Where's the Blu Part 2
Where’s the Blu(s)?: Queen of the Mob, Texas Rangers Ride Again & Golden Gloves (1940) - Starting the MIAs of the magnificent Robert Ryan; Paramounts now presumably Universal; all of his work (here to various degrees of billing) very worthy; rare ones all.
Where’s the Blu?: North West Mounted Police (1940) - Ryan down the cast a bit in typically handsome Cecil B. DeMille production with Gary Cooper leading; another Paramount now Universal.
Where’s the Blu?: Bombardier (1943) - Ryan had significant supporting role in RKO war drama led by Randolph Scott; a nice DVD was done by @WarnerArchive.
Where’s the Blu?: The Sky’s the Limit (1943) - Ryan billed fourth in Astaire musical with Joan Leslie instead of Rogers; another RKO that would make a nice upgrade.
Where’s the Blu?: Behind the Rising Sun (1943) - another RKO with Ryan billed fourth; wartime drama with social emphasis has not been easy to find in recent years.
Where’s the Blu?: The Iron Major (1943) - Ryan had solid role supporting toplined Pat O’Brien in sports biopic; not out since VHS and would be a likely draw in line with others if the era.
Where’s the Blu?: Gangway for Tomorrow (1943) - Ryan’s fifth of the year was this dramatic ensemble; RKO again and not seen widely in years.
Where’s the Blu?: Tender Comrade (1943) - Ryan’s sixth of the year gave him most substantial role to its date, second billed to Ginger Rogers in RKO drama; @WarnerArchive has a nice DVD out.
Where’s the Blu? Marine Raiders (1944) - Continuing the missing films of the wonderful Robert Ryan with this RKO war drama led by Pat O’Brien. A hard one to find for years until a nice @WarnerArchive debuted (a frequent theme in this and many star strings.)
Where’s the Blu?: The Woman on the Beach (1947) - Ryan returned after 3 year screen absence with 3 solid pics that year; Jean Renoir noir not up to masterpiece Crossfire (already covered) but would be a great upgrade.
Where’s the Blu?: Trail Street (1947) - Solid RKO western, first of a couple with Randolph Scott; would be great to see both stars’ filmographies get the treatment.
Where’s the Blu?: The Boy with Green Hair (1948) - An offbeat drama centered around a very young Dean Stockwell’s wartime experiences; frequent costar Pat O’Brien top billed. Another that @WarnerArchive has provided on DVD.
Where’s the Blu?: Return of the Bad Men (1948) - Ryan and Scott in another very good RKO western; an upgrade would be most welcome.
Where’s the Blu?: Berlin Express (1948) - Jacques Tourneur directed this espionage/noir in his usual effective and stylish manner; another good @WarnerArchive DVD that would make a fine upgrade.
Where’s the Blu?: The Woman on Pier 13 (1949) - aka I Married a Communist, this noir-tinged thriller had timely theme; RKO production, another @WarnerArchive that would upgrade well.
Where’s the Blu?: Act of Violence (1949) - After the success of the masterpiece Crossfire, MGM submitted this similarly socially conscious noir. Result was solid if not as memorable, needs a bump to blu like all of its genre.
Where’s the Blu?: The Set-Up (1949) - One of the greatest films in Ryan’s sterling filmography is Robert Wise’s real time noir thriller set in boxing world. Part of Warners great noir sets, one of the most sought upgrades on our ongoing list.
Where’s the Blu?: The Secret Fury (1950) - Ryan and Claudette Colbert in a frustratingly hard to find RKO noir; absence of DVD release would suggest rights issues given popularity of the genre. A blu debut would be most exciting.
Where’s the Blu?: Clash By Night (1952) - Ryan and a great cast in this RKO drama; though included in Warners noir box and often tagged so, it’s missing most of the identifiers of the genre. Still a powerful piece of work in need of upgrade.
Where’s the Blu?: Best of the Badmen (1951) - Ryan returned to the saddle for RKO minus previous costar Scott; typically solid for star/studio/genre.
Where’s the Blu?: Beware, My Lovely (1952) - Ryan joined again by the great Ida Lupino in RKO noir thriller; another difficult to find that must have rights entanglements. Hopefully a blu will eventually surface.
