Davy Crockett (60th Anniversary Edition) 2-Movie Collection - (DMC Exclusive)

[regeyer]

Originally Posted by dbear

Some clarification: The unexpected popularity of the television show led Disney to recut the 5 television episodes (which were obviously filmed and intended to be shown in 1.33:1) into 2 theatrical features. Regardless of their television origins, it's likely they were shown in theaters with the top and bottom cropped off (presumably at Disney's "preferred" ratio of 1.75:1).

I believe there were two DVDs: the Treasures DVD, containing the 5 original broadcast episodes, running ~54 minutes each (inclusive of the Disneyland opening/credits and Walt Disney intro) and the two-movie set (which according to DVDizzy run 93 and 81 minutes respectively). I can't comment on the differences since I only have the Treasures DVD.

Yes, that is all correct. I had all three versions, but I gave the second DVD release to my Dad.

[dbear]

Some more interesting info on the production history and restoration efforts regarding Davy Crockett (page 12-13):
http://www.the-reel-thing.co/wp-cont...Conference.pdf

No mention of whether the original broadcast versions were restored as well. I'm a little confused from the article whether the scanned "original camera negatives" were conformed to the feature edits or the original television versions. (Anyone here have more info on how "auto select printing" worked?)

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by regeyer

I just watched the Davy Crockett Blu-Ray release. What a disappointment. Not the PQ. The PQ is superb and is clearly better than the DVD. But they made it widescreen (1.66:1). This was filmed in 4:3 for television. This means they cut off a little bit of the top and bottom and bottom to make the widescreen presentation. Even worse, unlike the Leonard Maltin DVD release, they failed to provide the unedited versions. Admittedly, what is shown is probably what was originally aired when this was shown on TV, but what was shown on TV was an edited version to allow for commercials, which cuts out a lot.

So, now, when I watch these films I have to make a choice between fantastic PQ or better content. All I know if that I'm glad I have the Walt Disney Treasures Version, which is no longer available.

Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier was a theatrical release. This isn't the tv episodes, this is the theatrical release cobbled together from the three tv episodes. Ditto Davy Crockett and the River Pirates (two tv episodes). The aspect ratio is normal for that release. See also the theatrical version of Dr. Syn Alias the Scarecrow.

[Michael24]

I really regret not picking up the "Disney Treasures" release years ago. I didn't even know the films had originated as TV episodes until that box set came out. For the film versions, which I haven't seen in years, are there any specific edits to the episodes themselves (besides removing opening/closing credits) or are they essentially still the same aside from just being linked together to form a feature running time?

[#Darren]

Originally Posted by Michael24

I really regret not picking up the "Disney Treasures" release years ago. I didn't even know the films had originated as TV episodes until that box set came out. For the film versions, which I haven't seen in years, are there any specific edits to the episodes themselves (besides removing opening/closing credits) or are they essentially still the same aside from just being linked together to form a feature running time?

There are bits edited out, particularly for the first movie, and to a lesser degree for the second.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by Michael24

I really regret not picking up the "Disney Treasures" release years ago. I didn't even know the films had originated as TV episodes until that box set came out. For the film versions, which I haven't seen in years, are there any specific edits to the episodes themselves (besides removing opening/closing credits) or are they essentially still the same aside from just being linked together to form a feature running time?

Even the tv episodes are missing some shots, and for the Treasure release, these had to be sourced from black and white masters, so the show will very briefly jump to a few black and white shots on the first episode. Very, very rarely. It's been a very long time since I watched it. On the whole, aspect ratio issues aside, the theatrical version has much greater video quality than the Treasures release.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by baheidstu

Who? Fess Parker? No, he wasn't. Davy Crockett was though.

He toyed with running for the Senate. 30 years ago. My apologies.

[#Darren]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

Even the tv episodes are missing some shots, and for the Treasure release, these had to be sourced from black and white masters, so the show will very briefly jump to a few black and white shots on the first episode. Very, very rarely. It's been a very long time since I watched it. On the whole, aspect ratio issues aside, the theatrical version has much greater video quality than the Treasures release.

If they really wanted to they could colorize those rare b&w scenes. Would be wonderful to do a BD restoration of the full TV episodes.

I watched this as a child on Australian TV in the 1970's or early 1980's. I'm wondering if we saw the episodic TV version or the movie edits...

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by #Darren

If they really wanted to they could colorize those rare b&w scenes. Would be wonderful to do a BD restoration of the full TV episodes.

I watched this as a child on Australian TV in the 1970's or early 1980's. I'm wondering if we saw the episodic TV version or the movie edits...

