OAR and the Feb live action releases

[abbatazappa]

I did a search on the forum and it looks like no one is discussing this problem. Disney has released the specs on the catalog releases slated for next month, and once again several are NOT in their original aspect ratios:

The Misadventures Of Merlin Jones 1.33:1 (FULL SCREEN)
Follow Me, Boys! 1.33:1 (FULL SCREEN)

Bon Voyage (no aspect ratio listed in the specs....not a good sign)

Those Calloways 1.66:1 (WIDESCREEN, at least there is one to buy).

Although I could not find evidence of original aspect ratios anywhere on the internet, I think it is safe to assume these theatrical releases from the 1960s were NOT full frame, 4:3 films. There have been widescreen DVD releases of Disney films from the late 50s and early 60s in widescreen, so it is safe to assume these should be as well.

I think it is time to remind Disney that cropped, pan and scan only DVDs are not acceptable. At the very least, they should offer an option on the same disc, as a flipper, or even on the same side as a dual layer disc. At least that way everyone would be happy. Anamorphic enhancement should be standard as well. Send and email to Disneyinfo@Disneyhelp.com
and let them know how you feel. This is ridiculous!

[Luke]

It is troubling, indeed. A lot of times it's just Disney wanting to use a fullscreen video master to make the DVDs, rather than trying to make a print in the original widescreen aspect ratio. Really lame since the people who are likely to buy these catalogue titles are likely to want the movies in OAR only.

[Udvarnoky]

the people who are likely to buy these catalogue titles are likely to want the movies in OAR only.

Exacty. The obscure titles have cult followings, and generally the only people who want to buy these films will only buy it in its OAR. It's like Disney is going out of their way to ensure it gets low sales. Or maybe they're just clueless.

[Ernest Rister]

Wasn't Merlin Jones shot for television, and for whatever reason, Walt decided to release it theatrically before it's TV debut? Hence the "two-act" structure which feels like two linked TV episodes? That's what Maltin says in "The Disney Films".

I'm not too concerned about the aspect ratio of Merlin Jones, since it was intended to be seen on TV screens, not theater screens.

As for Those Calloways, that movie is a gem -- glad to see it is receiving at least some consideration from the Mouse House.

[goofystitch]

"The Shaggy Dog" was also done like "Merlin Jones", so when Disney decides to release that film, it should be in fullscreen. Being only 18, I am desperate to see these movies and buy the fullscreen versions. I think Disney is clueless as to the fact that most people want widescreen.

[abbatazappa]

Thanks for the info on Merlin Jones, Udvarnoky. I feel better about that one, at least. Any info on OAR in the Maltin reference about Follow Me Boys, which perhaps is the film I am most interested in seeing of these 4?