Top 10 Favourite 70s films that haven't been released in Blu-ray (1 Viewer)

[LeoA]

Amazing how much people's tastes can differ. I see nothing on that list that would interest me.

I thought for a moment that perhaps there was one that I'd like to check out, but then I looked it up. Silent Running sure is a misleading title. I thought it would be a submarine movie.

lol

 

[Wvtvguy]

I'm sure they've been listed but I thought of two Pacino films. Scarecrow & Panic in Needle Park.

 

[Dr Griffin]

This thread started less than a year ago, and I was surprised at how many of the titles mentioned have now been released on Blu-ray in the past 11 months. Maybe the titles listed in this thread should be re-organized and updated. If I find the time I will do it.

I'll give another call for Death in Venice (1971), which was released by Warner in France a couple years ago, so where is it? Also The Hospital (1971); Chayefsky won an Oscar (among other awards) for the screenplay.

 

[Walter Kittel]

This thread started less than a year ago, and I was surprised at how many of the titles mentioned have now been released on Blu-ray in the past 11 months.

Same here. Reviewing everyone's lists I am very pleased at the number of titles that have been released since last year.


- Walter.

 

[Kyrsten Brad]

I hear ya Walter. Unfortunately none of my original list has yet made it to Blu-ray though The Black Hole has made it to HD digital download. Cheers though to those folks who's listings have made it to Blu.

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Well folks, taking a cue from our friend here, Konstantinos Zacharopoulos, I decided to start this thread of my favourite (note Proper Queen's English spelling there) 1970s era films that have yet to see a Blu-ray release. Some have seen VHS, LaserDisc and DVD releases in the past, some just a VHS and even one on my list has never seen a home media release. Which is probably par for the course for the more obscure 1970s titles as anywhere from 15-20 years had passed from their theatrical release to the Dawn of the DVD era in the late 1990s.


OK here's my list as I see it (OK more than 10). I'm including titles that have not yet had a Region A (U.S.) release, though some might have seen non-USA releases. If you see one here, don't hesitate to point it out to me. I'll be updating this posting as I get more information come in.


And now without further adieu....


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Aloha Bobby & Rose (1975): From Wikipedia: " In 1970s Hollywood, small-time auto mechanic Bobby (Paul Le Mat) and fast food waitress Rose (Diane Hull) meet, and fall in love. They dream of a life in Hawaii, and talk of living there in the near future. One night, Bobby’s prank of the “fake” robbery of a convenience store with a shotgun backfires: a young shopkeeper is killed in an accidental homicide. Following the accident, Bobby and Rose become fugitives, and Rose becomes worried about the future of her five-year-old son. They decide to go on the run in Bobby’s 1968 Chevrolet Camaro.



Arnold (1974): From IMDB, "Upon his death, Arnold marries his lover, Karen, in spite of his widow, and leaves deathtraps accompanied by audiotapes and his preserved and articulate corpse for those who cared only for his money."

From Brad, This is a rather obscure 1974 dark comedy with a tinge of real horror which I saw at age 14. Overshadowed big time in that time frame by that other horror classic, The Exorcist. But as a teenager, you got major cool points for going to see it.

In short the main character, Arnold, a wealthy aristocrat has passed on and has left tape-recorded messages to all his greedy-as-all-dickens relatives (and all are pompous jerks). Each greedy relative meets his/her demise in some devious "booby-trap" apparently all built by Arnold before he died. But there had to be a supernatural element as how would he know when to trigger each trap.

Of course each relative dies after he or she proudly announces (to thin air apparently) their true opinion of Arnold. Which made me think, man just keep your big mouth shut and maybe you'll get out alive.

One thing that my then 14 year old brain couldn't miss, a major requirement for most of the female cast, big breasts with dizzying cleavage.


Ben (1972): The sequel to the horror picture Willard. Saw this one at age 12.


Bermuda Triangle (1978): From IMDB; "The passengers and crew of a boat on a summer cruise in the Caribbean stray near the famed Bermuda Triangle, and mysterious things start happening."


Big Bad Mama (1974): From IMDB; "After the death of her lover, Wilma takes over his bootlegging business, but without much success. She soon meets up with bank robber Fred, who convinces her and her daughters to join him for his next big heist. In the meantime, Wilma also kidnaps the daughter of a millionaire in the hopes of getting rich off the ransom. Will Wilma and Fred be able to retire with their ill-gotten gains, or will the law eventually catch up with them?"

