Warner Ultimate Collectors Editions: What next?

[2099net]

This is a follow up to the "Year of Superman" thead, where myself and Escapay started to discuss the Ultimate Collectors Edition branding.

I hope now that Warners have used the Tin packaging on two sequential Ultimate Collectors Editions (Forbidden Planet and Superman Movies) they continue to release all of the subsequent releases in the series.

Its a shame releases like the Ultimate Matrix Collection, The 3 Disc Wizard of Oz, The Thin Man collection and both Tarzan collections as well as various 2 disc classic films have missed out on this format.

Escapay made an excellent suggestion that the long promised Blade Runner could be an Ultimate Collectors Edition, not unlikely being as the release is to include 3 or 4 edits of the film plus (I would assume) at least 1 disc of supplements.

Personally I would like to see the following released at some point:

Gremlins: Ultimate Collectors Edition
Like forbidden planet, this could include a toy figure in the tin (either Gizmo, Stripe or the Brain Gremlin), both films (with the Theatrical/Home Video version of Gremlins II being selectable via branching), and an extra bonus disc of supplements. I would also like it to include a smaller reproduction of the DC Comics Motion Picture Adaptation of Gremlins in the tin.

Harry Potter Years 1-4: Ultimate Collector's Edition
I'm sure you could all go to town with this. Two 4 film tins doesn't sound like cashing in too much to me, especially as each film could be re-edited for this release (I have no problems with this as the original edits would still be available). 8 discs could be the films and film specific supplements and 2 discs could be for more general supplements. Inside the tin would be postcards of all of the films' promotional posters.

Alexandar: Ultimate Collector's Edition
This would include the three edits of the film, as well as a bought in documentary on Alexandar (from the History Channel or similar). The Tin would come with maps and a timeline showing Alexandar's conquests.

The Avengers: Ultimate Collector's Edition
Yes. Yes. Yes. I do like the much abused Avengers movie. But I did read the original script (which was published in the UK before we got the movie) before seeing the film. As such, the film actually made sense to me - most of the critisisms about the film making no sense are a direct result of exposition being dropped by executive re-editing. So this Tin would contain the theatrical release plus the original extended edit, a disc of extras, postcards of the movie's posters and two collectable figures of Steed and Mrs Peel.

Little Shop of Horrors: Ultimate Collectors Edition
This tin would include the DVD, the soundtrack CD, a smaller reproduction of the DC Comics movie adaptation and a wind-up Audrey II (watch the jaws open and close).

Twilight Zone: The Movie Ultimate Collectors Edition
The tin would include the movie, with (if possible) the option of watching each segment seperately and extended using deleted scenes. A second disc would include supplements, as well as a tribute to Vic Morrow. The tin would include lobby card reproductions and a reprint of the novalisation of the movie.

[Lazario]

I also hope their Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition(s) won't be the only film / film series they give this treatment to. I for one would like to see the original version of Little Shop of Horrors included in the Ultimate LSoH package, since I don't believe any other major studio has the rights to the film, I don't why the hell Warner or Criterion Collection haven't picked up the '60s LSoH for a special edition yet. Roger Corman isn't getting any younger.

And I would definitely double-dip into an Ultimate Collector's Edition of Gremlins.

But also, I would think Beetlejuice would be a logical choice for the next Warner Collector's Edition (or whatever edition have-you) since it's been so terribly neglected. The film may have had it's difficulties pre and post production (just like Warner's Twilight Zone - The Movie), but it's such a fan and audience favorite - it deserves a special edition. Now. Soon at least.

[Escapay]

Woohoo, it's got a thread of its own now!

Anyways, WB is known for putting together choice multi-disc sets and having killer boxsets and wonderful bonus features. While the Supes tin isn't as good as I'd like it to be (for reasons I already mentioned in the Supes thread), it's still a wonderful set. Love the ideas for Gremlins and Beetlejuice, especially. I'm pretty sure WB is releasing the third version of Alexander sometime next year, though I don't know what type of release it would be. I still have to pick up the other two versions (theatrical and director's cut).

I'd really love, though, if WB could do the following as Ultimate Collector's Editions:

Supergirl - 'nuff said.

The Broadway Melody Collection - While two of the movies are out on DVD, three more aren't (Broadway Melody of 1936, Broadway Melody of 1938, and Broadway Rhythm), and it'd be nice to have them all in a nice tinned boxset with more substantial bonus features than what's offered on the two current discs.

