Olive Films:A trio of westerns coming up on May 22nd Pre-orders

[Akijama]

Denver and Rio Grande (1952)
Starring Edmond O'Brien & Sterling Hayden



Denver and Rio Grande Blu-ray


Run for Cover (1955)
Directed by Nicholas Ray
Starring James Cagney & Viveca Lindfors



Run for Cover Blu-ray


Silver City (1951)
Starring Edmond O'Brien & Yvonne De Carlo



Silver City Blu-ray


Up for pre-order.

[jaaguir]

This is weird. If this was true, this would be the FIRST time Olive Films releases academy-ratio movies on blu-ray (in this case, the first two titles out of the three). They've been releasing them on dvd-only for months. Maybe they're changing their policy, which would be VERY welcome.

Your links work, but if I try to find the movies on Amazon with a normal search, they don't get listed at all. Also, the only thing indicating they're blu-ray releases is the price, there is no format info yet. But that could be all normal, it's very early. Or maybe it's Amazon's or Olive's mistake, and the pre-orders will be canceled?

[Akijama]

Originally Posted by jaaguir

This is weird. If this was true, this would be the FIRST time Olive Films releases academy-ratio movies on blu-ray (in this case, the first two titles out of the three). They've been releasing them on dvd-only for months. Maybe they're changing their policy, which would be VERY welcome.

Your links work, but if I try to find the movies on Amazon with a normal search, they don't get listed at all. Also, the only thing indicating they're blu-ray releases is the price, there is no format info yet. But that could be all normal, it's very early. Or maybe it's Amazon's or Olive's mistake, and the pre-orders will be canceled?

You shouldn't be so sceptical,man At least two very reliable sites(VideoETA;DVD Aficionado) listed it as forthcoming BD releases.So,i think it's legit.Like you said - it's too early for further infos

[Blu2u]

Damn. Format updated to DVD. I never noticed academy ratio films were DVD only at Olive Films. I was really interested in Run For Cover. Will still probably get the DVD anyway.

I do see the listings for Blu at DVDAF. Guess there is still hope.

[Dex Robinson]

FWIW, Olive's BD release of THE HELLSTROM CHRONICLE is in Academy ratio.

[Akijama]

It's official now.

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=8357

[Arkadin]

there's no reason the majors can't release more older catalogs considering the way Olive is just rolling out these bds like nobody's business.
the argument about cost just doesn't hold water imo.
good for Olive even if these are a bit obscure.

[Dex Robinson]

Originally Posted by Arkadin

there's no reason the majors can't release more older catalogs considering the way Olive is just rolling out these bds like nobody's business.
the argument about cost just doesn't hold water imo.
good for Olive even if these are a bit obscure.

Makes you wonder some times, doesn't it?

I've been in the Twilight Time and Fright Night threads where people buy into the idea that the only way to release "obscure" or "small" movies is through limited editions sold only on the 'net. Yet a numbers of companies release truly obscure titles on Blu-ray all the time.

I have SEVEN Blu-rays from Olive. They started releasing on Blu last summer. I would assume that, if they were losing their shirts, they would stop producing Blu-rays. In fact, their rate of BD releases and announcements is accelerating. If I want to see Sinatra in the "obscure" film PAL JOEY, I can order one of the 3,000 Twilight Time copies (which I did). Or I can see Sinatra in ASSAULT ON A QUEEN from Olive...which my local store will stock.

Olive has become my favorite producer of Blu-rays.

And I salute them for sticking with truly smaller titles.

[DMRI2006]

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

Makes you wonder some times, doesn't it?

I've been in the Twilight Time and Fright Night threads where people buy into the idea that the only way to release "obscure" or "small" movies is through limited editions sold only on the 'net. Yet a numbers of companies release truly obscure titles on Blu-ray all the time.

I have SEVEN Blu-rays from Olive. They started releasing on Blu last summer. I would assume that, if they were losing their shirts, they would stop producing Blu-rays.

