[78-L] Cantor/Jolson films in the MGM/FOX - A report

[David Lennick]

I bought Hallelujah I'm A Bum as a single DVD about 5 years ago and as I 
recall, the print looked fine. So this is hardly its first release. But at the 
time I was amazed that there wasn't even an insert.

dl

Steve Ramm wrote:
> I just KNOW there will be feedback on this posting (Hey, I've been here awhile).
>  
> There was mention a while ago about the first release on DVD of Jolson's Hallelujah I'm a Bum along with Cantor's "Whoopee" and " Kid Millions". It's part of the Fox/MGM 61 DVD (!) set (with 5 films) "Classic Musicals. 
>  
> Well I was able to get a set to review and wanted to report in. It's a sad situation.
>  
> I was anxious to watch the one Cantor and one Jolson. WOW what a disappointment.
>  
> There is NO restoration at all and no bonus items. Not even a liner note! The 61 DVDS in the set are divided into 4 decade packs and these are cardboard sleeve with just the title. I've never seen Hallelujah I'm A Bum before and really liked the story. The print is worn and sound distorted.
>  
> Watch Whoopee Last night. All the color is washed out and the big production numbers have distorted sound. Haven't watched Kid Millions yet.
>  
> The Other DVDs in the 1930-1949 group are the same discs that have been released before complete with OLD "previews". Yeesh. And the packaging of this set is AWFUL and falls apart.
>  
> Of course, I don't know who the set is aimed at with Elvis, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Sound of Music and Hair included. IT's down as low as $329 at Costco but who wants it.
>  
> It's such a shame that Fox doesn't let the rights go to Warners to restore or restore and put together a Cantor/Jolson set. (That'll never happen and Turner doesn't own these films either.)The ONLY Jolson film from the 20s-30s I've seen other than "Hallelujah" is the Jazz Singer. I was impressed by his acting in Hallelujah.
>  
> Thought I'd share.
>  
> Steve
>  
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