Chat Transcript - Warner Home Video on The Home Theater Forum

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Chat Transcript:
Warner Home Video on HTF

The following is a complete transcript of the on-line chat with executives from Warner Home Video, held on Monday, March 29th on The Home Theater Forum. Thanks to Ron Epstein, Parker Clack and everyone at HTF for all their hard work, and for providing the transcript for all to read. Enjoy!

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Home Theater Forum
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Subject: Live Chat with Warner Home Video
Date: Tuesday March 29, 2005

[RonEpstein] Okay...let's get started

[WarnerHomeVideo] Ready from Burbank!

[RonEpstein] I would like to thank our membership for being here. Parker and I will be moderating tonight's chat. Why don't the folks from Warner Brothers introduce themselves and tell us what they do...

[WarnerHomeVideo] Hello. Representing WHV are Mike Radiloff, VP of Theatrical Catalog, George Feltenstein Senior VP Classic Catalog, Rosemary Markson, Executive Director TV marketing, and Ronnee Sass our wonderful publicist.

[RonEpstein] You guys must be feeling good. In 2003 you went right to the top with your releases of Casablanca SE, High Sierra, To Have and Have Not, Warner Legends Collection (Flynn, Cagney & Bogart) and Looney Tunes Volume 1. In 2004 history repeated itself with your releases that included Looney Tunes Volume 2, Gone in the Wind, Film Noir Collection Volume 1, Alfred Hitchcock Collection, Cary Grant Signature Collection and (my favorite) The Marx Brothers Collection. And already in 2005 you are out of the gate with your release of The Warner Gangster Collection.

[ParkerClack] Yeah to Loonie Toons.

[RonEpstein] How does it feel to be on top of the world for all these consecutive years?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Like Cody Jarrett!

[ParkerClack] :)

[RonEpstein] Hahaha. Very witty tonight.

[WarnerHomeVideo] Just kidding, very grateful to all of you for your support. This success of these releases has proven that the market IS there for classic films on DVD if they are presented with care & dedication.

[RonEpstein] I'd like to begin this chat by saying Happy Birthday to one of our Moderators, Robert Crawford. He is perhaps your biggest fan as he himself is a huge fan of classic film. Happy Birthday Crawdaddy. For that reason and the fact that it is his birthday we are going to let him ask the first question. Robert Crawford, the floor is yours.....

[RobertCrawford] Welcome and I want to congratulate Warner for doing an excellent job with their dvd releases. I know that Humoresque is coming out in June, are there any other John Garfield films in the pipeline for release and are Spencer Tracy and Clark Gable boxsets coming out this year?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Thank you for the kind words. There will be more Garfield in the future but not this year. Gable and Tracy are on tap for 2006.

[WesR] Hello! I was wondering if Night School, New Year's Evil, Dark Night of the Scarecrow, or Killer Party are likely to be included in this fall's horror slate? If not, what can we expect to see? Thanks guys!

[WarnerHomeVideo] Sorry, none of those titles are currently planned for release at the moment. Which is your favorite?

[WesR] Definitely Night School, I would have to say.

[WarnerHomeVideo] We'll take that under advisement :)

[JohnMor] Thanks for your sensational work the last few years. And I have to give you a million thanks for the upcoming “Doris Day” and “Controversial Classics” boxes. Those 2 really made my year! I wanted to ask about “Storm Warning” with Reagan, Day & Ginger Rogers. And the Streisand “A Star Is Born”.

[WarnerHomeVideo] You are going to be a happy man....STORM WARNING (uncut) is coming next year. A STAR IS BORN '76 will be out before the end of the year.

[TerriE] First of all, I'd like to say that I love the show 'Murphy Brown' and I think you did it great justice with your Season 1 release! My question is if there are any further 'Murphy Brown' sets in the works; if so, which season(s) and if not, do you think there will be any plans to bring it to the drawing board in the near or distant future?

[WarnerHomeVideo] No plans are set at this point, but thanks for the compliments.

[JeffWilson] Thanks; about THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS, any update on the status for this? Last I heard you were looking for better elements? Also, any plans for JOURNEY INTO FEAR (1943)?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Deja vu! We're still looking for great elements on AMBERSONS & JOURNEY.

[PeterMFitzgerald] Greetings, folks! Thanks so much for the superlative job on so many fronts over the last two years (most recently, announcing POINT BLANK and FILM NOIR BOX 2 --consider them bought!). Now for my question...Do you have any plans for utilizing more of your Allied Artists titles from your library? I'd particularly like to see some great AA drive-in classics like NOT OF THIS EARTH ('57), CALTIKI ('59) and GIANT BEHEMOTH ('59), as well as bigger titles like the action classic, GOLD ('74).

[WarnerHomeVideo] There are some AA titles on our schedule coming up, but not any of those which you mentioned.

[DaveSpencer] Hi, Thanks for this opportunity. Is there any more info on the release of "Over The Edge"? I've been hearing about it for quite sometime and thought it had been scheduled for 2004- can we look forward to it this year? Also (I think its a Warner property) any info on a Veronica Mars S1 release? (hoping for 16:9).

