The Extras

George Feltenstein joins the podcast to announce six November Blu-ray releases. George provides background on each film or TV series, the new HD master, and more clarification on the extras that will be included.  PLUS, George provides an EXCLUSIVE Looney Tunes Collector's Choice update you don't want to miss! There is no better way to learn about what is on the Warner Archive schedule than to hear directly from George.

Pre-order:
THE COMPLETE THIN MAN COLLECTION (1934-47)

Purchase links are posted as they become available.

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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

What makes "Top Cat" a timeless treasure in the realm of classic television animation? Join us as we uncover the magic behind the newly released Blu-ray edition of "Top Cat: The Complete Series," now boasting stunning 4K scans from the original camera negatives. Animation historians George Feltenstein and Jerry Beck guide us through the historical context and significance of this release. We'll explore the sophisticated writing, high-caliber voice cast, and the fascinating connections between "Top Cat" and other Hanna-Barbera classics like "The Flintstones" and "The Jetsons." Additionally, find out how the Phil Silvers show influenced this animated gem and the meticulous effort put into restoring it for future generations.

Then we get an EXCLUSIVE sneak peek of what will be included in the upcoming "Looney Tunes Collector's Choice Volume 4."

Purchase Link:
TOP CAT - The Complete Series (1960-61) 

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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

George Feltenstein joins the podcast to announce six October Blu-ray releases, including three highly-requested horror classics. 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 are not yet available.

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

The Stars Shine in our review of six new Blu-rays from the Warner Archive. To begin, George Feltenstein takes us through the intricate process of restoring the 1940 Technicolor epic "Northwest Passage," starring Spencer Tracy, discussing the hurdles of working with nitrate negatives and the impressive results. This cinema classic from King Vidor brims with adventure and beautiful landscapes that look better than ever.

Our reviews continue as we spotlight Clark Gable and Norma Shearer's unforgettable performances in the 1939 MGM classic "Idiot's Delight." George explains director Clarence Brown's anti-war messaging and details the inclusion of both the international and American endings to the film.

Next, we review the 1965 musical "Harum Scarum" starring Elvis in a comedy set in the deserts of Arabia. Gorgeous sets filled with beautiful women plus Elvis' trademark rock'n'roll songs make this a pop hit for Elvis fans. 

Finally, we shine a light on three forgotten gems that deserve a second look.  We start with the 1995 period drama "The Stars Fell on Henrietta" starring Robert Duvall in an unforgettable performance and supporting actors Aidan Quinn, Frances Fisher, and Brian Dennehy.  Next, we highlight Sissy Spacek's powerful role in the 1985 film "Marie, A True Story." Directed Roger Donaldson, this film has a terrific script and a wonderful supporting cast that includes Jeff Daniels, Morgan Freeman, and Fred Thompson. And finally, there is the heartwarming 1994 Irish film "War of the Buttons," a gem of a family film that deserves a wider audience.

Tune in for an episode brimming with film reviews, restoration insights, and a profound appreciation for cinematic history!  As always, we provide a full review of each film, a detailed explanation of the HD restoration, and background on all of the included extras.

NORTHWEST PASSAGE (1940)
IDIOT’S DELIGHT (1939)
HARUM SCARUM (1965)
MARIE: A TRUE STORY (1985)
THE STARS FELL ON HENRIETTA (1995)
WAR OF THE BUTTONS (1994)

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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

George Feltenstein joins the podcast to update us on some recent happenings with the Warner Archive and to announce six September Blu-ray releases, including a highly requested noir, a musical, and more Hanna Barbara.  George provides background on each film, the new HD master, and all of the extras that are 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 are not yet available.

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

Film noir aficionados and classic film lovers alike are in for a treat with our latest episode of "The Extras." Join us as George Feltenstein, a true cinema historian, shares his deep knowledge about Warner Archive's June Blu-ray releases. We start off with a gripping discussion on the film noir gem "Act of Violence," exploring its compelling narrative, Fred Zinnemann's expert direction, and the standout performances from Van Heflin, Robert Ryan, and Janet Leigh.

Switching gears, we highlight Alfred Hitchcock's rare foray into comedy with "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," starring the brilliant Carole Lombard and Robert Montgomery. Discover the delightful chemistry between the leads and Hitchcock's unique touch on the screwball genre.

