VCI Entertainment Announces Fall 2018 Release Schedule

VCI Entertainment - Fall 2018 Release Schedule

Television's Lost Classics Volume One  on DVD and Blu-ray (9/11)
 Television's Lost Classics Volume 2: Rare Pilots on DVD and Blu-ray (10/9)
I Married Joan: Classic TV Collection Vol 4 (10/9)
The Boris Karloff Collection (9/11)
Blood and Black Lace (Blu-ray/ DVD Combo) (10/9)

Jeff Joseph (SabuCat Productions), film archivist, historian, author and producer, has produced a remarkable collection of rare and "lost" classic television programs. The series has been lovingly restored in high definition from the best archival film elements available; some of the programs have not been seen since they were originally broadcast. The first two volumes are set for release this fall, with Volume One available o

n September 11, 2018. Volume Two will follow on October 9, 2018. Both will be released on Blu-ray and DVD by VCI Entertainment, with distribution by MVD Entertainment. Additional volumes are planned with the third in the series already in production for release in late 2018.

TELEVISION'S LOST CLASSICS - VOLUME ONE - JOHN CASSAVETES

Ep. 1 - CRIME IN THE STREETS: actors: Robert Preston, John Cassavetes

Ep. 2 - NO RIGHT TO KILL: actors: John Cassavetes, Terry Moore, Robert H. Harris

The 1950s produced a treasure trove of live dramatic programs originating from New York.  Top talent from stage and screen were retained for both in front and back of the camera.  These two prime examples convey the feeling of watching a Broadway performance, but with the advantage of abundant and intimate close-ups and medium shots. They are surprisingly cinematic, especially considering the impediments those behind the camera had to face - clunky cameras, hot lights, quick set changes, live music and sound effects and always being mindful of keeping microphones out of the frame.  Clearly, the highlights of these programs are the intense performances by John Cassavetes, with his variation of method acting displayed in full form. 

The first program is titled "Crime in the Streets" and is from The Elgin Hour (Elgin watches) and was broadcast live on ABC, Tuesday, March 8, 1955. It was written by Reginald Rose and directed by Sidney Lumet, starring Robert Preston and a very young John Cassavetes. The second program, "No Right to Kill," was part of the Climax! series and was presented by the Chrysler Corporation. It is based on Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment" and adapted for TV by Victor Wolfson. It was broadcast on CBS, Thursday, August 9, 1956. Nostalgia buffs will enjoy the original commercial messages that are included in the episode. Also included: a bonus blooper reel from the "Defenders" and "The Nurses" series. (120 minutes, B&W, 1955-1956, TV-PG)

Blu-ray Item: #9041 / UPC: 089859904127 / SRP: $29.95

DVD Item: #8821 / UPC: 089859904127 / SRP: $19.95

Pre-order the DVD and / or Blu-ray 

TELEVISION'S LOST CLASSICS - VOLUME TWO - RARE 'PILOTS'

Volume Two contains 4-rare 'Pilot' episodes. 

Pilot 1 - "Case of the Sure Thing" actors: Reed Hadley, Louise Currie, Milburn Stone 

This introduced the series Racket Squad, which lasted for 3 seasons and was nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. An interesting side-note, reportedly, this program may have inspired parts of the Hollywood hit, "The Sting". It was first broadcast on CBS, Thursday, June 7, 1951 and starred Reed Hadley as Captain Braddock, and was written by Arthur Orloff. Note: Contains original network commercials as originally broadcast on CBS.

Pilot 2 - "Cool and Lam" actors: Billy Pearson, Benay Venuta, Alison Hayes, Sheila Bromley 

A light-hearted, detective yarn featuring characters first created by Erle Stanley Gardner. Bertha Cool runs a detective agency and Donald Lam is her junior partner, hence "Cool and Lam". Directed by Jacques Tourneur!

Pilot 3 - "The Life of Riley" actors: Lon Chaney, Jr., Rosemary DeCamp, John Brown 

A heretofore lost pilot which starred Lon Chaney, Jr. as Chester Riley! This stand-alone episode was produced in 1948 but by the time the first season went into full production in 1949, Chaney had been replaced by no less than Jackie Gleason!

Pilot 4 - "Nero Wolfe" actors: Kurt Kasznar, William Shatner, Alexander Scourby 

Based on characters created by Rex Stout, is another one-off production. Kurt Kasznar is Nero Wolfe, with future mega-star, William Shatner co-starring. This is another "lost" pilot, presented here for the first time. (120 minutes / B&W / 1948, 51, 58, 59 / TV-G)

Included on the disc is a bonus CBS Blooper Reel hosted by James Arness.

Blu-ray Item: #9042 / UPC: 089859904226 / SRP: $29.95

DVD Item: #8822 / UPC: 089859882227 / SRP: $19.95

Pre-order the DVD and / or Blu-ray 

I Married Joan: Classic TV Collection Vol 4

The show centers on Joan, a scatterbrained housewife, and her husband, Bradley Stevens, who was a staid and settled domestic court judge. Beverly Wills, Joan Davis' real-life daughter, also co-starred on the show playing the part of her sister. The show was cut from the same mold as the I LOVE LUCY series, with Joan Davis' comedy antics derived from the physical school of humor. 10 episodes!

Boris Karloff - Boris Karloff Collection

A compilation of four rare films on 2 DVDs starring the master of horror, Boris Karloff. Alien Terror, Cult Of The Dead, Dance Of Death, Torture Zone

Blood And Black Lace

A Fashion House of Glamorous Models... Becomes a Terror House of BLOOD!

