MovieChat Forums > A Star Is Born (1954) Discussion > Audio Commentary

Audio Commentary

posted 19 years ago by wdervin
6 replies | jump to latest

About two years ago Turner Classic Movies showed the restored version, but the dialogue and musical numbers were toned down (in parts) and a fascinating audio commentary by the well-known film historian Ron Haver accompanied the film. Mr. Haver gave lots of details about the substituted and lost footage--where they filmed certain scenes and the difficult circumstances of filming off the set. His intimate knowledge of the making of this classic film helps to enrich its enjoyment for all of us.

I recently purchased the DVD and assumed that the audio commentary would be part of the package. Unfortunately, it was not. Perhaps TCM will rebroadcast this outstanding production in the future. In the meantime, perhaps you may wish to go to www.turnerclassicmovies.com and request that they show the audio commentary. It is well worth your time.

Tony

[–] CHARLIE-89 19 years ago

TCM had a series of films with commentaries broadcast on the SAP audio channel a number of years ago. Unfortunately, my cable provider botched it up somehow and I was unable to hear any of the commentaries. From what I remember reading about it, these would have been great to have on DVDs, like the one you mentioned of A STAR IS BORN. The one that I *really* wish had been included on a DVD was the commentary between Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Billy Wilder for SOME LIKE IT HOT. I wish so badly that had been included on the DVD, especially since Lemmon and Wilder are gone now. I wonder if TCM will ever take these audio commentaries out of their vault and make them available?

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] ChristmasStan 14 years ago

Are you sure it was Ron Haver that did the audio comentary. He died in 1993. So I kind of want to think it was done by someone else.

[–] ChristmasStan 14 years ago

Sadly no comentary for this release.

[–] wdervin 10 years ago

Stanton,

You are absolutely correct. I viewed the audio commentary version around 2003. As you noted, Ron Haver died in 1993. Robert Osborne made numerous comments during the film while giving Haver much credit for the missing footage. I don't know who was responsible for the audio commentary, but as you have mentioned, it certainly couldn't have been Ron Haver. I have emailed TCM several times regarding this dilemma, all to no avail.

[–] jononfire 10 years ago

Shortly before his death, Haver published a book devoted to the planning, filming, release and post-release history of the film, covering the period right down to its "restored" reissue. I've read it, and it's fascinating for movie buffs and followers of Judy, the film and Hollywood machinations. It's much more detailed than any audio track could be, and I'm sure it can be found, dating as it does from the early '90s. It's entitled "A Star Is Born", and I've just found it listed on Amazon for as little as 21 cents.

"Believe not what you only wish to believe, but that which truth demands."