Next, we celebrate the musical legacy of Ida Lupino with a deep dive into the 1947 film "The Man I Love." Uncover the fascinating story behind the film's original cut and the restoration of its missing six minutes of footage, including the song "Bill" by Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II, and P.G. Wodehouse.

We end with a review of the melodrama "The Shining Hour" (1938) from acclaimed director Frank Borzage and showcasing standout performances by Joan Crawford, Margaret Sullavan, and Fay Bainter.

We provide a full review of each film, a detailed explanation of the HD restoration, and background all of the included extras.

Purchase links:
THE MAN I LOVE (1947)
MR. & MRS. SMITH  (1941)
ACT OF VIOLENCE (1948)
THE SHINING HOUR (1938)

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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

Hear directly from George Feltenstein as he announces the Warner Archive's August Blu-ray releases, including a highly requested Hanna Barbera series and two MGM Technicolor musicals.  George provides background on each film, the new HD master, and all of the extras that are 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.

TOP CAT: The Complete Series Blu-ray
Three Little Words Blu-ray
Words and Music Blu-ray
Black Belt Jones Blu-ray
Boulevard Nights 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

Today, we sit down with Danny Bilson, co-creator and executive producer of the 1990-91 series "The Flash," and The Flash himself, John Wesley Shipp, to review the recent Blu-ray release and to revisit their memories of the show.  This conversation is a real treat as Danny doesn't attend fan conventions so you'll hear things possibly revealed for the first time.  We discuss the suit, the writing and production, guest stars, why it was canceled, and the show's enduring legacy. This is an hour filled with remembrances and behind-the-scenes stories that Flash fans will love.

Purchase the new Blu-ray on Amazon:
THE FLASH: The Original Series (1990-91) Blu-ray

More podcast details:
Discover how the high-definition upgrade has unveiled stunning details that were previously hidden, and learn about the pivotal choice to finish the effects on film, a decision that has preserved its quality for modern audiences. 

Join us as we tackle the nuts and bolts of superhero costuming with John Wesley Shipp’s firsthand experiences in the Flash suit. Hear about the suit’s practical challenges, from its weight to its heat retention, and the innovative solutions the team developed to maintain both comfort and visual appeal. John shares his initial reactions to seeing himself suited up as the Scarlet Speedster and reflects on the collaborative efforts that made his portrayal of Barry Allen so compelling.

Explore the nostalgia and legacy of "The Flash" TV series with us, featuring insights into the show’s unique tone influenced by comic books and Tim Burton's Batman. Danny and John discuss the camaraderie among the cast and crew, the influence of film noir and literature on the show's style, and the impact of the guest stars, including the unforgettable Mark Hamill as the Trickster. Despite the series’ struggles with time slots and critical reception, its enduring charm and innovative spirit shine through in this Blu-ray release, highlighting its place as a pioneer in superhero television. Don’t miss out on this captivating exploration of a 90s classic.

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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

Get ready to uncover the magic behind the iconic series finale of the 1990-91 TV show "The Flash" with exclusive insights from creators/executive producers Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo. Recorded as an audio commentary in 2006, our episode promises to transport you back to Central City, offering a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes stories and creative decisions that brought the beloved hero to life. From the unforgettable performance of Mark Hamill as the Trickster to the evolution of the Flash's pilot, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the work that went into this groundbreaking show. We will reflect on John Wesley Shipp's experience in the titular role, the late-night shoots, and memorable stunts, including the iconic trickster rocket sled. Finally, our commentary wraps up with an emotional goodbye and a glimpse into the creative minds that shaped "The Flash."

Enjoy as a podcast episode, or play as an audio commentary while you are watching the "Trial of the Trickster" episode on the new Blu-ray release from the Warner Archive.

Purchase your Blu-ray on Amazon:
THE FLASH: The Original Series Blu-ray (releases June 25, 2024)

The Extras Facebook page
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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

Animation historian Jerry Beck opens the vault to the newly launched MeTV Toons channel, airing on June 25th.  Get ready to be taken behind the scenes as we delve into the collaborative efforts between Weigel Broadcasting and Warner Brothers Discovery to create the only classic animation channel available for animation fans. Jerry gives us exclusive insights into the rich lineup of content, special projects he is involved with, and how to find the channel in your local area.

Links:
MeTVTOONS.com Website
TV Cartoons that Time Forgot Facebook Page
Animation Scoop Website
Cartoon Research Website

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