Send us a text

George Feltenstein joins the podcast for our review of the Warner Archive’s six Blu-ray releases for December. We also provide a brief overview of THE SEARCHERS (1956) 4K release and what other reviewers are saying about the Warner Archive’s first 4K release.  We wrap up our discussion with a look back at 2024, and what collectors can look forward to in 2025.

Purchase links:
MR. LUCKY (1943)
NORA PRENTISS (1947)
THE SPANISH MAIN (1945)
THE TALL TARGET (1951)
BLACK EYE (1974)
A NIGHT FULL OF RAIN (1978)

THE SEARCHERS (1956) 4K + Blu-ray
THE SEARCHERS (1956) BLU-RAY Remastered

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group
Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. www.otakumedia.tv

Send us a text

In this episode, Victoria Riskin, daughter of Oscar-winning writer Robert Riskin and Fay Wray, and award-winning writer-producer Steven C. Smith reveal the impact of director Frank Capra and his friend and collaborator writer Robert Riskin on the early success of Columbia Pictures.  We also discuss two audio commentaries they provided for inclusion in the recently released FRANK CAPRA AT COLUMBIA COLLECTION, featuring 20 films in HD, plus nine films in 4K, plus tons of extras, all on 27 discs.

Purchase links: 
FRANK CAPRA AT COLUMBIA COLLECTION
Fay Wray and Robert Riskin: A Hollywood Memoir
Music by Max Steiner: The Epic Life of Hollywood's Most Influential Composer

Prepare to embark on an enlightening journey through the legacy of Frank Capra at Columbia Pictures. Learn how Capra's immigrant background and early hardships shaped his storytelling genius, contributing to Columbia's rise as a powerhouse in the film industry. From tackling the transition to sound films to creating financially and culturally significant works, Capra’s journey illustrates the power of determination and creativity. Through engaging anecdotes and insights, Steven and Victoria reveal how Capra's collaborations with Robert Riskin gave birth to classics like "It Happened One Night," demonstrating the strength of their partnership despite differing political ideologies during a tumultuous era.

Join our conversation as we celebrate the enduring messages of integrity and community values in films like "American Madness" and "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town." The fascinating history of "American Madness" unfolds, highlighting its timely relevance during the Great Depression and its innovative technical directing. Meanwhile, "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" captures the triumph of the common man, with Gary Cooper's memorable performance and the film's seamless blend of comedy and drama. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Steven and Victoria underscore the significance of these films, inviting listeners to appreciate the artistry and dedication behind Hollywood's most beloved classics.

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group
Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. www.otakumedia.tv

Send us a text

George Feltenstein joins the podcast to announce six January Blu-ray releases, PLUS a highly anticipated February animation release. George provides background on each film or TV series, the new HD master, and more clarification on the extras that will be included.  And he always drops some knowledge about what is being worked on for the future. There is no better way to learn about what is on the Warner Archive schedule than to hear directly from George.

Warner Archive Store on Amazon
Support the podcast by shopping with our Amazon Affiliate link

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group
Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. www.otakumedia.tv

Send us a text

George Feltenstein joins the podcast for our monthly review of the Warner Archive's latest Blu-ray releases for October and November. George provides good news on "Wait Till Your Father Gets Home" and when it might finally get a new release date. Then we dive into the tremendous amount of work that went into the restorations of THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT (1974), HUMORESQUE (1946), and the Technicolor upgrade for SWEETHEARTS (1938).  These three classics now look stunning and sound better than ever before, making them "must-adds" to your home collection.  The entertaining western TV series A MAN CALLED SHENANDOAH (1965-66) also received a fantastic-looking restoration, and it too deserves a place in your home collection.  We round out our reviews with three post-2000 comedies MUST LOVE DOGS (2005), FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION (2006), and A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION (2006).

Purchase links:
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! (1974) Blu-ray
HUMORESQUE (1946) Blu-ray
SWEETHEARTS (1938) Blu-ray
A MAN CALLED SHENANDOAH (1965-66) Blu-ray
MUST LOVE DOGS (2005) Blu-ray
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION (2006) Blu-ray
A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION (2006) Blu-ray
THE COMPLETE THIN MAN COLLECTION (1934-47)

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group
Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. www.otakumedia.tv

Send us a text

Ever wondered how classic cartoons continue to capture our hearts and minds? Join us as we sit down with animation historian Jerry Beck and George Feltenstein from the Warner Archive to uncover the magic behind the 27 cartoons in the Looney Tunes Collector's Choice Volume 4 Blu-ray.  Discover how these timeless cartoons, from the 1930s to the 1960s, have been preserved for both collectors and casual fans, ensuring that the spirit of Looney Tunes remains vibrant and cherished.

PLUS, George provides information on the Warner Archive's plans for future Looney Tunes releases.

