Who Killed Teddy Bear (1965) and Miss Leslie's Dolls (1973) (Network)

[Jobla]

Network of the UK will release Blu-rays of two American exploitation flicks, WHO KILLED TEDDY BEAR (1965) and MISS LESLIE'S DOLLS (1973). Due in August of 2018.

Network released TEDDY BEAR on PAL DVD a few years ago, in a slightly cut version when compared to the US release print. I assume that their Blu-ray will be the same version, but I'll post here again if I'm incorrect.

MISS LESLIE'S DOLLS has never been released on home video before, to my knowledge.

[Steedeel]

Thought you guys might be interested in this as it looks like it’s all region release.

https://bloody-disgusting.com/home-v...ar-on-blu-ray/

[Williamdcarl]

It's a brilliant, incredibly dark low budget horror film. I wrote a column once where I decided it was the precursor to MANIAC and such. I already have mine in oreorder!

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Williamdcarl

It's a brilliant, incredibly dark low budget horror film. I wrote a column once where I decided it was the precursor to MANIAC and such. I already have mine in oreorder!

I will be discovering it new. Can’t wait.

[Jobla]

While I am hopeful that the missing scenes have been found in the 16mm print, I'm still dubious of TEDDY BEAR being uncut. In the US, the fully uncut version runs 94 minutes and some seconds. Network's listed time of 90 minutes sounds about 4 minutes short.

In more positive news, the film has never been released on home video in widescreen format. That includes Network's previous VHS of the film, so a widescreen transfer would be a first for this film on home video. If it's anamorphic, even better.

I've certainly preordered this release.

I've never seen MISS LESLIE'S DOLLS, but it sounds to me like a more sexed-up version of Paul Bartel's great horror/sex/kink/comedy PRIVATE PARTS (1972). I've preordered LESLIE as well.

[Aunt Peg]

Originally Posted by Jobla

While I am hopeful that the missing scenes have been found in the 16mm print, I'm still dubious of TEDDY BEAR being uncut. In the US, the fully uncut version runs 94 minutes and some seconds. Network's listed time of 90 minutes sounds about 4 minutes short.

Could the difference in the running time be caused by PAL speed-up maybe?

[Jobla]

I would hope that's possible. However, some people have opined that PAL speed-up isn't a factor in the Blu-ray format. I'm not able to support or disagree with that statement, due to my lack of technical knowledge.

The PAL DVD version of TEDDY BEAR that Network released several years ago was listed as being 90 minutes (in the UK, that is), and it was missing two or three minutes of footage when compared to the uncut US print that runs 94 minutes and some seconds (in the US NTSC format).

I'm hoping for the best regarding the upcoming Network Blu-ray, but am remaining dubious until I see it. If it is widescreen and anamorphic, it will still be worth a purchase.

[babybreese]

Looks like the shorter, censored version of TEDDY.
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/dvd_r...ar_blu-ray.htm

Full details on the cuts near the end of this nice appreciation
http://lecinemadreams.blogspot.com/2...bear-1965.html

[Jobla]

I was afraid that would be the case. At least the Blu-ray represents a widescreen premiere for TEDDY BEAR on home video.

I don't understand why this film has never come out in US home video (the Sinister Cinema mail order release might have been a rip of the old Network PAL DVD). I also don't understand why Network just doesn't deal with the US rights holder. After all, the rights holders have the uncut 35mm film elements. There would be no need for 16mm inserts from a lesser source.

I'll add the Blu-ray to my collection, but will still hope for an official release someday.

[PowellPressburger]

Wish for a more uncut version but the transfer looks good. Would only wish they gave the film more disc space.

For a nice supplement seek out the podcast The Projection Booth they did a great episode on the film.

[Jobla]

Network's new Blu-ray of WHO KILLED TEDDY BEAR is very good overall, with fine clarity and contrast. However, it is still missing four minutes of sleaze footage.

In particular, the entire Times Square sequence is still missing footage, although a few of the images seem to have restored.

In the intervening years between Network's DVD and BD releases of the film, they surely could have located more of the missing footage. If nothing else, the missing scenes should have been offered in the disc's supplemental section.

Gray market copies of the film present the full-length 94 minute version. Network's BD runs about four minutes shorter than that.

[Paul Thrussell]

Originally Posted by Jobla

After all, the rights holders have the uncut 35mm film elements. There would be no need for 16mm inserts from a lesser source.

Is that just speculation or do you know that for sure? (Not doubting you, just curious. I've read that supposedly there isn't much material still in existence and those uncut VHS versions are from a 16mm print, but I don't know if that's correct.)

[BobSimms]

I like how Who Killed Teddy Bear takes until the halfway point to reveal the identity of the psychopath, but the listing on this website for the blu ray spoils it in the first phrase of the first sentence of their synopsis. Thanks a lot.

[fatboyslim142]

Originally Posted by BobSimms

I like how Who Killed Teddy Bear takes until the halfway point to reveal the identity of the psychopath, but the listing on this website for the blu ray spoils it in the first phrase of the first sentence of their synopsis. Thanks a lot.

Surely someone should edit it to remove the spoiler.

[chane]

Originally Posted by Jobla

While I am hopeful that the missing scenes have been found........... In the US, the fully uncut version runs 94 minutes and some seconds. Network's listed time of 90 minutes sounds about 4 minutes short.

In more positive news, the film has never been released on home video in widescreen format........ If it's anamorphic, even better. I've certainly preordered this release.

Originally Posted by Aunt Peg

Could the difference in the running time be caused by PAL speed-up maybe?

Originally Posted by babybreese

Looks like the shorter, censored version of TEDDY.
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/dvd_r...ar_blu-ray.htm

Full details on the cuts near the end of this nice appreciation
https://lecinemadreams.blogspot.com/...bear-1965.html

Originally Posted by PowellPressburger

Wish for a more uncut version but the transfer looks good. Would only wish they gave the film more disc space.

Originally Posted by Steedeel

I will be discovering it new. Can’t wait.

Originally Posted by BobSimms

I like how Who Killed Teddy Bear takes until the halfway point to reveal the identity of the psychopath, but the listing on this website for the blu ray spoils it in the first phrase of the first sentence of their synopsis. Thanks a lot.

I bought the Sinister non-widescreen DVD long ago. A shame this Network BD is not uncut either; and those "extras" they included (instead?) are ridiculous. Of course, that missing footage may not even exist anymore..

Question for those who have the Network BD: If your player has zoom control can you zoom in on scenes or does the BD disable zoom?

Zoom's a fun tool to use. I can zoom on all of my Warners and Twilight Time BDs, though none of the Criterion titles.

[WaverBoy]

I’ll wait for a proper uncut release, methinks.

[Nitroes]

Brian Orndorf's review https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Who-K...376841/#Review

US thread: https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=380959

[chane]

Originally Posted by WaverBoy

I’ll wait for a proper uncut release, methinks.

I was expecting this to be that, but no. Nor was the audio quality any better than the Sinister Cinema DVD I bought long before.