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DOUGLAS SIRK: FILMMAKER COLLECTION

Thunder on the Hill (1951)        Taza, Son of Cochise (1954)

Thunder on the Hill compared to Blu-ray HERE

Taza, Son of Cochise compared to Blu-ray HERE

The Tarnished Angels compared to Blu-ray HERE

Captain Lightfoot (1955)       The Tarnished Angels (1957)

Recognized today as one of the most distinctive and influential directors of the 1950's, Douglas Sirk was rarely praised and often overlooked by critics during his years in Hollywood. His penchant for melodramatic storylines were accented by a baroque visual style, emotional intensity and lush production values. With a chameleon-like ability to adapt to any genre, Sirk's versatility is represented in this unique collection by a melodrama (The Tarnished Angels [1957]); a western (Taza, Son of Cochise [1954]), a mystery thriller (Thunder on the Hill, [1951]) and a costume adventure (Captain Lightfoot [1955]). Featuring stars such as Rock Hudson, Claudette Colbert, Robert Stack, Dorothy Malone, Barbara Rush and Ann Blyth, Douglas Sirk: The Filmmaker Collection showcases the style and scope one of Hollywood's most acclaimed directors. Bonus Features include Robert Osborne intros, scene stills, movie posters, publicity stills and more.

Posters

 

DVD Review: Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC

Big thanks to Gregory Meshman for the Review!

DVD Box Cover

CLICK to order from:

Distribution

Universal / TCM

Region 1 - NTSC

Features Release Information:
Studio: Universal / TCM

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen - 1.33:1

Edition Details:
• Robert Osborne Introduction for each film (2:30 average)
• Publicity Stills Gallery (1,2,3,4)
• Scene Stills Gallery (1,2,3,4)
• Lobby Cards Gallery (1,3,4)
• Movie Posters Gallery (1,2,3,4)
• Behind the Scenes Photos (2, 3, 4)
• Publicity Illustrations (2)
• Pressbook Gallery (2)
• Douglas Sirk Biography (3)
• TCMDb Articles for each film

DVD Release Date: September 30th, 2010
4 discs in a digipack

Chapters 13

 

 

 

Comments

Thunder on the Hill compared to Blu-ray HERE

Taza, Son of Cochise compared to Blu-ray HERE

The Tarnished Angels compared to Blu-ray HERE

Douglas Sirk's Universal films has seen many releases in US, but for those interested to collect those discs have to pick up different single and multi-DVD sets to complete his filmography. All That Heaven Allows, Written on the Wind and Magnificent Obsession received Criterion treatment; Battle Hymn and Imitation of Life got separate releases from Universal itself; Has Anybody Seen My Gal? is part of Rock Hudson Screen Legend Collection and All I Desire and There's Always Tomorrow are part of The Barbara Stanwyck Collection. Interlude, Never Say Goodbye, No Room for the Groom, Sign of the Pagan, Take Me to Town and A Time to Love and a Time to Die are still missing in region 1, although some of them are released in other regions. There are 4 titles presented in the Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection, a set being sold exclusively through Movies Unlimited and TCM shop - Thunder on the Hill, Taza - Son of Cochise, Captain Lightfoot, and The Tarnished Angels. These are not the best known titles directed by Sirk and Thunder on the Hill gets its first DVD release. Each film is presented on single-layered disc. Progressive transfers are very good. Thunder on the Hill is in original full screen ratio; there is some grain, but the restored image is good. Taza, Son of Cochise is anamorphic in 1.85 aspect ratio; the colors are vibrant in some scenes, but most of the scenes outside, and there are lots of these in this western, are very grainy with muted colors. Captain Lightfoot and The Tarnished Angels are both is 2.35 aspect ratio and we were able to compare them to French and UK releases. Captain Lightfoot (French edition available HERE) has better colors compared to region 2 discs and more information on the sides, but it appears slightly redder. The Tarnished Angels (French edition available HERE) also has more information on the sides, but image appears softer compared to French or UK DVD. Each movie has an English mono track with no optional subtitles provided. There are some extras on each disc - a Robert Osborne Introduction, extensive galleries and an article about the film that can also be accessed at TCMdb. Captain Lightfoot disc also has a few text screens of Douglas Sirk biography. 4 discs are housed in a flimsy digipack that comes without a slipcase to hold it together. Overall, this is a welcome release of lesser films by this important director and should be recommended. Hopefully, Universal will follow this set with the rest of Sirk's films mentioned above unavailable on DVD.

Received from Movies Unlimited (We presume that all packages sent AFTER this review will contain the replacement disc)

NOTE: Dear Movie Lover,
Recently you purchased either “The Douglas Sirk Collection” or the title “The Tarnished Angels” which was a part of the collection. Subsequent to shipping, a manufacturing defect was found in “The Tarnished Angels” that will require replacement of the disc. The last five minutes of the movie are missing.

Within two weeks we will be sending you a replacement “Tarnished Angels” at no expense to you. There is no need to return the defective disc. Kindly allow up to three weeks to receive the shipment.

Please accept our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience you have been caused in relation to this matter. We value your patronage and appreciate your indulgence.

NOTE: We can confirm that the replacement disc was sent and received.

