DVDs Missing in Action
Too many great titles are still missing from DVD. Here are a few random choices that I would love to see on DVD. Perhaps the less obvious are more interesting. Do you have any favorites missing in action? You can add your suggestions directly to the DVDMIA database by clicking DVDMIA and filling in the form.
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List By Decade
1910-1949
1950-59
1960-69
1970-79
1980-89
1990-Present
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July 19, 2002
Wouldn't it be wonderful to see a restored DVD of Michael Powell's fabulous fantasy Thief of Bagdad (1940). Dan Pazzulo of Mcalester, Oklahoma notes this essential movie of a significant DVDMIA.
Perhaps the melodrama is poured on a bit much, but Kings Row (1942) is a solid classy soap with a grand score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Ronald Reagan over the top before he became President. Izzet Oncel in Istanbul. Turkey thinks the Sam Wood directed flick deserves a DVD day .Izzet also notes the sad absense of To Be or Not to Be (1942), the terrific Ernst Lubitsch comedy with Jack Benny and Carole Lombard lampooning the Nazi occupiers of Poland.
One of those small Robert Wise films still absent from DVD, Destination Gobi (1953) features Richard Widmark trying to get a team of meteorologists through the desert. Merle Thompson in Waukeegan, IL figures this would be a wise DVD choice.
Sophia Loren in soaking wet garments is the chief attraction in Boy on a Dolphin (1957), unless a bare-chested Alan Ladd is your thing. Colorful widescreen water stuff. Gerald Armstrong in Miranda, CA thinks this one should surf onto DVD.
One of those great unsung Jeff Bridges roles is at the heart of American Heart (1992). It's a tough movie to watch, but it is true to the streets. Good choice from Michael Berlin of San Francisco, CA as a DVDMIA.
Hurd Bastian of Miami, Florida wonders Quo Vadis? (1951), that is where is the film on DVD? Robert Taylor and Deborah Kerr under the stare of Peter Ustinov's wild-eyed Nero. Great Miklos Rozsa score.
Any day I keep waiting to hear an announcement for Treasure of Sierra Madre (1948) for DVD. Bogie at his best under the direction of John Huston. Terry A. Evans of Milwaukee, WI thinks this should be a DVD treasure.
Absolutely panting for Billy Wilder's droll Sunset Blvd (1950) on DVD! Michael Shires in Austin, Texas thinks Norma Desmond should get her DVD close-up.
All of John Sturges films should be on DVD already. Ice Station Zebra (1968) features Rock Hudson on ice. Michael Vendetti of West Haven, Conn wants a DVD thaw.
Some good work by Marilyn Monroe in a small role, but the best of Clash by Night (1952) is a nasty Robert Ryan. Star Barbara Stanwyck and Paul Douglas under Fritz Lang's directing whip. Jane Ward of Memphis, Tn. wants this black and white flick on DVD.
Monte Walsh (1970) is a eccentric western from great cinematographer William A. Fraker in the director's chair. Lee Marvin is the aging cowpoke and Jeanne Moreau a wise lady. Bob Walls of Galloway, Ohio would like Monte to get his sunset under DVD.
May 30, 2002
Director Walter Hill put Ryan O'Neal behind the wheel in The Driver (1978). Cathy Stapleton from Langley, BC, Canada points out its absence on DVD.
Earl Pedroza of Redlands, CA thinks Edward James Olmos's fine film American Me (1992) should get a DVD debut.
John Frankenheimer's Black Sunday (1977) is even more frightening today than when it was made 25-years-ago. The thriller is still missing from DVD notes Jeff Stucenski in Springfield, Mass.
May 23, 2002
Lots of requests for a DVD release of Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) recently. Victor Marchese in Brooklyn, New York joins the chorus. Hello, Columbia, are you listening?
Erik Brekke in Myklebust, Norway is tired of waiting for Where Eagles Dare (1968). The war flick stars Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood. MGM could get a release out pretty we hope.
Black comedy with Shirley MacLaine going through husbands faster than past lives, What a Way to Go! (1964) is still absent from DVD notes Josh Blake in San Diego, CA.
Elizabeth Taylor glows. Robert Taylor is dashing. The color is fabulous, the script outstanding. So, where is Ivanhoe (1952) on DVD? I guess this is one MGM title that Warner needs to release. Walter Johnson of Boise, Idaho is tired of waiting.
