The Duke goes DVD

HOLLYWOOD, May 9 (UPI) -- Hollywood movie studios are marking what would have been the 100th birthday of the late actor John Wayne by releasing all of his movies on DVD.

Among the nearly 70 films to be released beginning next week will be a half-dozen that had not been put on disc before, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.

Wayne, whose real name was Marion Morrison, would have become a centenarian on May 26. Although he died in 1979 at age 72, Wayne still ranks No. 3 among America's favorite actors, behind Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks.

The rare joint release by Lionsgate, Universal, Warner Home Video and Paramount will contain a collector's edition that will include "The High and the Mighty," "Hondo," "True Grit," "Rio Grande" and "The Quiet Man."

"When you think about two major studios releasing their libraries, which is 48 films, it's phenomenal that they would come together," said Gretchen Wayne, the actor's daughter-in-law. "It's a win-win for any fan of John Wayne."

Warner Home Video May 22 will release the "John Wayne Film Collection," which will include the first DVD presentations of "Allegheny Uprising," "Big Jim McLain," "Reunion in France," "Trouble Along the Way," "Tycoon" and "Without Reservations."