Universal Pre-Code Hollywood box set: 4/4/09
#1
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
Universal Pre-Code Hollywood box set: 4/4/09
From classic flix:
I'm always up for Pre-Code stuff, but consarn it, where is Island of Lost Souls?
Universal has actually announced some catalog titles for release that haven't been released on DVD before. And not just any release, but a PRE-CODE release (no doubt trying to mimic Warner's successful line). A couple of longed for Cary Grant films, plus the lovely and vivacious Ida Lupino in Search for Beauty make up just some of the set.
The only special feature is listed as Forbidden Film: The Production Code Era. However, it's unclear whether it's a featurette or a full documentary. Also included is a reproduction of the original "Production Code."
Press release:
For the first time ever, Universal opens its vaults to bring you 6 classic films from the most decadent era in motion picture history: Pre-Code Hollywood. In 1934, Hollywood was turned upside down by the enforcement of a strict “Production Code” that would change the way movies were made for the next 34 years. During the “pre-Code” period (1929 to mid-1934), censorship barely existed in Hollywood and filmmakers had free reign to make the movies they wanted and the public demanded. No subject was taboo including adultery, murder or sex. Starring screen legends Cary Grant, Fredric March, Claudette Colbert, Tallulah Bankhead, Randolph Scott, and Sylvia Sidney, the Pre-Code Hollywood Collection forever captures one of the most unique periods in cinema history.
The Cheat (1931, 74 min.)
A compulsive gambler (Tallulah Bankhead) will do anything to pay off her debt - including turning to a wealthy businessman behind her husband’s back.
Merrily We Go to Hell (1932, 78 min.)
An abusive alcoholic (Fredric March) reunites with a woman from his past and drives his wife (Sylvia Sidney) to drastic measures.
Hot Saturday (1932, 73 min.)
Scandal erupts after a young woman (Nancy Carroll) innocently spends the night with a notorious playboy (Cary Grant) and neglects to tell her fiancé (Randolph Scott).
Torch Singer (1933, 71 min.)
After giving up her illegitimate child for adoption, a notorious nightclub singer (Claudette Colbert) attempts to find her daughter through a children’s radio show.
Murder at the Vanities (1934, 89 min.)
While sexy musical revue “The Vanities” captivates an audience on its opening night, a murder investigation takes place backstage.
Search for Beauty (1934, 78 min.)
Olympic swimming champions (Buster Crabbe and Ida Lupino) are tricked into endorsing a racy magazine - and much worse.
BONUS FEATURES:
* Forbidden Film: The Production Code Era (Disc 1)
* Includes Reproduction of the Original "Production Code" Document
The only special feature is listed as Forbidden Film: The Production Code Era. However, it's unclear whether it's a featurette or a full documentary. Also included is a reproduction of the original "Production Code."
Press release:
For the first time ever, Universal opens its vaults to bring you 6 classic films from the most decadent era in motion picture history: Pre-Code Hollywood. In 1934, Hollywood was turned upside down by the enforcement of a strict “Production Code” that would change the way movies were made for the next 34 years. During the “pre-Code” period (1929 to mid-1934), censorship barely existed in Hollywood and filmmakers had free reign to make the movies they wanted and the public demanded. No subject was taboo including adultery, murder or sex. Starring screen legends Cary Grant, Fredric March, Claudette Colbert, Tallulah Bankhead, Randolph Scott, and Sylvia Sidney, the Pre-Code Hollywood Collection forever captures one of the most unique periods in cinema history.
The Cheat (1931, 74 min.)
A compulsive gambler (Tallulah Bankhead) will do anything to pay off her debt - including turning to a wealthy businessman behind her husband’s back.
Merrily We Go to Hell (1932, 78 min.)
An abusive alcoholic (Fredric March) reunites with a woman from his past and drives his wife (Sylvia Sidney) to drastic measures.
Hot Saturday (1932, 73 min.)
Scandal erupts after a young woman (Nancy Carroll) innocently spends the night with a notorious playboy (Cary Grant) and neglects to tell her fiancé (Randolph Scott).
Torch Singer (1933, 71 min.)
After giving up her illegitimate child for adoption, a notorious nightclub singer (Claudette Colbert) attempts to find her daughter through a children’s radio show.
Murder at the Vanities (1934, 89 min.)
While sexy musical revue “The Vanities” captivates an audience on its opening night, a murder investigation takes place backstage.
Search for Beauty (1934, 78 min.)
Olympic swimming champions (Buster Crabbe and Ida Lupino) are tricked into endorsing a racy magazine - and much worse.
BONUS FEATURES:
* Forbidden Film: The Production Code Era (Disc 1)
* Includes Reproduction of the Original "Production Code" Document
I'm always up for Pre-Code stuff, but consarn it, where is Island of Lost Souls?
#2
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: Universal Pre-Code Hollywood box set: 4/4/09
Sweet,sweet,sweet! As always, more special features, commentaries would be welcome, but I can't get enough of this stuff!
#3
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: Universal Pre-Code Hollywood box set: 4/4/09
Holy S#*t!
Search For Beauty?!? One title I absolutely, positively NEVER expected to see get a dvd release. Hell, it never even got a legit VHS release as far as I know. If Come On Marines had been in the same release, I think I would have just had a heart attack. Goes without saying this will an immediate buy. Way to go Uni!
Search For Beauty?!? One title I absolutely, positively NEVER expected to see get a dvd release. Hell, it never even got a legit VHS release as far as I know. If Come On Marines had been in the same release, I think I would have just had a heart attack. Goes without saying this will an immediate buy. Way to go Uni!
#5
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
#6
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: Universal Pre-Code Hollywood box set: 4/4/09
Is this going to be 3-one sided Discs or 2 double-sided discs?
We all know the problems Universal has had with double-sided DVDs.
The contents do look interesting. Never seen or heard of any of these movies before.
We all know the problems Universal has had with double-sided DVDs.
The contents do look interesting. Never seen or heard of any of these movies before.
#10
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
#12
DVD Talk Legend
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning.
Posts: 16,055
Received 1,077 Likes
on
676 Posts
Re: Universal Pre-Code Hollywood box set: 4/4/09
So, are these on two sided DVDs. After my headaches with the Abbott and Costello collections I swore I would not get those anymore but am interested in this set.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Simi Valley, CA
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Universal Pre-Code Hollywood box set: 4/4/09
Check out the pics on the DVD BEAVER link, they are definitely single sided discs. I know what you mean....I HATE the DVD 18 discs with a passion, but Universal seems to have done away with them for the most part. I wish they would redo the Hammer Horror set at least.