The Alfred Hitchcock Hour - Imprint

[koberulz]

Only if they're able to get stock.

[WaverBoy]

Great news. I’m hoping we get Alfred Hitchcock Presents at some point too!

[Piano Player]

Imprint says the total running time for this upcoming set is approximately 26 hours, 57 minutes total. With 32 episodes, that averages out to 50+ minutes per episode.

Yet the season one episodes currently streaming online are between 48 and 49 minutes each.

Are the streaming episodes edited? Time compressed?

Or is the Imprint release giving us something else to make the running time 50 minutes? Like, "next week" previews or something?

[koberulz]

Streaming versions might have PAL speedup?

I just checked the versions I have on my server, which were sourced from the British PAL DVDs and then slowed down to 23.976fps, and they're all between 49 and 51 minutes.

[gunnerg]

I pre-ordered this to the US direct from Via Vision in Australia. I've been nervous about this package. So far, it's been like any other package from them. 4 days of silence between countries and today updated as accepted at usps Los Angeles/has updated with a delivery date of 9/2. Where would a disruption take place in the delivery process? Before LA acceptance, right?

[cochon]

Originally Posted by gunnerg

I pre-ordered this to the US direct from Via Vision in Australia. I've been nervous about this package. So far, it's been like any other package from them. 4 days of silence between countries and today updated as accepted at usps Los Angeles/has updated with a delivery date of 9/2. Where would a disruption take place in the delivery process? Before LA acceptance, right?

If it is already in LA most likely you are in the clear. One important bit is if it has cleared customs but tariffs don't kick in for a couple of days, on this side we normally get that info, I don't know there.

I did not realise that this set was out already. Well it looks like it isn't, they must have sent it to you early.

[kanichi]

Temporary suspension of some postal services to the US
26 August 2025

Australia Post has temporarily suspended some postal services to the United States and Puerto Rico.

[gunnerg]

It arrived tonight in mint condition, right on schedule. I asked some overseas shippers in another very different hobby of mine (vintage european switchblades) and apparently keeping the package value below $100 is the trick to getting the packages out without delay. This made me curious on what Via Vision would report as a value on this set for shipping...$5 lol. Looking very forward to checking some of this out tonight!

[BobSimms]

I can’t recall which US boutique I ordered mine from, but I hope it arrives soon!

[gunnerg]

I've checked out disc 1 & 2, episodes 1 thru 8. An opening disclaimer warns about studio's elements...like on the 80's Hitchcock Presents dvd set. But unlike that set, so far, this is absolutely gorgeous! I would guess from a 4k scan, so this must be from a really nice new 2k scanner. I'd also guess this is from original negative. There is much improved detail and strong depth. Deeper contrast. Quite exciting! Annabel episode is beautiful. A tad bit of damage occasionally popped up in every episode, I think. Some white and black specks also appear. But still an awestrikingly improved presentation for both the plays and Hitchcock's segments. Even all the text cards look better than ever. I want to see seasons 2 & 3 + all of Presents like this!
Though that disclaimer still has me worried there might be an upcoming unwatchable episode ahead.

[LT.Schaffer]

Originally Posted by gunnerg

It arrived tonight in mint condition, right on schedule. I asked some overseas shippers in another very different hobby of mine (vintage european switchblades) and apparently keeping the package value below $100 is the trick to getting the packages out without delay. This made me curious on what Via Vision would report as a value on this set for shipping...$5 lol. Looking very forward to checking some of this out tonight!

Just got mine in the Mail aswell

[JackForrester]

Originally Posted by gunnerg

I've checked out disc 1 & 2, episodes 1 thru 8. An opening disclaimer warns about studio's elements...like on the 80's Hitchcock Presents dvd set. But unlike that set, so far, this is absolutely gorgeous! I would guess from a 4k scan, so this must be from a really nice new 2k scanner. I'd also guess this is from original negative. There is much improved detail and strong depth. Deeper contrast. Quite exciting! Annabel episode is beautiful. A tad bit of damage occasionally popped up in every episode, I think. Some white and black specks also appear. But still an awestrikingly improved presentation for both the plays and Hitchcock's segments. Even all the text cards look better than ever. I want to see seasons 2 & 3 + all of Presents like this!
Though that disclaimer still has me worried there might be an upcoming unwatchable episode ahead.

