The Extras – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Stars Shine in our review of six new Blu-rays from the Warner Archive. To begin, George Feltenstein takes us through the intricate process of restoring the 1940 Technicolor epic "Northwest Passage," starring Spencer Tracy, discussing the hurdles of working with nitrate negatives and the impressive results. This cinema classic from King Vidor brims with adventure and beautiful landscapes that look better than ever.

Our reviews continue as we spotlight Clark Gable and Norma Shearer's unforgettable performances in the 1939 MGM classic "Idiot's Delight." George explains director Clarence Brown's anti-war messaging and details the inclusion of both the international and American endings to the film.

Next, we review the 1965 musical "Harum Scarum" starring Elvis in a comedy set in the deserts of Arabia. Gorgeous sets filled with beautiful women plus Elvis' trademark rock'n'roll songs make this a pop hit for Elvis fans. 

Finally, we shine a light on three forgotten gems that deserve a second look.  We start with the 1995 period drama "The Stars Fell on Henrietta" starring Robert Duvall in an unforgettable performance and supporting actors Aidan Quinn, Frances Fisher, and Brian Dennehy.  Next, we highlight Sissy Spacek's powerful role in the 1985 film "Marie, A True Story." Directed Roger Donaldson, this film has a terrific script and a wonderful supporting cast that includes Jeff Daniels, Morgan Freeman, and Fred Thompson. And finally, there is the heartwarming 1994 Irish film "War of the Buttons," a gem of a family film that deserves a wider audience.

Tune in for an episode brimming with film reviews, restoration insights, and a profound appreciation for cinematic history!  As always, we provide a full review of each film, a detailed explanation of the HD restoration, and background on all of the included extras.

NORTHWEST PASSAGE (1940)
IDIOT’S DELIGHT (1939)
HARUM SCARUM (1965)
MARIE: A TRUE STORY (1985)
THE STARS FELL ON HENRIETTA (1995)
WAR OF THE BUTTONS (1994)

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Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. tim@theextras.tv

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George Feltenstein joins the podcast to update us on some recent happenings with the Warner Archive and to announce six September Blu-ray releases, including a highly requested noir, a musical, and more Hanna Barbara.  George provides background on each film, the new HD master, and all of the extras that are included.  And he always drops some knowledge about what is being worked on for the future. There is no better way to learn about what is on the Warner Archive schedule than to hear directly from George.

Purchase links are not yet available.

Warner Archive Store on Amazon
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. tim@theextras.tv

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Film Historians Julie Kirgo and Alan K Rode join the podcast to traverse the dusty trails and moral complexities of the timeless Western "High Noon."  The new 4K UHD release from Kino Lorber is highlighted by their new  audio commentaries and we get a preview of their insights into what makes this film so enduring.  Along the way we explore screenwriter Carl Foreman and the Hollywood Blacklist, why Gary Cooper was the right choice for the part of Marshall Will Kane, Katie Jurado's portrayal as a strong, independent Mexican woman, Fred Zinnemann's direction, Floyd Crosby's cinematography, Dimitri Tiomkin's score, and the wealth of character actors that fill out the movie. 

Purchase links:
HIGH NOON 4KUHD
HIGH NOON BLU-RAY
HIGH NOON: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of an American Classic - Book

Alan K. Rode website
Julie Kirgo Facebook

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Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. tim@theextras.tv

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Bill Hunt of The Digital Bits joins the podcast to take a deep dive into the current state of physical media, the 4K explosion, and what the future might hold.  We also discuss home entertainment trends, common consumer complaints, and how streaming is impacting the release schedules.  And Bill details the recent and future "Star Trek" motion picture 4K releases and we discuss the 4K of "The Batman," and the upcoming "Heat," "Top Gun: Maverick," and "Avatar" releases.
The Digital Bits
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Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers.  Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals.  www.otakumedia.tv

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Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. tim@theextras.tv

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George Feltenstein of the Warner Archive answers fan questions in this special mailbag episode.  George addresses the questions surrounding the August release schedule, answers questions about upcoming animation and Golden Harvest releases, box sets, pre-code Hollywood titles, and many more.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers.  Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals.  www.otakumedia.tv

Warner Archive Store on Amazon
Support the podcast by shopping with our Amazon Affiliate link

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. tim@theextras.tv

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Bob Furmanek and Jack Theakston of the 3-D Film Archive join the podcast to discuss their work on preserving classic 3D films.  In addition, we review their current 2D release of Abbott and Costello's first color film, the 1952 classic "Jack and the Beanstalk."  They review their 2 years of painstaking work on the restoration of this Cinecolor classic to create a version as close to the original as possible.  They also detail the two and a half hours of extras that make this a must-own for all Abbott and Costello collectors.

