The Runaway Bus (1954)

[Brief Encounter]

Good news - it's released by Pickwick on October 11th.

[JamesM]

Have they started producing licensed titles now? We are talking about the Elstree Hill label that primarily releases public domain US titles.

[Brief Encounter]

That's what I thought when I first heard about it - I didn't think Pickwick actually licensed films. I've seen the Elstree Hill stuff, but this doesn't appear to be under that imprint, as their logo isn't on the cover I've seen. Also, they've apparently worked with Val Guest's estate to get the original film reel etc.



Runaway Bus was made by a small company originally wasn't it - so maybe it wasn't so difficult to license.

[JamesM]

Yes, it is owned by Renown films. Do you have a link to a picture of the cover?

[Brief Encounter]

It's the first news item here: PETULA CLARK - Latest News

[DB7]

That's the cover from the VHS.

[Brief Encounter]

Same poster, yes, but it's not as if they've copied the cover straight from the VHS. There are differences.

[Brief Encounter]

It's now out October 16th. Only £3.99 delivered at hmv.co.uk!

[foha80]

name='Brief Encounter']It's now out October 16th. Only £3.99 delivered at hmv.co.uk!

Thank you for the information,what a great price.



Terry

[DB7]

name='Brief Encounter']It's now out October 16th. Only £3.99 delivered at hmv.co.uk!

Ordered that too at such a snip of a price. Think HMV are upping their game to compete with Play.

[Biffer]

Being both a fan of British films and Frankie Howerd, I ordered this DVD as soon as I heard it was available. I dare say many others did too, or are about to order it.



Having watched the film tonight, I have to say I was a little disappointed by it. The quality of the DVD transfer is no better than a poorly recorded video tape version. It appears that the company made no effort at all to digitally improve the picture quality. Overall, it is very contrasty, with every scratch and blemish of the original print left in place. This includes places where the image either freezes for several moments (an effect of the layering process???) or skips a beat, as if one or two frames are missing. At one point, what appears to be lead-in tape is visible for several seconds, as if a whole section of the original print is missing.



Having said all that, I suppose we should be grateful that any company sees fit to release our beloved Brit' films on DVD. But it rather begs the question, if it's commercially viable to do so, why not make the effort to make a good job of it?



If you're lucky enough to have this film on video tape, don't bother buying the DVD version. There's little to be gained (no 'extras' for instance). Better to copy your taped version on to DVD, if possible, and preserve it that way.



Biffer.

[Brief Encounter]

Thanks for that. My copy was ordered anyway, so I'm curious to see what it's like, but I do already have a DVD-R copy taken from a taped VHS.



I should have known Hallmark/Pickwick would do a rubbish job of this.

[JamesM]

Although the run time seems to match the 1953 version, I have heard that there are missing scenes (such as one of Frankie Howerd at the beginning talking to his aunt in a phone booth?).

[DB7]

Still waiting for my HMV order which might explain why it was so cheap. Last email said:

We're taking delivery of new stock from our suppliers all the time and hope to be receiving your items very shortly. A further delay may occur if the item is out of stock at the suppliers, but we will do our best to get the item to our warehouse. As soon as we do, we'll despatch them to you and let you know by e-mail when they're on their way.

[ican]

Have to agree with others. It looks as if its been copied via a video camera from a heavily used 16mm print projected on to a white sheet . Frankie deserves better.

[bobsterkent]

I'm glad its not just me who was VERY disappointed with my dvd. I thought it was just my copy that froze at points in the film. To be honest if i had known that it was going to be this bad i'd have not bothered.



Yes the add lib scene where he talks to his aunt is missing (I'm told that was to make up the few minutes they were short on the film). Film quality is scratchy, my advice is don't bother buying it unless you really want it.

[siriami]

If ever there was a candidate for "the worst transfer of a film to DVD", this MUST be it!

As previous listers have said, scratches, tears, missing frames, dreadful quality image, freezing of the picture, and - at one point, 4 seconds of lead-in film during a change-over!

It does say something for the film itself that I stuck with it. Val Guest does a good job of updating the "old dark house" format: and there are more than creditable performances too. Petula Clark makes the most of her part, and, as always, Margaret Rutherford steals the picture!

Any other nominations for the above category?



Alistair

[Brief Encounter]

That's the sad thing. It probably won't be issued again, so no chance to improve it.

[Steve Crook]

name='siriami']If ever there was a candidate for "the worst transfer of a film to DVD", this MUST be it!

...

Any other nominations for the above category?



Alistair

There was a Carlton / VCI release for MCV stores of The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp that was very poor quality. Lots of digital breakdown into blocks on the screen, freezing and one scene breaking through into another.



Luckily there are lots of DVDs of this film that have been released by other organisations and these others are all very good. But I do sometimes see this MCV version offered for sale on eBay.



Watch out if you ever see this cover



Steve

[JamesM]

Does anyone have any evidence that this was not a bootleg?