Your thoughts on Kino-Lorber Blu-rays (3 Viewers)

[timk1041]

Universal holds the rights to Dear Ruth while Paramount holds the rights to Dear Wife and Dear Brat; Dear Wife is a Paramount title due to the fact that it was released after December 1, 1949, which is the demarcation date - with some notable exceptions - between which Paramount titles belong to the studio and which are held by Universal.

Thank you. That is what I was thinking too, but wasn't sure. I believe the only Paramount titles after 1949 owned by Universal are the Hitchcock ones, possibly a few others, but not much after that. Anyway, I wonder what chances Dear Ruth, etc. have of a commercial release?

 

[jayembee]

I believe the only Paramount titles after 1949 owned by Universal are the Hitchcock ones, possibly a few others, but not much after that.

Yeah, that's because Hitch controlled the rights, and made a deal with Universal for all the films he controlled.

 

[dana martin]

Normally, i know that most of the discussion in this thread is film related, but since we are discussing Kino disc releases, i want to address the TV series that Kino has released, after working my way slowly through the first disc of Night Gallery : Season Two. And it goes without saying that just like the 1st Season of Night Gallery, along with the Complete Kolchak: The Night Stalker, and of course Outer Limits: Original Series. Plus the blu ray release of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century Series/Movie, that Kino is on point when it comes to doing TV series, but more importantly doing it right.

With these anthology programs most nearing 50 years or so, all of the special features are perfect for the releases, but what I find even more fascinating is the amount of commentaries associated with these releases. Astounding, not only in the number involved, but just the amount of information contained.

Kudos to Kino, for another outstanding TV release, and hope that Universal will offer you the chance to possibly tackle 3 more properties on the TV front for possible HD physical releases, of course all anthologies, and all filmed at Review Studios.

Once again Season Two another perfect release, cant wait to see Season Three come up as a pre-order!

 

[Gerani53]

If Universal still actively owns DEAR RUTH, it's interesting that the title has not surfaced anywhere in the world... not from Universal, or any of the various video companies who have deals with U to put out their obscure movies. It was a big hit for William Holden and Joan Caulfield in its day, giving birth to the disproved theory that CATCHER IN THE RYE's Holden Caulfield was inspired by the charming duo; a pair of entertaining sequels attest to RUTH's impact. Just out of curiosity, did Universal make the film available to Kino as a possible release title, but Kino simply wasn't interested?

 

[timk1041]

If Universal still actively owns DEAR RUTH, it's interesting that the title has not surfaced anywhere in the world... not from Universal, or any of the various video companies who have deals with U to put out their obscure movies. It was a big hit for William Holden and Joan Caulfield in its day, giving birth to the disproved theory that CATCHER IN THE RYE's Holden Caulfield was inspired by the charming duo; a pair of entertaining sequels attest to RUTH's impact. Just out of curiosity, did Universal make the film available to Kino as a possible release title, but Kino simply wasn't interested?

Good question. I am wondering about the 2 sequels too owned by Paramount.

 

[Robert Crawford]

On Monday, I decided to watch some Kubrick films with a preference towards some of his early films. First, I pulled out the recently released 4K/UHD of "Killer's Kiss" (1955) starring Frank Silvera, Jamie Smith and Irene Kane. This 67 minute movie was Kubrick's second film and was shot on location in his hometown of NYC on a shoe-string budget. The film evolves around three people. A broken down boxer living in the next apartment building from a young woman that is employed as a taxi dancer at this dance club. The club's sleazy owner has designs on this young woman and has continued to pressure her into sexual situations. Anyhow, crimes are committed including murder. Frankly, the movie isn't good, but the way Kubrick filmed NYC was quite inventive with some great shots throughout the city. It's a shame this was Kubrick's only movie that he filmed in NYC, as he really captured the essence of his hometown in the mid-1950's.

The Kino 4K disc offers a 4 out of 5 video presentation. No doubt that 4K/Dolby Vision wasn't needed for this black and white film, but it is a distinguishable improvement over the 2011 Criterion Blu-ray of "The Killing" that had "Killer's Kiss" as a 1080p bonus feature. I also listened to Kino's audio commentary by Imogen Sara Smith which was as usual, very detailed and informative. She is one of my two favorite audio commentators.

After "Killer's Kiss", I watched the 4K/UHD disc of "The Killing" (1956) starring Sterling Hayden and one of the best cast of character actors ever assembled for one film. Coleen Gray, Vince Edwards, Jay C. Flippen, Ted DeCorsia, Marie Windsor, Elisha Cook, Joe Sawyer, James Edwards, Timothy Carey and Jay Adler. I'm not going to go into detail about what this fine movie is about except to say it's a heist movie involving a horse racetrack. In some ways, I prefer this heist film over John Huston's "The Asphalt Jungle" also starring Hayden in it. I particular love some of the despicable characters in this movie and the staging of the violence in the movie. By the way, not all of the characters in this movie committing this crime are despicable, just desperate average people. Also, I love the film's ending! Not bad for a movie that was hampered by the production code on what it could or couldn't show on screen.

Yes, 4K/Dolby Vision might have been a little too much for this film, but damn it looked gorgeous on my 65" OLED. Quite a significant improvement over the 2011 Criterion Blu-ray. My video grade is 4.5 out 5. Furthermore, Alan K. Rode's audio commentary was excellent and even better than Smith's commentary on "Killer's Kiss" due to his inclusion of his sense of humor as I did laugh out loud a couple of times. Just a great release by Kino!