I first saw them on HBO waaaay back in the day. They were the tv episodes, but still edited. I have to admit I'm still a sucker for Davy Crockett and the River Pirates. Cheeseball and totally corny, but that story works.

[worldchmps]

I do have the two movie set. Had no clue it was edited. How much is left out of each movie? I think I saw the originals years ago on the Wonderful World of Disney but I have no clue if I watched an edited or unedited version back in the 80's.

So the Blu Ray version is edited as well?

There was a DVD release of the non edited version?

[regeyer]

Originally Posted by worldchmps

I do have the two movie set. Had no clue it was edited. How much is left out of each movie? I think I saw the originals years ago on the Wonderful World of Disney but I have no clue if I watched an edited or unedited version back in the 80's.

So the Blu Ray version is edited as well?

There was a DVD release of the non edited version?

This is the full TV version.

[RichG]

Originally Posted by worldchmps

I do have the two movie set. Had no clue it was edited. How much is left out of each movie? I think I saw the originals years ago on the Wonderful World of Disney but I have no clue if I watched an edited or unedited version back in the 80's.

So the Blu Ray version is edited as well?

There was a DVD release of the non edited version?

To clarify, the two feature films which are on the Blu-ray double feature have the exact same running times they had when released in theaters in 1955 and 1956. In that sense, they are not edited versions.

Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier was pieced together from three episodes of the TV program Disneyland. They are Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter; Davy Crockett Goes to Congress; and Davy Crockett at the Alamo. Those episodes aired in December, 1954, January, 1955, and February, 1955. As I recall, the feature film omitted quite a bit of footage from Davy Crockett Goes to Congress and it omitted the footage from Davy Crockett at the Alamo which introduces the character of Thimblerig (Hans Conreid). The feature film was released on May 25, 1955.

Two more Davy Crockett episodes were aired on Disneyland: Davy Crockett's Keelboat Race in November, 1955 and Davy Crockett and the River Pirates in December, 1955. Those two episodes were then pieced together to form the feature film Davy Crockett and the River Pirates which was released theatrically on July 18, 1956. Roughly 25 minutes of footage from the TV programs was omitted in the feature film, but I don't remember the specifics without looking at the two versions again.

Regarding the aspect ratio of the Blu-ray, I have a reproduction of an original poster for the theatrical release of Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier which says that it was released in widescreen Technicolor.

Currently the only way to see the full television episodes is the Walt Disney Treasures DVD set which was released in 2001. It has long been out of print.

[Class316]

So basically the treasures set is the best release. It may not be best video quality but it has all the footage and the 4x3 AR

[regeyer]

Originally Posted by Class316

So basically the treasures set is the best release. It may not be best video quality but it has all the footage and the 4x3 AR

In my opinion, yes. Now, for those who have only watched the theatrical releases, the Blu-Ray is fine. The PQ is superb. But for those who want to see the entire films, as shown when released on TV, then the Treasures Collection is the way to go. Unfortunately, if you don't already own it, it can be difficult to find and expensive.

[Snoops]

Originally Posted by Class316

So basically the treasures set is the best release. It may not be best video quality but it has all the footage and the 4x3 AR

The 2-movie collection on DVD does however have one unique selling point - to the best of my knowledge it is the only DVD release of the Chip'n'Dale short "The Lone Chipmunks".

By my reckoning fans of the animated rodents need to own 7 different DVD titles - including this one - in order to have a complete collection!

[HeavyHitter]

After this is released, I might have to finally sign-up for the Disney Club to get some of these classics.

Is 20,000 Leagues getting close to a release?

[HeavyHitter]

Originally Posted by hariseldon

I don;t think anyone here is hiding information. If there hasn't been a thread created nobody outside of Disney insiders know when/if and they might not even know. They're certainly no releasing info outside of channels

Any other speculation is as reliable as Disney Wiki

I never said or implied anyone was hiding information. It was a basic question.

[Class316]

Originally Posted by regeyer

In my opinion, yes. Now, for those who have only watched the theatrical releases, the Blu-Ray is fine. The PQ is superb. But for those who want to see the entire films, as shown when released on TV, then the Treasures Collection is the way to go. Unfortunately, if you don't already own it, it can be difficult to find and expensive.

Glad I got it earlier this century

[klauswhereareyou]

I've got this disc and the PQ is really good on it. worth getting if you are a Disney Movie Club member or if you know someone who is that can order it for you.

[Ernest Rister]

Disney's hanging on to 20,000 Leagues to twin it with their remake. Until the remake is released, you won't see 20,000 Leagues in HD....unless you were savvy and DVR'd the thing when it was on in HD on Turner Classic Movies a few weeks ago, along with Operation Undersea and some other cool shorts and features.