The Three Stooges (Columbia theatrical shorts, 1934 - 1959)

[Variety Films 3D]

Here's a summary of where things stand on the availability of the original Three Stooges shorts in HD, including recent concerning developments from C3 Entertainment, the original entity started by their families which still owns the rights to the franchise.

First of all, it should be noted that when official DVDs were released of the complete series in various editions, the packaging said they were "Remastered in High Definition" (although obviously downsampled to 480i). More recently on the official Three Stooges YouTube channel, some compilation videos & clips have been uploaded that contain glimpses of the original shorts for the first time in Full HD, and besides YouTube's compression look nice.

Also late last year, C3 launched a Kickstarter campaign for a 'streaming service' called "Three Stooges +" (which was really just a new branding name for their YouTube channel, plus sections on Amazon's Freevee, Sling, Tubi, TCL & Vizio). Besides new content they were considering though was the announcement of:
"All 190 Classic Columbia Shorts in One Place, Remastered in Pristine HD"

The day came on December 31, 2023 when they began to upload the remastered episodes in order, starting with #1, "Women Haters"... but there was a problem: They maxed out at 480p. I commented on the video asking what happened to the HD versions, and they replied that these would be on the other services mentioned above. I checked out Sling and Freevee, and both were in standard def (besides being scheduled live-streaming ONLY). Tubi was the only somewhat HD version I saw out there, but it maxes out at 720p @ 2mbps, which needless to say is pretty bad.

So apparently, they're too scared to upload quality versions to ANY streaming service (even though they DO have them as evidenced by the many recent compilation videos in full HD) and aren't interested in a Blu-ray release either, preferring streaming profits in perpetuity. They also (deceptively) implied to Kickstarter backers that the remastered versions were not only newly made with the donated funds, but would at least be available in "Pristine" quality to stream.

So if you're a Stooges fan and don't like the bait-and-switch or unwillingness to monetize their assets, feel free to comment on their YouTube channel and speak your mind. Just be aware that if you are on the nose about how the quality backtracked your comment may be deleted (mine was) but at least it may let them know there is a market.

[Doomhunter]

Originally Posted by Variety Films 3D

Here's a summary of where things stand on the availability of the original Three Stooges shorts in HD, including recent concerning developments from C3 Entertainment, the original entity started by their families which still owns the rights to the franchise.

First of all, it should be noted that when official DVDs were released of the complete series in various editions, the packaging said they were "Remastered in High Definition" (although obviously downsampled to 480i). More recently on the official Three Stooges YouTube channel, some compilation videos & clips have been uploaded that contain glimpses of the original shorts for the first time in Full HD, and besides YouTube's compression look nice.

Also late last year, C3 launched a Kickstarter campaign for a 'streaming service' called "Three Stooges +" (which was really just a new branding name for their YouTube channel, plus sections on Amazon's Freevee, Sling, Tubi, TCL & Vizio). Besides new content they were considering though was the announcement of:
"All 190 Classic Columbia Shorts in One Place, Remastered in Pristine HD"

The day came on December 31, 2023 when they began to upload the remastered episodes in order, starting with #1, "Women Haters"... but there was a problem: They maxed out at 480p. I commented on the video asking what happened to the HD versions, and they replied that these would be on the other services mentioned above. I checked out Sling and Freevee, and both were in standard def (besides being scheduled live-streaming ONLY). Tubi was the only somewhat HD version I saw out there, but it maxes out at 720p @ 2mbps, which needless to say is pretty bad.

So apparently, they're too scared to upload quality versions to ANY streaming service (even though they DO have them as evidenced by the many recent compilation videos in full HD) and aren't interested in a Blu-ray release either, preferring streaming profits in perpetuity. They also (deceptively) implied to Kickstarter backers that the remastered versions were not only newly made with the donated funds, but would at least be available in "Pristine" quality to stream.

So if you're a Stooges fan and don't like the bait-and-switch or unwillingness to monetize their assets, feel free to comment on their YouTube channel and speak your mind. Just be aware that if you are on the nose about how the quality backtracked your comment may be deleted (mine was) but at least it may let them know there is a market.