Straight from the pages of the movie sixties movie magazines, Valley of the Dolls (1967) is a melodramatic look at Hollywood dark side. Arnie Grable of Huston, Texas would like a DVD release.
A big production of Colonial America from Cecil B. DeMille, Unconquered (1947) boasts Gary Cooper and Paulette Goddard as its stars. Serena Goldberg of New York City wants an opportunity to see it on DVD.
Carlos Camiñas Miami, Fl. has a hankering for Shirley Valentine (1989) on DVD. Pauline Collins got an Academy Award© Best Actress nomination for her role.
Before Montgomery Clift worked with Fred Zinnemann on From Here to Eternity, he starred in the excellent drama The Search (1948) for him. It's a good call for a DVD release from Robert Short in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
Akira Kurosawa's Dreams (1990) contains some breathtakingly beautiful images. Mark Han of Pullman, Washington would like to share them on DVD
Hotel Sahara (1951) featuring Peter Ustinov ogling Yvonne De Carlo under Ken Annakin's direction in a North Africa setting. Sophia Lagarino of Boston, Mass would like to see it on DVD. Sophia also thinks The Great Caruso (1951) starring Maroo Lanza is a great DVD idea.
May 1, 2002
A classic Bertolucci still MIA is The Conformist (1970) notes Tony Guarisco in Baton Rouge, La. Is that a Paramount property for US distribution? Paging anyone for a DVD release.
Walter Matthau makes the most of this wry spill satire Hopscotch (1980). Glenda Jackson co-stars. Directed by Ronald Neame. Fred Jennings in Toronto, Canada is ready to purchase a DVD.
I smell a release coming soon for the devilishly great film Treasure of Sierra Madre (1948). Humphrey Bogart digs deep and Walter Huston dances with delight under the guidance of director John Huston. Clem Dickey in San Jose, CA. knows a good DVDMIA when it's unavailable. Paging Warner. Clem also thinks the Judy Garland/Gene Kelly Summer Stock (1950) deserves a DVD release.
Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney, now there's a beautiful screen pair. They starred in The Razor's Edge (1946) which Billie Sinclair in Chicago, Ill cites as a necessary DVD release.
Doris Day plays torch singer Ruth Etting and James Cagney is the guy who wants to control her in Love Me or Leave Me (1955), another fine title still not on DVD suggested for release by June Gomes in Boston, Mass.
A stylish little thriller from John Boulting by way of Graham Greene, Brighton Rock (1947) starred Richard Attenborough. John Smith of Smokesville, OR. suggests this one for DVD. I second the notion.
An Oscar© nominated Susan Hayward performance should be enough to get With a Song in My Heart (1952) out onto DVD suggests Sherman Woods in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Roman Polanski stars under his own direction in The Tenant (1976), a strange film of paranoia. David DePutron of Orchid, Fl. wants to peak in on Polanski's film on DVD.
April 19, 2002
William Boyd in Beijing, China would like to see a DVD release of The World of Suzie Wong (1960). Anything with William Holden I always say and Nancy Kwan really shined in that flick.
A high end transfer in widescreen might make an appealing home theater meal out of Flower Drum Song (1961), the Rogers and Hart musical missing from DVD notes Glenn Aston-Reeseg in Washington, Pa.
Marcus Larsson has an affinity for the bizarre work of Roman Polanski. He's like a DVD release of The Tenant (1976) and Bitter Moon (1992) Marcus also note that the very fine supernatural thriller The Uninvited (1944) has never seen the light of DVD.
Some folks just can't get their fill of gremlins. Nicolas Thornburg in Russelville, Indiana want Gremlins 2: The Next Batch (1990) to get a DVD release.
April 15, 2002
Susan Hayward lovers should start up a campaign to get some of her neglected films on DVD. Thomas Walker of Phoenix, Arizona thinks it's about time Smash-Up, The Story of a Woman (1947) got its DVD due.
Here's a solid sentimental call: Lassie Come Home (1943) deserves to be on DVD notes Linda Biskup in Wellington, Ohio.
The fine Nicolas Ray rodeo drama The Lusty Men (1952) definitely deserves first-class DVD treatment notes Pablo Utin in Tel Aviv, Israel.
What's holding up Where Eagles Dare (1969) wonders Alan Hare in Irving, Texas. Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood were a strong combo in the war thriller.
One of the early John Hughes youth productions, Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) has not yet been released on DVD notes John Gibb in the United Kingdom.
