Month: August 2024

The Story of G.I. Joe: Rediscovering a WWII Film Classic in Stunning Restoration

The 1945 classic WWII war film The Story of G.I. Joe is now available on HD Blu-ray and DVD. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In today’s movie news, if you like military/war movies, here’s a movie release just for you. The enhanced restoration of the 1945 classic World War II classic The Story of G.I. Joe was released last month on HD Blu-ray and DVD. 

Ignite Films, which released the 2023 critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning 4K restoration of the 1953 sci-fi classic Invaders From Mars, recently dropped the reconstructed 1945 trailer and the new poster for its next release, the 1945 World War II classic The Story of G.I. Joe. The long-lost trailer, which has never been online before, in any condition, has been meticulously reconstructed by Ignite Films using the severely damaged 1945 original nitrate trailer provided by the Library of Congress. (Roberson Public Relations, 2024)

The Ignite Films 2024 enhanced restoration of Director William A. Wellman’s 1945 classic WWII war film, The Story of G.I. Joe starring Robert Mitchum and Burgess Meredith, is now available for purchase on HD Blu-ray and DVD. The 2024 enhanced restoration, spearheaded by film restoration supervisor Greg Kimble, also includes a full restoration of the audio by John Polito of Audio Mechanics. 

Ignite Films considers the film to be of such importance that The Story of G.I. Joe necessitated a release right now on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the end of Second World War. The potent message of the film deals with everyday life and the sacrifices of the brave soldiers, and is as relevant in today’s world as it was in 1945, and is no different in intensity. That is the primary reason to release this film now. “The Story of G.I. Joe is a true classic which has been undervalued for years,” said Jan Willem Bosman Jansen, CEO and Founder of Ignite Films.

An unforgettable journey through the harrowing yet heartwarming landscapes of WWII, The Story of G.I. Joe is based on the true-life experiences of renowned war correspondent and columnist Ernie Pyle. This cinematic masterpiece immerses audiences in the camaraderie, courage, and sacrifices of the brave soldiers of the 45th Infantry Division, Company C, 150 of whom played extras in the film.

Through the lens of Pulitzer-winning Pyle, portrayed with unparalleled depth by Burgess Meredith, witness the everyday grit and bravery of the foot soldier as they navigate the perils of combat in the Italian campaign. Joining him is the incomparable Robert Mitchum in his breakthrough role as Lieutenant Walker, whose leadership and unwavering dedication to his men inspire hope amidst the chaos of war.

The Story of G.I. Joe portrays the camaraderie and bond between soldiers, a timeless tribute to unsung heroes who fought and bled for freedom. Experience the raw emotion and gritty realism of this war drama, beautifully restored in high definition. It is more than a movie; it is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.

“What makes The Story of G.I. Joe different from other war movies is that it was directed by Bill Wellman with an eye towards keeping it focused on the day-to-day dilemma of the ordinary combat soldier. It specifically deglamorized war despite being made in an era, 1945, when Hollywood was cranking out a lot of these friendly propaganda heroic films with John Wayne leading the charge — which were great entertainment and good for the home front morale, but not particularly realistic about what the troops had to cope with. The Story of G.I. Joe dealt with this. They used over 150 actual brave soldiers as background actors. The movie holds up so well because it was authentic, and it was deliberately made that way.” – Alan K. Rode, writer/historian

Wellman’s melancholy study of soldiers would not immediately become a popular form of expression in war films, but his soulful treatment of life on the front lines, in which real combat soldiers mingled freely with actors, forming an easy camaraderie, would become an inextricable part of cinematic language. The Story of G.I. Joe would not become a model for war films for quite some time, but eventually its poetic form would become more popular than the more gung-ho patriotic variety.

 The Academy® Film Archive preserved the film in 2000. In  2009, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant. For educational purposes, Ignite Films will provide both institutions with the new 2024 enhanced version for their film preservation archives.

Blu-ray slipcover and Bonus Features available only on the Blu-ray:

  • Blu-ray slipcover
  • “Here he lies where he longed to be…” Wild Bill’s Dog Face Blues – A new video essay by author and filmmaker Scout Tafoya
  • New interview with Bill Wellman Jr.
  • “The Story of ‘The Story of G.I. Joe’,” a new featurette on the restoration by film restoration supervisor Greg Kimble
  • Audio commentary by Alan K. Rode
  • Original nitrate trailer
  • Reconstruction of the original 1945 trailer
  • Photo gallery with original press book pages and stills

The Story of G.I. Joe
Starring Robert Mitchum Burgess Meredith with Freddie Steele Wally Cassell Jimmy Lloyd John R. Reilly Bill Murphy and the Sicily and Italy Combat Veterans of the Campaigns in Africa
Screenplay by Leopold Atlas Guy Endore Philip Stevenson
Edited by Otho Lovering Cinematography by Russel Metty A.S.C.
Produced by Lester Cowan
Directed by William A. Wellman
Program Content: © Lester Cowan Productions, Inc. 1945. Copyright renewed by Lester Cowan Productions, Inc. 1972.

The film is based on by Ernie Pyle’s books “Here Is Your Way”(New York, 1943) and “Brave Men” (New York, 1944).