[WarnerHomeVideo] OVER THE EDGE is due this year with director commentary. No plans for VERONICA yet.

[Louis] First off, compliments to you on the new edition of The Shawshank Redemption, it was excellent. Now my question...I've been incredibly happy with the season sets of "Friends" that are available. Is the tenth season being planned for release soon, and if so, when?

[WarnerHomeVideo] FRIENDS Season 10 will be out before the end of the year. we think you'll be extremely happy with what we have prepared for it...loaded with goodies!

[SteveO] Thank you for coming. I'm looking forward to the upcoming Thin Man Collection and Adventures of Superman (hopefully multiple seasons). Are there any plans for other classic "series" films (RKO Tarzan, Saint/Falcon, etc.) or Signature Collections of non Thin Man Powell/Loy or Pre-Code films. Please keep up the great work.

[WarnerHomeVideo] The RKO Tarzans are on our radar but no date set yet. Big Pre-code set coming in 2006 with surprises. THE THIN MAN collection will be a 7 disc set with all 6 films, plus a bonus disc.

[RonEpstein] I got a title I want to ask about. Mad Magazine's "Up The Academy." An old favorite. Any word on that?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Sorry Ron, but no scheduled date yet for UP THE ACADEMY.

[Sai] You have already delighted me with the news of a pre-code box, but my question is this: does WHV has any plans for more Classic [genre] boxes (i.e. Classic Horror/Drama) and/or follow-ups to the 'old' boxes (i.e. Gangster Box Vol. 2)?

[WarnerHomeVideo] YES YES YES There will be Warner Gangsters 2 next year, and other genre-themed promotions. Thanks for your support of our releases!

[WarnerHomeVideo] While we are waiting for the next question, we hope you will check out our recent CLASSIC COMEDIES and BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS BOXED SETS.

[ChristianLiemke] There are rumors about a 4-DVD set with both “Ben-Hur” movies. The available DVD of the 1959 version is heavily cropped on all sides. Will the new DVD be mastered from 65/70mm elements or from a proper framed 35mm reduction print? Can we expect bonus materials on the 1925 version and new material on the Wyler film?

[WarnerHomeVideo] We have completed a NEW transfer of the 1959 BEN-HUR directly from newly restored 65mm elements. The 1925 silent version will also be on board along with exciting new extra content. We think you'll be very pleased.

[JamesRoberts] I'd like to ask about the two Antonioni films I believe you currently have the rights to: "Zabriskie Point" and "The Passenger". Is there any chance that we might see these released? Thanks for all the excellent work you've done.

[WarnerHomeVideo] We do not own THE PASSENGER. It's owned by Jack Nicholson. ZABRISKIE is under consideration for release at some point.

[ChrisS] Wanted to add my thanks for chatting with us tonight! Last year the "Tom & Jerry Spotlight Collection" was released unfortunately with edited/cut material. Jerry Beck was quoted by cartoonresearch in Dec '04 as saying that "Warner Bros. Home Video is very, very upset over the edited cartoons... From what I've been able to gather, his intention is for fans to be able to replace Disc 1 at no charge to them." What can you tell us about any possibilities?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Unfortunately, no one from our collectable animation marketing staff was able to attend this evening, so we cannot respond. We do know they are aware of the issue.

[RonEpstein] Very special friend of ours here tonight...from TVSHOWSONDVD.COM is David Lambert.

[DavidLambert] Happy B-Day Crawdaddy! Warner, THANKS for being here tonight, and thanks for celebrating 50 years of Warner TV with us this year! Now, on to my question: What's coming up in the remaining "Warner's 50th" waves? Soon Brisco Cty Jr. will rise to be TVShowsOnDVD's 2nd-most-voted-for unreleased show; is it among them? Kotter? Alice? Family Matters? Drew Carey Show? Knot's Landing? Animaniacs/TinyToons/Pinky? Witchblade? Max Headroom? THE FLASH?! Birds of Prey? Also, can you tell us ANYTHING about 60's Batman? Would you believe I'm also asking about GET SMART!

[WarnerHomeVideo] We have no rights to GET SMART, we have no rights to 60s BATMAN, We are looking at potential releases of KOTTER, DREW CAREY, KNOT'S LANDING, THE FLASH, WITCHBLADE at some point in the future.

[GregSH] TV Question: Are the prospects for a Perfect Strangers season set better now than they were last year, and will we see Smallville S4 before the end of August? Love the Dukes sets, and please consider Enos!

[WarnerHomeVideo] No plans on PERFECT STRANGERS, Season 4 SMALLVILLE coming this Fall, We'll consider ENOS.

[JimBeaver] Brimstone is my favourite show and also the one I really want on DVD what are the plans for it? Also what's in the works for Third Watch, Opposite Sex, Run of the House, Bucky O'Hare, Fish Police, Xiaolin Showdown?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Nothing on any of those yet. Sorry.

[ScottMorris] Thanks for making my wish come true last time you were here, when I asked you whether the That's Entertainment movies would ever hit DVD. You guys did a terrific job with them! I wanted to ask today about Two Girls and a Sailor (1944) -- a really charming little musical with June Allyson, Gloria DeHaven, Van Johnson and Jimmy Durante, and featured performances by Lena Horne, Gracie Allen, Harry James and Xavier Cugat, among others.