Keep reporting please

[Piano Player]

Originally Posted by gunnerg

It arrived tonight in mint condition, right on schedule. I asked some overseas shippers in another very different hobby of mine (vintage european switchblades) and apparently keeping the package value below $100 is the trick to getting the packages out without delay. This made me curious on what Via Vision would report as a value on this set for shipping...$5 lol. Looking very forward to checking some of this out tonight!

So if I order this set from Via Vision today, is the total price in my cart (the set, plus shipping) the total price that I'll actually pay, period? My shopping cart still has the warning about orders to the U.S. maybe experiencing delays, but there's no mention of additional costs, tariffs, etc.

[tangerinewolf]

Originally Posted by gunnerg

I've checked out disc 1 & 2, episodes 1 thru 8. An opening disclaimer warns about studio's elements...like on the 80's Hitchcock Presents dvd set. But unlike that set, so far, this is absolutely gorgeous! I would guess from a 4k scan, so this must be from a really nice new 2k scanner. I'd also guess this is from original negative. There is much improved detail and strong depth. Deeper contrast. Quite exciting! Annabel episode is beautiful. A tad bit of damage occasionally popped up in every episode, I think. Some white and black specks also appear. But still an awestrikingly improved presentation for both the plays and Hitchcock's segments. Even all the text cards look better than ever. I want to see seasons 2 & 3 + all of Presents like this!
Though that disclaimer still has me worried there might be an upcoming unwatchable episode ahead.

I tend to disagree about the amount of print damage. There’s too much IMO. There are certainly no unwatchable episodes at all, but I wouldn’t call this set “absolutely gorgeous” as you said. Aside from the new 2K scans, there was apparently no other restoration work done. I purchased their The Outer Limits complete series box set several years ago, and would call that one absolutely gorgeous. Which is why I didn’t hesitate to get this.

So I’m thinking if I should just stick with the DVD set, going forward. Of course the HD upgrade makes a difference, but otherwise these Blu-rays because of the speckling, scratches, dirt, and other imperfections takes away from that, IMO anyway.

Their disclaimer at the beginning of each disc is quite appropriate.

[gunnerg]

Originally Posted by tangerinewolf

I tend to disagree about the amount of print damage. There’s too much IMO. There are certainly no unwatchable episodes at all, but I wouldn’t call this set “absolutely gorgeous” as you said. Aside from the new 2K scans, there was apparently no other restoration work done. I purchased their The Outer Limits complete series box set several years ago, and would call that one absolutely gorgeous. Which is why I didn’t hesitate to get this.

So I’m thinking if I should just stick with the DVD set, going forward. Of course the HD upgrade makes a difference, but otherwise these Blu-rays because of the speckling, scratches, dirt, and other imperfections takes away from that, IMO anyway.

Their disclaimer at the beginning of each disc is quite appropriate.

Have you viewed all the discs yet? My opinion is only on the first 2. I have 6 more to go and you've got me nervous for those! But yeah, so far there is nowhere near too much damage for me personally. The visual improvements far outweighed any specks or damaged moments. It was a treat to finally see a filmic presentation. It far surpassed the dvds & streaming. And any defect looked to be a film defect, I don't mind those as much. It felt like a quality, honest, warts & all scan. Disc 3-8 may change my mind!

[PGW]

I would much rather see film damage if it's on the source material (and that source material is the best that survives) than have DNR applied to the image, or, worse, AI.

[gunnerg]

Originally Posted by Piano Player

So if I order this set from Via Vision today, is the total price in my cart (the set, plus shipping) the total price that I'll actually pay, period? My shopping cart still has the warning about orders to the U.S. maybe experiencing delays, but there's no mention of additional costs, tariffs, etc.

