Moronika
The community forum of ThreeStooges.net

MAJOR Laurel & Hardy Blu-ray release forthcoming 7/25/23

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline falsealarms

For Laurel & Hardy fans, it doesn't get much bigger than this.

Order: https://www.flickeralley.com/classic-movies-2/?fbclid=IwAR3ewpMtIP_e-4fDm-NJdn9WxtItg-apqF_2Cuj_XgKtnlAOMMcX-HmkjYw#!/Laurel-&-Hardy-Year-One/p/548888251/category=20414531

DELUXE 2-DISC BLU-RAY EDITION - RELEASE DATE IS 7/25/23.

Very few of the silent films of Laurel and Hardy’s negatives survive, and the available elements scattered throughout the world are always mediocre or unwatchable. It took three years to gather all the surviving prints of these shorts, compare them shot by shot and give them the best digital restoration possible. Today, these invisible films look as young as they did 95 years ago. A world premiere for all the Laurel and Hardy fans.

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy first appeared on film together in 1921, after an initial period in their careers spent apart. The two would formally team up in 1927 and found success by following a simple comic formula that displayed the hilariously ambitious and anarchic qualities of their joint personality. Laurel & Hardy: Year One, The Newly Restored 1927 Silents, as proudly presented by Flicker Alley and Blackhawk Films®, offers fans new and old the rare opportunity to observe the evolving partnership of the comedy team that would reach enormous popularity.

Featuring all new restorations sourced from best available materials contributed by archives and collectors around the world restored by Blackhawk Films® and Lobster Films in Paris, this comprehensive deluxe Blu-ray 2-Disc collection features thirteen extant films produced in 1927 and two additional films from before they were officially a team. It includes new scores from some of the best silent film composers working today: Neil Brand, Antonio Coppola, Eric le Guen, and Donald Sosin. The films included are Lucky Dog (1921), 45 Minutes from Hollywood (1926), Duck Soup (1927), Slipping Wives (1927), Love ‘em and Weep (1927), Why Girls Love Sailors (1927), With Love and Hisses (1927), Sugar Daddies (1927), Sailors, Beware! (1927), The Second 100 Years (1927), Call of the Cuckoo (1927), Do Detectives Think? (1927), Putting Pants on Phillip (1927), The Battle of the Century (1927), and Flying Elephants (1928). It is curated by film historians and Laurel and Hardy specialists; Randy Skretvedt, Dick Bann, Serge Bromberg, Eric Lange, and Ulrich Ruedel.

Arthur Stanley Jefferson for a time understudied Chaplin in England and the US. Meanwhile Oliver Norvell Hardy was a serviceable role player in comedies and melodramas, yet neither had reached the status of movie star. It became clear upon their teaming up that their contradictory physiques and personalities complimented each other perfectly. The team would go on to do many films together reaching wide acclaim, and eventually becoming nearly unanimously considered by film critics, scholars, and movie fans alike, the funniest comedy duo in film history.

BONUS MATERIALS INCLUDE:

Audio Commentary Tracks - For each film by historian and author Randy Skretvedt

Restoring Laurel & Hardy - A documentary by Serge Bromberg and Eric Lange

Laurel & Hardy On-Location - A Video Essay by historian John Bengtson on selected location exteriors

Hats Off! (1927) - Slide Show presentation from this currently lost film

Multiple Image Galleries - Containing original publicity materials, press reviews, and rare production stills

Souvenir Booklet - Featuring a new essay by historian Richard W. Bann on the Blackhawk Films Story and the company’s stewardship of the Laurel & Hardy film materials, a Collection Introduction by Serge Bromberg, and notes on each film by historian Randy Skretvedt

Additional musical scores - Soundtracks for the 1930s French re-releases of Slipping Wives, Why Girls Love Sailors, and Flying Elephants are presented here as alternate music tracks
Audio commentary track for The Battle of the Century - By historians Randy Skretvedt and Serge Bromberg

English SDH Subtitles



Offline metaldams

Also want to add 1927 films just went public domain this year, hence the reason for this release.  I would guess 1928 and 1929 will show up in 2024 and 2025.  We shall see.  This is wonderful news.
- Doug Sarnecky



Offline archiezappa

I can't wait for this! I've only seen a couple of their highly acclaimed silent films. If the first set of definitive restorations is any indication, then we are in for a real treat!

This will be like seeing new movies from them. And in very high quality. I hope that they keep these coming!