[WarnerHomeVideo] TWO GIRLS AND A SAILOR isn't on the docket right now. There are about 25 other MGM musicals ahead of it in the conga line...and we like the movie, too!. Sorry!

[ChadZ] Thank you for the DC Comics collections this year. Any chance we'll see Justice League and Batman Beyond Box sets in the future?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Our folks who handle this area aren't here tonight, but we know there's LOTS of great DC Comic-related product in your future!

[MarkvdH] Hello from Holland! Any chance of Fearless and/or Dangerous Liaisons getting the re-release treatment they deserve?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Sorry, but no remastered versions of either of those titles are currently scheduled.

[georgekaplan] You've been doing a great job releasing catalog titles (hopefully Up in Arms and Top Hat will be coming soon), but are you going to be revisiting some older dvds, which are tragically only available in p&s, such as Grumpy Old Men? Also, any chance of Coal Black showing up on a Looney Tunes collection?

[WarnerHomeVideo] We don't own UP IN ARMS. It's a GOLDWYN title. We are revisiting older titles for remastering on a constant basis, but nothing happening for GRUMPY OLD MEN.

[davidross] First, thanks to everyone at Warner for taking the time to answer our questions this evening. My questions were animation related, and since that person isn't here, is it possible for you to please provide a contact in that department who we can all ask with follow-ups, as opposed to going through general email or normal phone channels? Thanks.

[WarnerHomeVideo] We will keep HTF informed as to who can best resolve the questions regarding animation.

[RafaelPires] Good evening, folks from WB! Are there any plans for Bachelor Mother, Kitty Foyle, Pride and Prejudice, Waterloo Bridge, a Woman2019s face and some MacDonald/Eddy operettas?

[WarnerHomeVideo] KITTY FOYLE will be out next year, and although no dates are set most of the other items you mention are in are planned for the future (including BOTH versions of WATERLOO BRIDGE 1931 and 1940!)

[MikeGuyder] OK, Thanks for the great 2-disc "Heat"... and any status of The Outsiders: Extended Edition and or a WS version of Arthur?

[WarnerHomeVideo] OUTSIDERS Extended Edition will finally be out this year. We are in discussion regarding ARTHUR.

[RonEpstein] Have a title that has been asked about time and time again -- and is certainly in need of a 2-disc SE release: DOG DAY AFTERNOON.

[WarnerHomeVideo] We will have a 2-Disc SE on DOG DAY AFTERNOON, NETWORK, and ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN within the next 12 months.

[RonEpstein] WoW! Great News!

[JeffNewcomb] Warner does a great job with their classics...how about some 70s titles: Scarecrow, Night Moves, Brewster McCloud, Performance, Fedora.

[WarnerHomeVideo] SCARECROW and NIGHT MOVES are on the schedule and in production. We have special plans for PERFORMANCE, but no date. No plans yet for BREWSTER or FEDORA.

[WarnerHomeVideo] We hope you all noticed that WHV is going to be releasing Cronenberg's DEAD RINGERS in June.

[BryanRi] Hello! First I would like to congradulate you on the wonderful work done on the Hitchcock Films and on the Iron Giant SE; now for my question...Do you have any plans to release the Batman films (including the animated Mask of the Phantasm) in Special Editions? Also are there any plans for a Green Mile SE?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Yes and Yes :)

[AndersRunestad] Thanks for your fine work, Warner, and for being here. In your previous chat here, you indicated that THE YAKUZA was on for early 2005. Can you give us an update? Also, any plans for UP THE DOWN STAIRCASE? Thanks for your time.

[WarnerHomeVideo] Our schedule is always subject to change. YAKUZA is still on the schedule, but not until next year. No plans for UP THE DOWN STAIRCASE yet, but we all agree it's a good film and we'll try to find the right spot for it.

[GregM] First, thanks for fixing "Kiss Me Kate" and for releasing "Finian's Rainbow" and the others in the box set. Any plans for later MGM musicals "The Boy Friend" & "Goodbye Mr. Chips"

[WarnerHomeVideo] No plans for either in the immediate future, but eventually both will be released in proper 16x9 5.1 versions.

[WolframM] Another TV Question: Any news regarding Everwood Season 2, NIP/TUCK Season 2 and Jack & Bobby Season 1? Thanks.

[WarnerHomeVideo] NIP/TUCK S2 will be out by Fall. Nothing definite yet on EVERWOOD or JACK & BOBBY.

[ChaiseR] Hi, Do you have any plans for Mama's Family, Growing Pains and The Hogan Family?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Yes, we are looking at GROWING PAINS. No plans yet on the other two.

[Eric_Peterson] I want to take a quick second to thank WB for their consistent top-notch treatment of classic films. I've purchased nearly every box, and if you keep releasing them, I'll keep buying them. Are there any plans to release a second Lon Chaney collection? It couldcontain "The Unholy Three" (Both Versions), "West of Zanzibar", "Tell it to the Marines", and "He Who Gets Slapped"

[WarnerHomeVideo] There is likely more Chaney to come, but not in the immediate future. Thank you for the compliments on our releases.

