With Universal Studios celebrating a big old centenary this year - it's a hundred years old on April 30 - the studio has delved into its illustrious library and fished out a clutch of classics to restore and re-release. There are 13 lined up, including The Birds, Schindler’s List, All Quiet On The Western Front, Jaws and Dracula
Good news. But I hope someone's told Universal that when they're "restoring" these films they need to do more than dredge up a tatty old master, slather it in DNR then whack on a load of EE to sharpen it back up again.
Good news. But I hope someone's told Universal that when they're "restoring" these films they need to do more than dredge up a tatty old master, slather it in DNR then whack on a load of EE to sharpen it back up again.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Universal's Technical Operations Head Michael Daruty stresses the thoroughness of this project, as "the restorations...took three to six months each and cost $250,000 to $600,000 per title."
UNIVERSAL PICTURES CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF MOVIE MEMORIES
WITH YEARLONG CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
100th Anniversary Activities Include Major Film Restoration, New Logo Unveiling, Home Entertainment Offerings, Theme Park Celebrations, Signature Events and Sweeping Social Media Campaign
Los Angeles, January 10, 2012 – Universal will mark its 100th anniversary in 2012, and will commemorate its centennial with a yearlong celebration honoring the studio’s rich film history and cultural legacy. The campaign draws its inspiration from Universal’s extraordinary and diverse library of films, many of which will be highlighted throughout the year, and is designed to engage fans of all ages in the art of moviemaking.
A significant element of the centennial includes the extensive restoration of 13 of the studio’s most beloved titles such as To Kill a Mockingbird, All Quiet on the Western Front, Jaws, The Sting, Out of Africa, Frankenstein and Schindler’s List.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment will kick off the celebration in January with a special 50th anniversary release of To Kill a Mockingbird, debuting on Blu-rayTM for the first time ever. Throughout the year, Universal will pay tribute to other influential films in the Universal library with special events and Blu-rayTM releases of such iconic classics as Jaws and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, which celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Universal will reveal an updated animated logo tied to the centennial. The animated logo will make its first appearance in front of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax at its premiere in February, and for that film’s U.S. theatrical release on March 2nd. (The new static version of this logo is unveiled today and is featured at the top of this release.) Other activities surrounding the studio’s 100th anniversary include a vibrant social media campaign, special events, theme park activities, promotions and many surprises to engage fans throughout the yearlong celebration.
“This is a proud moment for all of us who’ve had the privilege of working at Universal Pictures,” said Ron Meyer, Universal Studios President and COO. “Our centennial is designed to bring special memories back to longtime movie lovers and fans, and to engage new audiences with our extraordinary library of films for the first time. Our goal, 100 years later, is to preserve, restore and continue the iconic legacy of this studio for generations to come.”
Fans and film enthusiasts can start celebrating online today at the official Universal Centennial website, Universal 100th | Celebrating 100 years of iconic movie moments, a one-stop destination dedicated to Universal’s 100 years. The site, as well as a number of social media platforms, will bring the centennial to life online. Universal will be sharing archival content on its brand new Tumblr (http://universal100*************/); fans of Universal classics on Facebook will find exclusives and special opportunities across their favorite pages; followers of @UniversalPics on Twitter can find the activities using the hashtag #Universal100; Foursquare users who check in at iconic Universal locations such as the studio and theme parks will be able to unlock special behind-the-scenes tips and content; and for those who are followers of fashion, Universal’s Pinterest account (Universal Centennial (universal) on Pinterest) will be drawing inspiration from favorite films for everyone’s Pinboards, starting with 10 inaugural titles of pop-culture classics such as The Breakfast Club, Scarface, Sixteen Candles, Bridget Jones’s Diary and Bridesmaids. These online initiatives will roll out throughout various times of the year and will tie back to the Universal Centennial official site.
In the spring, select fans will have the opportunity to attend a special gala anniversary celebration on the lot featuring many of the filmmakers and artists who shaped the studios history. In addition, the studio will spotlight the 100th Anniversary throughout various worldwide film festivals and other featured events, panels and activities.
On April 30, 1912, Universal Film Manufacturing Company filed its certificate of incorporation with the state of New York. In 1915, Carl Laemmle officially opened Universal City, the largest film production facility in the world. Throughout Universal’s 100 years, the studio has served as a home for many of the most talented filmmakers of all time (such as Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Peter Jackson, Spike Lee, John Hughes and Judd Apatow) and created films that have touched the hearts of millions and fueled culture’s fascination with cinema. To share the profound legacy of its artists, the studio will highlight their careers with touching personal stories from filmmakers, talent, crews, employees and fans.
Universal’s key centennial activities included throughout the anniversary year are as follows:
· Major Film Restoration Commitment
Universal will restore 13 films over the course of the centennial year. The restoration effort includes the following films: All Quiet on the Western Front, The Birds, Buck Privates, Dracula (1931), Dracula Spanish (1931), Frankenstein, Jaws, Schindler’s List, Out of Africa, Pillow Talk, Bride of Frankenstein, The Sting and To Kill a Mockingbird.
· Unveiling of New Logo
Universal will reveal an updated animated logo at the February premiere of the upcoming feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and at that film’s U.S. theatrical debut on March 2, 2012. The updated logo will be used on all Universal Pictures films going forward, and will be integrated into all aspects of the company’s business as well.