April 11, 2002
One of the first starring roles for Nicolas Cage was Martha Coolidge's Valley Girl (1983). Christine L. of Cedar Lake, Indiana would like a DVD release.
Bethany Lawson in Dallas, Texas wants John Travolta to mount the bull on DVD in Urban Cowboy (1980).
Young Man with a Horn (1950) with Kirk Douglas and The Fountainhead with Gary Cooper are a couple of fine black and white features that have not gotten DVD respect notes William Bixler in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Joe Campbell of Goodwater, Alabama has a DVD hankering for Li'l Abner (1959) on DVD. I wouldn't mind a little Daisy Mae myself Joe also notes that The Boys in Company C (1978), an unheralded Vietnam flick, has yet to make the DVD scene.
With the recent announcement of A Yank in the R.A.F. by Fox, Tyrone Power fans has high hopes that more of his films will be released on DVD. Art Paley of Belmont, CA. wants The Captain from Castile (1947), the colorful Power starring vehicle.
Where is The Name of the Rose (1986)?. It was announced for DVD, but never made it. Jeff B. in Portland, Oregon would like to watch the film starring Sean Connery.
April 1, 2002
Come on Fox: Let's get the dust of The Mark of Zorro (1940) , the wonderful Tyrone Power swashbuckler cum western. Lou Aguilar in Venice, CA. reminds us that it's a significant DVDMIA. Lou also notes that Teacher's Pet (1958) , the classy Clark Gable/Doris Day comedy is wanting a DVD release.
Waiting for the classic scifi The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) to come to DVD life is James Resinger in Lexington, Ky.
Billy Pueblo in Chico, Texas rides in with this DVDMIA, Ride the High Country (1962), the lovely little Sam Peckinpah western.
Anyone for Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959), the Jules Verne adventure filmed in colorful widescreen. Greg Adams is ready to sit down a watch a DVD when it's released.
March 15, 2002
No equivocation about Ed Weinman's DVD desires: Ed wants Warner to release the entire classic MGM library they own. I am afraid we will have to settle for single drops. Let's hope it's a steady flow.
Here's one of those Warner classics Ed is talking about, The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939). Errol Flynn woos the Queen in this black and white swashbuckler that Shirley Issom of Ft. Wayne, Indiana would like to watch on DVD.
The absurd holiday dinner scene in The Ref (1994) was a memorable family gathering. Ted Demme's film still has not made it to DVD notes Ryan Nelson of Minneapolis, MN.
Peter Ustinov is the owner of Hotel Sahara (1951) in this fleet British black and white comedy, a DVDMIA notes Harold Emerson of Santa Barbara, CA.
Adding to the classic Japanese film DVD output is a great idea. Jon N. in Philadelphia would like to see Mizoguchi's great saga Ugetsu (1953) in the best optical format.
How fast can you get from Denver to San Francisco in a hot Dodge is the chief question of Vanishing Point (1971). Artur Kolski in Zakopane, Poland wants the answer of DVD.
There's plenty of star magic in John Ford's Mogambo (1953) with Gable vacillating between Grace Kelly and Ava Gardner. Maurice Oaks of Charleston, WV wants to know who Gable winds up with.
Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole go toe to toe in Becket (1964) as the Archbishop of Canterbury and King Henry II. Istvan M. in Albuquerque, NM thinks it's about time for a DVD.
Still no definitive word on when we get a 1776 (1972) restoration on DVD notes Ryan Hamrick of Oklahoma City, OK.
March 7, 2002
Pedro de Vargas joins Cortez on his Mexican expedition in the colorful spectacle Captain from Castile (1947) starring Tyrone Power. Cherry Lindstrom of Rochester, NY would like a DVD release of this Technicolor© treat.
Here's an notable DVDMIA. Louis Malle's controversial Pretty Baby (1978) is still not on the best optical media note Chris Connell in Switzerland.
Robert Taylor sacrifices all for love as Peter Ustinov chews up the scenery as Nero in Quo Vadis? (1951), another notable DVD missing in action notes Loretta Quintana of Los Angeles, CA.
Say it isn't say Patricia Walker: Love Me or Leave Me (1955), the excellent biopic of singer Ruth Etting starring Doris Day and James Cagney is not yet on DVD. Paging Marty the Gimp.
Julia Dodson in Dallas, Texas thinks Ridley Scott's first flick The Duellists (1977) deserves a fine DVD release. We certainly second the notion.
