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Animation historian Jerry Beck and George Feltenstein of the Warner Archive officially "open the vault" in this broad review of disc one of the recently released Looney Tunes Collector's Vault Volume 1. Our far-ranging discussion includes a history of the last 35 years of Looney Tunes restoration, debunking of some restoration myths, select reviews, and Jerry's shocking "cartoons in a porno theater" story. When Jerry and George talk animation, you know it's going to be fun, informative, and always full of a few surprises. Looney Tunes super-fans, this is one podcast you don't want to miss!

Purchase Links: Looney Tunes Collector's Vault Vol. 1

Also discussed:  Looney Tunes Platinum Collection Vol. 1 (Blu-ray)

Looney Tunes Platinum Collection Vol. 2 (Blu-ray)

YouTube cartoon shorts

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Producer and author Michael Stradford (Black to the Movies) and George Feltenstein of Warner Bros. join the podcast for a fun discussion of director Gordon Parks Jr.'s, THREE THE HARD WAY ('74), starring Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, and Jim Kelly in their first and only team-up for a film.  We also talk about three other Blaxploitation classics of the 1970s: HITMAN ('72) starring Bernie Casey & Pam Grier, BLACK EYE ('74) starring Fred Williamson, Rosemary Forsyth, and Teresa Graves, and BLACK BELT JONES('74) starring Jim Kelly and Gloria Hendry. Our far-ranging discussion covers the missing footage that has been restored to THREE THE HARD WAY, and the impact these films had on popular culture.

All four films were recently remastered in HD by Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging and released by the Warner Archive for the first time on Blu-ray, featuring stunning picture and sound quality.  They have never looked or sounded better. 

Includes audio clips from the Trailers and episodes.

Purchase links:

THREE THE HARD WAY (1974) Blu-ray

HIT MAN (1972) Blu-ray

BLACK EYE (1974) Blu-ray

BLACK BELT JONES (1974) Blu-ray

Author/producer Michael Stradford on Facebook

Gizmoe Press web page

BLACK TO THE MOVIES book

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The Warner Archive Collection announces an eclectic lineup of eight Blu-ray releases coming in July, spanning multiple decades and genres with restorations from original camera negatives.

• William Conrad's "Brainstorm" (1965) starring Jeff Hunter in a psychological thriller with a new 4K scan
• Michael Curtiz's "Brightleaf" (1950) with Gary Cooper and Lauren Bacall as tobacco barons in the 1890s
• Vincent Minnelli's "The Cobweb" (1955), a controversial mental institution drama with Richard Widmark and Lauren Bacall
• "Knights of the Round Table" (1953), MGM's first CinemaScope production with Robert Taylor and Ava Gardner
• "Melinda" (1972), an African-American produced urban drama featuring a young Jim Kelly before Enter the Dragon
• "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1952), a Technicolor remake with Stewart Granger, Deborah Kerr, and James Mason
• "They Died With Their Boots On" (1941), the final Flynn/de Havilland collaboration with newly discovered footage
• "Two Weeks With Love" (1950), featuring Jane Powell, Ricardo Montalban, and Debbie Reynolds' breakout performance

All titles feature stunning 4K scans with various extras including period-appropriate shorts, cartoons, and interviews. 

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George Feltenstein from the Warner Archive joins host Tim Millard to discuss the remarkable restoration and reconstruction of the 1945 film "Rhapsody in Blue," now available on Blu-ray in its complete 161-minute version for the first time in 80 years.

• Warner Bros.' restoration team combined original camera negative footage with a composite fine-grain master to reconstruct the complete film as director Irving Rapper intended
• The rediscovered 5-minute Porgy and Bess sequence featuring Anne Brown's full performance of "Summertime" replaces the truncated 1:45 version shown in theaters
• The Warner Brothers Studio Orchestra deserves special recognition for their outstanding musical performances and arrangements by Ray Heindorf
• Many actual Gershwin associates appear in the film, including Paul Whiteman's orchestra, Oscar Levant, and Al Jolson performing "Swanee"
• The film successfully portrays Gershwin's dedication to creating uniquely American music that incorporated jazz and diverse cultural influences
• This frame-by-frame restoration delivers unprecedented audio and visual quality, surpassing even the original theatrical presentation
• Robert Alda delivers a charismatic performance as George Gershwin, supported by excellent performances from Joan Leslie, Alexis Smith, and Charles Coburn

Purchase Link: 

RHAPSODY IN BLUE (1945) [EXTENDED PRE-RELEASE VERSION] Blu-ray

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George Feltenstein joins Tim Millard to review the Warner Archive's April Blu-ray releases, a diverse collection spanning from 1950s classics to 2000s comedies that have been restored with stunning new transfers and special features.

