Warner Ultimate Collectors Editions: What next?

[mileycyrusrox]

what about a box set with their first and only child actress of the 30s sybil jason? it was their answer to shirley temple.
all the allied artist catalog.

[2099net]

Sounds like it will be another UCE without a HiDef package, just like Troy DC. Man, that Forbidden Planet HD DVD UCE must had sold poorly.

Well it appears the HiDef Bonnie and Clyde get a book package. Its both a book and a disc holder.

I wish they did this with Troy DC on HiDef, as I really would have liked the book that came with the DVD UCE for Troy: Director's Cut.

[Sky Syndrome]

*drools over the Bonnie and Clyde Collector's Edition* Too bad about the commentary. I had hoped the two Bunny and Claude episodes from the Looney Tunes series would have been on it. Shame that they're not. I miss Bunny and Claude especially their funny theme song.

[2099net]

Some sources are listing the Batman Begins Gift Set as an Ultimate Collector's Edition. But some are just listing it as "Limited Edition Gift Set" - which let's face it sounds boring.

I'm not sure if it will be a UCE or not, but being as Blu-ray is reportedly getting the previous 4 Batman films in a boxset around the same time, let's hope these come in a UCE, complete with Superman like Tin.

[Escapay]

The latest title to get UCE treatment is 1963's How The West Was Won. It'll be released August 28, 2008 in both standard two-disc DVD ($20.97), two-disc Blu-Ray ($34.99), and DVD-only Ultimate Collector's Edition ($59.92)

Disc One:
-The Film - thanks to Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging, the "join lines" that are often seen (due to the three-camera Cinerama process) are eliminated and "unify the images into a superb viewing experience that captures the essence of the production’s initial road show exhibitions, with an aspect ratio of 2.89:1".
-Film Historian Commentary - participant TBA
-Blu-Ray Exclusive - “SmileBox” version of the film ("which presents the image with a unique curvature that virtually recreates the true Cinerama® experience in a home theater")
--Blu-Ray Exclusive - special Digi-book packaging featuring 32-pages of rare press materials and behind-the-scenes photos.

Disc Two:
-Cinerama® Adventure (2002) - Dave Strohmaier’s critically-acclaimed, feature-length documentary
-The Making of How the West Was Won (1998)
-Original Theatrical Trailer

UCE Gubbins
-20-page theatrical press book reproduction
-10 behind-the-scenes photo cards and 10 postcards
-exclusive movie poster offer

I'm a bit annoyed that they're not gonna have a new retrospective doc for the movie itself. The 1998 featurette is good (about 15 minutes or so, with behind-the-scenes video footage), but it'd be nice to hear from the surviving cast/crew today. Also, the bts footage in the featurette would be great to see standalone, and more of it as well.

Albert

[2099net]

How my heart sings, now that Escapay has used the word "gubbins"

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gubbins

To keep the post somewhat on-topic, I don't understand why the High Def format doesn't have a tin and/or "gubbins". The book packaging may or may not be nice - I haven't seen one - buy why not duplicate the DVD extra value content.

I'm still sore I purchased Troy DC on Blu-ray without the art book

[Flanger-Hanger]

YES! This was one of the DVDs I've been hoping for this year since the previous release didn't even have anamorphic enhancement on the picture. And it will be in it's correct aspect ratio! With some more (although not much more) bonus features!

[2099net]

The latest title to get UCE treatment is 1963's How The West Was Won. It'll be released August 28, 2008 in both standard two-disc DVD ($20.97), two-disc Blu-Ray ($34.99), and DVD-only Ultimate Collector's Edition ($59.92)

But Escapay seemed to ignore The Dirty Harry UCE announced previously. With gubbins! And this time, the Blu-ray set seems to get the gubbins too!

Too bad I have zero interest in the films.

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=67161

Warner Home Video have announced the Region 1 DVD release of the Dirty Harry Ultimate Collector’s Edition on 13th June 2008 priced at $74.92 SRP. ... The UCE set and the Dirty Harry Special Edition will also be available on Blu-ray Disc priced at $129.95 SRP and $34.99 SRP respectively.

