Currently the film is available through the label Cheezy Flicks on DVD. Here's a trailer cut for the film by Cheezy Flicks.
There's some question as to the legitimacy of this release since Cheezy Flicks usually releases public domain films. The image quality is only slightly higher than previous VHS releases, and these all seem to share the same television print source video.
The first home video release came in 1989 from Rhino Video on VHS and Laserdisc and was later re-released with an Elvira opening (presented in 3-D). As I've mentioned above these releases all seem to share the same video master that was shown on television throughout the eighties.
If you want to see an actual theatrical print version of the film, you're in luck. On October the 26th, just a day shy of 50 years since its first public screening, the TIFF Bell Lightbox will be pulling out a rare and battered print from the its Film Reference Library Archives in Toronto and 8:30.
It will be presented as part of UNESCO World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (and not in celebration of the film's birthday). This is a very rare screening intended to highlight on the film's cultural importance and its need for a restoration.
"The image quality is only slightly higher than previous VHS releases, and these all seem to share the same television print source video."
ReplyDeleteThe Rhino/Elvira VHS is actually better looking than the Cheezy DVD. DVD is second generation looking, with blacks not as bold, and murkier picture quality.
"This is a very rare screening intended to shed light on the film's cultural importance and its need for a restoration."
Amen! May it succeed.
Great idea for Oct. posts, BTW. Looking forward to reading more.