Welcome to Blue Ribbon Blues!

~ ~ ~ ~ last updated 2024-02-22 ~ ~ ~ ~

What are "Blue Ribbon" reissues?

In April 1943, Film Daily announced that due to World War 2, budget issues affected the Schlesinger studio, and the cartoon schedule had to be cut in half. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. still wanted Schlesinger to release 39 reels annually. As a compromise, starting in September that same year, various cartoons began to be released.
Dubbed "Blue Ribbons" due to their new title cards, these had their titles cut off from their original negatives, which was only done because Jack Warner believed it would save money.

Why is this important?

With the trimming of the titles, also came the cutting of credits. With the cutting of the credits, several directors, animators, and artists have been robbed of their rightful credits for more than 80 years.
Not only is recovering these elements important in figuring out just who did what, but it’s also a critical issue in regard to seeing these films the true way they were intended.
Some directors (like Tex Avery) often did gags and unique variants (such as a book opening) in the beginning and end titles. Because of these reissues, several of these unique and clever sequences may be lost to time.

How can I help?

Original titles can turn up in any form. Whether it be on a full print, a cel, a production layout, a background painting, a nitrate snippet, or even just the soundtrack. If you have any knowledge of where these elements may be--or even have one of these elements--do not hesitate to contact us.

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