I wouldn't be so sure of that. Neither of us know what their business model is but I honestly can't imagine Olive is going to make much of a profit on these -- they're not only obscure, but Olive's prices are nearly as expensive as TT's (and these aren't limited). If they're actually selling thousands of copies, my hats off to them, but I'd be shocked if they were. Could be that they'll be giving the BD format this kind of release schedule for a year or two and they're sticking to their guns. I hope it works out for them but these are not titles that are going to appeal to a wide amount of viewers, and their pricing is as high as it gets for catalog titles.

[Flex Mentallo]

I'm going to pick up Hit! from these guys and they're only about few $10 cheaper than Twilight Times. These Olive titles also look to be about as barebones as they come just like Twilight Times (although TT includes an isolated score and trailers). I too can't imagine Olive making a fortune on these titles. I too applaud them for the effort. From the reviews Olives blu rays seem to be high quality releases.

[Akijama]

Originally Posted by Arkadin

there's no reason the majors can't release more older catalogs considering the way Olive is just rolling out these bds like nobody's business.
the argument about cost just doesn't hold water imo.
good for Olive even if these are a bit obscure.

Majors are lazy and indifferent regarding the catalogue releases.That's the fact now.It would be fair to assume that catalogue titles don't make huge profit,so they are busy with producing and marketing big,loud and dumb movies,'cause (sadly) that brings the money.I watched some interview with vice president of WHA,during the last year Comic Con and he said that he and WB would love to release 'Brewster McCloud' on Blu but he thinks there aren't many people who would buy it.That was a little insight in majors business model,and how safe they play.I mean...really?Olive Films obviously makes profit on old B grade westerns and some trully obscure films,but WB can't makes profit on cult Altman's film? ..And who knows how many classic share the same faith of 'Brewster McCloud'.Especially the ones which are the part of Warner Bros library(reminder:besides WB films,they also own catalogues of RKO,New Line Cinema,lots of old MGM films,Paramount's pre 1950 titles...).With their "no risk at all" and "not licencing anything to anyone" policy we will be not allowed to enjoy many of them in HD quality,for who knows how long.Selfish bastards.
Here is hoping for more labels like TT,Olive,etc.to bring stuff that majors don't find lucrative enough

[Bruce Morrison]

Some time ago, Olive were supposed to be preparing Fedora and Twilight's Last Gleaming for BD release. Has anyone heard any more about when we might expect these to appear? Fedora in particular is one of my most-wanted titles.

They are certainly doing good work with older titles, and putting most of the major studios to shame.

[jaaguir]

Originally Posted by Blu2u

I never noticed academy ratio films were DVD only at Olive Films. I was really interested in Run For Cover. Will still probably get the DVD anyway. I do see the listings for Blu at DVDAF. Guess there is still hope.

Run for Cover was the only title in this batch that was in no danger, Blu2u. It was released in 1955, so it probably won't be released in academy-ratio, but 1.78. Now all of them are confirmed anyway.

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

FWIW, Olive's BD release of THE HELLSTROM CHRONICLE is in Academy ratio.

That's an interesting anomaly. But they've been doing that with their Paramount titles consistently for months. For example, they're releasing "Pony express" in April, dvd-only. And that movie is also a Color Western, and besides it stars Charlton Heston, not Edmond O'brien (no disrespect intended for O'Brien fans). And there are more titles in the past months (and even in the coming weeks). So I'm guessing they just changed their policy in this regard. So now it's official and I'm glad.

Originally Posted by Akijama

Especially the ones which are the part of Warner Bros library(reminder:besides WB films,they also own catalogues of RKO,New Line Cinema,lots of old MGM films,Paramount's pre 1950 titles...).

Warner doesn't own Paramount's pre 1950 titles, it's Universal.

[Akijama]

Originally Posted by jaaguir

Warner doesn't own Paramount's pre 1950 titles, it's Universal.

Thx for the correction

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

I've been in the Twilight Time and Fright Night threads where people buy into the idea that the only way to release "obscure" or "small" movies is through limited editions sold only on the 'net. Yet a numbers of companies release truly obscure titles on Blu-ray all the time.

But to me there's a BIG difference between releasing something on Blu-ray just to get it out there, and in Blu-ray when it's truly HD-ready. Olive represents the former approach, Twilight Time the latter. It's plainly evident in every review of their respective products, even here on this site. If there was no difference at all in their product specs, you'd certainly have a point, but since there is a difference that movie collectors and HD enthusiasts alike can readily see and hear, these two labels really aren't comparable. It's Mazda vs. Maseratti.

