DVD Comparison - "Reefer Madness" - Madcay vs. 20th Century Fox

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((aka "Tell Your Childen" or "The Burning Question" or "Dope Addict" or "Doped Youth" or "Love Madness")

directed by Louis J. Gasnier
USA 1938

"The motion picture you are about to witness may startle you. It would not have been possible, otherwise, to sufficiently emphasize the frightful toll of the new drug menace which is destroying the youth of America in alarmingly-increasing numbers. Marihuana is that drug - a violent narcotic - an unspeakable scourge - The Real Public Enemy Number One! Its first effect is sudden, violent, uncontrollable laughter; then come dangerous hallucinations - space expands - time slows down, almost stands still…. fixed ideas come next, conjuring up monstrous extravagances - followed by emotional disturbances, the total inability to direct thoughts, the loss of all power to resist physical emotions… leading finally to acts of shocking violence… ending often in incurable insanity. In picturing its soul-destroying effects no attempt was made to equivocate. The scenes and incidents, while fictionalized for the purposes of this story, are based upon actual research into the results of Marihuana addiction. If their stark reality will make you think, will make you aware that something must be done to wipe out this ghastly menace, then the picture will not have failed in its purpose. Because the dread Marihuana may be reaching forth next for your son or daughter… or yours… or YOURS!"

Posters

Theatrical Release: July 1938 - USA

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DVD Comparison:

Madacy Entertainment - Region 0 - NTSC vs. 20th Century Fox (Restored) - Region 1 - NTSC

(Madacy - Region 0 - NTSC - LEFT vs. 20th Century Fox - Region 1 - NTSC - RIGHT)

DVD Box Covers
Distribution	Madacy Entertainment Region 0 - NTSC	Fox Home Entertainment Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime	1:08:10	1:07:56
Video	1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 4.43 mb/s NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s	1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 7.34 mb/s NTSC 704x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate: Madacy
Bitrate: 20th Century Fox
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono)	English (DTS), English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (Dolby Digital 1.0)
Subtitles	None	English, and none
Features	Release Information: Studio: Madacy Entertainment Aspect Ratio: Full Screen (Standard) - 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Black & White • Lobby Poster • Interactive Trivia Q & A • Movie Credits DVD Release Date: August 25, 1998 Keep Case Chapters 9	Release Information: Studio: Fox Home Entertainment Aspect Ratio: Full Screen (Standard) - 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Black & White, Color, Dolby, Restored, Full Screen, DTS Surround Sound • Includes all-new color version and the restored original black-and-white version • Commentary by Mike Nelson of TV's Mystery Science Theater 3000 • Color design commentary by Legend Films • Short film: "Grandpa's Marijuana Handbook" by Evan Keliher • Reefer Madness trailer DVD Release Date: April 20, 2004 Keep Case Chapters: 16
Comments:	Pretty obvious choice here: The colorized restored version (20th Century Fox) shows how badly the Madacy was brightness and contrast boosted. The Fox is loaded with Extras and 2 commentaries. There is a lot of damage visible on the Madacy with prevalent dirt, dust and scratches. The Fox gives options of the original audio, DTS and 5.1. This film is great for laughs and film/political and social history. I would think many of you should have the Fox edition in your collection. - Gary W. Tooze