What internal hurdles could there possible be for an extremely niche title like these. Sony has an MOD program and even though I'm still an advocate for factory pressings there's no need for them to sit on them like this.
I betcha that's where they'll end up -- depending on the success of the
Ultimate Collection (which seems to be selling pretty well) and/or the
Rare Treasures set (if they release it separately). Especially since they have now released the "Jolly Frolics" cartoon collection and are planning a Mr. Magoo theatrical collection.
My guess is "internal hurdles" could mean the decision-making executives don't think they'll sell.
Kind of off topic, but would the "general public" go for the
Rare Treasures set on its own? Maybe if they changed the title and cover, and promoted it as a Three Stooges double-feature with a whole bunch of bonus shorts. And mention that it includes their only starring Columbia feature film with the original Curly, which was never released before in any home video format. (Maybe they'll do that when overstock hits the big-box discount houses.)
I'm a marketing genius!