman	Columbia	Barbara Stanwyck
Platinum Blonde	Columbia	Loretta Young / Robert Williams / Jean Harlow
1932	Forbidden	Columbia	Barbara Stanwyck / Adolphe Menjou
American Madness	Columbia	Walter Huston
1933	The Bitter Tea of General Yen	Columbia	Barbara Stanwyck / Nils Asther
Lady for a Day	Columbia	May Robson / Warren William / Guy Kibbee
1934	It Happened One Night	Columbia	Clark Gable / Claudette Colbert
Broadway Bill	Columbia	Warner Baxter / Myrna Loy
1936	Mr. Deeds Goes to Town	Columbia	Gary Cooper / Jean Arthur
1937	Lost Horizon	Columbia	Ronald Colman / Jane Wyatt
1938	You Can't Take It with You	Columbia	Lionel Barrymore / Jean Arthur / James Stewart
1939	Mr. Smith Goes to Washington	Columbia	James Stewart / Jean Arthur

 

[Garysb]

All that said it would be nice if Columbia could license "Lady For A Day" and "Broadway Bill" and also include "Meet John Doe" which I have read Columbia owns the negative even though Columbia never released it.

 

[battlebeast]

I think I will get this, just to have YOU CANT, ONE NIGHT, MR. DEEDS, LOST HORIZON and MR. SMITH.

It would be amazing to get LADY FOR A DAY, but I won’t hold my breath.

It was released on BLU, who owns it now?

 

[battlebeast]

It would be neat if they still had a script from DONOVAN AFFAIR, and they could use actors to dub the dialogue. Just an idea, Don’t kill me!

 

[Robert Crawford]

I think I will get this, just to have YOU CANT, ONE NIGHT, MR. DEEDS, LOST HORIZON and MR. SMITH.

It would be amazing to get LADY FOR A DAY, but I won’t hold my breath.

It was released on BLU, who owns it now?

2012 Blu-ray:

 

[battlebeast]

2012 Blu-ray:

View attachment 231634

Not company info…

 

[Angelo Colombus]

Excellent news and i hope they will include the AFI Salute To Frank Capra (1982) as an extra. Have the laserdisc but would like to see a updated transfer of it.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Not company info…

Inception Media Group

 

[jayembee]

Capra made 36 (non-documentary) features, of which 25 were made by Columbia. Subtracting the two that were sold to Paramount for remakes, that brings it down to 23. As for Meet John Doe, that's like 4K-ready, as ClassicFlix had originally planned a UHD release, and ended up releasing it only on BD and DVD (for financial reasons, if memory serves, not because of the lack of good elements). So that's a possibility

I'm not sanguine about at least some of the silents having elements that would make them 4K-ready. Maybe they'll be including some of the US War Department docs. We don't have enough information to know whether the inclusion of 21 films in a 4K/UHD set means that all of the films will be in 4K.

 

[jayembee]

Inception Media Group

Which is no longer an active company. They only released seven titles, four of which were web-site exclusives. They've released nothing since 2015. I was really looking forward to their announced-but-never-released BD of King Vidor's Our Daily Bread. Their other announced-but-never-released BD was a second volume of Puppetoon movies

So, regarding battlebeast's question, who knows who currently has the rights for Lady for a Day. The only other BD of it appears to be a Spanish release that's likely a bootleg.

 

[Robert Crawford]

Which is no longer an active company. They only released seven titles, four of which were web-site exclusives. They've released nothing since 2015. I was really looking forward to their announced-but-never-released BD of King Vidor's Our Daily Bread. Their other announced-but-never-released BD was a second volume of Puppetoon movies

So, regarding battlebeast's question, who knows who currently has the rights for Lady for a Day. The only other BD of it appears to be a Spanish release that's likely a bootleg.

Here is the back cover of my 2012 Blu-ray:

 

[bujaki]

It would be neat if they still had a script from DONOVAN AFFAIR, and they could use actors to dub the dialogue. Just an idea, Don’t kill me!

The script exists. Film Forum had a screening with actors reading the dialogue. So your idea is plausible.

 

[jayembee]

OK, that shows the copyright is to Frank Capra Productions, which shouldn't be a surprise. But that doesn't tell us if the distribution rights currently lie with anyone. (I'm not trying to argue the point with you, Robert, just trying to keep the facts as straight as we can.)

Anyway, thanks for posting that. I have a copy of that BD as well, but it's buried somewhere in the FLIB (what I call my Film LIBrary).

 

[Rob W]

Who will be the first to complain that they already have the 4K It Happened One Night and Mr Smith Goes to Washington from the Columbia Classics boxes ?

Sorry .... couldn't resist. But this is one hell of a box set (in 4k yet!) and may just end up being the classic film release of the year.

 

[Garysb]

2012 Blu-ray:

View attachment 231634

Unknown how true this is but per Wikipedia:

In the early 1950s, the original negative was lost while being transferred from one film lab to another for preservation work. For a period of time the only existing copy was a 35mm print owned by Capra, until he made a duplicate negative from it and donated a newly minted print to the Library of Congress. Columbia later sold the rights to the story to United Artists for $200,000, and Capra remade the film as Pocketful of Miracles with Bette Davis and Glenn Ford in 1961.

 

[jayembee]

Who will be the first to complain that they already have the 4K It Happened One Night and Mr Smith Goes to Washington from the Columbia Classics boxes ?

Sorry .... couldn't resist. But this is one hell of a box set (in 4k yet!) and may just end up being the classic film release of the year.

Garysb, back in post #4 . Except that it appears that he edited his post to remove that, although to be fair, he technically didn't "complain" so much as wishing that they'd announced this set before releasing those movies in the Classics box sets.

 

[Garysb]

I am surprised no one has mentioned the possibility of Columbia finding the missing footage from "Lost Horizon." Maybe one day they will use AI to recreate the missing footage with the proper permissions from the estates of the actors.

 

[dana martin]

Allowing for the overlaps that are also included in the Columbia Pictures Box Set releases, this Mega set would be a welcomed addition to anybody. I mean 13 pre-codes , with Harlow and Stanwyck in the mix, American Madness... plus those Silent films.. those latter films It Happened thru Mr. Smith just become the frosting in a perfect cake!

Waiting to see an official announcement now, and a sticker price