The Extras

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Four Films From Todd Browning: The Devil Doll, Freaks, The Unknown, & The Mystic Oct 25, 2023

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Join us for a captivating discussion of classic horror auteur Tod Browning with George Feltenstein of the Warner Archive, and esteemed film historians, Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr. Their 20-year-long collaboration started with the DVD release of Mel Brooks’ "Dracula: Dead and Loving It," and has now extended to creating an audio commentary for the upcoming horror/sci-fi film, "The Devil Doll" (1936). That's the jumping-off point for our discussion and appreciation of four of Tod Browning's films released for the first time on Blu-ray in October.
This episode is also a testament to the importance of preserving and cherishing physical media, highlighted through the restoration of Browning's classic horror masterpiece, "Freaks" (1932), undertaken by the Criterion Collection in partnership with Warner Bros. You don't want to miss George Feltenstein's engaging story about the film master that was used in this restoration, and the fifty-year journey to return it to its rightful owner. We also dissect the artistry behind Browning's 'The Mystic' (1925) and 'The Unknown' (1927), and the wonderful work Criterion did in restoring and presenting these silent films.
Lastly, we revisit the profound themes present in Browning's films, showcasing the darker aspects of human nature and crime. This episode is a celebration of classic horror cinema and a tribute to the artistry of director Tod Browning.
Purchase links:
THE DEVIL DOLL (1936) Blu-ray
Tod Brownings Sideshow Shockers: FREAKS, THEY UNKNOWN, THE MYSTIC Blu-ray

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REPLAY: Universal Classic Monsters with Tom Weaver Oct 19, 2023

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This is a REPLAY podcast, where we revisit some of our early hidden gems, compilations, and most popular episodes.
Episode specific description:
Classic horror expert Tom Weaver joins the podcast for a fun-filled look at some of his favorite Universal Classic Monster films.
Rather than detailing all four of the new to 4K films in the Universal Classic Monsters: Icons of Horror Volume 2 release, Tom picks a favorite scene from each movie and a “why’d they do that” moment. We start with 1931’s classic “The Mummy” starring Boris Karloff and Zita Johann and directed by Karl Freund. Next, we talk about the 1935 science fiction horror classic “The Bride of Frankenstein," starring Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester Colin Clive, and Ernest Thesiger and directed by James Whale. This sequel to the 1931 “Frankenstein” broke new ground with a monster that could talk and that ultimately wanted a wife. Next, we discuss the 1943 romantic horror film “Phantom of the Opera” starring Claude Rains and Susanna Foster and directed by Arthur Rubin. The fourth film we review is the 1954 3D film “Creature from the Black Lagoon” starring Richard Carlson and Julie Adams and directed by Jack Arnold. And we wrap up the discussion with a fun-filled rapid-fire segment about all eight of the films in both volumes 1 and 2.
Purchase on Amazon:
Universal Classic Monsters: Icons of Horror Vol. 2 4K
Universal Classic Monsters: Icons of Horror Vol. 1 4K

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Warner Archive September & October Blu-ray Reviews Oct 13, 2023

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George Feltenstein of the Warner Archive joins the podcast for a fun and informative review of three September and three October Blu-ray releases. We review each film, provide background on the restoration and all of the extras on each release, and share our insights into why these films are worth adding to your Blu-ray collection.

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WESTWARD THE WOMEN (1951)

SARATOGA (1937)

CATS DON’T DANCE (1997)

CHRISTOPHER STRONG (1933) releasing October 24

PALMETTO (1998) releasing October 24

BEFORE NIGHT FALLS (2000) releasing October 24

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Hollywood Icons: The Warner Brothers Oct 05, 2023