Somebody must br crazy not to release The Gods Must be Crazy (1980) on DVD observes Randy Chadni of Los Angeles, CA. Make Coca Cola should make it a free giveaway program.
How about releasing the fascinating Spanish film Spirit of the Beehive (1973). Anyone? Jon N. in Philadelphia, Pa. is ready to throw down the cash for this one.
Mason Jones of New York City thinks it sinful to keep James Cagney's frenetic performance in One, Two, Three (1961) off DVD. One of the best of Billy Wilder's later efforts.
A terrific example of active surround sound use, Rustler's Rhapsody (1985) hasn't taken out its six guns for DVD yet notes Billy Pueblo in Chico, Texas. The energetic comedy stars Tom Berenger trying hard to be funny.
February 22, 2002
Can the wonderful adventure flick Ivanhoe (1951) still be a DVDMIA ponders Bea Warner in Va Beach, Va.
Billy Wilder plus Kirk Douglas adds up to Ace in the Hole (1951), an outstanding drama still absent on DVD notes Robert Pruitt in King of Prussia, Pa.
We got the cartoon version of Anastasia (1956) on DVD; how about the original starring Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner questions Lucille Know in Waukegan, Il.
The charming comedy Apartment for Peggy (1948) isn't on DVD reminds Sandra Juniper in Seattle, Wa.
Sylvia Peterson is wondering when a DVD of Edward My Son (1949) will be available. Spencer Tracy and Deborah Kerr co-star.
Here's a good suggestion from Eric Carpenter in Concord, NC: The Leopard (1963), the beautifully crafted Visconti view of changing Italy starring Burt Lancaster. Make sure it's the uncut version please.
February 15 2002
The malevolent art of W. C. Fields brings It's a Gift(1934) to life, another fine title missing from DVD notes Gwendolyn Aughtry in Landover, Md.
Peter Bogdanovich's charming comic tale Paper Moon (1973) has yet to glow on DVD Paul Kestler of Bridgeport Pa. reminds us.
One of the Dashiell Hammett adaptations, The Glass Key (1942) starred Alan Ladd is an excellent suggestion for DVD release from M. Berlin in San Francisco.
February 10 2002
Here's a couple of forgotten entries in the DVDMIA database from Larry Steele in Sarasota, Florida: Pather Panchali (1955) and The World of Apu (1959) from Indian director Satyajit Ray. Larry also notes The Nasty Girl (1990) as missing, a very fine film from German director Michael Verhoeven.
A devastating performance won Olivia de Havilland the Best Actress Oscar© for The Heiress (1949), noted as a missing in action DVD by Sammy Dees in Valdosta, Ga.
From Madrid, Spain Raul Carretto requests a DVD release of Death in Venice (1971) starring Dirk Bogarde in the Mahler-like role.
The eerie melodrama The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) has yet to make it to DVD Brian Spitler of Orlando, Florida reminds us. What's your that's portrait hanging on your wall looking like these days?
February 6, 2002
Joaquin Haglund of Sweden wants the delightful pirate yard The Crimson Pirate (1952) starring Burt Lancaster to get a DVD release. How about The Flame and the Arrow (1950) and Ten Tall Men (1951) also starring the athletic Burt.
Sleepless nights for for Stephen Shuttleworth in Oakland, CA. waiting fro a DVD release of I Wake Up Screaming (1941). Victor Mature and Betty Grable star in the mystery.
Jonathan Matthews in New York City thinks Orson Welles' Macbeth (1948) should get it's DVD release tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.
Betty Jean Sorrento in Newark, NJ can't understand why The Bandwagon (1953) has not made it to DVD yet. Fred Astaire should light up the DVD screens.
January 31, 2002
Bette Davis starred in The Letter (1940), a fine Somerset Maugham drama set in Malaya. Nat Young in Jersey City, NJ would like to read it on DVD.
A director's cut DVD of Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951) commands David LaVigne of Clarksville, Tenn. He'll no doubt accept the regular theatrical release with Gregory Peck in C. S. Forester's uniform.
From Rudy in Redwood City, CA. comes a request for a DVD release of The Landlord (1970), an amiable comedy starring Beau Bridges.
Sepehr Aman in San Diego wants a DVD of What a Way to Go (1964) starring Shirley MacLaine.
