Warner Brothers Archive Collection (DVDs only)

[Grisbi]

Or, does anyone simply own a recent MOD disc that has the pronounced silver ring as shown in the pic? That would be good enough for me. On every single MOD DVD-R I own the artwork on the front of the disc extends almost entirely to the edge, like so:



(not my paw btw, google pic)

[Ashirg]

I usually determine DVD-R's by color. It's purple compared to silvery regular DVD.

[domino harvey]

He's asking how to tell without looking at the underside, presumably for the purpose of eBay auctions(?)

[mfunk9786]

Warner Archive Instant is now on Roku - they're offering a 2 week free trial, $9.99 per month after that. And I feel like a broken record on this subject, but I can't recommend the Roku enough, particularly the 2 or 3, which include a remote with a headphone jack for easy in-bed watching without disturbing someone else who may be sleeping, or neighbors in an apartment building.

[unclehulot]

Yes indeed, the WA streaming quality over my Roku 3 is very good indeed, certainly the best of any of the various services for such "back catalog" items. I forget which Roku models don't have ethernet ports, but if at all possible DO try direct connection rather than wifi, unless your wifi is really consistent.

In comparison to HuluPlus Criterion, where the sheer quantity (and often not exactly primo restored video masters) and small piece of the Hulu pie allotted to them, often leads to a rather washed out tonal range, WA gives their latest video masters to us, which are noticeably better than the same titles over TCM (at least on my HD version of TCM on Dish Network), with the caveat that I've concentrated on the HD offerings from WA. Since the majority of these titles are not on BluRay, and probably won't be anytime soon, there really is no better way to view them. I never thought I would say this about a streaming service, but with a good internet connection I think it's true now. Netflix is fine for modern titles, but catalog stuff has been given short shrift quality-wise or allowed to expire. Fandor is interesting, and very deep in the indie and silent categories, and useful for certain HD offerings (most of Kino Lorber's HD stuff is available there in good quality), but the vast majority of their selection is SD, and the Roku channel is poorly designed. Speaking of that, WA streaming's Roku channel got an update recently which finally gives queue functionality (although it doesn't sync with iPad or web site versions yet), and is very good now at keeping your place for resume play. Unfortunately all this HD joy is only on Roku for now, which I find strange, but all the more reason to get that Roku.....unless Apple TV really has something up it's sleeve in the next version (or you really must have Airplay) I would say go for the Roku.

[domino harvey]

Forbidden Hollywood Vol 4 no longer appears in the replicated section, FYI

[Ashirg]

All 4 films from Forbidden Hollywood Vol 4 are available in HD on Warner Instant. (as well as Ladies They Talk About and Miss Pinkerton from Vol 5)

[captveg]

I'm really hoping they add it to the PlayStation Network soon. That's how I watch all my streaming channels (Netflix, Amazon, MLB, etc)

[BillWatkins]

They posted this video on Facebook which reveals they'll be releasing the 1936 version of Show Boat soon.

[domino harvey]

Show Boat will be pressed!

[What A Disgrace]

Was really hoping for a big Blu box of Show Boats.

[Fred Holywell]

I'm disappointed and surprised that a box set of all three films won't be happening. George Feltenstein seemed gung-ho on it a few years back, and gave the impression that it was going to be a reality.

[captveg]

The Blu-ray for The Americanization of Emily (1964) was released today.

They also now have available a remastered version of The Big House (1930) on DVD that also includes the alternate Spanish and French versions of the film.

[Ashirg]

There was also a German-language version of The Big House directed by Pál Fejös (who also directed French version after Jacques Feyder was fired). I wonder if German version no longer exists.

[Feego]

This is the final week of Warner Archive's month-long 5 for $50 sale. They have now added Blu-ray releases, all except for their most recent (Performance, Americanization of Emily, and Green Lantern Season 1).

[J M Powell]

I'm getting 4 of the blu-rays (I already have the others) and need one DVD to round out my order. Any suggestions?

[captveg]

Bachelor Mother (1939) is one of my favorite screwball comedies, if that interests ya.

[Orlac]

Did Criterion license Foreign Correspondent and Badlands from Warners?

[captveg]

Just Badlands. Warner didn't renew the license for the Caidin Trust films, which included Foreign Correspondent and Stagecoach.

[bamwc2]

Just Badlands. Warner didn't renew the license for the Caidin Trust films, which included Foreign Correspondent and Stagecoach.

... and I Married a Witch, To Be or Not To Be, and The Long Voyage Home. Of those The Long Voyage Home is the only one yet to be released. It'll come eventually, but I'm in no hurry since it's one of the few Ford films that I would call outright boring.

[hearthesilence]

Strongly disagree, The Long Voyage Home is still a film of considerable merit. Gregg Toland's work hits his usual high standard, John Wayne actually does well in a role where he has to speak with an accent - a rarity for him - and the final scene is fantastic.

The previous ten minutes, just in case you need context, and the ending proper.

[Ashirg]

They usually port over the extras from the DVD, so expect shorts The Fall Guy (Pete Smith Specialty) and Tex Avery's Field and Scream, audio-only outtake and theatrical trailer.

[Ashirg]

Warner Archive replied and the only extra on blu-ray is a theatrical trailer.

[captveg]

Warner is usually pretty good about that, even in the WA. Were those extras specifically related to the film, or just bonus films from the same era?

[HitchcockLang]

Warner Archive has released a new Buster Keaton double feature: Free and Easy (which was previously issued by TCM and Warner as a pressed DVD with two other films) and its rarely seen, simultaneously shot Spanish language alternate Estrellados. Not on Amazon at the moment, but available from the Warner Shop.