DVDizzy Forum

That Disney Fella! wrote:@Albert

Weren't 'Kidnapped' and 'Toby Tyler' originally filmed in fullscreen? I'm thinking they were in that period like "Darby O'Gill" where they were filmed in fullscreen and then cropped for widescreen theatrical runs. I'm not sure....I just totally have this in my head for some reason.

Yeah, that was a flub on my part. The UD reviews for both even make a note on this, and Toby Tyler's goes into better detail when comparing it to other 1960 Disney films...

Toby turned up in theaters seven months after Darby, and later films of 1960 like Pollyanna and Swiss Family Robinson were clearly framed for and exhibited in widescreen. Amidst such confusion and conflicting information, I can't make a definitive statement on Toby's 4x3 presentation. The Academy Ratio framing does seem to be on the money; there are only a couple of shots that appear like they may have been cropped on the sides and there's not a particularly noticeable excess of frame space atop and bottom that would indicate an open matte transfer. While the DVD's visual dimensions may create a puzzle, it's not a particularly pressing or noticeable one.

Still, regardless of Toby's video presentation, I'm still disappointed that the DVD has no bonus features whatsoever beyond that bland "Classic Live-Action" trailer. A little-known film like Toby Tyler at least deserves a commentary or retrospective interview with Kevin Corcoran. Or even just the two"Moochie" TV movies.

That Disney Fella! wrote: I totally didn't think you'd post back so quickly, but I'm glad that great minds think alike...lol I'm right with you on "Blackbeard's Ghost"

Albert

The majority of Disney's live-action films of the late 50's and early-to-mid 60's were shot full aperture 1:33 but framed for theatrical projection/masking at 1:66 to 1:75. That way they could be used both in theatres and on television.

Swiss Family Robinson, 20,000 Leagues, Great Locomotive Chase, Westward Ho the Wagons (and various short subjects, plus Lady and the Tramp and Sleeping Beauty) were an exeception as these were CinemaScope or Panavision or Technirama, true anamorphic widescreen productions.

To solve this all they need to do is go to the original theatrical press books, which instruct the theatre manager what aspect ratio the film should use for projection.

yukitora wrote:Just curious, are these DVDs being repriced or reissued in the US?

Just repriced, and only through January 2009.

Simba3 wrote:I wish Disney would focus more on good releases for movies that haven't had one in a while, or ever: like Hercules, Hunchback, and Oliver. This is really pointless.

I concur. A part of me also believes that Disney would give those titles the barebones treatment, rather than the 2 disc special edition, which makes me sad.

Luke wrote:

yukitora wrote:Just curious, are these DVDs being repriced or reissued in the US?

Just repriced, and only through January 2009.

Oh I see, thanks! These DVDs are already dirt cheap in Australia anyway...

I hope this lets a lot more children interested in the film (The Fox and the Hound). The conflict was great, plotting two childhood friends against eachother - to the death!

Certainly something I wouldn't have enjoyed as a child

Whoa,Disney,stop with releasing so much films!.

Uhm..?

Ariel'sprince, if you read the thread you would know that Disney isn't releasing a pack, but lowering the price.

am i the only one who reads they are being re-released but no explenation for this has been given? Is disney releasing them to release them on blu-ray or is it to put them out in widescreen maybe?

nomad2010 wrote:am i the only one who reads they are being re-released but no explenation for this has been given? Is disney releasing them to release them on blu-ray or is it to put them out in widescreen maybe?

Their not being re-released, Disney is just droping the price ($20 to $15)