Empire of the Sun - perhaps my favorite Spielberg (and one of his most underrated), the current DVD offers the movie and the 1987 doc on a flipper disc, but that's it. It's understandable that there's no commentary, but I still wouldn't mind seeing this get a nice tin edition, with a new retrospective documentary, some featurettes about shooting the film in China, a couple historical featurettes about the original war camps, even a more in-depth piece on JG Ballard. Also wouldn't mind seeing the soundtrack cd and a few other nice supplements. Maybe small Japanese Zero airplane toys and a reproduction of the comic he's reading in the beginning.

The NeverEnding Story - more my desire to see this get a nice special edition, but having it be a tinned Ultimate Collector's Edition (complete with both the 92-minute US edition and the 104-minute German edition) would be kickass. Would be even better if they could track down the three child actors (Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, & Tami Stronach) for a reunion or a group commentary.

The Goonies - more for the child of the 80s, the current edition has a great commentary (with all the kids, though Astin leaves halfway through), but aside from a period EPK, outtakes, and the extended music video, the disc is still lacking. Plus, it'd be a great reason to upgrade from the snapper.

Sometimes I wish other studios would license their films to Warners, that way we can get nicer editions of them. While Fox is pretty good at giving titles a nice bonus-features edition, most often their single-disc catalog re-releases only contain about a half-hour of bonus material (Romancing the Stone, Point Breatk, etc.). Paramount's catching up nicely, I still need to get their new editions of Reds, Black Rain, and Prety in Pink, among other titles. Still, it would be muy interesante to see how Warner could have done a boxset for Indiana Jones.

Escapay

[Lazario]

The NeverEnding Story - more my desire to see this get a nice special edition, but having it be a tinned Ultimate Collector's Edition (complete with both the 92-minute US edition and the 104-minute German edition) would be kickass. Would be even better if they could track down the three child actors (Noah Hathaway, Barret Oliver, & Tami Stronach) for a reunion or a group commentary.

The Goonies - more for the child of the 80s, the current edition has a great commentary (with all the kids, though Astin leaves halfway through), but aside from a period EPK, outtakes, and the extended music video, the disc is still lacking. Plus, it'd be a great reason to upgrade from the snapper.

I agree.

And on that note, they should re-name future copies of that multi-disc set of The Wizard of Oz (that is Warner right, not Sony right?). And then, do a better edition (yeah, another one) of the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

[numba1lostboy]

Harry Potter Years 1-4: Ultimate Collector's Edition
I'm sure you could all go to town with this. Two 4 film tins doesn't sound like cashing in too much to me, especially as each film could be re-edited for this release (I have no problems with this as the original edits would still be available). 8 discs could be the films and film specific supplements and 2 discs could be for more general supplements. Inside the tin would be postcards of all of the films' promotional posters.

Yes, please!
But they need to wait until all seven movies are done, which is likely. They already release all the current films with each new DVD, so I think it's safe to say we will see some kind of collectible set.
What you have described sounds utterly awesome! I can't wait. I hope they packaging matches on all the films. It gets on my nerves when a series is released and the different movies are packaged differently (ala the different X-Men films). I like everything to match (ala Star Wars, Lord of The Rings).

[Disneykid]

I've yet to actually see either of WB's Ultimate Collector's Editions in real life, so I can't really say if I'd like tins on future CEs or not. That said, I'd like to see the following get multi-disc sets one way or another:

An American in Paris (Something akin to Singin' in the Rain's release, please)
Quo Vadis (Which I hear is coming, and with Ultra-Resolution, to boot)
A Star is Born (Judy Garland's version)
Cabaret (The current DVD's non-anamorphic)
Little Shop of Horrors (Give us that alternate ending in color and with an option to view the film with it)
Beetlejuice (It's the only Burton flick minus Mars Attacks not to have ANY supplements)
L.A. Confidential (Which is supposedly coming next year)
The Harry Potter Series (this could arrive sooner than we think since all four films are going out of print)

[Just Myself]

I'm still waiting for that Steel: Special Edition. An Ultimate Collector's Tin would be even better for this multi-award winning comic-based classic starring the always flawess Shaq. "SPAAAARRRKAAAAY!!!!" is right up there with "Here's lookin' at you, kid" and "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn".

Okay, but seriously, some of these previously mentioned flicks would be nice:

The NeverEnding Story (A childhood favorite of mine)
The Goonies ("HEEEEY YOOOU GUUUUUUUYYS!!!")
BEETLEJUICE!