  - Gregory Meshman

 



DVD Menus
 

 


(aka "Bonaventure" )

 

directed by Douglas Sirk
USA 1951

 

 

Theatrical Release: September 1951 (USA)

Reviews        More Reviews       DVD Reviews

Distribution

Universal / TCM

Region 1 - NTSC

Runtime 1:24:39
Video

1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio
Average Bitrate: 5.84 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Bitrate

Audio Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (English)
Subtitles None

 

Screen Captures

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

directed by Douglas Sirk
USA 1954

Theatrical Release: 18 February 1954 (USA)

Reviews        More Reviews       DVD Reviews

DVD Review: Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC

Big thanks to Gregory Meshman for the Review!

DVD Box Cover

Distribution

Universal / TCM

Region 1 - NTSC

Runtime 1:19:21
Video

1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 5.84 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Bitrate

Audio Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (English)
Subtitles English, Spanish, French, None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Universal / TCM

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 1.85:1

Edition Details:

DVD Release Date:
4 discs in a digipack

Chapters 13

 


Screen Captures

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 


 

 

directed by Douglas Sirk
USA 1955

 

Sirk's collaboration with Hudson was notable for the melodramas, but this enjoyable historical romp also has good qualities, although Rock doesn't look that happy in early 18th-century garb. He plays Michael Mann, an Irish revolutionary and highwayman (in support of the cause) who joins the rebel Captain 'Thunderbolt', becoming his second in command as Captain 'Lightfoot' (providing inspiration for Cimino and the struggle). Sirk's characteristic confrontation of the material (adapted by Burnett from his own novel) is underpinned by authentic Dublin locations, exquisite colour and CinemaScope photography and the use of notable Irish actors.

Excerpt from Channel 4 located HERE

Theatrical Release: March 26, 1955

Reviews        More Reviews       DVD Reviews

DVD Review: Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC

Big thanks to Gregory Meshman for the Review!

DVD Box Cover

Distribution

Universal / TCM

Region 1 - NTSC

Runtime 1:31:57
Video

2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 5.85 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Bitrate

Audio Dolby Digital 2.0 (English)
Subtitles None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Universal / TCM

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 2.35:1

Edition Details:

DVD Release Date:
4 discs in a digipack

Chapters 14

   


Screen Captures

 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- BOTTOM - AVAILABLE HERE

 

 


 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- BOTTOM - AVAILABLE HERE

 

 


 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- BOTTOM - AVAILABLE HERE

 

 


 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- BOTTOM - AVAILABLE HERE

 

 


 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- BOTTOM - AVAILABLE HERE

 

 


 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- BOTTOM - AVAILABLE HERE

 

 


 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- BOTTOM - AVAILABLE HERE

 


DVD Box Cover

Distribution

Universal / TCM

Region 1 - NTSC

 

 



 

(aka "Pylon" )

 

directed by Douglas Sirk
USA 1957

 

Douglas Sirk took a vacation from Ross Hunter and Technicolor for this 1958 production, though he retained Rock Hudson, who turns in an astonishingly good performance as a journalist who finds himself fascinated by the sordid lives of a trio of professional stunt fliers (Robert Stack, Dorothy Malone, and Jack Carson). Based on a minor novel by William Faulkner (Pylon), the film betters the book in every way, from the quality of characterization to the development of the dark, searing imagery. Made in black-and-white CinemaScope, the film doesn't survive on television; it should be seen in a theater or not at all.

Excerpt from Dave Kehr at the Chicago Reader located HERE

Theatrical Release: November 21st, 1957 (London)

Reviews        More Reviews       DVD Reviews

DVD Review: Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC

Big thanks to Gregory Meshman for the Review!

DVD Box Cover

Distribution

Universal / TCM

Region 1 - NTSC

Runtime 1:31:00
Video

2.35:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 6.68 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.

Bitrate

Audio Dolby Digital 2.0 (English)
Subtitles None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Universal / TCM

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen anamorphic - 2.35:1

Edition Details:

DVD Release Date:
4 discs in a digipack

Chapters 13

UPDATE. I received a corrected disc of The Tarnished Angels. The last 10 minutes were missing from the film on the first pressing of this disc, so note new running time and new bitrate. Besides that, the transfer is the same, so there are no new captures.

  - Gregory Meshman

 


Screen Captures

 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- MIDDLE - - AVAILABLE HERE

3) Universal (UK) - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM

 

 


 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- MIDDLE - - AVAILABLE HERE

3) Universal (UK) - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM

 

 


 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- MIDDLE - AVAILABLE HERE

3) Universal (UK) - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM

 


 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- MIDDLE - AVAILABLE HERE

3) Universal (UK) - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM

 


 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- MIDDLE - - AVAILABLE HERE

3) Universal (UK) - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM

 

 


 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- MIDDLE - AVAILABLE HERE

3) Universal (UK) - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM

 


 

1) Universal / TCM (Douglas Sirk Filmmaker Collection) - Region 1 - NTSC TOP

2) Carlotta - Region 2 - PAL- MIDDLE - AVAILABLE HERE

3) Universal (UK) - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM

 


 

DVD Box Cover

CLICK to order from:

Distribution

Universal / TCM

Region 1 - NTSC

 



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