[Gavin_L] any chance of releasing Stealing Home in widescreen?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Sorry, we don't plan to revisit STEALING HOME at the moment.

[EdMann] What is happening with Alexander will it be a 2 disc special edition or just a regular disc and is there a directors cut in the works, will the dvd come out before July?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Look for an announcement on ALEXANDER soon. We think you'll be pleased with what is announced.

[BenKing] Thanks Ron. Hi, I'd like to ask about the 80's Lorimar soaps. Is there a definite commitment to a full season by season release of DALLAS? Also, are there any plans for a complete series release of KNOTS LANDING, FALCON CREST and FLAMINGO ROAD? Thanks.

[WarnerHomeVideo] DALLAS Season 3 is coming this Summer. KNOT'S LANDING is under consideration for the future. No plans for FLAMINGO ROAD (The TV series, not the Joan Crawford movie), and FALCON CREST is also under consideration.

[MichaelStreeter] Thanks, you guys take a lot of money out of my bank account, I'm happy to say :) Any possibility for the Bill Murray comic sci-fi oddity NOTHING LASTS FOREVER, now that there is a book coming out about it (shameless plug, sorry) and Murray has stated that he would love to contribute to special features?

[WarnerHomeVideo] There is a rights issue that has precluded the home video release of NOTHING LASTS FOREVER.

[WarnerHomeVideo] However Bill Murray fans will be happy to know that QUICK CHANGE is coming out this Fall.

[BrandonConway] I must say I LOVED the Warner Classic Gangster Collection, and I'm looking forward to the Errol Flynn Collection with high anticipation. What's the current status on the Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers box set that was previously said to be in planning stages?

[WarnerHomeVideo] The ASTAIRE/ROGERS releases will come out in two 5 film releases (singles and boxed sets). First group will be later this year. Next group 2006. Nice special features being planned as we speak, and each film has been restored to its glistening splendor.

[PavanP] Hi, I'm from SitcomsOnline.com, thank you for your time. I hope you consider PERFECT STRANGERS to your comedy slate; I'm very surprised that is not out yet. Any plans for GEORGE LOPEZ, STEP BY STEP and HEAD OF THE CLASS and when can we expect CHICO AND THE MAN S1? Can you also tell us how far a part will you release LOIS & CLARK? Will Teri Hatcher be involved for the bonus material in future sets, as Dean Cain is for season one?

[WarnerHomeVideo] LOIS AND CLARK S1 which is coming this June contains special features including new Teri Hatcher interviews.You can expect more LOIS AND CLARK in 2006. We are working on the release plans for GEORGE LOPEZ and CHICO.

[AgeeBassett] Hi, WB. Thanks for being here. Some of us have some concern over a missing line said by Mrs. Hepburn in your recent release of Bringing Up Baby (which is otherwise excellent): I'm a one man woman, where he goes, I go. And if I don't he knocks my block off. The final sentence is missing from the DVD. I have seen many incarnations of this film over the years, and it wasn't until the mid-90's that I saw a print (broadcast by TCM) that excised this line. Since then, it seems that only the truncated version is available to the public (R2 DVD is truncated as well). Was there a problem with the element in this scene, or was the line removed for other reasons? In any case, I know I speak for many here when I say that I favor restoration of this line in a future release.

[WarnerHomeVideo] The problem goes back to damage done to the original negative and not censorship.

[JackBaxter] What is the status of the Val Lewton Box? Will all nine be included? I second the motion for Brewster McCloud.

[WarnerHomeVideo] All nine Lewton classics will be out this year with nifty special features and expert commentaries. You'll love them.

[MattHenderson] Thanks so much for "Point Blank" WB! Happy birthday Robert, it's my birthday as well - so how about a good birthday present WB? I'm wondering when we'll see the DVD debuts of lesser-known '60s-'70s masterpieces like "Petulia" and "O Lucky Man!" and also a couple other (so far) neglected titles - Neil Jordan's "The Butcher Boy" and Anthony Mann's "The Naked Spur." Thanks!

[WarnerHomeVideo] NAKED SPUR is on tap for 06 as is PETULIA. We're definitely looking at O LUCKY MAN and BUTCHER BOY.

[Chris] Thanks for all your great work. I was wondering about Special Editions of some 90s/late 80s movies, specifically Mosquito Coast, Presumed Innocent, The Fugitive and L.A. Confidential.

[WarnerHomeVideo] On the hush-hush and the QT,LA CONFIDENTIAL SE is in 'da works. No others from that group are planned for SE reissues.

[LaurenceGarvey] I'm a Warners Classics addict! So... The Bowery Boys? The Superman serials of the 1940s? Any chance of a boxed set of the great MGM shorts, such as Robert Benchley, Pete Smith Specialties, or Crime Does Not Pay? (And by the way, I write about classic movies and get a LOT of requests for info about these!) Thank you!

[RonEpstein] Yes! The Bowery Boys!

