Bud Abbott : Universal Rip Off

Universal Rip Off

Just learned that Universal is releasing a new DVD set: Abbott & Costello: The Complete Universal Pictures Collection DVD set. This will include every A&C picture released by Universal Studios and will run about $90.00 American.

The problem is that they've already released almost all of these movies in The Best of Abbott & Costello volumes 1-4. Being a huge A&C fan, I bought all of these volumes a long time ago. I've been enjoying them ever since.

The difference between the 4 volume sets and the "Complete Collection" is that the Complete Collection finally includes "It Ain't Hay". This movie was not released with the previous 4 volume set due to some tie-up with the film rights. "It Ain't Hay" will only be released in this huge $90 volume, so that's how much you have to pay if you want to see this long lost film. No way will I pay $90 to view one "New Release" and 30 duplicates (in addition to 27 films previously released, this collection will also have "The World of Abbott & Costello", "Abbott & Costello meet Jerry Seinfeld", and "Abbott & Costello meet the Monsters" Documentaries. These were all previously released on The Best of Abbott & Costello volume 4). It's true that a number of these films will now have Audio Commentaries added, but it's still not worth it.

I get really ticked when Studios feel they have to Double Dip like this. Releasing all of these films once, then releasing them all again just so you can get some small extra features is just wrong. Folks need to do it right the first time.

I know that a lot of studios and filmmakers do this, but it ain't right.
Top