• Leslie Caron and Mel Ferrer star in "Lily" (1953), a Technicolor gem restored from original 3-strip negatives 
• Despite studio doubts, "Lily" became a massive success that was later reissued theatrically instead of going to television
• "Side Street" (1950) features rare on-location New York City filming with Farley Granger and Cathy O'Donnell
• Anthony Mann's noir thriller uses the city as a character, with John Alton's cinematography and a memorable climactic car chase
• "Springfield Rifle" (1952) starring Gary Cooper presented restoration challenges as an early Warner Color film
• "Just Friends" (2005) with Ryan Reynolds finally gets its first proper U.S. Blu-ray release with all special features
• "Clean and Sober" (1988) showcases Michael Keaton's breakthrough dramatic role alongside Morgan Freeman
• Glenn Gordon Caron's film about addiction remains relevant today, balancing serious subject matter with moments of hope

Purchase Links:

LILI (1953) BLU-RAY

SIDE STREET (1950) BLU-RAY

SPRINGFIELD RIFLE (1952) BLU-RAY

JUST FRIENDS (2005) BLU-RAY

CLEAN AND SOBER (1988) BLU-RAY

Replacement Program Communications 

Upgraded Audio is available on Just Friends and Clean and Sober  

Important news : Recently, we upgraded the audio tracks to five releases. These changes were what we call, “running changes” so many customers already have the upgraded Audio. But if you were one of the early purchasers of these titles you may be eligible to receive a free replacement disc that includes the upgraded audio.  

Clean and Sober 

 “Clean and Sober” (Blu-ray) is eligible for a replacement disc that will include DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo audio. To know if you’re eligible for the replacement, check your purchased disc. If it does not have DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo you’re eligible for a replacement.  

Just Friends 

 “Just Friends” (Blu-ray) is eligible for a replacement disc that will include all special features and DTS-MA HD 5.1 audio. To know if you’re eligible for the replacement, check your purchased disc. If it has only 2.0 audio and one special feature – the trailer - you’re eligible for a replacement.  

To receive your replacement follow these instructions; 

• Email [email protected] with your request. Be sure to include your original purchase receipt in your initial email to Movie Zyyng. 
• Movie Zyng is working with Warner Bros. and AV Entertainment to facilitate the replacement even if you’ve

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As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

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. t[email protected]

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Tim Millard and George Feltenstein from the Warner Archive delve into the fantastic new Blu-ray releases of three diverse classics spanning silent film, television westerns, and animated cartoons.

• The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921), a silent film that launched Rudolph Valentino's career, underwent a three-year restoration process
• Warner Bros. worked closely with film preservationists Kevin Brownlow and Patrick Stanberry to accurately recreate the film's original tints and tones
• Cheyenne (1955-1962), television's first hour-long western, now available as a complete series with all 107 episodes scanned in 4K from original camera negatives
• The series marked Warner Bros.' entrance into television production and starred Clint Walker as the beloved Cheyenne Bodie
• Wacky Races (1968) restoration brings vibrant colors and details to the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon series
• The Warner Archive team faced unique challenges with animation restoration due to how segments were originally archived

Purchase Links:

THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE (1921)-1993 PHOTOPLAY RESTORATION Blu-ray

CHEYENNE-The Complete Series (1957-1962) Blu-ray

WACKY RACES: The Complete Series (1968) Blu-ray

Replacement Program Communications 

Upgraded Audio is available on The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse 

Important news : Recently, we upgraded the audio tracks to five releases. These changes were what we call, “running changes” so many customers already have the upgraded Audio. But if you were one of the early purchasers of these titles you may be eligible to receive a free replacement disc that includes the upgraded audio.  