No physical media, no sale. I’ll stick with the dvds.

There Stooges Rule!

[GuruAskew]

C3 owns the IP. So they’re mostly a merchandising entity. Like if you wanna buy your dad electronic talking Three Stooges golf club covers or whatever then yeah, if they’re authorized they’ll be licensed from C3. And any new Stooges production needs to license the IP from them, which is why they were listed as a production company on the Farrelly bros film.

But Sony owns the shorts. To me it seems like C3 was raising money to license the shorts from Sony for their website, and they did it in a purposely-vague way that kinda suggested that they owned the shorts and were raising money to restore them without actually saying it.

[Variety Films 3D]

1: C3 doesn't license them from Sony, they've been releasing Stooges film content (in association w/ Sony) for years now on YT.
2: The shorts are ALREADY remastered. The point was that they weren't at all vague when saying the versions on TS+ would be the HD versions.

[DoubleGulpShrimp]

Originally Posted by Doomhunter

No physical media, no sale. I’ll stick with the dvds.

There Stooges Rule!

Iv been backing up the Tubi versions. And what I've noticed is that;
The "Badly Compressed" 720p Tubi, edges out the "Badly Compressed" DVDs.
This is a random screenshot comparison between my DVDs and Tubi stream. It is a small upgrade but a noticeable one.

https://slow.pics/c/OAp97snZ

[Walter Kafka]

"Three Stooges + Comedy Gold Standard" is an awkward title. I had a hard time finding it.

[hedliniv]

Some of the best memories I have are watching these shorts with my kids. Still so funny and every time they have serious belly laughs watching them. I was lucky enough to buy the DVD set upon release.

I hope we eventually get another physical release; what a blessing it would be with a 4k release (blu-ray would be fine) but could you imagine these in the absolute best quality and with HDR?

[Variety Films 3D]

Originally Posted by DoubleGulpShrimp

Iv been backing up the Tubi versions. And what I've noticed is that;
The "Badly Compressed" 720p Tubi, edges out the "Badly Compressed" DVDs.

Take note C3, no ad revenue to be earned here, we’re talking completely different markets.

[GrouchoFan]

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) showed Women Haters a couple of weeks ago, as part of a salute to the 100th Anniversary of Columbia Pictures. It sure looked HD to me.

Also, TCM Streaming has You Nazty Spy! in HD for a few more days, I'm watching it right now.

[Variety Films 3D]

Well yes the digital masters exist, which is the point. If the only way to see them in complete form is on a schedule and/or cable not much good in that.

[DoubleGulpShrimp]

I forgot to mention that you can watch all of the Stooges in 1080p. LocalNow has them. It also has a higher bit rate of 5-6 mbps. However the compression is far worse then Tubi and they have converted it to 29.976fps. The Tubi version looks far superior because of it. The only version I have not been able to see is the TCL+.

Here is a comparison.
https://slow.pics/c/oTzjFHv8

Here are the individual Images without upscaling Tubi Image.
Tubi - https://i.ibb.co/T2t8pPV/Tubi-Stooges.png
LocalNow - https://i.ibb.co/sVRgGD2/LN-Stooges.png

You can find them here:
https://tubitv.com/series/300001122/...-gold-standard
https://localnow.com/shows/the-three...-gold-standard

[Variety Films 3D]

Thanks for sharing! Yes that compression is pretty bad, only the opening titles look good.

[Variety Films 3D]

They did it, they finally did it!!
https://www.amazon.com/The-Three-Sto...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[Zivouhr]

Originally Posted by Variety Films 3D

They did it, they finally did it!!
https://www.amazon.com/The-Three-Sto...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

That's good to see they'll hopefully be in 1080p as my guess. They don't really specify it though. Just "HD".

July 23, 2024 for the whole set at $175 on blu ray.

