Bob Furmanek of The 3-D Film Archive is working on their most ambitious and labor-intensive effort yet — teaming up with TCA Television Corp. and the Lou Costello Estate to restore and preserve The Abbott & Costello Show from its original 35mm camera negatives! This mammoth project is being propelled by a Kickstarter campaign, which is nearing its completion. Click the title card above to participate. Do it today!
With these shows, what we see today comes from standard-definition transfers done back in the 80s, that have been “sharpened” and monkeyed with over the years for DVD release. (My old 16mm prints were better-looking!) For this new release, the 26 Season One episodes will be scanned from 35mm master elements in 4K — and each episode will be digitally cleaned, frame by frame.
Some episodes will have commentaries, including my own ramblings for episode 11, “The Western Story.” I’m honored.
These shows are terrific — it’s still considered one of the greatest TV shows ever, and I’m so stoked The 3-D Film Archive is giving them the four-star treatment they gave Africa Screams (1949). Can’t wait to see Stinky, Mike The Cop and Hillary Brooke in all their 4K glory. Essential.
Toby, this is great news. Anytime a movie, or tv show can be restored and preserved is a high point for all of us. Also, congratulations on your upcoming commentary for “The Western Story” episode of THE ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SHOW. The cow milking scene is always a hoot.
Great timing on this post. I just read a couple books on A&C. I love these guys. This TV show is just like their movies, some episodes are great, some are so-so. What’s amazing is that no one can do their routines and even be remotely funny. Bud Abbott’s timing and handling of his side of the routines is an art form unmatched by any other comedian. Recently I saw A&C Go To Mars – its awesome.
Toby – It appears that the time to pledge money for the restoration has expired on July 12. I would like to pre-order Season 1.