The Official Network Thread

[RossyG]

Originally Posted by CV19

Now you mention it, I think Man About The House was a Studio Canal release too, and yet Network issued the blu-ray (there are probably others too) so I'm with you.....I'm hopeful too.

Just checked and the two Hancock films were previously Studio Canal DVDs.

It could happen.

[Modman]

Originally Posted by RossyG

If I were Network I’d start with one of the Rank films. Up the Khyber, Again Doctor or Camping.

Or all three.

I would be in as well but I do have a special fondness for the earlier movies e.g. Carry on Constable, Teacher, Regardless and Cabby, they have a charm which was pretty much lost by the 1970's.

[CV19]

Originally Posted by RossyG

Just checked and the two Hancock films were previously Studio Canal DVDs.

It could happen.

I'd love to see The Fast Lady and Father Came Too receive the blu-ray treatment. Seeing as the DVD's were by Network, I should think this would be pretty straightforward. But yes, any British comedy from the 50's, 60's and 70's that haven't already been released on blu-ray would be hugely welcomed by me.

Originally Posted by Modman

I would be in as well but I do have a special fondness for the earlier movies e.g. Carry on Constable, Teacher, Regardless and Cabbie, they have a charm which was pretty much lost by the 1970's.

I love the whole Carry On series. I agree that the earlier films were less "vulgar" (not sure if that's the right word to use) and overall I'd probably prefer the Amalgamated films as well. To be honest, the only Rank films I didn't particularly care for was Carry On England, and Emmannuelle, but by this stage most of the regular Carry On stars had disappeared.

[Modman]

Originally Posted by CV19

I love the whole Carry On series. I agree that the earlier films were less "vulgar" (not sure if that's the right word to use) and overall I'd probably prefer the Amalgamated films as well. To be honest, the only Rank films I didn't particularly care for was Carry On England, and Emmannuelle, but by this stage most of the regular Carry On stars had disappeared.

It may sound odd but I think it's because most of the early movies have their heart in the right place, there's nothing cruel about them and they end on a happy note.

[CV19]

Originally Posted by Modman

It may sound odd but I think it's because most of the early movies have their heart in the right place, there's nothing cruel about them and they end on a happy note.

It doesn't sound odd at all Modman, I couldn't have described them any better myself.

[gouryella]

Any film mentioned in the last dozen or so posts get a big fat yes from me. Bring 'em all on to Blu-ray now......please.

[oddbox83]

I prefer the earlier ones as well. There's a lot to like in the later films as well, but the earlier ones are still fresh and don't have that formulaic production line feel. Sergeant through Cabby are the films at their very best to me. I agree, it's probably something to do with the genuine heart at the core of those films. They become hit and miss for me from Jack onwards, some great ones to be had still but not all to that same level anymore.

[Aclea]

There's a definite change of tone towards the seaside postcard when Norman Hudis left the series and Talbot Rothwell became the regular writer, and a massive drop in quality when Dave Freeman replaced Rothwell.

[Modman]

Originally Posted by Aclea

There's a definite change of tone towards the seaside postcard when Norman Hudis left the series and Talbot Rothwell became the regular writer, and a massive drop in quality when Dave Freeman replaced Rothwell.

Wow, just had a quick check, I've seen everyone with the exception of Emnannuelle, many multiple times.

[Modman]

If we are adding to a wishlist then what about a few movies starring Terry Thomas e.g. The Naked Truth, Too Many Crooks and Make Mine Mink (just for the cast alone including the wonderful Athene Seyler).

[jonali]

Network has released a number of sci-fi films on DVD I would very much like to see upgraded to BD. Kino will soon take care of Konga. The others are, ranked in terms of my most-wantedness:

The Final Programme
https://networkonair.com/drama/1815-final-programme-the
Timeslip
https://networkonair.com/all-products/1994-timeslip
Invasion
https://networkonair.com/the-british-film/1996-invasion
Memoirs of a Survivor
https://networkonair.com/the-british...-of-a-survivor
Q Planes
https://networkonair.com/drama/1830-q-planes
Devil Girl from Mars
https://networkonair.com/all-product...girl-from-mars
The Terrornauts
https://networkonair.com/drama/1780-terrornauts-the
The Corpse Vanishes ‘
https://networkonair.com/drama/753-corpse-vanishes-the

I would think at least something like The Final Programme would sell more than the small-time obscure dramas they are releasing on blu-ray this year.

[Fnord Prefect]

Originally Posted by jonali

Network has released a number of sci-fi films on DVD I would very much like to see upgraded to BD. Kino will soon take care of Konga. The others are, ranked in terms of my most-wantedness:

The Final Programme
https://networkonair.com/drama/1815-final-programme-the

I would think at least something like The Final Programme would sell more than the small-time obscure dramas they are releasing on blu-ray this year.