Dirty Harry Special Edition
(2-disc DVD and Single Disc Blu-ray Hi-Def format)

Set in San Francisco in 1971, Dirty Harry is the gritty and suspenseful film that follows the story of Inspector Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood), who earns the moniker ‘Dirty Harry’ for his reputation of handling the dirtiest homicidal cases. The City by the Bay faces the terror of a serial killer known as Scorpio (Andrew Robinson), who viciously snipes at innocent victims and demands ransom through notes left at the scene of the crime. Callahan is assigned to the case along with his newest partner, Inspector Chico Gonzalez (Reni Santoni) to track down Scorpio and stop him. Using humiliation along with cat and mouse type games against Callahan, Scorpio is put to the test by the cop with the very dirty attitude.

Special Features:
New Commentary by Richard Schickel -- Filmmaker and Eastwood biographer Schickel examines the landmark film that revolutionized cinematic crime drama for all time.
New Featurette The Long Shadow of Dirty Harry -- An examination of the influence and legacy of Dirty Harry.
Featurette Dirty Harry: The Original -- Clint Eastwood and the film’s creators look back at the birth of the modern action hero: Dirty Harry.
Featurette Dirty Harry’s Way -- A promotional short on the movie Dirty Harry focusing on the toughness of the movies’ main characters.
Interview Gallery -- Includes interviews with Patricia Clarkson, Joel Cox, Clint Eastwood, Hal Holbrook, Evan Kim, John Milius, Ted Post, Andy Robinson, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert Urich.
1993 TV Special Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso -- A look at the life and career of actor/director Clint Eastwood, including scenes from his past film and television work and interviews with friends, fellow actors and crew members who have worked with him over the years.
Trailer Gallery -- Dirty Harry, Magnum Force, The Enforcer, Sudden Impact and The Dead Pool

Magnum Force Deluxe Edition
Magnum Force, which was released in 1973 as a sequel to Dirty Harry has Eastwood reprise his famous role as Inspector Callahan, which has him face crooked cops and a traitorous boss as well as suffering re-assignment from homicide to stakeout duty after his handling of the Scorpio case. Callahan and his new partner, Earlington “Early” Smith (Felton Perry), are called off a case in which a man acquitted of murder is found dead along with his chauffer, lawyer and bodyguard. Soon after, a mafia figure, and several of his family and friends are also gunned down. Then, a well-known pimp is murdered too. Callahan and ‘Early’ are soon re-assigned to investigate the homicides.

Special Features:
New Commentary by writer John Milius -- In this gritty, entertaining commentary, legendary Hollywood screenwriter Milius discusses Eastwood, the world of Dirty Harry and the rugged resilience of crime drama in American cinema.
New Featurette A Moral Right: The Politics of Dirty Harry -- Filmmakers, social scientists and authors take a provocative look at the moral, political and ethical themes of the Dirty Harry films.
The Hero Cop: Yesterday and Today
Trailer Gallery

The Enforcer Deluxe Edition
Released in 1976, The Enforcer marks the third installment in the Dirty Harry franchise. The film’s plot has Inspector Callahan (Eastwood) paired with a new partner, policewoman, Inspector Kate Moore (Tyne Daly), as they hunt for a group of terrorists that are blackmailing the city of San Francisco for two million dollars. Callahan, none-too-pleased by being teamed up with a woman, must put his job first and the two attempt to shut down the terrorists. Moore, however, proves herself after she and Callahan pursue the terrorists to their hideout in the prison of Alcatraz.

Special Features:
New Commentary by director James Fargo. Director Fargo takes an entertaining look at the film that launched his career as a director, including the day Clint Eastwood nonchalantly let him know he had the job.
New Featurette The Business End: Violence in Cinema An unflinching look at the ongoing debate on violence in cinema.
Featurette Harry Callahan/Clint Eastwood: Something Special in Films
Trailer Gallery

Sudden Impact Deluxe Edition
Sudden Impact is Eastwood’s fourth Dirty Harry film. Released in 1983, follows Inspector Callahan (Eastwood) as he’s shipped to San Paulo, a small town down the coast to investigate a murder. The killer is Jennifer Spencer (Sondra Locke) who out for revenge is murdering all the rapists that gang-raped her and her little sister 10 years ago. During his investigations, Callahan becomes entangled in Jennifer’s own troubles - all the while never suspecting that she’s the killer.

Special Features:
New Commentary by renowned film critic Richard Schickel -- Author and longtime Eastwood associate Schickel uncovers layers of meaning in this, the only Dirty Harry film directed by Eastwood himself
New Featurette The Evolution of Clint Eastwood -- An examination of the film in the context of Eastwood’s broader career as a director.
Trailer Gallery

The Dead Pool Deluxe Edition
The final film in the collection is The Dead Pool, which was originally released in 1988. The Dead Pool finds Inspector Callahan (Eastwood) investigating an unusual betting game played by a film director and his crew, which has the players create a list of 10 celebrities they think will die. The winner is the one with the highest number of dead celebrities. Soon, however, people on the list begin to die under mysterious circumstances. Callahan is assigned to the case and discovers his name has made the list.