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Join us for a captivating journey as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of Warner Brothers with authors and Hollywood historians, Chris Yogerst and Alan K. Rode. In this special episode, we bring to light the tumultuous, yet triumphant saga of the Warner Brothers, pulled straight from the pages of Chris’s recent book, " The Warner Brothers."
Our conversation zeros in on the impact the Warner Brothers had on the film industry, the Wall Street influence Harry Warner introduced, and their unrelenting determination to keep their company amidst fierce corporate competition. We delve into their belief in using film as an instrument for education and change, and how this ethos was embedded in their productions. From exploring their approach to realism in films to the Warner Brothers' revolutionary advancements in sound technology, we take you behind the scenes of some of Hollywood's most impactful moments.
As we reach the grand finale of our episode, we reflect on the legacy of the Warner Brothers, the tragic story of Sam Warner, and the significant role he played in the evolution of cinematic sound technology. We also touch upon the family dynamics that shaped their legacy, including the heartbreaking relationship between Jack Warner and his son, and the internal politics within the studio. We invite you to experience the captivating history of Warner Brothers on a personal level, a narrative that is intrinsically woven into the fabric of America's 20th century.
Purchase links:
THE WARNER BROTHERS book
MICHAEL CURTIZ: A LIFE IN FILM book
Alan K. Rode website

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IT'S ALIVE: Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, and the Casting of Frankenstein Sep 26, 2023

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Screenwriter, producer, and author Julian David Stone joins the podcast to discuss his new novel, IT'S ALIVE, and the fascinating story about the last-minute casting of Frankenstein.
The story involves Bela Lugosi, who was at the height of his popularity having just come off his hit DRACULA (1931), and Boris Karloff, a relatively unknown journeyman actor. And pulling the strings is young 23-year-old Junior Laemmle, head of production at Universal Pictures and son of studio founder Carl Laemmle. Along the way we meet director James Whale, discuss the involvement of Lon Chaney, and explore the backdrop of 1930s Hollywood. It's a fascinating look into the real-life events behind one of the most enduring films and most important developments in the evolution of the Universal Monsters.
Purchase IT'S ALIVE on Amazon
Purchase FRANKENSTEIN 4K on Amazon
Purchase UNIVERSAL MONSTERS 4K Collection on Amazon
Visit Julian David Stone's website for more information
Follow Julian David Stone on Facebook

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Warner Archive October Release Announcement: THE DEVIL DOLL (1936), DANCE, FOOLS, DANCE (1931), DOUBLE TROUBLE (1967), MAD CITY (1997), RAPA-NUI (1994), IN LOVE AND WAR (1996), plus a special Looney Tunes Announcement Sep 18, 2023

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George Feltenstein announces the Warner Archive's upcoming October Blu-ray releases. PLUS details on Looney Tunes Collector’s Choice Vol. 2 and an exclusive announcement you don’t want to miss!
Now available for Pre-order from Amazon:
Looney Tunes Collector's Choice Vol. 2 Pre-order
THE DEVIL DOLL (1936)
DANCE, FOOLS, DANCE (1931)
DOUBLE TROUBLE (1967)
RAPA-NUI (1994)
MAD CITY (1997)
IN LOVE AND WAR (1996)

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GAY PURR-EE: Judy Garland, Chuck Jones, and the Fascinating Story Behind this Forgotten Animation Classic Sep 07, 2023

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GAY PURR-EE (1962) is a forgotten classic of 1960s animation. But the newly remastered Blu-ray release from the Warner Archive has restored the film to the rich, vibrant colors and sound that showcases the original artistry of Chuck Jones and Judy Garland.
Animation and film historian Jerry Beck, film historian and Judy Garland expert John Fricke, and Warner Bros' George Feltenstein join the podcast to discuss the production history of the film, how Judy Garland was brought on board, and why the film has struggled to attain the stature it rightly deserves. We also provide a full review of the stunning new Blu-ray remaster, all of the robust extras, and an explanation of the differences between the film sound and the previously released film soundtrack.
"Gay Purr-ee" was ahead of its time and poorly marketed by UPA and Warner Bros upon its initial release. While this new Warner Archive Blu-ray cannot rectifiy the past, it showcases the artistry and importance of the film for animation fans, Judy Garland devotees, and film collectors everywhere, and will hopefully lead to a newfound appreciation for the brilliance of the film.
Purchase on Amazon: GAY PURR-EE BLU-RAY