I personally can't think of any others right now, but if I thought about it long enough, I'd probably think of a whole buttload.

Cheers,
JM

[Escapay]

An American in Paris (Something akin to Singin' in the Rain's release, please)
Quo Vadis (Which I hear is coming, and with Ultra-Resolution, to boot)

I remember reading in an HTF chat that An American in Paris was supposed to come out this year (as a 55th Anniversary Edition), but they needed to do more work on the Ultra-Resolution restoration, so it had to be pushed back to next year.

And on that note, they should re-name future copies of that multi-disc set of The Wizard of Oz (that is Warner right, not Sony right?). And then, do a better edition (yeah, another one) of the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Yeah, Wizard of Oz is Warner, at least for distribution, but MGM did make the film.

Escapay

[azul017]

Harry Potter Years 1-4: Ultimate Collector's Edition
I'm sure you could all go to town with this. Two 4 film tins doesn't sound like cashing in too much to me, especially as each film could be re-edited for this release (I have no problems with this as the original edits would still be available). 8 discs could be the films and film specific supplements and 2 discs could be for more general supplements. Inside the tin would be postcards of all of the films' promotional posters.

It would make a lot more sense if Warners did this when all 7 movies were released (which probably won't be until 2010, I bet). And it would be immensely expensive to give each movie a 2-disc edition with tin packaging -- not to mention that they would be bulky as well.

Warners should do a 7-movie collection (probably titled Harry Potter: Years 1 - 7: Collector's Edition) and try to make the package modeled after an item in the HP universe: perhaps a die-cut black matte cardboard case with the title for the package in a metallic color (like silver or bronze), with the Golden Snitch flying somewhere beneath the title. And inside the box, there would be seven individual slots to hold each movie (2-disc editions in Amaray cases) and it would be simple and elegant.

And the standard theatrical editions won't be available on DVD for long. Warners is putting the first three films on moratorium December 29th and the fourth one will follow on February 7, 2007. (I suspect the reason for this is for a SE for the first three films is being prepared or that the HD-DVD and Blu-ray releases will be released shortly.)

[Loomis]

The only big title I can think of off the top of my head would be the aforementioned Blade Runner. As I understand it, it is already due for a multi-disc release.

I also think that Warner's Excalibur is an incredibly underused title.

[DarthPrime]

Harry Potter Years 1-4: Ultimate Collector's Edition
I'm sure you could all go to town with this. Two 4 film tins doesn't sound like cashing in too much to me, especially as each film could be re-edited for this release (I have no problems with this as the original edits would still be available). 8 discs could be the films and film specific supplements and 2 discs could be for more general supplements. Inside the tin would be postcards of all of the films' promotional posters.

It would make a lot more sense if Warners did this when all 7 movies were released (which probably won't be until 2010, I bet). And it would be immensely expensive to give each movie a 2-disc edition with tin packaging -- not to mention that they would be bulky as well.

Warners should do a 7-movie collection (probably titled Harry Potter: Years 1 - 7: Collector's Edition) and try to make the package modeled after an item in the HP universe: perhaps a die-cut black matte cardboard case with the title for the package in a metallic color (like silver or bronze), with the Golden Snitch flying somewhere beneath the title. And inside the box, there would be seven individual slots to hold each movie (2-disc editions in Amaray cases) and it would be simple and elegant.

And the standard theatrical editions won't be available on DVD for long. Warners is putting the first three films on moratorium December 29th and the fourth one will follow on February 7, 2007. (I suspect the reason for this is for a SE for the first three films is being prepared or that the HD-DVD and Blu-ray releases will be released shortly.)

I'm thinking that they are preparing for a HD-DVD release of them. Maybe a box set like the Mission Impossible films got. Goblet of Fire is already available on HD-DVD in the U.K. Either that or they are going to take them out of the stores until the new film is released then bring them back.

[Escapay]

Whilst looking for the "Submit Your Creative Writing!" Thread, I found this, and figured I'd give an update.

The next in Warners' Ultimate Collectors' Edition will be May 22's release of Rio Bravo, the John Wayne-Dean Martin-Ricky Nelson western directed by Howard Hawks.