[WarnerHomeVideo] We plan to start releasing all 48 of our BOWERY BOYS films in collections during 2006. Look for great MGM shorts on our releases as added content, but there are no plans for dedicated boxed sets of shorts on DVD at the moment. The Superman serials are in the planning stages as we speak.

[AndrewRadke] Good evening, and thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us tonight. I was wondering if you plan on re-releasing the Ace Ventura films in widescreen? The same question applies to "Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie". All of these were previously released as pan & scan. Also, are there any plans to revisit the Lethal Weapon films on DVD?

[WarnerHomeVideo] LETHAL WEAPON quartet are director's cuts with fine transfers. No need to revisit. No plans for ACE or BLUE COLLAR.

[RobertSiegel] Thanks for all the wonderful transfers of the musicals, they have been incredible. I own them all. I am wondering (and hoping) if the 1974 musical MAME is scheduled,and will it finally be a stereo version? It has such a great score and orchestra for stereo

[WarnerHomeVideo] If we do release MAME, we want to do it right, which means 5.1, and since it was always mono, this would be EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE to do. Too bad, as Lucy's vocals cry out for 5.1, don't they? :)

[JohnGilmore] Thanks for chatting tonight, WB, and thanks for your great releases! Looking for information on these titles: "The Sergeant"--never released on any home video format (1968), "The Ritz" (1976), "Cruising" (1980).

[WarnerHomeVideo] We're exploring all three of those titles for future release.

[RonEpstein] Any word on the Chevy Chase film, UNDER THE RAINBOW?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Ron, do you only like bad '80s comedies? (Just kidding)

[RonEpstein] You know what? That came from...well... okay...Bill Hunt of THE DIGITAL BITS. I have to rat him out otherwise I get cursed. :)

[WarnerHomeVideo] No plans for UNDER THE RAINBOW...although we do have midgets in our future. Bad boy Bill Hunt!

[stephanie] Do you have a date yet for the 1933 version of KING KONG? Also what can you tell us about Looney Toons Vol.3 ?

[WarnerHomeVideo] We have a date for 1933 KING KONG...but we're not going to tell you :)It's a secret! LOONEY TUNES V.3 is coming before Xmas.

[DougIrving] Thanx for being her tonight! What are the chances of a Special Edition of "Strange Brew"? Grateful for the previous release, but it screams for a commentary by Dave and Rick in character as Bob & Doug a la "Spinal Tap." Their Rutt and Tuk commentary from Disney's Brother Bear proves that they still possess the comic genius that I grew up loving on SCTV. Also would you please explain your statement concerning rights issues for Batman TV?

[RonEpstein] That's a good question if I can follow up on it --- Fox owns the TV show of BATMAN and you guys own the rights. Are the both of you going to come to an agreement on the BATMAN TV release?

[WarnerHomeVideo] We'd love to see a Special Edition of STRANGE BREW. Maybe by 2008 for it's silver anniversary. The BATMAN TV issue is between DC Comics and Fox. It doesn't involve Warner home video.

[Esten] Any chance of releasing some cult favorite TV shows from your library? (examples being Freddy's Nightmares, Just The Ten Of Us and Midnight Caller). Thanks.

[WarnerHomeVideo] No plans as of yet.

[WarnerHomeVideo] Guys and Gals, don't forget about our great new ERROL FLYNN releases on April 19th! You'll love them!

[John] Can you give us an update on any chance for a re-release of the Superman films on DVD? Will we ever get the original theatrical edition of Superman: The Movie on DVD? Will the sequels get better treatment? And will we ever see an alternate cut of Superman II?

[WarnerHomeVideo] All of the issues you bring up are currently on our radar.We are exploring all the possible opportunities. That's all we can say at the moment. Keep your fingers crossed and watch the skies!!!

[LauraDavies] First, on behalf of the Folks, I'd like to thank Warner for releasing season one of Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman on DVD. We'd like to know a few things, are there going to be outtakes, what about the aspect ratios on the Lois and Clark DVDs, and are there plans to release the other three seasons quickly? (Possible dates, please?)

[WarnerHomeVideo] LOIS & CLARK will be 4x3. No outtakes, but EXCELLENT supplements are planned. Others will follow faster than a speeding bullet.

[MattSav] Now Warner has announced Lois&Clark and 1950's Superman, have you/would you please consider the superb 1988-1992 "Superboy" live action series for 2006? Also, I know the animation dept. isn't there, but I'm voicing my support for a release of the 1980's animated "Ruby Spears' Superman" series based on the movie mythology.

[WarnerHomeVideo] SUPERBOY is under consideration.

[JoeG] Great work on such SE DVDs as TRUE ROMANCE and Errol Flynn's ROBIN HOOD. Keep it going! Anyway....digitalbits.com reported awhile back you all was working on a SE DVD of 2001. Any truth or any other Kubrick title?

[WarnerHomeVideo] SE of 2001 is targeted for 2006, with other Kubrick SEs.

[WarnerHomeVideo] Folks, don't forget your mothers this year...Buy them our new 8-Film DORIS DAY COLLECTION available APRIL 26TH. It's awesome.