I would personally dare place an order with them now. They know how to get their packages through. And they always pack with a box and bubble wrap.

[tangerinewolf]

Originally Posted by gunnerg

Have you viewed all the discs yet? My opinion is only on the first 2. I have 6 more to go and you've got me nervous for those! But yeah, so far there is nowhere near too much damage for me personally. The visual improvements far outweighed any specks or damaged moments. It was a treat to finally see a filmic presentation. It far surpassed the dvds & streaming. And any defect looked to be a film defect, I don't mind those as much. It felt like a quality, honest, warts & all scan. Disc 3-8 may change my mind!

Well, I just finished the sixth disc and started (2 episodes) of the seventh disc. So if you like what you saw in terms of PQ with the first two discs, then I believe you’re going to like the rest. No need to get nervous.

For me, as a little kid in the 1970’s, The Twilight Zone (1959-1964), Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-1962), Thriller (1960-1962) with Boris Karloff, The Outer Limits (1963-1965) and finally The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962-1965) were, by this time, all in syndication. And my friends and I watched them nonstop.

So The Twilight Zone Blu-rays were/are very near perfect in the PQ department. Next came The Outer Limits to Blu-ray, first from Kino Lorber in the US and Via Vision/Imprint in Australia. And again PQ nearly perfect. Although Imprint, IMO had a better encode, so I kept Imprint’s set. Now we finally have (at least the first season) of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour on Blu-ray. And, for me, this one is somewhat a cut below the other two shows on Blu-ray that I mentioned in terms of awesome print quality.

I guess I set my expectations a bit to high, but these three shows all came from the same TV era. So why does TAHH have more print damage and a lesser restoration? But of course they’re certainly not unwatchable by any means, and I’m having a blast watching them! But The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits set a pretty high standard PQ wise. The Alfred Hitchcock Hour doesn’t meet that standard, IMO.

But the bottom line is: Enjoy them, they’re on Blu-ray now. Hopefully AHP and Thriller will get there soon.

[smithb]

Originally Posted by tangerinewolf

Well, I just finished the sixth disc and started (2 episodes) of the seventh disc. So if you like what you saw in terms of PQ with the first two discs, then I believe you’re going to like the rest. No need to get nervous.

For me, as a little kid in the 1970’s, The Twilight Zone (1959-1964), Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-1962), Thriller (1960-1962) with Boris Karloff, The Outer Limits (1963-1965) and finally The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962-1965) were, by this time, all in syndication. And my friends and I watched them nonstop.

So The Twilight Zone Blu-rays were/are very near perfect in the PQ department. Next came The Outer Limits to Blu-ray, first from Kino Lorber in the US and Via Vision/Imprint in Australia. And again PQ nearly perfect. Although Imprint, IMO had a better encode, so I kept Imprint’s set. Now we finally have (at least the first season) of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour on Blu-ray. And, for me, this one is somewhat a cut below the other two shows on Blu-ray that I mentioned in terms of awesome print quality.

I guess I set my expectations a bit to high, but these three shows all came from the same TV era. So why does TAHH have more print damage and a lesser restoration? But of course they’re certainly not unwatchable by any means, and I’m having a blast watching them! But The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits set a pretty high standard PQ wise. The Alfred Hitchcock Hour doesn’t meet that standard, IMO.

But the bottom line is: Enjoy them, they’re on Blu-ray now. Hopefully AHP and Thriller will get there soon.

So why does TAHH have more print damage and a lesser restoration?

The likely reason because the studios did those restorations and provided the prints for release. As stated in the press release, Imprint did the 2K scans for TAHH. Imprint probably felt they could recoup their cost for 2K transfers but not for full restorations as well. That's the bad news.

The good news is that if Imprint had to fork over for new 2K transfers then it is likely the studios weren't, so this may be the only way these are ever available in HD.

I own the UK DVD versions that I converted from PAL 576i to NTSC 720p. They look pretty good, so I will likely stick with those unless at some point the studio does a full restoration.