Where’s the Blu?: Horizons West (1952) - Moving to Universal for another fine western, Ryan joined by Rock Hudson in early role of note. Part of a nice if hard to find TCM box, an upgrade would be welcome from one of their many licensors.
Where’s the Blu?: The Naked Spur (1953) - Standing tall among the superb Anthony Mann/James Stewart westerns and one of the most in-demand not out; Ryan plays one of his most memorable villains. Rumored to be in the works with elements challenges, its release would thrill many.
Where’s the Blu?: City Beneath the Sea (1953) - The terrific Budd Boetticher helmed this diving adventure; missing from any forms of video for years. Ryan and Anthony Quinn lead what would be an exciting blu debut if Universal still controls and could license.
Where’s the Blu?: Her 12 Men (1954) - Ryan supports Greer Garson in later MGM lead; boys school drama has been hard to find in recent years.
Where’s the Blu?: About Mrs. Leslie (1954) - Ryan and the superb Shirley Booth in well regarded drama; back to the Paramount holdings story, but this one has never seen DVD (or VHS) release so its absence is perplexing.
Where’s the Blu?: Alaska Seas (1954) - Ryan in another Paramount that has been completely missing on video with no clear reason why. These two ‘54 films from the studio would be most exciting to finally own.
Where’s the Blu?: Escape to Burma (1955) - Ryan and Stanwyck together again for adventure drama from later RKO days; spotty releases over the years; solid production would upgrade well.
Where’s the Blu?: Back From Eternity (1956) - Ryan led a great cast with Anita Ekberg front and center in advertising; another from the waning days of RKO.
Where’s the Blu?: Lonelyhearts (1958) - Montgomery Clift led this drama with Ryan in solid support; United Artists release presumably in the MGM catalog; unseen since VHS in legit form.
Where’s the Blu?: Ice Palace (1960) - Wrapping our MIA coverage of the great Robert Ryan; this Alaska set Edna Ferber adaptation has good cast and production; would make a nice upgrade.
Where’s the Blu?: The Canadians (1961) - One of the most frustratingly hard to find of Ryan’s films; Burt Kennedy directed this adventure for Fox. Never available on any video and a blu debut would be wonderful for fans.
Where’s the Blu?: The Crooked Road (1965) - One of two scarce espionage films Ryan did that year; never available on video and ready for a release.
Where’s the Blu?: The Dirty Game (1965) - Ryan and Henry Fonda led cast in European production released in US by American International. Yet another scarcity never released on video and long overdue.
Where’s the Blu?: The Busy Body (1967) - Ryan part of great ensemble in dark comedy from William Castle; a Paramount release that had Legend DVD so possible since not part of the clause.
Where’s the Blu?: Captain Nemo and the Underwater City (1969) - Ryan played titular role in MGM production, a kids’ matinee staple for years after. @WarnerArchive put out one of their earliest DVDs and an upgrade would be welcome.
Where’s the Blu?: The Love Machine (1971) - Ryan had smaller role in the least remembered of the Jacqueline Susann adaptations and the only MIA on Blu. One of the many with Sony deals could provide it.
Where’s the Blu?: And Hope To Die (1972) - Ryan led cast in Rene Clement’s crime thriller; a Fox release in the US but current rights uncertain. Would make a great addition to Eurocrime and Ryan collections.
Where’s the Blu?: The Iceman Cometh (1973) - Ryan part of a wonderful cast in O’Neill adaptation from American Film Theatre series. This one is presumably close with that series announced by Kino Classics; hopefully soon.
Where’s the Blu?: Lolly Madonna XXX (1973) - Ryan joined Jeff Bridges and another great cast that final year; family feud drama was hard to see for years until @WarnerArchive gave us a much appreciated DVD. An upgrade would be just as quickly obtained.
Where’s the Blu?: The Outfit (1973) - One of the great Robert Ryan’s last films among 4 released in his final year; smashing Richard Stark adaptation with great cast down to smallest roles. Another that we appreciate the @WarnerArchive DVD of and would upgrade instantly.