[StevenFC] Thanks Ron. Hello, thanks for the great DVDs the past year and thanks for giving us this opportunity to ask questions. And to Ron and Parker for hosting the chat. My question is, is there any chance of a "Cool Hand Luke" two-discer, or a DVD of "The D.I." (1957) or "The Mortal Storm"? (1940) (if you own the rights) Thank You.

[WarnerHomeVideo] We do own THE MORTAL STORM, but we have no plans for that or the DI or an SE of COOL HAND LUKE at the moment. Sorry.

[tomricci] Thanks for giving us your time, ok here we go MGM's Green Dolphin Street, Saturday Night Live by seasons (first 3)and since it was asked KING KONG, did Fay Wray do a comentary before she passed?

[WarnerHomeVideo] We don't own Saturday Night Live. No plans yet for GREEN DOLPHIN. Interviews with Fay Wray will be part of our upcoming KONG release.

[JustinLord] My absolute favorite current TV series is COLD CASE. Can you tell us when a Season 1 set of this remarkable show is planned?

[WarnerHomeVideo] We agree COLD CASE is a great show. Music issues preclude the possibility of a release at this time.

[Colby] Thanks for being here, Warner! Any chance of Funny Farm in 16x9 in the future? And also, are there any plans to release Tiny Toons: How I Spent My Summer Vacation in the future? (Animation; I know. But just in case!)

[WarnerHomeVideo] Sorry, no plans for either.

[ChrisA] Hello, I'm a fan of Judy Garland. Is there any 2 disc ultra-resaloution of The Wizard of Oz and A Star is Born(1954) and what about A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) any date yet?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Yes, we are doing a special release of THE WIZARD OF OZ this year, featuring our new 4K ULTRA RESOLUTION transfer and oodles of new extras. No plans for A STAR IS BORN, which couldn't be Ultra-Rez since it's not a 3 strip Technicolor negative film. We do plan a 2 disc SE of STREETCAR in 2006.

[RobT] After next weeks west wing season set release, will the subsequent seasons be released in the regular time frame or will they be delayed for syndication? and I would love to have the rest of the New Scooby-Doo movies. Thanks.

[WarnerHomeVideo] No delays on WEST WING due to syndication.....full speed ahead. No news on Scooby movies.

[ShawnCornwell] I'm curious regarding the DVD status for any of the following: GIRL CRAZY (Garland and Rooney), WHERE'S CHARLEY? (Ray Bolger), BABY DOLL (Carrol Baker), HOME FROM THE HILL and THE SUNDOWNERS (both Robert Mitchum) and SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH (Paul Newman). Thank you for the great job WB has done releasing classics titles.

[WarnerHomeVideo] We have no rights to distribute WHERE'S CHARLEY. BABY DOLL and SWEET BIRD are coming next year. The others will eventually arrive.

[Ben] I would like to thank you greatly for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde '31 and Freaks, as well as the Hammer releases. I can't wait for King Kong either; I saw that there were newly aquired elements for that - how is the restoration going?

[WarnerHomeVideo] All you POKER FANS should mark down May 31st at the day to go out and get the DVD Debut of THE CINCINNATI KID, which is part of our exciting new STEVE McQUEEN promotion including a 2 Disc REMASTERED SE of his classic BULLITT.

[WarnerHomeVideo] The KONG restoration is going very well. Thanks for asking! :)

[EricJ] Speaking of original theatrical cuts, will we ever see an OTC catalog-reissue of "Amadeus"? (Thanks much for the 2-disk bonuses, but the dir-cut *STINKS!!*, and the 1-disk's out of print)

[WarnerHomeVideo] The single disc of AMADEUS is still available.

[Steve_M] Any release news on the Billy Wilder titles in your collection? Also, should we expect the L.A. Confidential S.E. in 2005 or 2006?

[WarnerHomeVideo] No date set yet for LA CONFIDENTIAL. We will be releasing THE SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS next year. No other Wilder titles scheduled.

[PhiloMacDuff] Thank you very much for coming. Any plans for a restored cut of Ken Russel's classic THE DEVILS, a release of DARK OF THE SUN with Rod Taylor or NIGHT OF THE IGUANA? Thanks!

[WarnerHomeVideo] Plans are currently in full swing to bring THE DEVILS to DVD in a special edition. NIGHT OF THE IGUANA is coming in 2006. DARK OF THE SUN is not in the cards at the moment.

[Karen_M] Good evening Warner Bros and thanks for joining us tonight! Any plans to release Family Matters or Step by Step in season sets? If not, I hope you consider releasing those titles. Thanks for the Full House set too BTW!

[WarnerHomeVideo] Both series possible, but nothing in the near future.

[Akil] Hi. Thank you for answering our questions. I was wondering if there are any plans for Electric Dreams (1984) or the 1996 Dr. Who TV movie?

[WarnerHomeVideo] No plans for ELECTRIC DREAMS. We only distribute the BBC product, so we have no idea what their marketing plans are for DR. WHO.

[David] Hello, I am from SitcomsOnline.com... I hate to hear the not-so-good news about Perfect Strangers, I hope it isn't "completely" out of the question for a DVD release. I know that you recently included an episode of the tv series Hangin with Mr. Cooper on a bonus disc with a recent release, any chance that this might get its own release in the future?