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The Enduring Legacy of George Pal and His Magical Puppetoons Sep 03, 2023

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Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the world of George Pal and his Puppetoons, with Arnold Leibovit as our captivating guide! Leibovit is a renowned film historian and documentarian of George Pal, the innovative filmmaker who inspired industry legends like Walt Disney, Ray Harryhausen, Gene Roddenberry, and Steven Spielberg.
We explore the evolution of Puppetoon animation, uncovering how Pal’s creativity led him to animate cigarettes for a commercial, and craft breathtaking short stories for Philips in Europe. This episode will also highlight the significant roles Walter Lantz, Leon Schlesinger, and Walt Disney played in helping Pal escape the Nazi's and establish his studio in the US. Leibovit also details the painstaking restoration process behind the Puppetoons, Volume 3 Blu-ray, discussing the challenges of restoring frame by frame, and the necessity for minimal compression for the best viewing experience. And then we get into a discussion of specific Puppetoons, starting with the first US production, "Western Daze," then" Bravo, Mr. Strauss," "Together in the Weather," and "Jasper and the Beanstalk ." And no discussion of George Pal is complete without a detailed look at the enchanting music of Puppetoon films and its vital role in enhancing the story and atmosphere.
This episode is a must-listen for all animation collectors, George Pal fans, and film enthusiasts!
Purchase PUPPETOON VOL. 3
Purchase THE TIME MACHINE SOUNDTRACK (remastered)

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Warner Archive August Blu-ray Reviews: Little Women (1933), The Life of Emile Zola (1937), Father's Little Dividend (1951), Wichita (1955), Spinout (1966) Aug 29, 2023

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George Feltenstein of the Warner Archive joins the podcast for a fun and informative review of five of the August Blu-ray releases. We review each film, provide background on the restoration and all of the extras on each release, and share our insights into why these films are worth adding to your Blu-ray collection.
Purchase links:
FATHER'S LITTLE DIVIDEND BLU-RAY
THE LIFE OF EMILE ZOLA BLU-RAY
LITTLE WOMEN BLU-RAY
SPINOUT BLU-RAY
WICHITA BLU-RAY
GAY PURR-EE BLU-RAY

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Shaft, Enter the Dragon, and The Batman: A Conversation with Michael Stradford Aug 23, 2023

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My former colleague at Warner Bros and creative executive, Michael Stradford joins the podcast to talk about three iconic films. We start off with SHAFT (1971) and the impact that film had on him as a 10-year-old boy in Cleveland. Then we discuss his first memories of watching ENTER THE DRAGON (1973) and his impressions of Bruce Lee. We reflect on the enduring influence of Bruce Lee and how ENTER THE DRAGON revolutionized martial arts films and Hollywood. We also critique the current Warner Bros 4K release of ENTER THE DRAGON for the 50th anniversary of the film, and what the lack of any new extras says about the current state of physical media at the major studios. This leads to a discussion of the great work being done by many smaller boutique labels who have stepped into the void by creating exceptional box sets and extras. We then transition to a more positive discussion of the fantastic extras Stradford produced for THE BATMAN (2022) release. This is a great example of a studio and filmmaker working in tandem to produce over two hours of high-quality extras. We close with an engaging discussion on Stradford's books on Miles Davis and model Steve Holland, and his newest venture, the graphic novel "Fargo Hell on Wheels."
Follow MICHAEL STRADFORD on Facebook
Learn more about FARGO: HELL ON WHEELS
Purchase links:
ENTER THE DRAGON 4K
SHAFT 4K (Criterion)
THE BATMAN 4K
BRUCE LEE: HIS GREATEST HITS
BRUCE LEE AT GOLDEN HARVEST (Arrow)
To Purchase Michael Stradford's books, visit our website

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