MovieChat Forums > Wings (1929) Discussion > Paramount DVD + Blu-ray 1/24/12

Paramount DVD + Blu-ray 1/24/12

posted 13 years ago by hobnob53
14 replies | jump to latest

After years of false starts, Paramount Pictures has confirmed that Wings will finally be released on DVD (and Blu-ray) on January 24, 2012.

Update 11/15/11: Full information is now available:

The discs are coming from Paramount. Retail prices are $24.99 DVD, $29.99 Blu-ray. Both discs have the featurette Wings: Grandeur in the Sky. Two other featurettes are included on the Blu-ray only: Restoring the Power and Beauty of Wings and Dogfight!.

Further update 11/16/11: In its press release, Paramount stated that the DVD was copied from a duplicate negative (the original having been destroyed many years ago), but that that negative itself had so much damage that it could only be repaired using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, restoring it frame-by-frame. The original tinting has been restored, using a surviving continuity script as reference, and the original paper score was borrowed from the Library of Congress and recorded with a full orchestra. Also, sound engineers from Skywalker Sound added sound effects using library sounds from earlier eras to reconstruct the sound effects heard in the film in 1927.

Paramount has been promising a release of this first-ever Oscar-winner for Best Picture for a long time. They could just as easily have put all three bonus features on the DVD as well (obviously trying to boost Blu-ray sales), but extras are only a side matter. The only important thing is that the film itself has been properly restored and is finally being released.

[–] HoneyBakedHam 13 years ago

Interesting to know the source, was it Paramounts website or something? Or Criterion's website if they are helping out?

Not that I don't believe you but people on this board have been let down before ;)

Otherwise yes, lets hope its for real this time! :D

[–] hobnob53 13 years ago

My source was classicflix.com, citing an official statement from Paramount. Later in the day they posted artwork for the DVD, but still no price or other information. Criterion has nothing to do with this. Classic Flix is usually reliable.

This was actually the first time I've visited this film's site and was surprised to see threads about all the supposed DVD releases that didn't pan out over the past few years. That's why I added the caveat about hoping this announcement proves true. With the artwork, things begin to look more likely, but we'll have to see.

[–] HoneyBakedHam 13 years ago

Ta, Still some time to find out the other details I suppose.

[–] rez-5 13 years ago

Pre-orders are up on Amazon.

[–] HoneyBakedHam 13 years ago

Sweet, looks like this one is the real deal.

[–] hobnob53 13 years ago

It is. I've added the full details to my OP above.

[–] HoneyBakedHam 13 years ago

Ah yes indeed, some other stuff I found regarding it also.

http://www.thehdroom.com/news/Wings-Soars-onto-Blu-ray-in-January/9876

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paramount-home-entertainment-proudly-presents-the-very-first-best-picture-academy-award-winner-on-blu-ray-and-dvd-for-the-first-time-ever---wings-133866293.html

http://photos.prnewswire.com/medias/switch.do?prefix=/appnb&page=/getStoryRemapDetails.do&prnid=20111115%252fLA06429&action=details

[–] HoneyBakedHam 13 years ago

http://www.blu-raydefinition.com/news/first-best-picture-academy-award-winner-wings-soars-onto-blu-ray.html

More information, seemed like an incredible effort what they did to make it as good as possible.

[–] MaxStarr 13 years ago

I was invited to a post-restoration screening of "Wings" at Paramount Studios, and the restored version of the film (that will be used for the DVD and Blu-ray releases) is BEAUTIFUL.

[–] blue-7 13 years ago

The DVD is only missing two short documentary features -- one on early airplanes of the time and the other on the restoration. Both are nice but the best WINGS: GRANDEUR IN THE SKY is included on the DVD. The DVD has both the orchestra score and the very fine theatre organ score by Gaylord Carter. So you are getting your moneys worth. And if both the DVD and the Blu-ray had the same material it would still be well paying four dollars more for the Blu-ray upgrade!

[–] takemehome 13 years ago

Already pre-ordered my DVD (don't own a Blu-Ray player), but I'm miffed they didn't include the bonus on the restoration on the DVD. Don't they think we'd like to see the restoration process as well? I'm aware DVD doesn't have Blu-Ray's resolution, but still! At least they're keeping the making-of on the DVD version though. Can't wait to get it!

[–] Mr_Finch 13 years ago

Bought this on Blu-ray and it looks gorgeous! They did a very good job presenting it as it probably was during the roadshow presentation with sound effects and coloring/tinting of scenes. I loved it.

"A labyrinthine man never seeks the truth, but only his Ariadne."

[–] The Colourful Jester 13 years ago

Doesn't seem to be available in Region B.

[–] Satan2016 (26217) 3 years ago

Review and 40 HD screenshots, including Clare Bow topless. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Wings-Blu-ray/33615/#Review