FINALLY the list of DVD’s newly arrived from the mighty US of A. I’ve tried to order enough copies of each, but if I do run out, you might have to be patient and wait for a couple of weeks until they arrive back in. I’ve guessed at what titles will be most popular but it is very difficult for me to predict.

There are some fantastic titles to choose from, a lot of which are really quite rare and will probably be hard-to-find in the years to come.

I’m particularly impressed with the TV shows, most of which have never shown on free-to-air television here in Australia. All are terrific sets and have the added bonus of not being interrupted by ads, which is a god-send.

I’m still chasing up a couple of more shows from England and will let you know as soon as I have more word on them. The first is “Champion the Wonder Horse” a black and white series from the 1950’s which is bringing a lot of excitement to everyone I’ve mentioned it to.

Others like the original 1972 “Black Beauty” TV series and a more recent series called “The Stables” (a little like Saddle Club) and “Follyfoot Farm”, I’m still chasing and will let you know how I get on. It’s not easy, but I’m doing my best for everyone.

I have also ordered some British racing documentaries including “12 Greatest Ever Grand National Winners”, “The Cheltenham Hall of Fame” and “The Lester Piggott Story”.

While there are plenty of movies to be excited about, there have also been some disappointments. Some of the titles I ordered were missing from the boxes and when I followed it up, I was told the movie studios will not allow these titles to be sold internationally. The titles that have been blocked on are;
Mr Ed
Virginia’s Run
Tex
The Miracle of the White Stallions
The White Stallion, Lightning
The Horse in the Grey Flannel Suit
Gus
Dead Cert

I can only assume that these titles are due to be released here in Australia, but I have no idea when.

There is also no release date on the following highly requested titles, either here or in America. I’ve phoned the studio’s until I’ve driven them crazy but alas, no joy.
International Velvet
The Gypsy Colt
Ride A Wild Pony
Misty
Justin Morgan Had a Horse
Run Appaloosa, Run

It’s frustrating for everyone but at least we all have something to look forward to in the future.

Regarding new Aussie DVD releases, the new “Flicka” movie is available to buy from the second week in July, there is a special double edition of “Hidalgo” and “Seabiscuit” also due in July and “American Black Beauty” is due for release in October.

Finally, a word on the formatting of the disks. All countries are divided in regions; for example Australia is Region 4, the UK Region 2, the USA Region 1 and so on. On top of that, our operating system is PAL while America’s is NTSC. So while some of the DVD’s have “Formatted for Worldwide Use” on them, they are still NTSC format which may cause a problem in some players.

While most modern players are fine, some (including one of my own) is touchy about it, so please check before you order. I’m certainly no expert on DVD players, but if yours doesn’t work, then what I suggest is you go to one of your local discount stores and buy a second player that you know will work. I’ve seen them in shops like Harvey Norman for about $40 so it’s well worth the expense.

Anyway I hope you enjoy this list and I will keep you posted as more titles come through. Jody xxxx

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