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

I have SEVEN Blu-rays from Olive. They started releasing on Blu last summer.

I have FOUR and want more, but I simply don't trust their quality on a blind buy anymore. To date, their AQ and PQ has been all over the map, ranging from good/very good (e.g. Sands of the Kalahari), to fair/good if you squint a bit (e.g. Crack in the World), to acceptable considering the source (e.g. the 16mm blow-up of The Hellstrom Chronicle), to unacceptable considering the source (e.g. Paramount's VistaVision and Technicolor Buccaneer). At best that averages out to a C+ to B- grade overall.

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

I would assume that, if they were losing their shirts, they would stop producing Blu-rays. In fact, their rate of BD releases and announcements is accelerating.

My heart sinks at that news. I'd rather see fewer releases if it means they'll get done better.

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

If I want to see Sinatra in the "obscure" film PAL JOEY, I can order one of the 3,000 Twilight Time copies (which I did). Or I can see Sinatra in ASSAULT ON A QUEEN from Olive...which my local store will stock.

This makes little sense to me. Are you buying Blu-rays because you want a particular movie in the finest quality possible, or just acquiring Sinatra on a pro rata basis (i.e. TT wants too much for Pal Joey, so I'll go with Olive's Assault on a Queen instead)? I just don't get that logic.

Pal Joey is a classic which I pre-ordered without a blink the instant it went up because I trust SPHE's Grover Crisp masters and TT's kid gloves handling of them. Ironically, Assault on a Queen is movie I'd also like to see, but will instead wait for the reviews and/or a deep discount price, because unfortunately Olive quality is just too unpredictable.

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

Olive has become my favorite producer of Blu-rays.

And they've become my most frustrating and unreliable label. For every title that looks and sounds terrific, there have been at least two others with annoying to serious harvesting/mastering/transfer issues. At least they're doing a better job than Legend, but nowhere near Twilght Time in terms of a consistently high level of quality. And that's my bottom line here; otherwise, I would just stick to buying DVDs and MODs. Stubbornly, I cling to the notion that Blu-ray is (or should be) about high definition.

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

And I salute them for sticking with truly smaller titles.

At least we agree on this Dex. But again, and please keep in mind this is just one collector's opinion, it's a question of what Olive is doing with these titles. As much as I admire their efforts to expand Blu-ray offerings for catalogue collectors, I still can't fully endorse any label doesn't have better benchmark standards for quality. On some level, I think that inconsistency does more harm than good in terms of buyer trust.

[Dex Robinson]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

My heart sinks at that news. I'd rather see fewer releases if it means they'll get done better.

This has been the most consistently misplaced and often amusing sentiments since the early days of DVD.

For a dozen years, people have been trying to imagine a mythical correlation between slow releases and quality. But we know there is absolutely no such correlation. Still, not a day goes by when I don't read somebody online post, "I hope they take their time because it has to be done right." And it just NEVER happens that way.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

This has been the most consistently misplaced and often amusing sentiments since the early days of DVD.

For a dozen years, people have been trying to imagine a mythical correlation between slow releases and quality. But we know there is absolutely no such correlation. Still, not a day goes by when I don't read somebody online post, "I hope they take their time because it has to be done right." And it just NEVER happens that way.

But saying that doesn't make it so. Look how much time and money SPHE has already invested in Lawrence of Arabia and it's still not ready. Ben Hur was in the works for years because of the sorry condition of its Ultra Panavision 65mm film elements. When you're dealing with older catalogue titles hitting the 40/50/60 year mark, very few of them can go out without additional work. And whenever you have go back and reharvest those OCNs or IPs, more painstaking workflow is necessary for clean-up and correction. There is no 'quick print' facility for this level of celluloid restoration and remastering.