Special Features:
New Commentary by producer David Valdes and Cinematographer Jack N. Green, who discuss the challenging and rewarding experience making this the final chapter in the Dirty Harry series.
New Featurette The Craft of Dirty Harry -- A look at the cinematographers, editors, musicians, production designers and other talent of the Dirty Harry series.
Trailer Gallery

Dirty Harry Ultimate Collector’s Edition
(7-disc DVD and 5-disc Blu-ray Hi-Def format)

Includes all five Dirty Harry films; all special features on the Dirty Harry Special Edition and Deluxe Editions, plus additional special features and contents specific to the Ultimate Collector’s Edition.

UCE Special Features and <strike>Contents</strike> Gubbins:
Bonus Feature-Length documentary Clint Eastwood: Out of the Shadows
40+ page hardcover book
Wallet w/metal badge and removable laminated I.D. card
Five 5”x 7” Reproduction Lobby Poster Cards plus an exclusive UCE card
Scorpio Portrait of a Killer Poster-Sized (19” x 27”) map of San Francisco detailing Harry’s hunt for the killer
Never-Before-Seen Production Correspondence

[jrboy]

But Escapay seemed to ignore The Dirty Harry UCE announced previously. With gubbins! And this time, the Blu-ray set seems to get the gubbins too!

Too bad I have zero interest in the films.

As well as the Rat Pack Collection

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5 ... SS400_.jpg

UCE Gubbins
Exclusive behind-the-scenes photo cards; rare correspondence from the Warner Bros. Archives; playing cards available only in the collection; a 24-page reproduction of the original 1960's Ocean's Eleven press book. Plus a free movie poster offer for all four films.

[Escapay]

But Escapay seemed to ignore The Dirty Harry UCE announced previously. With gubbins!

As well as the Rat Pack Collection

I'm slacking a bit, so sue me.

Maybe it's because I'm still waiting for a proper two-disc gubbins-galore Ultimate Collector's Edition of An American in Paris.

Albert

[Disneykid]

Maybe it's because I'm still waiting for a proper two-disc gubbins-galore Ultimate Collector's Edition of An American in Paris.

It may not be an Ultimate Collector's Edition, but you'll still get half your wish since a 2-disc for that is coming at the end of the year along with Gigi (which Flanger-Hanger had requested earlier in this thread). 2-Disc BDs will also be coming for both the same day, which I'll definitely be picking up. There's no release date for either one, yet, but I think October seems likely since that's often when WB releases their big catalogue SEs for the fourth quarter (which I usually buy using my birthday money).

[Escapay]

Maybe it's because I'm still waiting for a proper two-disc gubbins-galore Ultimate Collector's Edition of An American in Paris.

It may not be an Ultimate Collector's Edition, but you'll still get half your wish since a 2-disc for that is coming at the end of the year along with Gigi (which Flanger-Hanger had requested earlier in this thread). 2-Disc BDs will also be coming for both the same day, which I'll definitely be picking up. There's no release date for either one, yet, but I think October seems likely since that's often when WB releases their big catalogue SEs for the fourth quarter (which I usually buy using my birthday money).

Woohoo!!!

I'm so glad we can finally attach a (vague, but still solid) release date! I've been (impatiently) awaiting for a new version of An American In Paris ever since they first announced it'd get an Ultra-Resolution restoration due in 2006 for its 55th Anniversary (obviously things changed...). I'm also hoping it'll include "Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer" as one of its bonus documentaries (even if it's already available on its own and as part of the Gene Kelly boxset from 2002).

Now, if only Warner will finally set a release date for the Showboat boxset that has all three versions of the film...

Albert

[2099net]

2 Disc BDs? Are you sure? Because that would be somewhat against Warners previous form (Did I mention I reckon my HD DVD Forbidden Planet has a little over 6.5 hours of (standard definition) extras on a HD DVD 30? - Lord knows what they could do with a BD50!)

I guess it could indicate that the extras would also be in HD - something Warners have done in the past for full documentries (such as the film editing doc on the Getaway disc or the "O Lucky Malcolm" doc on A Clockwork Orange), but again considering these discs supported a feature and a feature length documentary in HD on one disc (plus an hour or two of SD content) I still find it hard to believe Warners is planning 2 disc BDs.