Links:
3D Film Archive
Facebook

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers.  Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals.  www.otakumedia.tv

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. tim@theextras.tv

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Max Fleischer was a pioneer in early animation and yet many of his cartoons are in desperate need of restoration.  Joining the podcast to talk about their restoration efforts in partnership with the Max Fleischer estate and Paramount pictures are Mauricio Alvarado of Rockin Pins, restorer Brandon Adams, and author and Max Fleischer expert Ray Pointer.

Along the way, we discuss the the genius of "Koko the Clown" and how it has become a pop-culture phenomenon with young people.  And we discuss the beloved fashion icon status of "Betty Boop" and her origins in early cartoons.  We also touch on "Popeye" and "Superman" and their legendary status in animation history.

Links:
ROCKIN PINS
Linktr.ee for Fleischer Cartoons
www.inwellimagesinc.com
Linktr.ee for Not An Animation Historian

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers.  Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals.  www.otakumedia.tv

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. tim@theextras.tv

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Warner Bros executive George Feltenstein takes us through the July 2022 Blu-ray releases from the Warner Archive. 

We kick  off the discussion with the release of “Adventures of Don Juan” (1948) starring Errol Flynn and Viveca Lindfors, and directed by Vincent Sherman.   Beautifully restored in Technicolor, this film is another in the long line of swashbuckler roles for Flynn, though with a lighter touch.  Next George details “The Frisco Kid” (1979) starring Gene Wilder as a Polish rabbi who is traveling to San Francisco and Harrison Ford as a bank robber who befriends him along the way. This underrated comedy showcases Wilder in a more serious and sweet role, while fans of Harrison Ford get to see him in a rare western from earlier in his career.

And since this is July, George shares his review of the ultimate 4th of July film from the Warner Archive, the 1942 musical "Yankee Doodle Dandy" starring James Cagney and directed by Michael Curtiz.  And we finish with a discussion of some other patriotic films released by the Warner Archive that make for great 4th of July viewing options, including "The Clock", "For Me and My Gal," "Captains of the Clouds" and "The Big Parade."

Purchase on Amazon:
The Frisco Kid Blu-ray
Adventures of Don Juan Blu-ray
Yankee Doodle Dandy Blu-ray

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers.  Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals.  www.otakumedia.tv

Warner Archive Store on Amazon
Support the podcast by shopping with our Amazon Affiliate link

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. tim@theextras.tv

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Writer/producer and television historian Herbie J Pilato joins the podcast to discuss his love of classic TV and his extras on the new Blu-ray release of THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN: THE COMPLETE SERIES.

Pilato’s extensive list of critically-acclaimed, media tie-in books includes THE BIONIC BOOK, MARY: THE MARY TYLER MOORE STORY, TWITCH UPON A STAR: THE BEWITCHED LIFE AND CAREER OF ELIZABETH MONTGOMERY and many more. His upcoming new books include RETRO ACTIVE TELEVISION: AN IN-DEPTH PERSPECTIVE OF CLASSIC TV'S SOCIAL CIRCUITRY, THE 12 BEST SECRETS OF CHRISTMAS: A TREASURE HOUSE OF DECEMBER MEMORIES REVEALED, biographies of Sean Connery and Diana Rigg, and a combined book about George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.

Buy: The Six Million Dollar Man: Complete Series Blu-ray

www.herbiejpilato.com
Follow Herbie on social media: Facebook

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers.  Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals.  www.otakumedia.tv

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. tim@theextras.tv

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Judy Garland fans and experts George Feltenstein from Warner Bros and author John Fricke join the podcast for a celebration of Judy's centennial. Together they share insights from their careers writing books, producing documentaries, and releasing Judy's films on VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, Blu-Ray, and 4K.  And then we dive into a discussion of "The Wizard of Oz" and the impact the film has had on American popular culture and film history.

John Fricke is regarded as the preeminent Judy Garland and "The Wizard of Oz" historian.  George Feltenstein has been the steward of the MGM/Turner/Warner Bros and now Warner Archive releases of the majority of Judy Garland's films.  Their friendship began with their collaboration on the VHS release of the 50th Anniversary of "The Wizard of Oz" and has continued over the last 33 years due to their mutual love and admiration for the talent of Judy Garland.

Buy The Wizard of Oz 4K

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers.  Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals.  www.otakumedia.tv

The Extras Facebook page
The Extras Twitter
Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

As an Amazon Affiliate, The Extras may receive a commission for purchases through our purchase links. There is no additional cost to you, and every little bit helps us in the production of the podcast. Thanks in advance.

Otaku Media produces podcasts, behind-the-scenes extras, and media that connect creatives with their fans and businesses with their consumers. Contact us today to see how we can work together to achieve your goals. tim@theextras.tv