Universal Studios Unveiling Extensive Film Restoration Results (Updated)
Posted January 10, 2012 09:45 AM by Josh Katz
As part of its 100th Anniversary this year, Universal Studios will unveil the results of its extensive film restoration campaign. Beginning this year, thirteen Universal titles will benefit from the studio's labors. The list includes:
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Universal's Technical Operations Head Michael Daruty stresses the thoroughness of this project, as "the restorations...took three to six months each and cost $250,000 to $600,000 per title."
Daruty also hinted at similar film treatment in the future, noting that "this was a commitment by the company to say, 'We're gonna devote funding and most probably continue that effort year over year, to try and preserve and restore the legacy of the company...whether we're gonna get our money back in that first year or not.' "
The only caveat is that not all of the aforementioned films will receive Blu-ray treatment; Universal has only definitively confirmed All Quiet on the Western Front, Jaws, Out of Africa, and To Kill a Mockingbird Blu-rays.
However, the studio's official press release includes a detail that "highly anticipated Blu-ray releases of Universal's Classic Monster and Alfred Hitchcock series" will street later in the year, which bodes well for expecting The Birds, Bride of Frankenstein, both Dracula versions, and Frankenstein HD upgrades.
Update: Included in their restoration press release is a mention of E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, which, while not officially part of Universal's 2012 restoration slate, will receive a 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Edition this year.