MUMBAI: Turner Classic Movies and Universal Studios Home Entertainment have entered into a new partnership to offer classic movie fans rare vintage films, all digitally remastered, on DVD on a made-to-order basis. The TCM Vault Collection Presented by Universal marks USHE’s first foray into the manufactured-on-demand (MOD) arena. TCM began offering MOD featuring lost titles from the RKO library.
TCM and USHE are working to remaster a number of great titles never before available on DVD, with several never available on home video at all. The first titles made available include five horror films, three Cary Grant pictures and Remember the Night, starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray and scripted by the great Preston Sturges.
The films will be made available by request on DVD via TCM.com for the first time during the fourth quarter of 2009. TCM host Robert Osborne will provide introductions for selected titles, which will also include supplemental materials compiled by TCM and extensive material from the TCM archives. In addition, TCM will present exclusive premieres of the movies over the next six months.
"Many terrific films have been unavailable on home video for far too long, especially the holiday classic Remember the Night," Osborne said. "It’s wonderful that today’s movie fans will be able to enjoy these rare movies. TCM and Universal have put great effort into restoring them digitally and providing historical context, bonus material and behind-the-scenes information, something DVD collectors, like me, are sure to appreciate. I’m very pleased to be part of this great project with TCM and Universal."
For Universal, the agreement is a great way to reach avid film fans. "Universal is very proud of its prestigious collection of Hollywood screen gems," said Universal Studios Home Entertainment president Craig Kornblau. "Like us, TCM is deeply dedicated to honoring Hollywood’s golden age. This collaboration presents the perfect opportunity to share Universal’s rich cinematic legacy and celebrate vintage works with classic film fans."
The launch of TCM/Universal DVDs will be divided into three initial releases: Universal Cult Horror Collection (films also available as singles ),DVD Availability on 31 October, TCM Premiere of Murders in the Zoo 31 October, suggested retail price collection – $49.99 and Individual Titles – $19.99
This collection will include five rarely seen horror gems from the Universal vault, most appearing on home video for the first time. Special features include over a hundred photos, posters and lobby cards, trivia, articles and more.
Future Universal collections and titles for rollout on DVD and TCM include vintage films from Fred MacMurray and Claudette Colbert, Deanna Durbin, director Douglas Sirk and many more.