 

[dana martin]

does FILM NOIR: THE DARK SIDE OF CINEMA XV cap the end of that series of releases? can't seem to recall how many the insider said that they had planned. If they want to keep releasing, i can always make shelf space for more,

Also was there any indication of anymore of the Forbidden Fruit Series, or is 13 the magic number for that one?

With all of the different releases that they have I am surprised that they haven't released (other that the two RKO sets) a couple of Pre-Code box sets.

 

[jayembee]

does FILM NOIR: THE DARK SIDE OF CINEMA XV cap the end of that series of releases? can't seem to recall how many the insider said that they had planned.

I believe XV is the last (so far) as they've all been Universal-owned titles since Set 8, and I think they've come to the end of their most recent Universal deal.

 

[timk1041]

My problem with these 4 box set releases is quite simply I want them all ...now. Wonderful news and many thanks to KL.

Same with me.

 

[timk1041]

I believe XV is the last (so far) as they've all been Universal-owned titles since Set 8, and I think they've come to the end of their most recent Universal deal.

I truly hope it gets extended into next year. There are so many more great titles yet and Kino has done a superb job with all the ones they have released.

 

[dana martin]

well with the current deal that they have with Paramount, plus hopefully negotiations with Universal and MGM/UA, i could see the Film noir series continuing for more; but at what number would you stop XXV or XXX

 

[timk1041]

well with the current deal that they have with Paramount, plus hopefully negotiations with Universal and MGM/UA, i could see the Film noir series continuing for more; but at what number would you stop XXV or XXX

I am sure there are more film noir titles not released yet, but it doesn't necessarily have to be just those. Although those sell really well, there are still other types from that library as well as the 30s/40s Paramount ones that could still be released. I just hope the deal goes into next year.

 

[Kino Lorber Insider]

does FILM NOIR: THE DARK SIDE OF CINEMA XV cap the end of that series of releases? can't seem to recall how many the insider said that they had planned. If they want to keep releasing, i can always make shelf space for more,

Also was there any indication of anymore of the Forbidden Fruit Series, or is 13 the magic number for that one?

With all of the different releases that they have I am surprised that they haven't released (other that the two RKO sets) a couple of Pre-Code box sets.

We already volume 16 planned and maybe more.

We'll also do a poll and see if the fans want us to package previously released standalone releases as upcoming sets.

 

[RafaelPires]

We already volume 16 planned and maybe more.

We'll also do a poll and see if the fans want us to package previously released standalone releases as upcoming sets.

From which Studio will it be?

 

[Kino Lorber Insider]

From which Studio will it be?

Part of our next Universal deal, which will also include a couple of standalone noir releases.

 

[Josh Steinberg]

I hope there might be some more W.C. Fields coming in the future - I’ve rewatched every disc Kino has put out with him far more than I usually rewatch discs. Those have been absolute treasures for me!

 

[[email protected]]

I hope there might be some more W.C. Fields coming in the future - I’ve rewatched every disc Kino has put out with him far more than I usually rewatch discs. Those have been absolute treasures for me!

I hope so as well, plus more Bob Hope titles.

 

[RobertMG]

I hope there might be some more W.C. Fields coming in the future - I’ve rewatched every disc Kino has put out with him far more than I usually rewatch discs. Those have been absolute treasures for me!

how many fields are left unreleased

 

[Josh Steinberg]

how many fields are left unreleased

Depends on which films you consider to be “Fields films” vs films he had small appearances. Of the feature length sound films, here’s a loose breakdown.

Of the major appearances that are owned by Universal today, the following are left:
-International House
-Tillie and Gus
-Six of a Kind
-Mississippi
-Poppy
-The Big Broadcast of 1938

Minor appearances/smaller roles, owned by Universal:
-Million Dollar Legs
-If I Had A Million
-Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch
-Follow the Boys

Appearances from other studios that Kino doesn’t currently have a deal with:
-Her Majesty, Love (Warner)
-David Copperfield (Warner)
-Tales of Manhattan (Fox - his scenes were deleted from the original theatrical release but were reinstated for the VHS version, which has also been shown on TCM)
-Song of the Open Road (United Artists???)
-Sensations of 1945 (United Artists???)

I don’t know if his five sound shorts are still under copyright. “The Dentist” and “The Fatal Glass of Beer” are on Blu-ray as part of a Flicker Alley set of Mack Sennett shorts, though the transfers were unnecessarily windowboxed making for an odd presentation. That leaves The Pharmacist, The Barber Shop and The Golf Specialist not on Blu-ray.

Of the silents that are known to survive, the Pool Sharks short, So’s Your Old Man and Sally Of The Sawdust aren’t on Blu-ray. Several of his silents are either presumed or confirmed lost.

Kino has definitely put out the most well known and arguably the best of his sound films. I personally find “Tillie and Gus” and “Six of a Kind” to be great but they’re not as well known as the others - but those are probably the two I’d most like upgraded out of the remaining ones.

 

[Gary OS]

Part of our next Universal deal, which will also include a couple of standalone noir releases.

Hoping we finally get “Here Come the Nelsons“ in the next Universal deal. And of course, I’ll continue to advocate for Dorothy Lamour ‘sarong‘ releases.