Where’s the Blu(s)?: Reveille with Beverly, Higher and Higher and Step Lively - The MIAs of Frank Sinatra begin with this early string of RKO musicals from 1943/44. Already his screen presence was pronounced and would increase dramatically the next year.
Where’s the Blu?: It Happened in Brooklyn (1947) - Sinatra top billed in MGM musical; part of a DVD box set of early genre projects currently.
Where’s the Blu?: The Kissing Bandit (1948) - Sinatra joined by Kathryn Grayson for their 4th MGM musical in a row; not one of the more well remembered but worth a bump.
Where’s the Blu?: Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949) - Sinatra with Gene Kelly again for another solid MGM musical; Esther Williams steps in to break the Grayson streak.
Where’s the Blu?: Double Dynamite (1951) - Sinatra took third billing under Russell and Marx in break from MGM musicals; RKO in current Warners library.
Where’s the Blu?: Meet Danny Wilson (1952) - a Sinatra drama with music, this time for Universal. Has been among the harder to find of his work in recent years; if it remains under Uni. control a dust-off could come from one of their current licensors.
Where’s the Blu?: The Tender Trap (1955) - Sinatra and Debbie Reynolds made easy work of MGM CinemaScope musical comedy; upgrade would benefit solid production.
Where’s the Blu?: High Society (1956) - Sinatra took on the Stewart role in beloved musical adaptation of The Philadelphia Story; one of the more puzzling titles yet to be upgraded.
Where’s the Blu?: Johnny Concho (1956) - Sinatra’s first and only straight western film and a hard one to find over the years; originally a United Artists release, rights must be troubled for there to never have been US videos.
Where’s the Blu?: Around the World in 80 Days (1956) - Sinatra among many star cameos in expensively mounted comic adventure; one of the few MIA Best Picture Oscar winners. Element issues likely the reason for its absence.
Where’s the Blu?: The Joker is Wild (1957) - Sinatra played Joe E. Lewis in biopic; a Paramount that must have rights issues given its lack of disc releases over the years.
Where’s the Blu?: Some Came Running (1958) - Sinatra, Martin and MacLaine give their all in Vincente Minnelli drama; beautiful MGM production hopefully should be on short list of his films for upgrade.
Where’s the Blu?: Can-Can (1960) Sinatra and MacLaine reteamed for lighter fare in this musical comedy for Fox; surprising that it hasn’t seen bump yet by one of their licensors.
Where’s the Blu?: The Devil at 4 O’Clock (1961) - Sinatra and Spencer Tracy teamed for rather heavy-going drama set around volcanic eruption; solid production values. A Sony property that could come from several outfits.
Where’s the Blu?: Sergeants 3 (1962) - Sinatra rundown continues with this loose comic respin of Gunga Din with frequent co stars; unavailable for years until box set DVD. Would make a nice upgrade.
Where’s the Blu?: None But the Brave (1965) - One of Sinatra’s 2 war projects that year was his sole directorial feature; early example of the dual perspective approach that others would feature in later years. A @WarnerArchive upgrade would be nice.
Where’s the Blu?: Marriage on the Rocks (1965) - Second Sinatra release for Warners that year; great cast in imperfect but amusing domestic comedy.
Where’s the Blu?: The Naked Runner (1967) - Espionage thriller is one of Sinatra’s hardest to find films; a WB release that for some reason they have never put on video. Rights possibly an issue but would make a good collection completing release.
Where’s the Blu?: Dirty Dingus Magee (1970) - Sinatra’s penultimate starring turn and last for a decade was this broad MGM western comedy; @WarnerArchive put out an appreciated DVD and we would add an upgrade to the collection.
Where’s the Blu?: The First Deadly Sin (1980) - Sinatra’s final star turn was this adaptation of Lawrence Sanders bestseller; dark crime thriller was an underrated effort. A full frame early DVD upped to widescreen by @WarnerArchive; further bump to Blu would be appreciated.
Where’s the Blu(s) - My Friend Irma & My Friend Irma Goes West (1949/50) - Dean Martin MIA review begins with Martin/Lewis debuts; supporting roles in Paramount comedies released in DVD box sets by them and later @WarnerArchive but apparently out of print.
Where’s the Blu(s)?: That’s My Boy & The Stooge (1951) - Second and third of the Martin and Lewis leads for Paramount; part of the OOP DVD box sets.