Product Description

The Three Stooges come to high definition! Limited edition 20-disc Blu-ray gift set includes 100 treasured Stooges shorts, celebrating 100 years of Columbia Pictures! The set also includes over 20 additional shorts with Shemp Howard, Joe Besser and Joe DeRita, plus cartoons and The Three Stooges Scrapbook! Includes 8 full-length features in high definition: Time Out For Rhythm, Rockin' in the Rockies, Have Rocket – Will Travel, The Three Stooges Meet Hercules, The Three Stooges in Orbit, The Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze, The Outlaws Is Coming and The Three Stooges (2000) Gift set packaging features button-activated sound chip with classic Stooges noises!

Classic hilarity finally comes to Blu-ray with an upgraded Three Stooges gift set, with 100 shorts for the 100th anniversary of Columbia Pictures!

The Three Stooges come to high definition!
Limited edition 20-disc Blu-ray gift set includes 100 treasured Stooges shorts, celebrating 100 years of Columbia Pictures!
The set also includes over 20 additional shorts with Shemp Howard, Joe Besser and Joe DeRita, plus cartoons and The Three Stooges Scrapbook!
Includes 8 full-length features in high definition: Time Out For Rhythm, Rockin' in the Rockies, Have Rocket – Will Travel, The Three Stooges Meet Hercules, The Three Stooges in Orbit, The Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze, The Outlaws Is Coming and The Three Stooges (2000).
Gift set packaging features button-activated sound chip with classic Stooges noises!

The Three Stooges 20-Disc Blu-ray Collection (Limited Edition Blu-ray Gift Set)


Product details

Aspect Ratio ‏ : ‎ 1.37:1, 1.33:1, 1.85:1
MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ NR (Not Rated)
Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 11.3 x 7.06 x 2.65 inches; 4.4 Pounds
Media Format ‏ : ‎ Blu-ray
Run time ‏ : ‎ 29 hours and 2 minutes
Release date ‏ : ‎ July 23, 2024
Actors ‏ : ‎ Moe Howard, Shemp Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard
Studio ‏ : ‎ SONY
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D49XFZ4V
Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ USA
Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 20

[Variety Films 3D]

While the whole shorts on YouTube & other streaming services are either 480 or 720, the brief compilation videos & shorts they upload are full HD, and the DVDs say on the back that they were derived from 1080p masters, so they do have them, and now we'll finally get to see them! Good news is it also includes the previously released 60s TV series (not sure if that will be remastered or not), the 2000 movie (not sure if that even exists in HD) the 6 movies already sold separately on Blu-ray, plus notably the "In Orbit" movie, which strangely was never sold with the other movies on Blu-ray & only available in HD on streaming. Will be interesting to see if they include anaglyph versions of the two 3D shorts (doubt they would bother to include frame-packed) so keep your copy of Mad Magician for now if a 3D fan.

[GuruAskew]

The cartoons mentioned are almost certainly the 3 shorts featuring the likenesses of the Stooges that were included in the DVD box set, not the 60s TV series.

FTR they’re Bon Bon Parade, Merry Mutineers and A Hollywood Detour.

[Variety Films 3D]

Thanks for the clarification, guess I won't be getting rid of that set! I also now see that in only includes 100 Columbia shorts lol, what a joke. I gave them too much credit, they blew it again. This ain't the 90s and this ain't the time for some gimmicky home video club random collection. Off to cancel my pre-order!

[DoubleGulpShrimp]

Originally Posted by Variety Films 3D

Thanks for the clarification, guess I won't be getting rid of that set! I also now see that in only includes 100 Columbia shorts lol, what a joke. I gave them too much credit, they blew it again. This ain't the 90s and this ain't the time for some gimmicky home video club random collection. Off to cancel my pre-order!

I hope you don't mind if I buy it. If this set doesn't sell well, then their may not be a more complete version available latter on.

[Variety Films 3D]

Originally Posted by DoubleGulpShrimp

I hope you don't mind if I buy it. If this set doesn't sell well, then their may not be a more complete version available latter on.

Nah it's okay if it doesn't sell well as long as they know clearly why.