Director Mario Bava's Giallo Masterpiece! The black shadow of drug dealing falls upon a high-fashion salon when a beautiful model is murdered. Her boyfriend is suspected of the crime. He is an addict to whom the model was supplying dope, but is he guilty'

VCI Entertainment - Early 2018 Release Schedule

VCI Entertainment - Early 2018 Release Schedule

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The Aftermath [Blu-ray + DVD] (2-13)
The Twilight People [Blu-ray + DVD] (3-13)
City Of The Dead - Remastered Ltd Edition (3-13)
Bruce's Deadly Fingers - Blu-ray + DVD Combo (3-27)

Aftermath, The [Blu-ray + DVD]

What comes after World War III?

A spaceship returns from deep space to find the Earth in "The Aftermath" of a nuclear and biological war. The streets are filled with mutated survivors feeding off the weak and a Manson-like figure called Cutter (Sid Haig) is reigning terror down on all others. Cutter and his gang of mercenary thugs are systematically murdering all the male survivors and enslaving women and children.

Twilight People, The [Blu-ray + DVD]

ANIMAL DESIRES...HUMAN LUST!

Matt Farrell (Ashley) is plucked from the sea while skin-diving and taken to the foreboding fortress of Dr. Gordon. He is to become part of the doctor's diabolical experiment to create a race of super people. This twisted and maniacal doctor's experiments have so far only created terrifying, hideous creatures. Freed by the doctor's own daughter, they turn the island into a bloodbath of terror!

City Of The Dead - Remastered Ltd Edition

300 Years Old! Human Blood Keeps Them Alive FOREVER!

A college student Nan is researching the history of witchcraft. Taunted by her brother and fiancé, who have voiced their concerns, Nan arms herself with resolve and drives to the small New England village of Whitewood. She is glad she was able to count on the support of her professor. A bit anxious but consumed with curiosity, she will soon embark herself on the journey of her life! Introducing.

Bruce's Deadly Fingers - Blu-ray + Dvd Combo

Now His Whole Body Is Lethal!

After malicious gangsters capture Bruce Lee's ex-girlfriend, a young martial artist attempts to rescue her - and the late master's book containing lethal techniques for killing with one's fingers. Plenty of Kung-fu action and mayhem including a particularly gruesome scene involving the torture of a girl with a deadly snake!

VCI Entertainment - Fall 2017 Release Schedule

VCI Entertainment - Fall 2017 Release Schedule

Ruby [Dual Format] (September 12)

One Million B.C. [DVD and Blu-ray] (October 17)

Go, Johnny Go! (October 17)

Mussolini: The Untold Story (October 17)

Satan's Cheerleaders [Dual Format] (November 7)

The Aftermath [Dual Format] (November 7)

MORE INFO ON EACH TITLE BELOW

VCI Entertainment, the oldest surviving home video company in the USA, specializes in acquiring, restoring and preserving classic motion pictures from the 1930s, and beyond. These properties are then distributed in all medias worldwide. 

Robert Blair, President of VCI said, "We wholeheartedly continue the tradition my father began almost 50 years ago: of finding, preserving and distributing classic (and sometimes eclectic) movies, spanning decades of film production and many popular genres, of the highest-quality reproductions we can procure. Our goal is to become the leading independent supplier of archival quality classic film and television entertainment. It's an ambitious goal, but we think it is a noble one."

The VCI film library contains over 5,000 titles. VCI also created the made-for-video genre, with the production and release of Blood Cult (1985). 

VCI is also a strong supporter of independent producers and directors, and actively seeks out eclectic and cult movies for distribution.

Ruby [Blu-ray + DVD]

Christened in blood. Raised in sin. She's sweet sixteen, let the PARTY begin.

First time on Blu-ray from a new 2K film transfer from the original 35mm negative of the original theatrical version. She's sweet sixteen and her mama (Piper Laurie - the mother in the horror classic Carrie) wants to send her away. The deaf-mute daughter retaliates by calling up the spirit of her murdered father and in one terrifying night of horror, he exacts his revenge.

One Million B.C.
SEE THE MOST EXCITING ADVENTURE IN A MILLION YEARS!
One Million B.C. is a 1940 American historical epic fantasy film produced by Hal Roach Studios and released by United Artists. Boy meets girl - prehistoric style, in this classic of man's battle to survive against the terrors of the prehistoric world. Dinosaurs, savage nature and man and a gigantic erupting volcano are part of the camp adventure classic.

Go, Johnny Go!
See 10 Great Rock 'N Roll Stars! Hear 17 Great Rock 'N Roll Hits!
Rock & Roll changed 1950s America at 45 revolutions per minute, and the swinging-est of the R&R movies was the electrifying Go, Johnny, Go!. Hung on the loose storyline of d.j. great Alan Freed's search for the next big star.

Mussolini: The Untold Story
The story of "Il Duce," a gripping, original, seven-hour NBC miniseries starring superb actor George C. Scott, giving his most magnificent portrayal ever as the infamous dictator......Mussolini.

Satan's Cheerleaders [Blu-ray + DVD]
The Satanic kitsch classic!
Benedict High School's cheerleaders aren't shy and sweet. Will the cheerleaders succumb to the dark ritual of sexual sacrifice and death that's been plotted for them' Only those who dare watch will know!

Aftermath, The [Blu-ray + DVD]
What comes after World War III?
A spaceship returns from deep space to find the Earth in "The Aftermath" of a nuclear and biological war. The streets are filled with mutated survivors feeding off the weak and a Manson-like figure called Cutter (Sid Haig) is reigning terror down on all others. Cutter and his gang of mercenary thugs are systematically murdering all the male survivors and enslaving women and children.