Where’s the Blu(s)?: Sailor Beware & Jumping Jacks (1952) - Martin and Lewis’ projects for the year; as before, parts of the out of print sets from Paramount and later Warner Archive. Upgrades to these should surface.
Where’s the Blu(s)?: The Caddy and Scared Stiff (1953) - Two of Martin and Lewis’ best remembered (third of the year, Money From Home, out from @olivefilms, who we wish could’ve released them all!) But Paramount and their “already on DVD” lockdown...
Where’s the Blu(s)?: Living It Up & 3 Ring Circus (1954) - Martin and Lewis’ MIAs for the year; former in the OOP DVD sets, elusive latter apparently has rights issues that have kept it off any video releases for years.
Where’s the Blu(s)?: You’re Never Too Young & Artists and Models (1955) - Solid duo from the penultimate year of Martin and Lewis filmography; both on the OOP DVD sets.
Where’s the Blu(s)?: Pardners & Hollywood or Bust (1956) - The Martin and Lewis partnership ended with this pair for the year; on the DVD sets. Several of the many missing due to illogical Paramount licensing restrictions, this run needs release in its entirety.
Where’s the Blu?: Ten Thousand Bedrooms (1957) - Martin’s first solo star turn was not one of the more memorable MGM musical comedies; better material would quickly follow. Still of interest and worth a bump.
Where’s the Blu?: Career (1959) - Martin and solid cast in Paramount drama; missing from post-VHS era; why it hasn’t been licensed by another label yet is a mystery.
Where’s the Blu?: Who Was That Lady? (1960) - Martin joined by then-couple Curtis and Leigh in romantic comedy in the style of the day. A Columbia release that could see upgrade from Sony licensors.
Where’s the Blu?: All In a Night’s Work (1961) - Martin teamed again with Shirley MacLaine for romantic comedy; a Paramount that they released on DVD so part of the limbo list for now.
Where’s the Blu?: Ada (1961) - Martin and Susan Hayward in southern romantic/political drama; off view for years until @WarnerArchive provided a welcome DVD.
Where’s the Blu?: Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed? (1963) - Martin topped great cast including beloved TV comediennes Montgomery and Burnett; a Paramount that has never seen disc release so must have rights issues. Hopefully cleared one of these days.
Where’s the Blu? Toys in the Attic (1963) - Martin held his own with ace perfs of Page and Hiller as his siblings in Lillian Hellman adaptation with New Orleans location shooting. Beautiful b/w photography a worthy upgrade for MGM licensor.
Where’s the Blu?: The Sons of Katie Elder (1965) - Martin and John Wayne among the titular vengeance seekers in solid western; one of a couple of Waynes surprising Paramount hasn’t released themselves.
Where’s the Blu(s)?: The Matt Helm Quad - The Silencers, The Ambushers, Murderers' Row, The Wrecking Crew (1966-69) - Martin’s successful, silly but engaging run based on straighter spy series saw box release of DVDs; a similar Blu upgrade would be appreciated. Of the many Sony licensors, our pick would be a beautiful @indicatorseries box...
Where’s the Blu?: Texas Across the River (1966) - Martin and good cast in one of the era’s push to provide Alain Delon with American projects; a Universal that will hopefully come (along with two to follow) from their increasing pool of licensors.
Where’s the Blu?: Rough Night in Jericho (1967) - Martin played bad to Peppard’s good with great Simmons caught between; another Universal western ripe for upgrade.
Where’s the Blu?: How to Save a Marriage (and Ruin Your Life) (1968) - Martin and good cast made easy work in one of the many similarly themed domestic comedies of the era; Sony licensors could bring seldom seen project to the format.
Where’s the Blu?: Showdown (1973) - Martin and Rock Hudson in solid western from waning days of studio genre projects at the time; both stars’ final works in the saddle; 3 of 3 of Martin’s Universals that would benefit from an upgrade from a game label.
Where’s the Blu?: Mr. Ricco (1975) - Martin’s final dramatic lead was this crime drama; unseen for years until a much appreciated @WarnerArchive DVD showed us the exciting value of their brand with such rescues; their superb status among blu providers now could strike again.