Please rev up you engines gentlemen for Hans Stadig's request for a DVD release of Le Mans (1971) starring Steve McQueen behind the wheel.
January 27, 2002
A very reasonable request from Julia Dodson in Dallas, Texas is for a DVD release of Top Hat (1935). How about a package of all those classic Astaire musicals. Paging Warner.
Another essential suggestion from Julia is Gunga Din (1939), the splendid adventure film from George Stevens starring Cary Grant, Victor McLaglen and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. It was Din, Din, Din inspired by the Rudyard Kipling poem.
Bill Holmes in Fairfield, NY thinks DVD deserves some Straight TIme (1978), the hard-edged crime drama starring Dustin Hoffman as an ex-con.
Bowers Hutton in Decatur, IL wonders how come Laura (1944), a quintessential noir starring Dana Andrews and Gene Tierney isn't on DVD yet. How about it Fox?
Scott Wilson in Cleveland, Ohio casts a vote for A Member of the Wedding (1952) on DVD. The film adapted from the Carson McCullers novel stars Julie Harris and a young Brandon de Wilde. From director Fred Zinnemann.
January 17, 2002
Steve Cox in Carmel Indiana has a hankering for Valley Girl (1983) on DVD.
The very fine film Mi Familia (1995) is still a missing in action DVD notes Kris Quintero. Beautifully filmed and acted it surely deserves a release from Buena Vista.
A. Siebert in Chicago IL wants to see The Joy luck Club (1993) get its DVD due.
In Cherry Hill, NJ Chris Olivo has an idea that Wise Guys (1986) deserves a DVD examination.
January 14, 2002
Watching Fred Astaire strut his stuff in The Band Wagon (1953) on DVD is a must. How about in Warner, open up the vaults.
Perhaps Criterion will release Once Were Warriors (1994) on DVD since they released the fine laser several years back. Robert Ingram of Newalla, Oklahoma is ready to shell out the bucks.
Walter Matthau plays Hopscotch (1980) as a former CIA agent in this crisp actioner from director Ronald Neame. Jerry van West in Chandler, AZ would like to catch it all on DVD.
Arguably Joan Crawford's best performance is as Mildred Pierce (1945), the girl from the wrong side of the tracks determined to make good in the business world. d O. and Jaime P in St. Joseph, MO both are anxious to watch Crawford in her Oscar© winning performance.
"Top of the world, Mom." James Cagney plays the quintessential crazy gangster in White Heat (1949). Gladys G. of Iowa City, Iowa thinks Cagney should have his moment of the DVD tower.
January 11, 2002
Bette Davis stars in the classy weeper The Letter (1940). William Wyler helms. Patty Aspen of Chatham, IL notes it is one of the prime missing DVDs.
Jeff G. in Naperville might have to cry out to Odin to get his desired DVD release of The Vikings (1958). Kirk Douglas gets a patch and manages a mighty stunt on the oars.
Gwendolyn Aughtry thinks we should speak now or forever hold our peace concerning a DVD release of Johnny Belinda (1948). Jane Wyman received the Oscar© for her performance.
January 5, 2002
Are we really still waiting for the young Fast Eddie to display his pool acumen on DVD in The Hustler (1961)? Jeff Kocan in Morgantown, West Virginia can't wait to check it out.
Washington, D.C. resident Joe McGinniss is looking for Bodies, Rest and Motion (1993) DVD release.
Robert Taylor and Vivien Leigh make a great romantic pair in Waterloo Bridge (1939). Reg M. in Minneapolis thinks the black and white film would glow on DVD.
Kathryn Grayson has a smile for Howard Keel, Red Skelton and Gower Champion in Lovely to Look At (1952). Patricia Walker in Glendale, AZ. has it on her DVD wish list.
Selections from the Feature
Archive include articles on Akira Kurosawa, Blonde Bimbos, Frank Darabont, Steven Culp, John Herzfeld or Vietnam: The Hollywood Pariah, and many
more....
The Bitch Brigade
A line-up of lean-lipped actresses who marched through
Hollywood in a high heeled goose step armed with razor sharp dialogue.
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OSCAR© WINNERS ON AND OFF THE DVD SHELF.
Best Picture Oscar© winners are well-represented on DVD, but many actor
and actress winners are DVDMIA.
The Movie Poster Archive includes extensive poster images from the films of stars like Susan Hayward, Kirk Douglas, Katharine Hepburn and many more. Our featured star is Errol Flynn.
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