Rio Bravo: Special Edition/Ultimate Collectors Edition (May 22) $20.97/$39.92
Disc One:
-Remastered Feature Film
-Commentary: John Carpenter, Richard Schickel
-John Wayne Trailer Gallery

Disc Two:
-The Men Who Made the Movies: Howard Hawks (1973 documentary - also appears in the Bringing Up Baby: Two-Disc Special Edition)
-Commemoration: Howard Hawks' Rio Bravo
-Old Tucson: Where the Legends Walked

Ultimate Collector's Edition:
-Two-Disc Set
-Press Book
-Dell Comic Book
-Lobby Cards

It seems there are two types of Ultimate Collectors' Editions. There's the sturdy cardboard box type like The Searchers and Astaire & Rogers: Complete Film Collection, and there's the tin case like Forbidden Planet and The Ultimate Superman Collection. Based on the release times for them as well:

June 2006 - The Searchers (sturdy cardboard box)
October 2006 - Astaire & Rogers Complete Film Collection (sturdy cardboard box)
November 2006 - Forbidden Planet (tin case)
November 2006 - Ultimate Superman Collection (tin case)

I'm guessing we can see this for 2007:

May 2007 - Rio Bravo (sturdy cardboard box)
October 2007 - Eleanor Powell Complete Film Collection (sturdy cardboard box)
November 2007 - Blade Runner (tin case)
November 2007 - Ultimate Kubrick Collection (tin case)

I'm simply basing it on 2006, and since the long-rumored Blade Runner is definitely coming pre-Christmas, it can easily fit in the November slot for the singular title, as can the Kubrick films in the Collection title. The Powell boxset is a longshot, though WB said in the HTF chat that they hope to get the collection out this year, which is supposed to be part of a big MGM Musical promotion this year (hopefully we can get the documentary series "When the Lion Roared" as well).

Escapay

[Jungleprince_55]

I'd love an Ultimate Edition of this, Or at least a friggin Widescreen release of the current disc which was actually pretty decent as far as bonus features.

[PixarFan2006]

Little Shop of Horrors
I would love to see a special edition of this movie. It could be spread out on two discs.

Disc one would have a restored print of the movie in its original aspect ratio. Commentary would be nice too.

Disc two would have:
a "making of" featurette,
trailers,
Interviews,
art galleries,
deleted and extended scenes,
and most important of all, the alternate ending.

Beetlejuice Anniversary Edition

Disc One: Restored picture and sound. Original Aspect Ratio. Audio Commentary.

Disc Two: The making of Beetlejuice. Theatrical trailers, interviews with the director and actors, art galleries, Deleted and extended scenes.

[2099net]

Oh Escapay. If only this was an Ultimate Collection in a Tin.

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=64377

If only...

BTW: the UK Powerpuff Girls Movie is widescreen (but without most of the supplements).

[Escapay]

Oh Escapay. If only this was an Ultimate Collection in a Tin.

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=64377

If only...

I think the only movie I'm familiar with from that collection is Trog, and even that is from a 30-second clip in a Joan Crawford documentary.

Land of the Pharaohs sounds really good, though.

Escapay

[disneyfella]

I am assuming that the Blade Runner: Ultimate Collector's Edition will be a tin release later this year. I have heard so many things that will be included in the set, and it lends itself to the format with the amount of content to be released.

I also would LOVE if they released the Kubrick stuff this year in a tin. I know that WB has been working on remastering his films, but I haven't heard how they are treating the aspect ratios of the films. It is rather controversial among film fans and Kubrick purists. I would love to see a Stanley Kubrick: Ultimate Collector's Edition in a tin release.

I am pretty excited, too, about the Rio Bravo set coming out. According to the release specs it seems to be packaged like "The Searchers" was last year (as mentioned before). Does anyone know if this film will be released in another boxed set (like "The Seachers" was last year) or only available as a seperate release?




Lastly, I think WB might be able to do a Westworld: Ultimate Collector's Edition tin release. They could remaster the picture and sound, and add on a documentary all about Yul Brynner. They could include the 1976 sequel "Futureworld" (which was released on GoodTimes video, so I don't know if WB has the distribution rights). They could also include the complete television series "Beyond Westworld" (which only lasted 5 episodes...totally could fit on 1 disc!). They could also get Michael Crichton involved with an audio commentary about this film in relation to Jurassic Park. They could even do a profile on Michael Crichton. They could talk about the influences in pop culture (i.e. the Simpsons spoofs, music groups, etc.). They could get all of the remaining cast together to do a making of doc, and a rememberances from the set doc. This would make a fantastic "Ultimate Collector's Edition" set.

[disneyfella]

I just thought of another Ulimate Collector's Edition that I would want.