Where’s the Blu?: Mourning Becomes Electra (1947) - A look at the MIAs of Kirk Douglas kicks off with his second film; Eugene O’Neill adaptation hard to find on scarce out of print DVDs.
Where’s the Blu?: The Walls of Jericho (1948) - Douglas part of great ensemble in Fox drama; hard to find over the years and would make a good blu debut.
Where’s the Blu?: My Dear Secretary (1948) - Douglas made first of occasional moves in romantic comedy with this light item; would make a good entry for a classic label.
Where’s the Blu?: Young Man with a Horn (1950) - Douglas and two great costars brought weight to jazz drama; solid enough though it was not one of their very best of the day. A Warners that could be a nice bump.
Where’s the Blu?: The Glass Menagerie (1950) - Douglas part of great cast in Tennessee Williams classic; Warners has never put out (and 87 version equally hard to find); could a rights issue exist with the source material? A most wanted title.
Where’s the Blu?: Along the Great Divide (1951) - Douglas kicked off a long intermittent string of outdoor adventures and westerns of the decade; this would make a good upgrade from @WarnerArchive.
Where’s the Blu?: Detective Story (1951) - Douglas has one of his best turns in adaptation of Broadway hit; superb cast in Paramount caught in their already on DVD snafu.
Where’s the Blu?: The Big Trees (1952) - The lesser but still solid of Douglas’ “Big” films that year; originally a Warner release that somehow made its way into public domain and a sea of shoddy DVDs; a rescue would be welcome.
Where’s the Blu?: The Big Sky (1952) - And this is the Big one that has been in demand for years; Douglas had great director Howard Hawks at helm of this memorable western; out of reach for years with rights and elements variously blamed. A top MIA for star and director.
Where’s the Blu?: The Story of Three Loves (1953) - continuing Kirk Douglas rundown with this MGM omnibus; great cast and always style in Minnelli direction. Would make a nice upgrade to solid @WarnerArchive release.
Where’s the Blu?: The Juggler (1953) - Less remembered Douglas drama; a Sony property that several could provide a fresh look.
Where’s the Blu?: Act of Love (1953) - Another rarely revived Douglas drama of the era; originally a United Artists release likely under MGM now; possibilities numerous for a label to dust off.
Where’s the Blu?: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) - Douglas and James Mason solidly led Disney adventure; one of their (and the) most in-demand classic titles out there in limbo. The Disney club might be an outlet unless their unlikely embrace of more licensing occurs.
Where’s the Blu?: The Racers (1955) - Douglas in European race drama little seen in recent years; rather surprising absence in good versions given popularity of the sport.
Where’s the Blu?: Top Secret Affair (1957) - Douglas and Susan Hayward brought talent to rather heavy-handed romantic comedy; out in early @WarnerArchive DVD.
Where’s the Blu?: Last Train from Gun Hill (1959) - Douglas and Quinn were solid leads in very good western unfortunately under the Paramount “out on DVD” clause.
Where’s the Blu?: Strangers When We Meet (1960) - Douglas and Novak led a great cast as adulterous lovers in glossy drama; a Columbia release that could be licensed by quite a few; DVD is out of print.
Where’s the Blu?: Town Without Pity (1961) - Douglas in grim military courtroom drama that was an unlikely candidate to spawn a hit title song; an MGM property available to several outfits.
Where’s the Blu?: The Hook (1963) - Douglas quickly had another drama of military-set tension with this MGM project; scarcely seen for years until a @WarnerArchive DVD dusted it off for new audiences.
Where’s the Blu?: For Love or Money (1963) - For an often intense action star, Douglas traveled a decent bit in romantic comedy; this well cast Universal was unseen for years until a barely publicized Vault DVD and inclusion in a box set. An upgrade would be nice.
Where’s the Blu?: In Harm’s Way (1965) - Otto Preminger’s WW2 drama had a John Wayne and Douglas leading a large and fine cast; solid hit to miss ratio in stack of ideas and plots. One of the many victims of perplexing Paramount vortex.
Where’s the Blu?: Is Paris Burning? (1966) - Douglas had a small role as Patton in one of his 3 WW2 films in a 2 year period; Rene Clement directed international cast. Like the previous, a Paramount release presumably still under their domestic control.