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse 

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Blu-ray) is eligible for a replacement disc that will include DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo Audio. To know if you’re eligible for the replacement, check your purchased disc. If it does not have DTS-MA HD 2.0 Stereo Audio you’re eligible for a replacement.  

To receive your replacement follow these instructions; 

• Email [email protected] with your request. Be sure to include your original purchase receipt in your initial email to Movie Zyyng. 
• Movie Zyng is working with Warner Bros. and AV Entertainment to facilitate the replacement even if you’ve purchased it elsewhere. If you include your purchase receipt with your email, you will receive instructions on how to order your replacement disc at no charge. 

Again, your original purchase receipt must be attached or included as part of your initial email in order to receive instructions. We’re delighted to get original purchasers taken care of. Please follow the instructions above to start the process.”

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As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

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. t[email protected]

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Warner Archive announces six spectacular Blu-ray releases for June, along with new value-priced four-film collections and the Looney Tunes Collectors Vault Vol. 1. George Feltenstein shares details about each release, including the meticulous 4K restorations from original camera negatives that bring these classics to life like never before.

• Four-film collections featuring Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, and Elizabeth Taylor are coming in June, with 24 collections planned overall
• High Society 4K street date moved to June 10th to ensure "magnificent" presentation with Dolby Atmos and original mono tracks
• Looney Tunes Collectors Vault Vol. 1 offers 50 cartoons for just $3 more than the previous single-disc releases
• The Citadel (1938) - King Vidor's critically acclaimed drama about the medical profession with Robert Donat and Rosalind Russell
• A Date with Judy (1948) - Technicolor MGM musical starring Jane Powell and a 16-year-old Elizabeth Taylor
• The Enchanted Cottage (1945) - Fantasy romance restored to its full 92-minute version after decades of circulation in a cut form
• Executive Suite (1954) - Corporate drama featuring a stellar cast including William Holden and Barbara Stanwyck, with Oliver Stone commentary
• His Kind of Woman (1951) - Noir comedy starring Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell with a scene-stealing Vincent Price
• Splendor in the Grass (1961) - Elia Kazan's powerful drama with Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty, now properly restored after years of poor transfers

Purchase links:

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Warner Archive's March Blu-ray releases span nine decades of entertainment history, from a 1934 Joan Crawford classic to 1970s action films and beloved Hanna-Barbera animation. Tim Millard and George Feltenstein discuss the restoration process and cultural significance of these diverse titles.

• Sadie McKee (1934) showcases Joan Crawford's evolution as an actress in a restored version that looks spectacular despite being over 90 years old
• Monogram Matinee Volume 1 features three entertaining B-movies from 1949 that have been virtually impossible to see for decades
• Earth 2 (1971) receives a gorgeous 4K scan that reveals additional footage from its limited international theatrical release
• Hitman (1972) stars Bernie Casey and a young Pamela Grier in an urban action film that captures the authentic look and feel of early 70s cinema
• The Magilla Gorilla Show required an "archaeological expedition" to reassemble complete episodes as they originally aired in 1964, including reinstating the famous theme song

Purchase links:

THE MAGILLA GORILLA SHOW: The Complete Animated Series (1964-66) Blu-ray

SADIE McKEE (1934) Blu-ray

MONOGRAM MATINEE VOL. 1 (1949) Blu-ray

EARTH II (1971) Blu-ray

HIT MAN (1972) Blu-ray

THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE (1921)-1993 PHOTOPLAY RESTORATION Blu-ray

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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. t[email protected]

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Now available for Amazon pre-order: Looney Tunes Collector's Vault Vol. 1

George Feltenstein of the Warner Archive and animation historian Jerry Beck introduce the Looney Tunes Collector's Vault, Volume 1, featuring 50 beautifully restored in High Definition classic cartoons across two discs. Hear directly from the two men who curated this collection about what makes this new Blu-ray series of cartoons for collectors the logical next step in their ongoing attempts to bring all of the Looney Tunes cartoons to HD.