[Flanger-Hanger]

is coming at the end of the year along with Gigi (which Flanger-Hanger had requested earlier in this thread).

WOOOOOOOT! All my DVD (and Blu-ray) dreams are coming true! Where ever did you find such information?

[Disneykid]

I admit that I just assumed that they'd be 2-disc sets. They were announced as SE DVDs with the BD counterparts released day and date. I had no idea WB doesn't normally do 2-disc BDs. Either way, I'll be shocked if the DVDs at least aren't 2-discers, and the BDs will contain all of the supplements regardless.

Here are some sites that mention the DVD/BD releases of An American in Paris and Gigi for the end of the year:

The Digital Bits

High-Def Digest

Blu-Ray.com

[Escapay]

The Digital Bits has cover art for An American In Paris and Gigi and mentions it'll be released September 16...



And DVDTimes has specs...

Gigi: Two-Disc Special Edition SRP $20.97
* Glorious New Transfer
* New Commentary with Leslie Caron and Film Historian Jeanine Basinger
* Thank Heaven! The Making of Gigi Documentary
* Original 1949 Nonmusical Gigi Movie
* More!

An American in Paris: Two-Disc Special Edition SRP $20.97
* Astonishing Ultra-resolution Picture
* Stellar New ’S Wonderful Making of Documentary
* Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer Profile
* More!

I'm hoping they'll announce that there is (as well as who's on it) a commentary for An American in Paris.

Also, really hoping that "More!" means "the original theatrical trailer and more!"

Albert

[Escapay]

More from DigitalBits...

-----

Also, you might recall that we mentioned Warner's An American in Paris and Gigi on Friday. The studio has just officially announced that the 2-disc DVD versions of each will be available on 9/16, but the Blu-ray Disc versions will arrive "in early 2009" for unspecified reasons. According to the studio's press release, issued just this morning...

"An American in Paris, originally photographed in Technicolor, is the latest recipient of Warner Bros.' proprietary Ultra-Resolution process, which takes the original Technicolor negatives and meticulously combines them to yield a stunning picture with sharpness and depth of field never seen before.

Gigi was produced after the demise of the original Technicolor system, photographed in the industry-standardized Eastmancolor process. For this new DVD release, Gigi has been photo-chemically restored from its original camera negative and safety separations to produce a much sharper and colorful image than has been seen in decades. It also contains a 5.1 audio mix created from the original multi-track source elements."

In terms of bonus features, An American in Paris include the 2002 Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer documentary, the newly-produced S'Wonderful: The Making of An American in Paris documentary, audio outtakes, radio interviews and 2 film shorts (Paris on Parade and Tex Avery's Symphony in Slang). Gigi will include the Thank Heaven! The Making of Gigi documentary, and 2 more shorts (The Million Dollar Nickel and The Vanishing Duck).

-----

Still no mention of trailers...

Albert

[Cordy_Biddle]

Wow! I'm especially looking forward to the new edition of "Gigi" and all those tantalising extras. Very glad to know Ms Caron has consented to record an audio commentary, and Ms Basinger is always a pleasure as well. I've never seen the 1949 version--starring Daniele Delorme as Gigi--so that will be lovely to have as well.

[Disneykid]

I'm disappointed that the BDs aren't coming the same day since WB had promised that from now on ("now" being when they announced they were going all Blu), all BDs would arrive day-and-date with their SD counterparts (if there are any). I guess mastering An American in Paris and Gigi for BD proved to be more difficult than they anticipated. At least I know they're giving both films the care they deserve rather than rushing them onto BD just to stick with the day-and-date policy. There's a lot of releases I want this fall, anyway, so post-poning these two till early 2009 will help my wallet a little bit.

Man, 2009's going to be a great Blu year with these, The Wizard of Oz (YES!), Gone with the Wind, Ben-Hur, and Quo Vadis. I wonder what other classic films WB is going to surprise us with for next year.

[Flanger-Hanger]

Man, 2009's going to be a great Blu year with these, The Wizard of Oz (YES!), Gone with the Wind, Ben-Hur, and Quo Vadis. I wonder what other classic films WB is going to surprise us with for next year.

Don't forget North by Northwest.

Looking forward to Gigi, but does that mean the transfer will be up to the standards of the "ultra-resolution" process even if it was not filmed in Technicolor?