· Home Entertainment
Universal Home Entertainment will be introducing a limited edition 100th Anniversary Collector’s Series featuring some of the aforementioned film restorations on Blu-rayTM in collectible, book-style packaging showcasing rare movie memorabilia and brand new 10-minute video featurettes. In addition, special collections will be released throughout the year, culminating in the highly anticipated Blu-rayTM releases of Universal’s Classic Monster and Alfred Hitchcock series. A selection of movies that have shaped Universal’s legacy will also be released in commemorative packaging, many of them on Blu-rayTM for the first time ever.
· Theme Park Celebrations
Universal’s Parks and Resorts will help highlight the campaign with centennial specific content and merchandise throughout both the Orlando and Hollywood locations. The Orlando resort will soon announce a specially themed entertainment experience that will celebrate Universal’s heritage. At the iconic Hollywood park, the world-famous Studio Tour features expert guides that will take guests on a tour through 100 years of moviemaking history on the Universal Studios production backlot. Tours are conducted daily, visiting TV and movie sets ranging from the early Universal Studios monster film classics to current productions.
· Website and Social Media Campaign
Universal will be engaging fans across multiple social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Tumblr (UNIVERSAL 100) and Pinterest. At the center of all online initiatives lies a rich, robust website dedicated to all things related to the yearlong celebration of Universal’s 100th Anniversary. For more information, please visit Universal 100th | Celebrating 100 years of iconic movie moments.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Universal's Technical Operations Head Michael Daruty stresses the thoroughness of this project, as "the restorations...took three to six months each and cost $250,000 to $600,000 per title."
Then when they're restored them to perfection they get passed on to Dwayne Dibley in the mastering department and...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geoff_D
slather it in DNR then whack on a load of EE
Good to see some of my favourites appear on the list (more Abbott And Costello and Universal monster flicks please ) ,but please, please Universal don't it up.
The two "Dracula" films (1931 original, and Spanish alternate cut), and "Schindler's List" will look very tasty. It'd be nice to see all the classic horrors, from the 1920's-40's released in definitive editions. Let's hope they do the restorations well, and don't them up.
That's probably because Vertigo received an extensive (and some would say controversial) restoration in the mid-90s.
A restoration performed by Robert Harris, who has said further work would need to be done for a Blu-ray Disc release.
I think 99% of the controversy was about the re-recorded elements of the soundtrack. I believe that some more recent DVD releases have also contained the original mono soundtrack, though I'd have to check on that.
A restoration performed by Robert Harris, who has said further work would need to be done for a Blu-ray Disc release.
I think 99% of the controversy was about the re-recorded elements of the soundtrack. I believe that some more recent DVD releases have also contained the original mono soundtrack, though I'd have to check on that.
Steve W
Yes, i hope they include the mono track on the Blu-ray release. They also left the flash back sequence unrestored, due to budget reasons, but also to demonstrate the difference and maybe that will get done. At the time this was still a restoration of the original film elements. A digital restauration would is not nearly as work extensive, so doing that scene shouldn't be a big deal. Vertigo is my favourite Hitchcock and the one I want most on DVD, but The Birds is high up on my want list too, so I won't complain.
Last edited by Todd Tomorrow; 12-01-2012 at 10:24 AM.
Vertigo is my favourite Hitchcock and the one I want most on DVD, but The Birds is high up on my want list too, so I won't complain.
You mean, the one you most want on Blu-Ray, yes?
And I concur, about the generic Universal Blu-Ray menu-system, with the stupid sound effects on each button. It's annoying, dull and shows no effort of any kind has been put into it. There's no need for such rubbish efforts in this day-and-age. Come on, Universal, make them really effective, and unique for each film.
And I concur, about the generic Universal Blu-Ray menu-system, with the stupid sound effects on each button. It's annoying, dull and shows no effort of any kind has been put into it. There's no need for such rubbish efforts in this day-and-age. Come on, Universal, make them really effective, and unique for each film.
I agree the only standardised format I really like is Criterion's, I just think HD DVD whenever I watch a Universal disc.
I agree the only standardised format I really like is Criterion's, I just think HD DVD whenever I watch a Universal disc.
totally agree - its diabolical
Whats more infuriating is the "double" language selection (ie the menu language selection down the side as per hd-dvd's, and then the "proper" soundr track language selection)
I'm not generally bothered about menus, but universal's are universally terrible. Looking forward to Schindlers List and Jaws, and separately..ET. Can't wait for that one
I'm not generally bothered about menus, but universal's are universally terrible. Looking forward to Schindlers List and Jaws, and separately..ET. Can't wait for that one
I agree about the menus. Not the sort of thing that has much impact on me unless it is rubbish.
Very much looking forward to the Frankensteins plus Jaws and Schindler. Would like to see the Mummy as well, which is probably my favourite of the Universal horrors.
The Mummy's my favourite as well and I think the sequels were good also, not as good as the first one but as a series they were better than the Frankenstein series which after Bride of... got progressivly worse. The 'Creature' film and it's sequels were also very good. Although I haven't seen them for years, I also thought the two Universal Monsters and Abbott and Costello films were also very good.
I have been waiting for Jaws on blu ray for a long time. I hope it at least includes the documentary from the special edition dvd, and it would be nice if they could really push the boat out on further special features.
I mean, its the film that launched the blockbuster..... so make it a blockbuster blu ray release for gods sake!
I think the second or third re-issue will eventually be the 'blockbuster' release on BD. You've got to let them bleed the punters a bit first you know.
10-01-2012, 2:15 PM
) ,but please, please Universal don't 
it up.
There's no need for such rubbish efforts in this day-and-age. 
E. & O.E.
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