The Old Dark House (1932)

[javi92]

Even with all the work that will no doubt go into this, I'm betting the end result still will not look flawless. I'm hoping for something along the lines of Criterion's Stromboli.

[Joe Karlosi]

Originally Posted by javi92

Even with all the work that will no doubt go into this, I'm betting the end result still will not look flawless. I'm hoping for something along the lines of Criterion's Stromboli.

Well, the Library of Congress print I saw in the theater years ago looked pretty amazing...

[SMOOT]

Originally Posted by oddbox83

Without surviving master materials, a restoration of this sort (if they are going the whole hog) will probably involve assessing various sources for quality and cut status to find the best prints, dupe negs or a mix of for best quality. That'll be rather time consuming even before actual scanning and restoration.

I think that Universal Pictures (despite no longer having copyright) has agreed to help by providing access to more original elements than used previously.

It is sometimes the case that the rights holders to a film are not the holders to the best elements for a film.

I have to confess to being a bit prejudiced against the 1963 William Castle version of "The Old Dark House" as I understand that this was the point that Universal sold off the rights to others. As a result, the original 1932 classic version was pretty much abandoned.

I'm hoping for a major revelation, as the quality of the image on the DVD is poor.
While I am expecting something even better than the recent UCLA restoration found on the Film Detective Blu-ray of 1933's "The Vampire Bat",
I would still be excited and pleased to have the 1932 "The Old Dark House" looking as good.

It would be nice to hear some updates on this restoration.

[WaverBoy]

Originally Posted by lilboyblu

Considering the age of the film and the poor shape that the surviving elements probably are in, I'll venture to guess that more than 7 months are going to be needed for a proper restoration. If you want it right now though, you can still pick up the DVD.

They showed a DCP of a restoration of this at SIFF last year, and it looked amazing. I'm curious to know how much improvement could be wrung out of this.

[jlk5844]

Can't wait to see this movie, hope the Blu pans out. Love classic B&W horror.

[Blu-Velvet]

I saw a newly struck 35mm print off of the restoration from Universal's original nitrate materials at a film festival a few years ago and it looked spectacular, not too far off in quality from the recent gorgeous restorations of DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY, etc. Can hardly wait for the scanning and authoring for Blu-ray, which should look great. I really hope they find a generous selection of bonus materials to include (which may be what is holding up a Blu-ray release).

[Daveismyhero]

Any speculation on what the extras could be? I've watched all of the extras on the DVD multiple times, and I'd love some new content around this film.

[Joe Karlosi]

Originally Posted by Daveismyhero

Any speculation on what the extras could be? I've watched all of the extras on the DVD multiple times, and I'd love some new content around this film.

I would be content if they just copied over the already-existing Kino Gloria Stuart audio commentary. I would love a second additional commentary by Tom Weaver but I think that might be asking too much to expect both.

The Kino DVD also had a decent still gallery (along with accompanying music that I love) and a great interview with Curtis Harrington, who saved the movie from being lost forever.

Of course I'm open to even more extras!

[Jbug]

I hope it's released in a box set with other not on blu ray, horror, monster movies. I know it's a different studio but I'd sure like to see Frederick March's version of Jekyll & Hyde on blu ray. He played the heck out of that role.

[SMOOT]

Originally Posted by Joe Karlosi

I would be content if they just copied over the already-existing Kino Gloria Stuart audio commentary. I would love a second additional commentary by Tom Weaver but I think that might be asking too much to expect both.

The Kino DVD also had a decent still gallery (along with accompanying music that I love) and a great interview with Curtis Harrington, who saved the movie from being lost forever.

Of course I'm open to even more extras!

While I agree,
I will be content with having a restored HD copy of the film.

[Joe Karlosi]

Originally Posted by SMOOT

While I agree,
I will be content with having a restored HD copy of the film.

For sure! Extras mean nothing if the film itself isn't top notch!
(Besides, I can always keep the old Kino DVD for the extras) .

[octagon]

Whoa, how did I miss this thread the first time around.

[Akijama]

Apparently, it's coming in October.

Posted elsewhere:

Due in October per Tim Lanza at Cohen Film. In case anybody (like me) was wondering.

[MJD64]

James Whale is one of my favorite directors and each and every one of his 4 horror entries is an enduring classic. I'd also love some extra bonus content, but this film looking and sounding as pristine as possible will more than suffice in the event that doesn't happen.

Between this, a strong indication that Night of The Living Dead will hit blu in October, and a speculative fall release for The Invisible Man and Creature From The Black Lagoon legacy sets, it's got the potential to be a helluva sweet Halloween!

[javi92]

Originally Posted by Akijama

Apparently, it's coming in October.

Makes sense they would time it around Halloween. Something to look forward to.

[Rory]

Originally Posted by Akijama

Apparently, it's coming in October.

Posted elsewhere:

I hope they use the original poster art on the cover.

[bruce holecheck]

New restoration promo trailer!

Old Dark House Trailer (no laurels) - YouTube

[bigshot]

That looks as good or better than the Universal restorations!

[Mikeyos]

Wow, that looks fantastic! I remember the older transfer on the old DVD and this is such a huge difference in the ware marks on the film and the clarity. I'm really looking forward to this!

[happydood]

If this gets announced for October it'll be the crown jewel of anything coming out for Halloween season. That preview got me even more stoked than I was.