The Death Wish: Ultimate Collector's Edition tin. Paramount owns the rights to the first film, so that probably wouldn't be included. However 2,3,4,and 5 are MGM films that I believe may have been aquired by WB. If that is the case, we could finally get the uncut versions of Death Wish 2, and Death Wish 3. Both films were rated x and cut for subsequent DVD releases. The gore apparently was too much. Anyway, they could release the theatrical cuts and the uncut versions of these films with all kinds of docs about the vigilante phenomenon of the 1970s. This one is least likely to happen, but a guy can hope right?

[Escapay]

It was announced last week, but I forgot about it until now, so I thought I'd "bumo" this up with news about the latest in WB's "Ultimate Collector's Edition" series...

The Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland Collection: Ultimate Collector’s Edition



Release Date: September 25, 2007
SRP: $49.92

Disc One: Babes in Arms (1939)
-Original 1939 Premiere Version - restores lost "Roosevelt" (a.k.a. "My Day") sequence, long thought lost.
-Introduction: Mickey Rooney
-Audio Commentary: historian John Fricke
-Vintage "Our Gang" Short: Duel Personalities
-Vintage Cartoon: The Mad Maestro
-1939 Newsreel with Mickey and Judy
-Audio-only Bonus: "Leo Is on the Air" radio promo
-Audio-only Bonus: 3 different radio shows with Rooney and Garland
-Theatrical Trailer

Disc Two: Strike Up the Band (1940)
-Introduction: Mickey Rooney
-Vintage Pete Smith Short: Wedding Bills
-Vintage Cartoon: Romeo in Rhythm
-"Do the La Conga": Stereo Remix Version
-Audio-only Bonus: "Leo Is on the Air" radio promo
-Audio-only Bonus: "Millions for Defense" radio special with Mickey and Judy
-Audio-only Bonus: Additional radio show with Rooney and Garland
-Theatrical Trailer

Disc Three: Babes on Broadway (1941)
-Introduction: Mickey Rooney
-Vintage Pete Smith Short: How to Hold Your Husband Back
-Vintage Cartoon: Dance of the Weed
-Audio-only Bonus: Two "Leo Is on the Air" Radio Promos
-Audio-only Bonus: Radio Show Adaptation of "Merton of the Movies" with Rooney and Garland
-Audio-only Bonus: "Chin Up! Cheerio! Carry On" Song Demo performed by composer Burton Lane
-Theatrical Trailer

Disc Four: Girl Crazy (1943)
-Introduction: Mickey Rooney
-Audio Commentary: historian John Fricke
-Vintage Short: Hollywood Daredevils
-Vintage Cartoon: The Early Bird Dood It
-"I Got Rhythm": Stereo Remix Version
-Audio-only Bonus: Bronco Busters Outtake
-Theatrical Trailer

Disc Five: Bonus Disc
-Private Screenings with Mickey Rooney - 1996 TCM special hosted by Robert Osborne
-The Judy Garland Songbook- A superb collection of 21 complete, magical Judy Garland musical numbers spanning her many films from 1936-1954
-Mickey and Judy Trailer Gallery

Non-DVD Materials:
-Portfolio: 20 collectible rare behind-the-scenes photos
-Collectable Guide Book featuring vintage memorabilia, promotional advertisements, and other rarities, along with production notes written by noted film historian John Fricke.

While I'm excited that the Rooney/Garland films are getting released, I'm a bit disappointed that my prediction that it'd be an Eleanor Powell boxset didn't happen. Still, they've made great selections for their Ultimate Collector's Edition sets...

Unofficial "Ultimate Collector's Edition" sets:
October 2004 - Gone with the Wind
December 2004 - The Ultimate Matrix Collection
September 2005 - Ben-Hur
October 2005 - The Wizard of Oz
November 2005 - King Kong (tin case)
October 2006 - The Maltese Falcon

Ultimate Collector's Edition sets:
June 2006 - The Searchers
October 2006 - Astaire & Rogers Complete Film Collection
November 2006 - Forbidden Planet
November 2006 - Ultimate Superman Collection
May 2007 - Ultimate Superman Collection (fixed version)
May 2007 - Rio Bravo
October 2007 - Rooney & Garland Complete Film Collection

Possible/Likely:
November 2007 - Blade Runner
November 2007 - Ultimate Kubrick Collection

Escapay

[Disneykid]

I'm so nabbing that. I'm ashamed to admit I've never seen a Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney film in full; I've seen lots of clips from various documentaries, but never the films themselves. I'll be blind-buying this since I know I'll at least moderately like the films, especially since I love Judy so much and really like Mickey, too.