Classic Pinoy Movies on DVD

[Klaus Weasley]

I think this deserves a separate thread.

A lot of other countries preserve their classic films on DVD: Japan, France, the U.S., Sweden, Hong Kong, etc. but the classic films of the Philippines are not given the DVD treatment. Hell, they're not even available on VHS or VCD. To view them, one must hunt them down in libraries and universities and the copies of them are not very good. It's a pity our government or any private companies does not take the time (or money) to preserve our cinematic cultural heritage.  I read an article that most, if not all, our silent films are gone forever and that the Juan Tamad films by Manuel Conde, considered by a lot of people to be one of our very best, are also gone depriving future generations from ever viewing them.  :'(

I think it's about time we make an effort to have more classic Pinoy films available on DVD's. Like Batch 81, Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag, Himala, Oro Plata Mata, etc.  by signing some sort of petition or something. What do you guys think?

[LeClercq]

I totally agree. Right now I am searching for many classic Filipino movies and have been fustrated by the lack of availability. Even trying to find some of Lino Brocka's films, besides "Macho Dancers", has been nearly impossible. I would love to see Brocka's "Jaquar" or Gerardo De Leon's "El Filibusterismo". I wonder if there is any agency in the Philippines that is trying to rectify this problem?

[RMN]

I saw and viewed DVD's of LVN Classic films. Not bad, except for the sound quality. With subtitles. Too bad these ain't for commercial release--yet.

[Dowals]

If I may add the first version of SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL, if you guys consider this a classic.  One of the scariest Filipino films made.  Just wondering if how this film will sound if remastered in 5.1 audio


Scared most of us when we were younger 

[cicconeguy]

cinefilipino.com, unitel's site is currently selling some modern filipino classics (mostly from regal films). upcoming releases are from sampaguita pictures. they're only available for sale through their site. but i sent them an email asking if they have any plans to sell them in local stores (astrovision, etc.). someone replied and said they are currently in negotiation with a local distributor. that's good news. sana this year.

[uebetan12]

wala pa sa horizon ng cinefilipino.com ang maynila sa kuko ng liwanag, the only filipino movie listed in a website as one of the greatest movies of all time.

genhis khan [1953] by manuel conde.

me isang copy pero nasa venice pa, kaya i don't think we will be able to see this movie in our lifetime 

[indie boi]

Finally got Manila By Night, Cain at Abel, and Karnal from the Cinefilipino catalogue. Apparently, Magnet carries stocks of these DVDs. I haven't checked the quality of Cain and Karnal. As for Manila by Night, it's passable, the subtitles are ok though.

[Mr. Hankey]

As for Manila by Night, it's passable, the subtitles are ok though.

Hi indie. Can you please check the film's running time for me? I want to know if this was the theatrical edited version that was officially released on local video years ago, or the "uncut" version I was able to get on Beta through "alternative sources" back then.

[keating]

If subs are included, that was Bernal's CUT. Without the mind-boggling narration at the finale.

[indie boi]

Hi indie. Can you please check the film's running time for me? I want to know if this was the theatrical edited version that was officially released on local video years ago, or the "uncut" version I was able to get on Beta through "alternative sources" back then.

The posted running time at the back of the DVD case is 151 minutes.

[indie boi]

If subs are included, that was Bernal's CUT. Without the mind-boggling narration at the finale.

Keating, the subtitles are new, just like the subtitles in DVDs and not those you see that is included in the film stock.

[keating]

Keating, the subtitles are new, just like the subtitles in DVDs and not those you see that is included in the film stock.

Ei Indie.....can you check if there is narration at the end of the movie? Thanks for the info regarding the subs.

[Mr. Hankey]

The posted running time at the back of the DVD case is 151 minutes.

Thanks, man.

[johnnyblaze]

Thanks, man.

Does this mean, the version thats recently released is the un-cut version? 

What was ommited on the original version?

[keating]

If I may add the first version of SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL, if you guys consider this a classic.  One of the scariest Filipino films made.  Just wondering if how this film will sound if remastered in 5.1 audio


Scared most of us when we were younger 

SRR is a cult classic, the first one I mean. The BASO, PRIDYEDER & MANANANGGAL episodes are still imbedded in my memory.

[Dowals]

we share the same sentiments bro keating

up to know been wondering what's inside our old ref in the "bodega" 

[keating]

If I was not rejected in ALAPAAP back in 1984, during the MMFF, I would have missed SRR but due to its adult content, we ended up watching SRR with my cousins.

But I find the ending of the PRIDYEDER episode so silly, unplug mo lang pala, and the terror will stop.  The house is a stone's throw away from the residence of the late Ishmael Bernal, btw, dowals.

[Dowals]

If I was not rejected in ALAPAAP back in 1984, during the MMFF, I would have missed SRR but due to its adult content, we ended up watching SRR with my cousins.

But I find the ending of the PRIDYEDER episode so silly, unplug mo lang pala, and the terror will stop.  The house is a stone's throw away from the residence of the late Ishmael Bernal, btw, dowals.

the house should be preserved to commemorate SSR 

[keating]

Nice comment, bro. Its the same house in MANILA BY NIGHT and the residence of Jobelle Salvador in BAGETS. Remember that scene when Bistek visited Jobelle? 

[Mr. Hankey]

I think it's about time we make an effort to have more classic Pinoy films available on DVD's. Like Batch 81...

Viva has just released this on DVD. Here's a link to my review of the disc (not of the film), with a few screen captures.