Imitation of Life 2-Movie Collection (1934 - 1959) - April 7, 2015

[Akijama]

Imitation of Life: 2-Movie Collection Blu-ray

Disc 1 - Imitation of Life (1934):
Theatrical Trailer
Optional Feature Commentary with African-American Cultural Scholar Avery Clayton


Disc 1 - Imitation of Life (1959):
Lasting Legacy – An Imitation of Life
Theatrical Trailer
Optional Feature Commentary with Film Historian Foster Hirsch

Based on the 1933 best-selling novel, Imitation of Life is one of the most beloved and respected stories of all-time. This emotionally charged drama chronicles the lives of two widows and their troubled daughters as they struggle to find true happiness in a world plagued by racism. The Imitation of Life 2-Movie Collection includes both versions of the film, the original 1934 Best Picture nominee starring Claudette Colbert and the 1959 masterpiece starring Lana Turner. With storylines tackling racism, romance, family, success and tragedy, Imitation of Life is a powerful story that still resonates with audiences today.

Source

[dsman71]

Awesome Ill be getting this ! Another DVD bites the dust. I had the release with both versions. I was finally going to watch the 59 version too lol

[redxrebellion]

Finally the '59 version. One of my all time favorite "classics". I am definitely getting this. Always wanted to see the '34 version. Now I just hope it comes in digibook format...fingers crossed.

[JJJ225]

Wow that's great. Love the 1959 film, but haven't seen the 1934 film. Who is releasing this?

[Akijama]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

Who is releasing this?

Universal.

Apparently, the '59 version (I believe) has been restored in 4K and it's playing at Film Forum. It should look spectacular.

Great news, indeed.

[JackTwist]

The announcement I thought would never be made. The 1959 version is easily in my top 5 of all time. Cannot wait! If there has been a recent 4K restoration, I hope Universal will partake based on their recent Touch of Evil and Double Indemnity releases.

[Yami]

It would obviously be preferable if they're spread across two discs but I don't see if being a huge issue if they encode it properly. Lawrence of Arabia is around 10 mins shorter than the combined running time of the Imitations of Life, but the 34 film won't require as high of a bitrate due to being black and white. Extras are likely to be SD.

[Filmgazer]

From the description below pasted from the Amazon webpage for the Blu-ray, it looks as if both movies are, in fact, housed on a single disc -- and not two separate discs as would be desired for maximum bitrate. It's probably not a flipper disc either. (The previous release was on two separate DVD's housed in a digibook.)

But since Blu-ray discs hold so much more information than DVD's, might they be able to get both movies on a single, dual-layered Blu-ray without compromising the video quality?

==============

Special Features

Disc 1 - Imitation of Life (1934):

Theatrical Trailer
Optional Feature Commentary with African-American Cultural Scholar Avery Clayton

Disc 1 - Imitation of Life (1959):

Lasting Legacy – An Imitation of Life
Theatrical Trailer
Optional Feature Commentary with Film Historian Foster Hirsch

[dodgysteve]

Universal (USA) (2015) vs HanseSound (De) (2014)

[UnionJackMix]

Love the screenshots, reminded me that I must watch this movie again soon. But the final scene is really painful to watch. As if Kohner's attitute towards her mother wasn't bad enough.

[HaroldnMaude]

Originally Posted by UnionJackMix

Love the screenshots, reminded me that I must watch this movie again soon. But the final scene is really painful to watch. As if Kohner's attitute towards her mother wasn't bad enough.

When I got this disc it was the first time I ever watched the Claudette Colbert version, and I actually think I liked it better. I love Louise Beavers.

[UnionJackMix]

Originally Posted by HaroldnMaude

When I got this disc it was the first time I ever watched the Claudette Colbert version, and I actually think I liked it better. I love Louise Beavers.

Ooh I think I've seen her before, I remember the name as well.
I actually forgot if I watched this because I have the DVD version, also with both movies.

[James Luckard]

Those caps really show how gorgeous the remaster is.

[MifuneFan]

Currently $10.39 at Gruv with code WEENHAP20

https://www.gruv.com/product/imitati...ection_blu_ray

[laidbacklarkin]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Currently $10.39 at Gruv with code WEENHAP20

https://www.gruv.com/product/imitati...ection_blu_ray

Currently $8.49 at GRUV with code HAPPYANNY15

[GeoffOliver]

Only $11 on Amazon. I really want both films in my collection, but I’m torn on if I should get this disc. Since Criterion reissued Stahl’s film, I have a feeling they have a 4K planned for Sirk’s. He’s certainly no stranger to the Collection. I’m getting a bit impatient though since that’s the film I really want.

[Shane Rollins]

Originally Posted by GeoffOliver

Only $11 on Amazon. I really want both films in my collection, but I’m torn on if I should get this disc. Since Criterion reissued Stahl’s film, I have a feeling they have a 4K planned for Sirk’s. He’s certainly no stranger to the Collection. I’m getting a bit impatient though since that’s the film I really want.

I say pull the trigger. Worst case scenario, Criterion turns around and drops this and then you either sell this one or keep it for the special features. I believe there was some special features lag on the 1934 version, so the double dip was worth it (at least to me). A 4K would be $25 during the sale and a Blu-ray would be $20 during the sale. So $30-$40 for two solid discs with lots of great features wouldn’t be that bad.

[SpookyDollhouse]

Originally Posted by GeoffOliver

Since Criterion reissued Stahl’s film, I have a feeling they have a 4K planned for Sirk’s. He’s certainly no stranger to the Collection. I’m getting a bit impatient though since that’s the film I really want.

I ended up just buying the double feature Blu-ray after Criterion released only the Stahl, considering it uses the 4K restoration already its possible that Criterion passed on the movie entirely.