You had me excited there (see my avatar)



All things considered it's not even a good film and pales in comparison to the book but heck, it's the only Jerry Cornelius film so I've got to buy it.

[RossyG]

I thought that was Lego Pulp Fiction.

[Fnord Prefect]

Originally Posted by RossyG

I thought that was Lego Pulp Fiction.

Now you mention it I see it. Oh shit, do people now think I'm a Tarantino fan?

[ballsofcheese]

Originally Posted by CV19

The Big Job and Raising the Wind are both Anglo-Amalgamated films which I suspect would fall to Studio Canal to release them on blu-ray. Off the top of my head, I think the DVD's of both these films are SC titles.

I agree with you, the Carry On's would be great. There's always a chance Network will release the later Rank films, but the earlier Anglo-Amalgamated Carry On's would again be down to Studio Canal. They've already released 4 of them but sadly seem reluctant to release the remaining 8, which is a pity.

Network have a deal with Studio Canal and have released hundreds of their titles already with plenty of them on Bluray too so it's not too far removed to hope they might get the chance for the Carry On series. SC seem to have stalled after 4 of their colour ones so with Network appearing to get the rights to the things SC are not interested in releasing so I would hope the enterprising Network staff take advantage of their position of having deals with both ITV and SC and get on with releasing the rest of the Carry On series. SC and ITV don't seem interested in doing so

[spearce8]

Originally Posted by ballsofcheese

Network have a deal with Studio Canal and have released hundreds of their titles already with plenty of them on dvd so it's not too far removed to hope they might get the chance for the Carry On series. SC seem to have stalled after 4 of their colour ones so with Network appearing to get the rights to the things SC are not interested in releasing so I would hope the enterprising Network staff take advantage of their position of having deals with both ITV and SC and get on with releasing the rest of the Carry On series. SC and ITV don't seem interested in doing so

Can you please e-mail this to Network's CS

[ballsofcheese]

Originally Posted by RossyG

I believe the Danger Man one hour series is up next. Hopefully we’ll get an announcement email very soon. Ditto one for Stingray or Fireball XL5.

The Carry Ons would be great; so would the On the Buses trilogy and the Doctor series.

I’d also like these, which have a similar feel:

Crooks in Cloisters
Raising the Wind
Twice Around the Daffodils
The Big Job
Please Turn Over

And if we’re on the subject of Peter Rogers films, then I’d like Quest For Love, too, please.

(But I Hope Network keep releasing 1930s films too, like Bulldog Drummond, Sabotage, the Stanley Lupino comedies etc as I love those).

I like all your suggestions but I'd be surprised if the one hour Danger Man series comes next.
Although Tim Beddows appeared to say it was in progress and a future possibility he was vague enough for it not to be clear whether they are already working on it.
I'm waiting for The Champions which is easily the most popular ITC show that's not yet on Bluray. Expected it after Dept S but they then did what must be one of the lower tier shows Man in A Suitcase. I bought it myself but its clearly not as popular as several other ITC shows so I don't know how they are deciding.
Beddows also said 3 more Anderson series so I expected Stingray by now.
It would make commercial sense to get the last significant colour series out the way (assuming Thunderbirds isn't yet available) before bringing out the niche shows like Secret Service or any of the B&W ones

[ballsofcheese]

Originally Posted by Modman

I would be in if Network released Two-Way Stretch, Heavens Above or Only Two Can Play all Studio Canal I believe and Wrong Arm of the Law (might be with ITV). Oh and a non Sellers Crooks Anonymous.

I would have thought that Two Way Stretch was an obvious one for Bluray if they're carrying on with them. SC are French so don't seem to have any real clue as to which films have value to English speakers beyond the obvious.
As always I suspect the lack of a Bluray is down to the lack of any HD source.
Of all the studios out there its been ITV and Studio Canal have been stuck at the starting gate for almost 10 years when it comes to bringing catalogue titles into the HD world.
Neither seem interested in the long term benefits and are looking for a quick buck with surefire titles. But both studios inherited virtually their entire libraries from buyouts over the last 20+ years unlike Hollywood where all the vintage titles are slowly but surely coming from the studios that actually made them back in the day.
The SC and ITV titles appear to be treated as almost throwaway as if they might sell them all to someone else next week.
Neither seem to have any interest in letting audiences see them and neither of their outputs would be if it wasn't for Talking Pictures TV

[ballsofcheese]

Originally Posted by Modman

Great to see but would be a major undertaking and clearly something Studio Canal thought wasn't worth pursuing.

Not really. They've released 4 - they only own 12.
The others are all owned by ITV

[Aclea]

The elements for both cuts of The Terrornauts are in terrible condition - the uncut version worst of all - and any proper restoration would literally cost more than the film.

Two-Way stretch is one I can easily see SC doing themselves at some point.