Where’s the Blu?: A Lovely Way to Die (1968) - Douglas made easy work of solid, little remembered private eye action; unseen for years until quiet Universal Vault DVD release. An upgrade from one of their licensors would be appreciated.
Where’s the Blu?: The Brotherhood (1968) - Douglas and Alex Cord topped good cast in pre-Godfather mafia drama; Martin Ritt directed well as always. Paramount has it...
Where’s the Blu?: The Arrangement (1969) - Elia Kazan adapted his novel for the increasingly permissive American screen; Douglas had meaty lead with heavy talent around him. @WarnerArchive could provide a nice upgrade.
Where’s the Blu?: There Was a Crooked Man (1970) - Douglas and Fonda led a rich cast in oddball western/prison/black comedy hybrid; another one we’d love from @WarnerArchive.
Where’s the Blu?: The Light at the Edge of the World (1971) - Douglas and Brynner led odd Jules Verne adaptation, ambitious but a critical and commercial failure. Scarce DVDs hard to find.
Where’s the Blu?: A Gunfight (1971) - Douglas and Johnny Cash in little revived western; a Paramount release they never put on disc so absence from available licensors puzzling. Rights issues the probable culprit.
Where’s the Blu(s)?: Catch Me a Spy & The Master Touch (1971/2) - Douglas did two European projects in the period, both scarcely released domestically and long subject to low-rent public domain DVDs. Upgrades would be interesting.
Where’s the Blu?: Scalawag (1973) - Douglas was still playing with some European funding with this period pirate adventure; Paramount released in the US but apparently not to DVD so should have been available to their licensors (Olive, Kino, etc.)
Where’s the Blu?: The Villain (1979) - Douglas went full on live cartoon with good cast in Hal Needham’s broad western comedy; had to import a wide DVD (as Cactus Jack) as US are full frame; an upgrade from a Sony licensor would be nice.
Where’s the Blu(s) - Diamonds, Veraz and Illusion - the later Douglas indies; all lightly released (if at all in US); these are scarce even on DVD. Diamonds saw most push; ownership uncertain.
Where’s the Blu?: Fighter Squadron (1948) - The MIAs of Rock Hudson begin with his debut, a bit part in Warners military drama. For the rest of the decade he’d work almost exclusively for Universal. @WarnerArchive has a nice DVD out of this uncredited appearance.
Where’s the Blu?: Undertow (1949) - Hudson began long contract run with Universal (then with -International); William Castle directed this crime/noir that is among the genre’s missing on video. Would make a great debut for fans of director, genre and star.
Where’s the Blu?: One-Way Street (1950) - James Mason toplined this U-I noir with Hudson in bit part uncredited for the last time; another that has been missing from video for years in need of debut.
Where’s the Blu?: I Was a Shoplifter (1950) - Hudson had larger role with solid cast (when Tony Curtis was Anthony) in another of many U-I crime/noirs of the era in need of release. This one has been hard to see for years.
Where’s the Blu?: Peggy (1950) - Hudson billed in print material for the first time in collegiate comedy; another U-I scarcely seen for years.
Where’s the Blu?: The Desert Hawk (1950) - Hudson joined good cast (incl. Jackie Gleason as Aladdin!) in Arabian adventure; another unavailable U-I.
Where’s the Blu?: Shakedown (1950) - Hudson and great cast of noir stalwarts in newspaper crime drama; another of the growing list of U-I genre films unseen for too long.
Where’s the Blu?: Tomahawk (1951) - U-I western with solid leads; Hudson down the cast list. Available on DVD MOD from Universal Vault; an upgrade would be welcome.
Where’s the Blu?: Air Cadet (1951) - Hudson and good cast in U-I drama little seen for years. One of many that need rescue from the vaults.
Where’s the Blu?: Bright Victory (1951) - Hudson had small role in acclaimed U-I drama with Oscar nominated lead role for great Arthur Kennedy. Long overdue for video release.
Where’s the Blu?: The Fat Man (1951) - Hudson got third billing (largest to its date) in radio show based mystery; another early William Castle; would be great to finally see release of this.