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Jim Patterson · Guest

Having just purchased the new 2-disc 50th Anniversary Special Edition of "The Man With Thje Golden Arm," I must congratulate everyone involved. This is certainly superior to the 2002 release on Sanctuary - and I thought that was good at the time. The picture qualitysurpasses anything seen before on DVD and the extras - along with the previous Elmer Berstein featurette and the interview with Frank Sinatra - include a revised and newly recorded audio commentary from Ken Barnes PLUS a terrific audio-visual montage entitled SINATRA IN SESSION and ON SET,
A carefully assmbled series of mainly never-before-seen stills of Sinatra covering on-set shots and photos taken during the recording session that resulted in a fine vocal performance of a song called "The Man With The Golden Arm" by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen. Originally, this was intended to be used over the main title but was later replaced by the Elmer Bernstein score. Which turned out to be a wise move because the song, although beuatifully-written and well sung, is really quite morose and depressing. Perhaps, for this reason, the track was never released commercially. It remained unissued until a box set of CDs that appeared a couple of years ago under the title "Sinatra in Hollywood." This marks the first time it has been heard on DVD and it's certainly something to treasure.

Anyone who cares at all about Sinatra's work as an actor should not hesitate to invest in this highly satisfying release produced in association with Sinatra Enterprises. It's available ONLY in North America from Hart Sharp Video of New York

Colin Craig · Guest

Dear Ken Barnes,

Having just recently discovered your excellent website, I immediately ordered the new 50th Anniversary Edition of THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM. What an absolute knockout ! Apart from the beauitful quality of the picture and sound, I found your audio commentary both informative and entertaining ( unlike so many which just ramble on for two hours without getting anywhere ). Also your interview with the late,great Elmer Bernstein was a revelation. This is an object lesson in how DVDs should be produced.

Thank you

Colin Craig

Ken Barnes · Host Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 548

My thanks to both Jim Patterson and Colin Craig. I'm glad you like the new DVD.

basket78 · Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 4

Ken Barnes · Host Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 548

This movie was issued on DVD by Fox in the USA back in May - together with two other Sinatra "detective" movies ( Tony Rome and Lady In Cement ). Why would they want to release these titles ? Because there is a demand for them. Does that answer your question ?

Jim Patterson · Guest

It must be at least a couple of years since " Meet Danny Wilson" was mentioned as a possible DVD for Universal. Surely, with the upcoming Sinatra stage show at the London Palladium, it would make sense to get this onto the market - preferably with Ken Barnes producing it.

Phil Jellicoe · Guest

I heartily agree with Jim Patterson, this is the perfect time for those sluggish people at Universal to do themselves - and everyone else - a favour by putting "Meet Danny Wilson" on DVD. Or could it be that they have their heads in the sand as usual and haven't heard about the upcoming Palladium event ?

Jim Patterson · Guest

I have just seen the new stage show featuring Frank Sinatra "Live" (sic) at the London Pallladium. It's nothing short of terrific. The staging, the choreography and, above all, the merging of the late,great singer with a live big band is a complete delight. I recommend it unreservedly to anyone who wants to hear some of the greatest songs ever written by the most celebrated singer of our time.

Mow. Universal, can we please have "Meet Danny Wilson" on DVD ?

Mark Fox · Joined: 02 May 2006 Posts: 76

MEET DANNY WILSON is very elusive-I eventually found a VHS copy and transferred it to DVD.
Now I'm looking for SERGEANTS'THREE!

Ken Barnes · Host Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 548

Sergeants Three is a real rarity. It was never even released on VHS.

It is hoped that United Artists and the Sinatra Estate will eventually come to an agreement and we'll see it soon on DVD.

Ken

Mark Fox · Joined: 02 May 2006 Posts: 76

Sergeants Three was recently released in Japan-considered buying it but was afraid it had subtitles throughout.

Ken Barnes · Host Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 548

I'm not certain if this Japanese release is authorised. I'll check it out with the Sinatra office next week.

Mark Fox · Joined: 02 May 2006 Posts: 76

It was advertised in THE SINATRA SOCIETY OF JAPAN journal recently-I'll dig out the details-I'm sure it wasn't a 'bootleg'!

Ken Barnes · Host Joined: 07 Feb 2004 Posts: 548

Even the SINATRA SOCIETY OF JAPAN may have produced unauthorised bootleg material. I'll try and get to the bottom of this as soon as possible.

Mark Fox · Joined: 02 May 2006 Posts: 76

It's not that type of advert-,however if my understanding of Japanese were better,I'd be able to translate the accompanying text. Also featured is THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE(available in the UK)and NEVER SO FEW(which isn't).
I can deduce that none of the above are produced by THE JAPANESE SINATRA SOCIETY.