True, most of the movies we're talking about here are not commercial enough to justify that extra level of work. But that doesn't mean a high-ish rez legacy transfer for DVD with too much DNR and EE hastily stamped out on Blu-ray is the way to go either. Certainly not for something like Paramount's VistaVision and Technicolor The Buccaneer with Perspecta sound, which garnered a shameful 2.8 for AQ and 2.5 for PQ in the review on this site. Actually, the colour was reasonably good, so it really came down to what Olive accepted from Paramount as good enough for Blu-ray. Those baseline standards are what I'm questioning here.

Olive has already made it clear they are more interested in quickly getting a title out there, than getting it right. I'm sort of dreading what they'll do with Bertolucci's Novocentro (1900). But at least my expectations are so low now, they can't possibly disappoint me this time...

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by Dex Robinson

Makes you wonder some times, doesn't it?

I've been in the Twilight Time and Fright Night threads where people buy into the idea that the only way to release "obscure" or "small" movies is through limited editions sold only on the 'net. Yet a numbers of companies release truly obscure titles on Blu-ray all the time.

I have SEVEN Blu-rays from Olive. They started releasing on Blu last summer. I would assume that, if they were losing their shirts, they would stop producing Blu-rays. In fact, their rate of BD releases and announcements is accelerating. If I want to see Sinatra in the "obscure" film PAL JOEY, I can order one of the 3,000 Twilight Time copies (which I did). Or I can see Sinatra in ASSAULT ON A QUEEN from Olive...which my local store will stock.

Olive has become my favorite producer of Blu-rays.

And I salute them for sticking with truly smaller titles.

Indeed.

There is a good reason TT do what they do - they want you to pay high prices for the titles they have licensed. I personally am anything but impressed with them - I like the transfers but they aren't responsible for them - and would much rather support Olive Films. To be clear, at the very least a company charging $30+ per title should include optional subtitles for those who need them.

Regardless of TT's preferred business model - licensing a limited number of copies per title - I personally do not think that they are making the serious film lover a favor (and why should they, as they are a business). On the contrary, they are essentially imposing high prices on similar titles/product that other boutique companies have handled a lot better. Example: Eureka Entertainment/Masters of Cinema. So, as much as I am interested in some of TT's titles, I have decided not to support their model and instead support/give more attention to Olive Films.

There are TOO many very good titles on the market with reasonable price tags, especially if one is Region-Free.

This thread has all Olive Films Blu-ray releases and just about all of their classic DVD releases:

http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=195802

Pro-B

[Bruce Morrison]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Regardless of TT's preferred business model - licensing a limited number of copies per title - I personally do not think that they are making the serious film lover a favor (and why should they, as they are a business). On the contrary, they are essentially imposing high prices on similar titles/product that other boutique companies have handled a lot better. Example: Eureka Entertainment/Masters of Cinema. So, as much as I am interested in some of TT's titles, I have decided not to support their model and instead support/give more attention to Olive Films.

I agree Pro-B. I think Olive Films are doing some excellent work in mining the deeper back catalog. I bought Despair recently, and that is an excellent transfer. I'm also delighted that they were responsible for finally bringing Bergman's Face To Face to DVD.

I'm particularly looking forward to their expected BD releases of Billy Wilder's Fedora (a criminally underrated film) and Robert Aldrich's Twilight's Last Gleaming. I hope they will both appear later this year!

[jaaguir]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

Olive has already made it clear they are more interested in quickly getting a title out there, than getting it right. I'm sort of dreading what they'll do with Bertolucci's Novocentro (1900). But at least my expectations are so low now, they can't possibly disappoint me this time...

Basically I agree with everything you say, but to say something for Olive Films, they must be using whatever master Paramount handles them, and even though sometimes they're not as good as they should be for high-def, at least the price is $10 lower than TT's releases (which are all derived from top-tier masters, that's true).

Originally Posted by Bruce Morrison

I agree Pro-B. I think Olive Films are doing some excellent work in mining the deeper back catalog. I bought Despair recently, and that is an excellent transfer. I'm also delighted that they were responsible for finally bringing Bergman's Face To Face to DVD.

I'm particularly looking forward to their expected BD releases of Billy Wilder's Fedora (a criminally underrated film) and Robert Aldrich's Twilight's Last Gleaming. I hope they will both appear later this year!

In my book, whenever the movie ends up released on dvd but not blu-ray, they're not doing any excellent work at all. I'm very frustrated by that.