• Evolution from single-disc Collector's Choice to the two-disc Collector's Vault format, offering twice the content for just a few dollars more
• Disc One features 24 cartoons never before included in a Warner Brothers cartoon collection in remastered form
• Disc Two presents 25 classic character cartoons making their HD/Blu-ray debut
• Stunning restoration quality, particularly visible in 1934's "Beauty and the Beast" in two-color Cinecolor
• Chuck Jones' "Good Night Elmer" reveals beautiful lighting and color work previously impossible to appreciate
• Complete alphabetical listing of all 50 cartoons spanning from 1934 to 1963
• Announcement that Looney Tunes Platinum Collections 1 & 2 will be returning to print in June at reasonable prices
• Confirmation that Collector's Vault Volume 2 is already in development

Official release scheduled for June 17th.

DISC ONE-25 all never before included remastered in any DVD or Blu-ray Looney Tunes collection:

BARS AND STRIPES FOREVER (1939)

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1934)

A DAY AT THE ZOO (1939)

THE DIXIE FRYER  (1960)

DOUBLE OR MUTTON (was on LTCC V. 4)

EACH DAWN I CROW (1949)

EASY PECKIN’S (1953)

FEATHER DUSTED (1955)

FOX IN A FIX (1951)

GOOD NIGHT ELMER (1940)

THE GOOFY GOPHERS (1947)

I'D LOVE TO TAKE ORDERS FROM YOU (1936)

KIDDIES KITTY, A (1955)

LET IT BE ME (1936)

OF FOX AND HOUNDS (1940)

QUACKODILE TEARS (1962)

READY, WOOLEN AND ABLE (1960)

ROBIN HOOD MAKES GOOD (1939)

SQUAWKIN' HAWK, THE (1942)

TERRIER-STRICKEN (1952)

TWEET AND LOVELY (1959)

TWEETY'S CIRCUS (1955)

TWO'S A CROWD (1950)

WILD ABOUT HURRY (1959)

ZIP 'N SNORT (1961)

DISC TWO-25 all never before included remastered in HD as part of any Blu-ray Looney Tunes collection:

AIN’T SHE TWEET (1952)

BANTY RAIDS (1963) 

BIRTH OF A NOTION  (1947)

BYE BYE BLUEBEARD (1949)

CAT-TAILS FOR TWO  (1953)

DAFFY DILLY (1948)

DAFFY DUCK AND EGGHEAD (1938)

GEE WHIZ-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z-Z  (1956)

GONZALES’ TAMALES (1957)

HARE CONDITIONED  (1945)

HARE TRIGGER  (1945)

HARE TRIMMED  (1953)

HORTON HATCHES THE EGG (1942)

LITTLE BOY BOO (1954)

MUCH ADO ABOUT NUTTING (1953)

ODOR-ABLE KITTY  (1945)

PAST PERFUMANCE (1955)

PORKY’S DUCK HUNT  (1937)

RABBIT PUNCH  (1948)

RED RIDING HOODWINKED  (1955)

RHAP

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Scott McGee, Senior Director of Original Productions at Turner Classic Movies, previews the upcoming TCM Classic Film Festival and its theme, "Grand Illusions: Fantastic Worlds in Film," taking place April 24-27 in Hollywood.

• Opening night features a 45th anniversary screening of "The Empire Strikes Back" with George Lucas making his first TCM Festival appearance
• The festival includes sub-themes like "Pigments of Imagination" (fantasy films with animation), "Future Shock" (time travel films), and "Far, Far Away" (films set beyond Earth)
• Special guests include Michelle Pfeiffer receiving the handprint-footprint ceremony, with screenings of rare films like "The Fabulous Baker Boys"
• The festival will present two films projected in VistaVision, a horizontal projection technology not used publicly in nearly 60 years
• World premiere restorations include "Ben-Hur" presented by the Film Foundation with Alexander Payne introducing
• Tribute screenings honor recently deceased filmmakers including David Lynch and Gene Hackman
• Scott discusses the Academy's addition of a Stunt Design Oscar category beginning in 2026 as a long-overdue recognition

Visit the TCM Classic Film Festival website to purchase festival passes and individual film tickets for this unique celebration of cinema history. 

https://filmfestival.tcm.com/attend/

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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. t[email protected]