From Brad: One of my sentimental favorites as this Roger Corman film was a late night staple on cable in the 80s. Most striking feature, Angie Dickinson at age 40 doing her first nude scenes...and she put most Playboy centerfolds to shame.



Black Hole, The (1979): Disney's big 1979 sci-fi effort trying to cash in on the sci-fi craze spearheaded by Star Wars. Definitely Disney's "darkest" film to that date and has carved out a niche among sci-fi film fans all of whom would love a Blu. A HD version is available on Amazon Instant Video, I'll have to check it out.

Link to my HTF Write-Up on The Black Hole.



Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979): Of course the movie that spawned a two-season TV series and a sentimental favorite among many sci-fi fans. A DVD set of the entire series, including the theatrical cut of the movie is out but as of yet no blu. Hopefully though maybe we'll eventually get a non-US blu release (complete with cleanup from the original masters) similar to what was done with the original Battlestar Galactica (from the same series creator by the way, Glen Larson). Personally I'd like to see a complete remaster like was done with Star Trek TOS but make sure that the original versions come with a remaster.


California Dreaming (1977): From Wiki; "A young man named T.T. moves from Chicago to California for the summer. He quickly becomes adapted to the new pace of life, learning several lessons along the way."

From Brad: Saw this movie at the 29 Palms USMC theater in 1979. We sure did get a good look at the gorgeous Glynnis O'Connor (Ode to Billie Joe) but the real "depth" to the film came near the end when Seymour Cassel's character passed on during a beach volleyball game.


Chiorboys, The (1977)


Escape from Alcatraz (1979): Clint Eastwood in a new role for him. You could say that 1979 was Clint's year for trying new roles (i.e. Every Which Way But Loose). UPDATE, Blu is available on Amazon though rather expensive ($28) and I won't vouch for the transfer.


Eyes of Laura Mars (1977): From IMDB; "Suddenly Laura Mars can see through the eyes of a serial killer as he commits his crimes. She contacts the police and with the aid of a police detective, tries to stop the killer. But first, they have to figure out who it is.

Frrom Brad: One of my 70s mystery favorites. Star Trek fans among us might (barely) recognize actor Rene Auberjonois (Odo from Deep Space Nine)


Golden Girl (1979): A fictional account of a Olympic athlete (played by the gorgeous Susan Anton) who was training to compete in the 1980 Olympics in Moscow (which we know were boycotted).


Goodbye Girl (1978): From IMDB; " After being dumped by her live-in boyfriend, an unemployed dancer and her 10-year-old daughter are reluctantly forced to live with a struggling off-Broadway actor."

From Brad: Surprising that this one has never seen a Blu release as it was very well known back in late 1977/ early 1978 and won a Oscar for Best Actor (Richard Dreyfuss). Definitely needs a Blu.


I Wanna Hold Your Hand (1978): A early effort here from Back To The Future film geinuses Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale. This film actually garnered a few positive reviews but was a flop at the box office. Back in early 1978 on a Sunday afternoon I took my then girlfriend Patti to see this movie. The catch though, I also had to take her younger sister Penny and her friend Denise as well. Well at least all three girls were cute as buttons.

From Wikipedia: " Four girls from Maplewood, New Jersey set off to New York City to see the Beatles' guest appearance on the Ed Sullivan television show. Rosie Petrofsky (Sperber) is in love with Paul, and wants to meet him; Grace Corrigan (Theresa Saldana), is certain that exclusive photos of The Beatles could secure her future as a photographer; Pam Mitchell (Allen), is about to get married and wants to have one last night of fun before her wedding, and Janis Goldman (Susan Kendall Newman) believes that the Beatles "undermine artistic integrity," so tags along to protest their music."


Invasion of the Bee Girls (1973): This R-rated B movie (no pun intended) was written by future Star Trek movie director Nicholas Meyer. Basically your male fantasy sexual/sci-fi movie from the early 1970s era and a late night drive in staple. But a fun movie nontheless.


Lady In Red (1979): A early post-Nancy Drew effort here (created by Roger Corman) from the lovely, and still lovely to this day Pamela Sue Martin. Pretty much a roaring 20s era gangster movie featuring Robert Conrad as John Dillinger. As with a lot of Roger Corman's work, plenty of female eye-candy (and not so female eye-candy as well in the prison inspection scene which might take the casual viewer by surprise) along with plenty of guns & action.


Malibu Beach (1979): A sentimental favorite of mine here despite it having basically no plot, no depth of character and basically no real redeeming social value, save for maybe muscle-head Dugan (Steve Oliver) finding love at the very end. Just lots of California teenagers having summer fun, need I say more. I'll say this though, Kim Lankford was really quite good in this movie considering the script they gave her. Oh and NEVER call Dugan a turd.