Looney Tunes Collectors Choice: Vol. 4 (BD)
Looney Tunes Collectors Choice Coll: V1-4 BD
LOONEY TUNES COLLECTOR'S CHOICE VOL. 3!
Looney Tunes Collector’s Choice Vol.2 Blu-ray
Looney Tunes Collector’s Choice Vol.1 Blu-ray

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group
Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. www.otakumedia.tv

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered what the people who record the audio commentaries of your favorite movies do to prepare?  Well, even if you haven’t wondered, we take you behind the scenes with the audio commentary team of Dr. Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr to get the real scoop on their process.  This is a light-hearted and fun episode that I think you’ll enjoy.

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group
Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. www.otakumedia.tv

Send us a text

George Feltenstein joins the podcast to announce six December Blu-ray releases, PLUS EXCLUSIVE details on THE SEARCHERS 4K and what it means for the future of the Warner Archive. George provides background on each film or TV series, the new HD master, and more clarification on the extras that will be included.  And he always drops some knowledge about what is being worked on for the future. There is no better way to learn about what is on the Warner Archive schedule than to hear directly from George.

Purchase links:
The Searchers 4K + Blu-ray
The Searchers Blu-ray (Remastered)
Purchase links are not yet available for all titles.

Warner Archive Store on Amazon
Support the podcast by shopping with our Amazon Affiliate link

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group
Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. www.otakumedia.tv

Send us a text

We get spooky in our Halloween special featuring the expertise of George Feltenstein from the Warner Archive, alongside the sharp insights of film historians and audio commentary contributors Dr. Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr.

Ever wondered why Jack Warner, a known skeptic of horror, decided to produce some of the eeriest films of the 1930s and 40s? We unearth these mysteries and celebrate the restoration of iconic films "The Walking Dead" starring Boris Karloff and directed by Michael Curtis, "The Return of Dr. X" starring Humphrey Bogart and directed by Vincent Sherman, and "The Beast with Five Fingers" starring Peter Lorre and directed by Robert Florey. We shed light on their production, the HD restoration details and included extras, and the unique elements that make these horror films enduring classics.

Blu-ray purchase links:
THE WALKING DEAD (1936)
THE RETURN OF DOCTOR X (1939)
THE BEAST WITH FIVE FINGERS (1946)

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group
Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. www.otakumedia.tv

Send us a text

George Feltenstein joins the podcast to review the five Blu-ray releases in September.  We start with Orson Welles' "Journey into Fear," a film that, despite its tumultuous production, bears the unmistakable mark of his Mercury Theatre influence. We continue with a spotlight on the Technicolor splendor of Esther Williams in "Bathing Beauty." The meticulous restoration reveals the film's vibrant musical scenes that catapulted Williams to stardom. Next, we discuss the noir "Conflict" starring Humphrey Bogart in a darker, anti-hero role.  And then we delve into the heartfelt story of "I Remember Mama," highlighting George Stevens' post-war directorial vision and his son’s dedication to preserving his legacy. We end with a Hanna-Barbera double feature with "JONNY’S GOLDEN QUEST (1992)/JONNY QUEST VS. THE CYBER INSECTS (1995)". 

Purchase links:
CONFLICT
BATHING BEAUTY
I REMEMBER MAMA
JOURNEY INTO FEAR
JONNY’S GOLDEN QUEST (1992)/JONNY QUEST VS. THE CYBER INSECTS (1995)

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group
Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. www.otakumedia.tv

Send us a text

George Feltenstein joins the podcast to review the August and early September Blu-ray releases from the Warner Archive. Plus, George answers if you should be worried about future Looney Tunes Blu-rays from the Warner Archive!

Have you ever wondered what makes Scooby-Doo's adventures so timeless? We promise you'll uncover the secrets behind the spooky success of "Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost" and "Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders." Plus, we'll take a detour to the frosty terrains of "The Alaskans," where Roger Moore's stellar performance is matched only by the show's stunning production quality.

You'll also embark on a musical journey through the golden era of MGM with two fabulous Technicolor classics, "Word and Music" and "Three Little Words." Then, fasten your seatbelts as we cruise through the 1970s, celebrating the gritty impact of films like "Black Belt Jones" and "Boulevard Nights." Don't miss this eclectic mix of nostalgia, cinematic history, and lively discussion that promises to entertain and enlighten.

Purchase links:
THE ALASKANS
WORDS AND MUSIC
THREE LITTLE WORDS
SCOOBY-DOO AND THE WITCH’S GHOST/SCOOBY-DOO AND THE ALIEN INVADERS
BLACK BELT JONES
BOULEVARD NIGHTS

Looney Tunes Collectors Choice: V4 (BD)
Looney Tunes Collectors Choice Coll: V1-4 BD

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group
Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. www.otakumedia.tv