[WarnerHomeVideo] We're constantly looking at our TV library and evaluating possible series for release. It's not completely out of the question. There is just nothing planned at this point.

[AlanBrom] I notice that Season 3 of Wonder Woman will include a bonus disc with the first episode of the live-action Shazam! series. Any chance of seeing Shazam! released as a box set of its own?

[WarnerHomeVideo] No plans for a SHAZAM set at this time.

[WarnerHomeVideo] We hope all you JAMES DEAN fans will pick up our new JAMES DEAN COLLECTION on 5/31 including the long-awaited DVD debut of EAST OF EDEN!

[ChrisCook] Hi! Any plans to release the short-lived sci-fi series "Time Trax"? Thanks.

[WarnerHomeVideo] No plans for Time trax.

[RobertGr] WHV Rocks! I got a chance to see EASTER PARADE in 35mm in 80yr old movie theater in upstate NY it was a WOW! Howz about NORTHWEST PASSAGE? And we don't need another hero we need QUO VADIS

[WarnerHomeVideo] QUO VADIS requires restoration work. The film elements are in poor shape. We want to release it ASAP, but restorations take time and care. Be patient. No plans for NORTHWEST PASSAGE right now, but it's a likely future release.

[SimonHowson] Can't wait to see transfer for EAST OF EDEN, hopefully it wasn't problematic due to WarnerColor? Also, can you provide any information about a SAM PECKINPAH BOX, and also if the films REFLECTIONS IN A GOLDEN EYE and I DIED A THOUSAND TIMES are possibilities for future releases? PS - Why wasn't CLASSIC COMEDIES _BOX_ released in Canada? (I'm in Australia but buy mainly from a Canadian e-tailer)

[WarnerHomeVideo] EAST OF EDEN looks terrific as does the remastered REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE. The work that went into the transfers belie their Warnercolor origins :) The Peckinpah release has been scheduled for 2006. We don't know anything about CLASSIC COMEDIES not being released in Canada.

[dee] Any plans to release CLASS ACT on DVD? I love that movie.

[WarnerHomeVideo] No plans for CLASS ACT on DVD.

[WarnerHomeVideo] We hope you are all excited about our just-announced new FILM NOIR Volume 2 set, with great commentaries on each film! If you haven't bought FILM NOIR Volume One....SHAME ON YOU!!!!! :)

[Tory] Will we see more films with Jean Harlow on DVD?

[WarnerHomeVideo] We have a Jean Harlow promotion set for late 2006. It should be a bombshell :)

[MattMcKeehen] Thanks Ron, and thank you Warner, for a job well done on The Gangsters Collection. I am looking forward to Vol. 2! You confirmed earlier that you are indeed working on SE's for the previous Batman films. Can you elaborate on this any, specifically when they might be released?

[WarnerHomeVideo] Sorry, we can't elaborate, but look for the Bat signal! :)

[Eddie_A] Any chance of a Singles Special Edition? Also, when can we expect an announcement on Million Dollar Baby?

[WarnerHomeVideo] No SE on SINGLES. Look for an announcement on MILLION $ BABY soon.

[WarnerHomeVideo] Also remember 5/3 is the release for the uncut, restored BATTLE OF THE BULGE, and the reconstructed director's cut of THE BIG RED ONE!

[ChristopherBlig] thank you so much for the great work this year so far, I noticed that both Year of the Dragon and Point Blank are issued for release this year, what can we expect from them in terms of extras and is there any chance for the Lionpower featurette to be included in Point Blank?

[WarnerHomeVideo] The LionPower featurette has music clearance issues that preclude a home video release. POINT BLANK has two featurettes and commmentary by director John Boorman and Steven Soderbergh.

[MarkJCrawford] Thank you WHV. Any plans on Julius Caesar (Brando) Ryan's Daughter, Mutinty on the Bounty (Brando) Mayerling (Omar Sharif) Wuthering Heights (Olivier) and Anna Karenia (Garbo) My apologies if these are MGM titles. Thank you.

[WarnerHomeVideo] Watch for one of the greatest films of the 1950s to debut as part of our CONTROVERSIAL CLASSICS series, Elia Kazan's A FACE IN THE CROWD. It should be required viewing everywhere. There is a new docu with Andy Griffith, Pat Neal and Budd Schulberg that is terrific. All the titles that Mark J. Crawford mentioned are on our release schedule for 2005 - 2006, except for MAYERLING (which we DO own)and WUTHERING HEIGHTS which we do not own. ANNA KARENINA will be part of our big Garbo 100th birthday celebration this Fall.

[JohnPannozzi] Any plans for Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Freakazoid, Road Rovers, the Quick Draw McGaw Show, the Son of Kong, Mighty Joe Young 1949, John K. and Spumco's Yogi and Jetsons shorts, seasons 2 and 3 of the Jetsons, Flintstones on the Rocks, Ralph Bakshi's Hey, Good Lookin' and/or the unsold pilot of 'Gizmo and the Gremlins' on DVD? I also want to see Coal Black and de Sebben Dwarfs on DVD.