NOTE: a few scenes from this movie were actually lifted straight up and shown in the intro credits to the 1982 teen-party flick The Beach Girls, notably the bikini-stealing dog scenes.



Ode to Billie Joe (1976): This was a tear jerker for high school girls back in 1976. Going with my girlfriend to see it that summer, she made sure to cover my eyes when there might be some female nudity (I don't believe there was but it was close).


One & Only (1977): Taking a brief break from his greaser tough-guy roles (Happy Days, Lords of Flatbush), Henry Winkler plays a aspiring actor fresh out of college looking for his big break thru 1950s era studio wrestling.

From IMDB: :1951: Andy Schmidt is in his last year of college. Taking life easy and always a saucy joke on his lips, he manages to win fellow student Mary's heart, although she's already otherwise engaged. But getting a job after college turns out much harder than he expected. Most directors take offense at his free interpretation of his roles. Desperate, he tries in wrestling. To avoid getting beaten up he stages the fights - and incidentally invents show-wrestling."


Pretty Baby (1978): (Thanks Walter Kittel): Brooke Shields rookie role and quite a controversial one due mostly to (non-sexual) nudity on her part. That and the portrayal of her character's virginity being auctioned off. But this film was a very deep look into the New Orleans brothel scene in the early 20th century. Available on DVD but a well-produced Blu would do this film justice. Note that Brooke Shields next two movies (Wanda Nevada and The Blue Lagoon) are out on Blu, though in limited availability. Wanda Nevada is available from Germany and The Blue Lagoon is currently a Twilight Time release for as long as the supply holds up (I have all three movies, one DVD and two Blus).


Skatetown USA (1979): Oh yes, here is my big favorite for a Blu-ray release, though none seems to be coming as of yet. Nor was there ever any home media release ever (no VHS, LD or DVD). I did bring this one up to Nick Redman over at Twilight Time since Sony currently holds the rights. However Sony can't seem to do anything with it due to music rights issues, very BIG music rights issues as this movie really had lots of late 1970s hit songs in it. It would be worth the effort though just to see Patrick Swayze in his first major feature role (and in the skating competition, he destroys all comers doing his own skating).


Here's a link to my Skatetown USA Write-Up here on HTF


Star Wars (Original Theatrical Cut, 1977): There seems to be a lot of demand in the classic film fandom for the original Star Wars. I'm rather partial to the updated versions myself but would love to have the original on blu as well for comparison purposes. That and a well-transferred blu might show how some of those 70s era special effects were done. Could be a possibility in the not too distant future when Disney releases the next Star Wars movie.[/color]



Thank God Its Friday (1978): OK so Saturday Night Fever was the defining disco-themed film from the late 1970s era but in my opinion Thank God Its Friday gave us a better picture of the fun side of disco. Not nearly as emotionally deep as Saturday Night Fever but you left feeling like you had more fun. Plenty of disco hits, hilarious hi-jinks and sub-plots and a big "everybody in the world must be going to this" disco dance contest. Also some early appearances by Jeff Goldblum, Debra Winger and singer Terri Nunn (Berlin).


Write up on Thank God Its Friday on HTF

 

[Dr Griffin]

You would think both Willard (1971) and Ben (1972) would be a good choice for release, especially from Kino, or TT if possible.

 

[Konstantinos]

I would like to add the TV movie 21 Hours at Munich!

I loved it when I first saw it some months ago!


Could this be a possibility from any studio?

Does anyone know who has the rights?

 

[Kyrsten Brad]

Brad here.

Its been awhile for this thread but CELEBRATION TIME. One of my 70s titles, in my OP listing nonetheless is coming to Blu-ray and off this list, courtesy of Olive Films.


The One & Only (1977), starring Henry "The Fonz" Winkler and the lovely Kim Darby (Miri from Star Trek TOS) will be released onto Blu-ray come October 2015. On my purchase list it goes.

I remember seeing this film on a first date with a gorgeous Rita Hayworth redhead lookalike (well at least I thought she was) girl. Can't remember her name though, shucks.


Link to HTF Blu-ray thread Olive Films Releases, October 2015.

 

[Konstantinos]

Where is yet King Kong (1976)?

I wonder what's the hold-up since it has been released 6 years ago in Europe.

 

[Alan Tully]

Where is yet King Kong (1976)?

I wonder what's the hold-up since it has been released 6 years ago in Europe.

