Criterion and MGM

[cinemartin]

Doesn't MGM own Godard's King Lear?

[THX1378]

I wouldn't surprise me if Fox outbids Warner for control of the MGM library just because they have control over some of the distribution.

[Highway 61]

Ugh, I really hope MGM doesn't end up being an imprint in the sprawling AOL/Time Warner Conglomerate. I would rather see any other studio pick up the MGM library.

The bitch of it is that just a few years ago, we all would have been jumping for joy if Warner bought the MGM library. At this point, however, with every studio cutting back on classic releases and taking dozens of titles out of print, the best we can hope for is that the MGM library ends up in the hands of a studio that isn't adverse to licensing to third parties, i.e., any studio but Warner.

[Jeff]

I only hope that all the contracts are already signed with Criterion, because if that deal wasn't finalized, you can bet it's a bust now.

[ianungstad]

They wouldn't be talking about French Lieutenant's Woman and bringing Sidney Lumet into the office to work on supplements if they hadn't signed the contracts, IMO. They likely knew this was going to happen, which is why they went after every major title they could grab. With all of their other studio deals, the vast majority of titles were ones never released on DVD, which makes sense. All of the MGM titles that seem for sure, are all titles previously issued on dvd. The few that have never been released on dvd on your list Jeff, may not even be in MGM's hands anymore like you've previously stated.

I think Criterion inked a deal with MGM when the company's future was still uncertain and got these titles likely on the cheap. It doesn't matter who purchases the MGM library, they would still have to honor any deal Criterion signed with MGM. The only thing that would change is who gets paid any royalties generated. It's just too bad they didn't grab even more!

Just my opinion.

EDIT: Jameson, I hope you don't lose your job over the recent shake ups on MGM. Best of luck to you!

[Jeff]

I think that it's most likely that the contracts are probably all good to go too, especially on those titles Criterion has started production on. An entire library changing hands always has the potential to throw a wrench in things though. The possibility of Criterion versions of Red River, Sweet Smell of Success, The Night of the Hunter, and Kiss Me Deadly still seems so crazily too-good-to-be-true, and I'm half-convinced that something will jinx it or squelch the deal. I won't breathe easy until I have them in my clutches.

My best wishes to Jameson too.

[Jameson281]

Thanks for the well wishes, Jeff and ianungstad.

[Jeff]

Criterion just more or less confirmed Something Wild, which is an absolutely fantastic acquisition.

[ianungstad]

Maybe Burn! as well? Don't know how to interpret their reply. I haven't actually seen the film, so it maybe another cutesy response that goes over my head.

As for Burn, maybe, but if it's in the works it must have a pretty long fuse, becuase we haven't heard about it.

I took their response as meaning that it's part of the MGM deal but not coming anytime soon. (Too many other films ahead in the que?)

EDIT: On Facebook they said No to bringing back Sid and Nancy.

[Jeff]

Maybe Burn! as well? Don't know how to interpret their reply. I haven't actually seen the film, so it maybe another cutesy response that goes over my head.

As for Burn, maybe, but if it's in the works it must have a pretty long fuse, becuase we haven't heard about it.

I took their response as meaning that it's part of the MGM deal but not coming anytime soon. (Too many other films ahead in the que?)

I'd say the "we haven't heard about it" bit doesn't bode well.

[Stefan Andersson]

Anybody up for a CC of Kramer´s Mad Mad World?

[Jeff]

Anybody up for a CC of Kramer´s Mad Mad World?

Robert Harris is working on an extensive restoration for MGM, so they won't likely be licensing it to anyone. Who knows what's up with that project now though, in light of the recent news about MGM.

[beamish13]

Criterion just more or less confirmed Something Wild, which is an absolutely fantastic acquisition.

Oh, wow. =D> I just hope that they can include the episode of the PBS anthology show "Trying Times" that Demme directed with it.

[Jameson281]

Anybody up for a CC of Kramer´s Mad Mad World?

Robert Harris is working on an extensive restoration for MGM

No, he isn't. Harris has done a lot of research, and he has plans if a restoration is ever approved, but he is not actively working on a restoration at this time.

[Jeff]

No, he isn't. Harris has done a lot of research, and he has plans if a restoration is ever approved, but he is not actively working on a restoration at this time.

Is he actively working on The Alamo? I guess the plans were to start Mad after that.

[Jameson281]

No, he isn't. Harris has done a lot of research, and he has plans if a restoration is ever approved, but he is not actively working on a restoration at this time.

Is he actively working on The Alamo? I guess the plans were to start Mad after that.

He's done a little work on it, primarily with the audio, but the restoration isn't funded, so who knows if it will ever be completed.

[Jeff]

Carl Icahn wants to buy MGM as a present for his kid.

[Antoine Doinel]

Fwiw, MGM's creditors have given the studio a reprieve until January 30th to sort out their shit and prove to shareholders they can be financially profitable. With "The Hobbit" and "Bond 23" both set to film next year, they can probably make a compelling case for it and keep the studio from being broken up into all kinds of tiny pieces.

[AlanBrom]

Fwiw, MGM's creditors have given the studio a reprieve until January 30th to sort out their shit and prove to shareholders they can be financially profitable. With "The Hobbit" and "Bond 23" both set to film next year, they can probably make a compelling case for it and keep the studio from being broken up into all kinds of tiny pieces.

Could this mean that the precious 4000 title library would stay where it is so they could being do some marketing with it again?

[captveg]

Might The Black Stallion be another one of the MGM titles?

They recently said "nice idea" to an inquiry about the film on facebook.

It certainly has a few things going for it, as 1) the cinematography would make it a show-off disc, especially on Blu-ray, 2) the DVD has been OOP for quite some time, 3) it has Coppola's name attached to it, and 4) Criterion could use some films that are "family" cinema.

[jaredsap]

Might The Black Stallion be another one of the MGM titles?

They recently said "nice idea" to an inquiry about the film on facebook.

It certainly has a few things going for it, as 1) the cinematography would make it a show-off disc, especially on Blu-ray, 2) the DVD has been OOP for quite some time, 3) it has Coppola's name attached to it, and 4) Criterion could use some films that are "family" cinema.

The DVD is not OOP, but it's a magnificent film and it demands a Blu-ray. Plus, it'd be relatively easy to produce some strong supplements (I believe it was a troubled production; would love to hear details).

[cdnchris]

That was probably one of my favourites as a child. Haven't seen it in a couple of decades, though.

[captveg]

The DVD is not OOP

Huh, could have sworn it was. However, OOP or not, it's from 1997, and could definitely use an upgrade.

[ianungstad]

Jared suggested The Black Stallion to me, otherwise I would probably never have asked about it, so thanks for that suggestion! I have never seen the film but it looks like something I'd really like to check out. I think it's probably one of the MGM titles. I asked them pretty directly what the chances were of seeing a Criterion edition and their reply was evasive. (yet positive) Certainly something to ask about again in a week or two.

They said no to Judgement at Nuremberg.
EDIT: They've also said they don't have any Lynch films, so that would put Wild at Heart and Blue Velvet in the "no" list.

[captveg]

Like I said on the facebook question, the first 35-40 minutes are spectacular filmmaking. Almost "pure cinema" with little to no dialog, and practically a silent film in its storytelling. The remainder of the film is still very good, but it definitely is a step down (though Rooney did get an Oscar nomination).