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Shake Up Your Summer: New Twang Products Perfect for Refreshing Cocktails

Twang’s homage to National Watermelon Day. Photo: Giant Noise Partners, used with permission.

With this intense summer heat, there’s no better excuse to dive into fresh fruit and delicious libation than National Watermelon Day. Saturday, August 3, is a day dedicated to the summer-centered, hydrating life-saver that is watermelon. Enthusiasts can celebrate in a variety of ways, be it through a refreshing drink, a themed party, or taking advantage of the perfectly ripe fruit through seasonings like salt and chili. No matter how you celebrate, it’s clear that watermelon is a staple of the season. (Twang, 2024)

A major player in online snacking trends all over the country is Twang. Embodying the principles of Hispanic-American nostalgia in the form of premium-flavored salts, sugars, and seasonings, Twang is best known for its bold Mexican flair in every shaker. The best part about Twang is that its iconic flavors can be carried around with you at any time, whether that be in the palm of your hand, the pocket of your jeans, or the bottom of your purse, Twang makes every moment more exciting.

In honor of National Watermelon Day, Twang wants to share an innovative cocktail made by one of the frontrunners of San Antonio’s mixology world: Aaron Peña. Owner of Amor Eterno, a vibrant and intimate cocktail lounge known for its imaginative flavors and classic bartending, this Grilled Watermelon Margarita featuring Twang embodies true summer-lovin’. 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh grilled Watermelon
  • 1 ounce fresh squeezed Lime Juice
  • ¾ ounce Agave syrup – adjust to your taste
  • 2 ounces of Madam Paleta’s Premium Pineapple Tequila
  • 1 cup of Ice

Instructions:

  • Add all ingredients to blender on high speed
  • Rim the glass with Twang’s Lime Drink Rimmer or your favorite Twang seasoned salt
  • Pour into your rimmed glassware and enjoy!

Twang is also excited to unveil its new branding and packaging, along with several new delectable products: Chili Lime Beer Salt, Tangy Tamarind Snack Salt, and Classic Chamoy Snack Salt. Twang’s new packaging can be found online and in stores such as Walmart and HEB. 

Twang has seen tremendous growth since its founding in 1986. The brand currently has four product categories in its portfolio and a thriving food service division. Until now, the product lines had their own branding and were previously referred to as Beer Salt, Twangerz, Twang-A-Rita, and Reserve Michelada Mixes. In an effort to streamline the branding as the company continues to expand, all products will live under the Twang banner – shifting from a “House of Brands” to a “Branded House.”

Beer Salt is now Twang Beer Salt, Twang-A-Rita is now Twang Drink Rimmers, Twangerz is now Twang Snack Salts and Reserve Michelada is now Twang Michelada Mixer. Twang’s products are still retaining their great flavors and the brand is even adding new ones, they simply will all be united under the Twang name. In addition to its new monikers, the brand’s packaging has been redesigned to represent the brand’s Latino heritage and its fun and playful culture. Twang’s Snack Salt shakers are now decorated with ‘papel picado,’ the traditional Mexican craft of cutting intricate designs out of colorful paper, typically used for celebratory decor. In addition to Twang’s Drink Rimmers moving from a bag to a tub container, the lids are decorated with icons unique to each flavor profile. Each Twang Beer Salt depicts a scene being played out on the bottle, and each Michelada Mixer features clear and bold packaging that reflects the flavors inside.

“This brand refresh has been a labor of love for the Twang team. We are excited to bring everything together in a cohesive, but fun way that really highlights who we are as a company.” – Twang CEO Elysia Treviño-Gonzales

As part of the brand’s refresh, Twang is unveiling three new flavors amongst its existing product categories: Chile Lime Beer Salt, Tangy Tamarind Snack Salt, and Classic Chamoy Snack Salt. Twang’s Chile Lime Beer Salt offers a zesty punch of lime and chiles that pair perfectly with beer, hard seltzers, canned cocktails and sodas. Twang’s Tangy Tamarind Snack Salt combines the fruit flavor with spicy chile and tangy lime, while the Classic Chamoy Snack Salt is Twang’s granular take on the beloved condiment that merges the flavors of pickled fruit, chiles and lime. Both new Snack Salt flavors transform everyday snacks like fruit, veggies, and candy into extraordinary treats.

The new Twang branding and products are rolling out in stores now and will be widely available in the coming months.

Established in 1986, Twang Partners, LLC is a trailblazing Latino-founded company dedicated to crafting premium-flavored salts, sugars, and seasoning blends. With a rich history spanning over three decades, Twang consistently delivers top-quality products authentically made to enhance the taste, appearance and enjoyment of food and beverages. At the heart of Twang’s diverse portfolio are grab and go Flavored Snack Salts, Beer Salts, Drink Rimmers, and an All-In-One Michelada Mix. Additionally, Twang specializes in crafting blends tailored for the foodservice industry. Their commitment to quality and innovation has driven successful collaborations with top food and beverage companies worldwide, resulting in custom toppings and inclusions that redefine culinary experiences.

Twang announces exciting new products and fresh looks. Photo: Garrett Smith/Giant Noise Partners, used with permission.