I have the French release, region free & no forced subs & looks very nice, & it's only a click of a mouse to buy.


I looked at my little list from last year, no joy yet:


Start The Revolution Without Me

The Last Valley

The Last Of Shiela - who cares who did it, it's James Coburn being cool & waspish.

Ulzana's Raid

The Devils

The Boy Friend

The Day Of The Jackle

The Life & Times Of Judge Roy Bean

Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid

The Cheap Detective

 

[Patrick McCart]

The Day of the Jackal (1970, Fred Zinneman) - Universal

The Angel Levine (1970, Jan Kadar) - MGM

Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx (1970, Waris Hussein) - VCI?

And Now For Something Completely Different (1971, Ian McNaughton) - Sony

Bananas (1971, Woody Allen) - MGM

They Might Be Giants (1971, Anthony Harvey) - Universal

The Ruling Class (1972, Peter Medak) - Criterion

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972, Luis Bunuel) - StudioCanal/Lionsgate [Region B release exists]

The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976, Blake Edwards) - MGM

Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure (1977, Richard Williams) - CBS

 

[Konstantinos]

I have the French release, region free & no forced subs & looks very nice, & it's only a click of a mouse to buy.

Yes, I know about that.

If I didn't need English subtitles I'd probably get it.

But I think this film would look amazing in a 4K restoration like other recently released Blurays.

 

[Konstantinos]

Just watched The White Dawn (1974).
It was a quite good film and I would very much welcome a bluray of it!

 

[Dave Lawrence]

I agree with many of the choices listed in this thread. Let me add 2 more that I didn't see anyone mention:

The Runner Stumbles (1979) - Dick Van Dyke (There's only been a VHS release.)
Going In Style (1979) - George Burns & Art Carney (There's a DVD but no Blu-ray.)

 

[Wvtvguy]

How are "blaxploitation" films like SLAUGHTER & BLACK CAESAR on blu Ray & not SUPERFLY??? To me it's one of the definitive films of the genre.

I'd also love to see:

THE CANDIDATE

PARALLEX VIEW

SCARECROW

THE HOT ROCK

CAR WASH

 

[Brad Fackler]

Altman - McCabe and Mrs. Miller 1971
Ashby - Shampoo 1975
Bogdanovich - Paper Moon 1973
Peckinpah - Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid 1973
Penn - Night Moves 1975

 

[Carabimero]

This is off the top of my head, with no previous thought given, so forgive any lapses. In no particular order:

The Conversation
The Godfather
The Godfather Part II
Silent Running
Star Wars
Superman
Capricorn One
Alien
Beneath the Planet of the Apes
Escape from the Planet of the Apes

 

[Kyrsten Brad]

Well it is a fine day when one of my Top XX Favourite 70s films comes off my original list with a Blu-ray release. As Ron Epstein so noted, the 1974 Action/Sexy, set in the 1920s-1930s era Big Bad Mama (1974) is being released by Shout Factory on March 29th, 2016 on Blu-ray.

Obviously I haven't see the blu yet so I can't comment on the quality of the transfer but hopefully its much superior to the earlier DVD release (Roger Corman Classics Series).

From my original posting:
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Big Bad Mama (1974): From IMDB; "After the death of her lover, Wilma takes over his bootlegging business, but without much success. She soon meets up with bank robber Fred, who convinces her and her daughters to join him for his next big heist. In the meantime, Wilma also kidnaps the daughter of a millionaire in the hopes of getting rich off the ransom. Will Wilma and Fred be able to retire with their ill-gotten gains, or will the law eventually catch up with them?"
From Brad: One of my sentimental favorites as this Roger Corman film was a late night staple on cable in the 80s. Most striking feature, Angie Dickinson at age 40 doing her first nude scenes...and she put most Playboy centerfolds to shame.
====================================

 

[battlebeast]

THE TURNING POINT still has yet to be released. Maybe Fox is embarrassed that it failed to win even one of its 11 nominations...

 

[atfree]

OK, I'll play:Sky Riders (1976)McQ (1974)The Train Robbers (1973)The Shootist (1976)Farewell, My Lovely (1975)The Big Sleep (1978)Fear is the Key (1972)When Eight Bells Toll (1971)The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)Foul Play (1978)

Two Years after I posted my reply to this topic, The Train Robbers and When Eight Bells Toll have been released (I thought WEBT was a very long shot for release), and McQ is coming in June. Unfortunately, Shout! Factor did release both of the Robert Mitchum Philip Marlowe films, Farewell, My Lovely and The Big Sleep, as DVD releases, no Blu-Ray.