[WarnerHomeVideo] YES.

[FredSheldrake] Any plans for additional John Huston (Wise Blood, etc.) or revisting his previously released titles (Man Who Would Be King, Maltese Falcon)? Also will Before Sunrise/Before Sunset be revisited?

[WarnerHomeVideo] There will be a 2 disc MALTESE FALCON SE at some point in 2006.

No others planned.

[Kristian] First off THANKS for releasing the Wonder Woman Season sets on DVD :) Any plans to release BEETLEJUICE, POLTERGEIST or CREEPSHOW SE's in the near future?

[WarnerHomeVideo] A POLTERGEIST SE is planned for its 25th anniversary. No others scheduled.

[WarnerHomeVideo] THE TRAIN ROBBERS finally comes to DVD along with the debut of 4 other John Wayne favorites on May 3rd. Don't miss 'em, pardner!

[JonF] It is my understanding that the 1960's Fantastic Four cartoon from Hanna-Barbera has legal issues with Marvel Comics regarding home video release. IS this correct? If so, is it possible that this situation could be worked out in the near future, especially since there is a FF movie coming out this summer?

[WarnerHomeVideo] We have no information on this issue.

[BillHuelbig] Thanks Warner for all your hard work. You're the best in the business. Any plans for releasing the 1949 MIGHTY JOE YOUNG and/or the only Audrey Hepburn WB film not on DVD, THE NUN'S STORY? Thanks again.

[WarnerHomeVideo] Both MIGHTY JOE YOUNG and THE NUN'S STORY will be out before Xmas.

[RonEpstein] Next up is our official Warner Brothers reviewer, Herb Kane.....

[HerbKane] Hi WB. Thanks for taking the time to be here with us this evening. Also congratulations are in order -- you folks have had a great year with many outstanding releases. Some of the best DVD releases ever. Quick question. Can we expect more Bogart this year i.e. The Two Mrs. Carrolls, Conflict, Passage to Marseille, Across the Pacific, Action in the North Atlantic, Battle Circus, Chain Lightning, The Big Shot, All Through the Night, etc.

[WarnerHomeVideo] Hello Herb! The bad news is, no new Bogie this year. The good news is that four major Bogie classics are being restored from the orig camera negatives as we speak and will be released in 2006. thanks for all your support.

[ScottMacD] WHV, many thanks for your sterling work in DVD and Home Entertainment over the past years, your reputation is enviable and well earned. I want to ask about what to expect on the future DVD (or indeed HD) release of The Polar Express, and hopefully an expected holiday release timeframe. A decent amount of film-making extras, and not just kid's fluff is what is hoped for. Likewise a rerelease of the Harry Potter films, in comprehensive Muggle editions. :)

[WarnerHomeVideo] We cannot discuss anything regarding POLAR yet, and there are no plans to revisit the existing POTTER releases.

[rhett] You guys did a fantastic job with your waves of horror releases last fall, what plans do you have for this year’s slate? I’d love to see The Hand, Deadly Friend and Eyes of a Stranger.

[WarnerHomeVideo] We will likely get to those titles eventually.

[Timmy_P] Thank you Ron and Warner! Can you give us a hint for what title is next (besides OZ) for ultra resolution? Also any plans for Esther Williams? And any plans for more hammer horror titles this year? Thanks for turning me on to the classics!

[WarnerHomeVideo] We are evaluating future Ultra-Resolution releases as we speak. It's a VERY, VERY, VERY expensive process, so we have to be selective in what we undertake. We are planning a splashy ESTHER WILLIAMS signature collection . There are a few more Hammers to come from WHV. Glad we have hooked you on the classics, Timmy.

[JeffSchiller] Thank you Warner for the great classic animation releases in the last couple years. I missed the beginning of this chat, but hopefully my questions can be answered. What is the release schedule for classic animation in Warner possession, specifically: 1) will future Looney Tunes GCs be released more than one a year? 2) will the remaining Tom & Jerry shorts be released and unedited? and 3) what about a Fleischer Popeye release?

[WarnerHomeVideo] This was addressed earlier, but no one from collectable animation was able to attend tonight. We do know that the company is working hard to resolve the POPEYE situation, and that because they are so labor intensive and meticulously done, the Looney releases will be one per year for the forseeable future.

[RonEpstein] WoW! What a night! Parker and I wish to thank Mike, George and Rosemary not only for coming here tonight and speaking with us, but for supporting Home Theater Forum. Thank You so much guys!

[ParkerClack] Thanks to everyone for coming tonight and especially thanks to all of you at Warner Brothers for the fine work that you do with your products. You can tell that you love film as much as we do.

[WarnerHomeVideo] Thank you Ron, Parker and all the HTF members for your support and kind compliments over the past years.

[ParkerClack] Heh. Ronnee. Thanks for all that you do to get this stuff together and being in our corner for so long.

[RonEpstein] Yeah, we love Ronnee and Janet! Thanks John Simon for maintaining the list of questions asked. You did a superb job!

[ParkerClack] Good-nite everyone.

[RonEpstein] Thanks everyone for being here tonight

Session Close: Tue Mar 29 22:03:35 2005

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