August has seen the release of two more in the popular Icons series of boxed DVD releases. Icons of Sci-Fi: Toho Collection features three of the series of Japanese films Columbia released in the 1960's: The H-Man, Battle in Outer Space and Mothra. All three films were directed by the legendary Ishiro Honda for the equally legendary Tokyo studio ToHo. For their debut on DVD from SPHE, we went back to the original source material to provide both the American version as it played theatrically at the time, as well as the original Japanese versions of the films. For Battle in Outer Space, the differences are relatively minor, but there are some interesting story differences in the other two.
The other Icons released in August are Icons of Screwball Comedy, Volumes One and Two. They are comprised of eight classic comedies, featuring such tremendous actresses as Irene Dunne, Rosalind Russell and Jean Arthur. All of these titles have been restored from the most original nitrate film elements that exist--which can sometimes be a very challenging endeavor--and brand new transfers were created for this release. Theodora Goes Wild, one of the most requested screwball comedies in our library, was a particular challenge to restore as the incomplete original negative had seriously deteriorated over time, and required the use of extensive digital techniques to restore this film. But, these are great comedies, and they deserve only the best treatment.
Next year, look for another Icons release when we gear up for the Icons of Suspense, the third in our effort to bring forward the great Hammer films in the Columbia library. The titles in this next set will include such masterpieces as Stop Me Before I Kill, Cash on Demand, Never Take Candy from a Stranger, Maniac, The Snorkel, and the great Joseph Losey-directed These Are the Damned. As with the previous Hammer releases, we are dedicated to providing the longest, most original restored versions of these films possible.
Grover Crisp
Senior Vice President
Asset Management, Film Restoration & Digital Mastering
The other Icons released in August are Icons of Screwball Comedy, Volumes One and Two. They are comprised of eight classic comedies, featuring such tremendous actresses as Irene Dunne, Rosalind Russell and Jean Arthur. All of these titles have been restored from the most original nitrate film elements that exist--which can sometimes be a very challenging endeavor--and brand new transfers were created for this release. Theodora Goes Wild, one of the most requested screwball comedies in our library, was a particular challenge to restore as the incomplete original negative had seriously deteriorated over time, and required the use of extensive digital techniques to restore this film. But, these are great comedies, and they deserve only the best treatment.
Next year, look for another Icons release when we gear up for the Icons of Suspense, the third in our effort to bring forward the great Hammer films in the Columbia library. The titles in this next set will include such masterpieces as Stop Me Before I Kill, Cash on Demand, Never Take Candy from a Stranger, Maniac, The Snorkel, and the great Joseph Losey-directed These Are the Damned. As with the previous Hammer releases, we are dedicated to providing the longest, most original restored versions of these films possible.
Grover Crisp
Senior Vice President
Asset Management, Film Restoration & Digital Mastering