Offline metaldams

Anybody else have this or are about to get it?  My copy is arriving on Tuesday, really looking forward to it.
- Doug Sarnecky


Offline GreenCanaries

  • President of the Johnny Kascier Fan Club
  • Birdbrain
  • ****
Anybody else have this or are about to get it?  My copy is arriving on Tuesday, really looking forward to it.

Mine arrived a few days ago! (Also finally grabbed the LAUREL OR HARDY Blu-ray while I was at it.)

Needless to say, you're in for a treat, 'dams. The films look absolutely pristine, and Randy Skretvedt's commentaries are ebullient and, naturally, very informative.

Goes without saying, a definite must-buy. Can't wait for YEAR TWO!
"With oranges, it's much harder..."


Offline metaldams

Mine arrived a few days ago! (Also finally grabbed the LAUREL OR HARDY Blu-ray while I was at it.)

Needless to say, you're in for a treat, 'dams. The films look absolutely pristine, and Randy Skretvedt's commentaries are ebullient and, naturally, very informative.

Goes without saying, a definite must-buy. Can't wait for YEAR TWO!

Thanks for your thoughts, you just got me more excited.  They changed it and my copy is now scheduled to arrive tomorrow - happy three day weekend.
- Doug Sarnecky


Offline metaldams

….and I hope you enjoy the Laurel or Hardy set.  It’s fantastic and I have been watching it again to build up to this new set.
- Doug Sarnecky


Offline GreenCanaries

  • President of the Johnny Kascier Fan Club
  • Birdbrain
  • ****
Thanks for your thoughts, you just got me more excited.  They changed it and my copy is now scheduled to arrive tomorrow - happy three day weekend.
….and I hope you enjoy the Laurel or Hardy set.  It’s fantastic and I have been watching it again to build up to this new set.

I have been! Mostly been picking through it so far (I have yet to really dive deep into the older stuff on the Hardy disc), but it's all been a wonderful viewing experience. And great news about the arrival date change!
"With oranges, it's much harder..."


Offline metaldams

I’ve watched the first disc shorts and heard the commentaries and am really enjoying this so far.  Much better looking than the old Lost Films of Laurel and Hardy discs and I appreciate the variety in music.  As much as I like the old Hal Roach music, the old DVD’s used the same stock Roach music in every short and when trying to watch the shorts in bulk, it got repetitive, at least for me.

So yes, I’m very happy with this purchase.
- Doug Sarnecky


Offline Dr. Mabuse

I’ve watched the first disc shorts and heard the commentaries and am really enjoying this so far.  Much better looking than the old Lost Films of Laurel and Hardy discs and I appreciate the variety in music.  As much as I like the old Hal Roach music, the old DVD’s used the same stock Roach music in every short and when trying to watch the shorts in bulk, it got repetitive, at least for me.

So yes, I’m very happy with this purchase.

I couldn't agree more. Well worth the wait.


Offline Tony Bensley

I’ve watched the first disc shorts and heard the commentaries and am really enjoying this so far.  Much better looking than the old Lost Films of Laurel and Hardy discs and I appreciate the variety in music.  As much as I like the old Hal Roach music, the old DVD’s used the same stock Roach music in every short and when trying to watch the shorts in bulk, it got repetitive, at least for me.

So yes, I’m very happy with this purchase.
Yes, I so agree with the same stock Hal Roach music getting repetitive after viewing a few of the silents from the old Lost Films DVDs!

Having received the excellent Flicker Alley two disc LAUREL & HARDY YEAR ONE Blu-ray set at Christmas, I've just viewed 3 of the silent shorts so far, but they're a real treat! Even the previously released to DVD and Blu-ray last L&H silent on this set, THE BATTLE OF THE CENTURY (1927) has received some extra restoration, plus two new commentary tracks from Randy Skretvedt and Serge Bromberg, and is thus, not a mere LAUREL & HARDY: THE DEFINITIVE RESTORATIONS (Kit Parker Films - 2020) port over, by any stretch!

I've also started a new Facebook Group celebrating Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy's team and solo films on Blu-ray. Please feel free to join!:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/7154986971213668/?multi_permalinks=7159982064047492&notif_id=1704473902905098&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notif

CHEERS!  [pie]


Offline NoahYoung

As a HUGE L&H fan, I'm glad stuff like this is happening.

I won't be buying these, however, since I have all but a handful on the L& silents on beautiful film prints from Blackhawk in 8mm and Super 8. I also have TWO TARS in 16mm.

Burt Lancaster was too short!
- The Birdman of Alcatraz