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Post #738247

Author
TServo2049
Parent topic
Info: Our projects released thread
Link to post in topic
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/738247/action/topic#738247
Date created
29-Nov-2014, 7:58 PM

The Rudolph LD is almost certainly the 1965 edit with "Fame and Fortune."

The original Sony DVD does have the "hybrid" 1998 restoration. I'm not sure if any of the restored footage was left out of subsequent home releases. What I do know is that the more recent TV airings took some of the restored scenes back out, as well as changing the Rudolph/Hermey duet to a bizarre Frankenstein version with the original song audio put to the "Fame and Fortune" visuals.

Also, the original end credits are missing from all official releases, to my knowledge. The original ending didn't actually show Santa pick up the Misfit Toys and deliver them - that was another 1965 addition, due to viewers sending letters to GE wanting to know what happened to them . (Most of the deleted footage that was reinstated in '98 was, I believe, cut back in 1965 to make room for the new ending.)

At least one black and white 16mm print of the true original 1964 version exists in private hands, and the clips of the original opening/closing/GE commercials are all on a YouTube, but a color version of the original ending apparently doesn't exist. The original negative has all the stuff that was added back in for the restoration...except for the original ending.