Warner Random Speculation

[dx23]

"The spread of theft of America's creative works flows like a swiftly running river in every nook and cranny of this planet," Jack Valenti, president of the Motion Picture Association of America, told the panel.

Valenti cited China and Russia, "where the problems are large and growing at an alarming rate" and where "organized criminal groups play a large role in the replication and distribution of pirated DVDs."

In both countries, "the piracy problems are spilling out beyond their borders to infect markets all around the world," Valenti told the panel.

Maybe Warner figures China and Russia already have copies.

( http://www.boycott-riaa.com/article/12465 )

Yep, I believe that is the main reason. The US DVD industry has been affected by the rampant Chinese and Russian bootleg industry and Warner is blocking those regions to try to stop piracy.

[The Fanciful Norwegian]

Alternate long-shot theory: they don't encode their discs for region 5 and 6 to keep the regional distributors happy. (I know Warner doesn't distribute their own product in Russia, and while I don't know about China I suspect it's the same case.)

[bjeggert82]

I'm more concerned about consistency throughout my collection than space. I have 420+ discs, and space is not really an issue for me. I'd rather have everything looking consistent...

Not only that, but thinner cases (similar in size to the initial release of Panic Room) are almost unreadable from a relative distance. I know I'm nitpicking, but why change now? There's no good reason for the sudden change.

[Lino]

Well, to keep everyone happy I think they should at least give the option to buy them in both formats. Just a thought.

[jcelwin]

And make them free.

[cafeman]

I`m so happy that I had the right hunch about there being an additional non-Wayne Box coming out simultaneously!

Those two, Superman Box, Kubrick Box, Tennesse Williams Box and a third Noir Box, combined with the already out Peckinpah Box and Controversial Box 2 make this the best year for Warners in my book.

[dx23]

Barrie Maxwell, from thedigitalbits.com, has compiled a great list for upcoming releases by WB. You will find the table with the forthcoming releases in the midsection of the page.

[kinjitsu]

Barrie Maxwell, from thedigitalbits.com, has compiled a great list for upcoming releases by WB.

Of note:

An American in Paris: Ultra Resolution version had been hoped for 2006, but looks like 2007 now.
Greed: Late 2006 or 2007
The Magnificent Ambersons: Still looking for better materials. Journey into Fear will be released at the same time.
Performance: 2006 or first half 2007
The Picture of Dorian Gray: 2007
The Yakuza: Delayed from 2006 into 2007

[dx23]

I am assuming the delay on these and other titles is due to Warner's focus on HD for the rest of this year.

actually, i think is more of their mentatility of pacing their releases, so the consumer has time to buy most releases at top prices and not a bargain discounts.

[Lino]

I am assuming the delay on these and other titles is due to Warner's focus on HD for the rest of this year.

Think again. Have you noticed the amount of Superman related DVDs they will be putting out this year? I have said it before and I will say it again: all of our longed for releases are being sidetracked to make away for the Superman mania that is sure to sweep the world by storm when the new film comes out later this year. I say, fuck that!

[HerrSchreck]

Does anyone else think the presence of that ancient, scrolling blue analog vhs copyright warning that Warner has after each film on their dvd's means....... it's about time for a New Copyright Infringement Warning Screen?

That thing is a relic from the VHS stone age. I crack up every time I see it.

EDITED FOR TITLE GLITCH

[AZAI]

As long as its behind and not in front of films/menus as is the case with most r2 releases (or even the dreaded PIRACY IS A CRIME commercial), I really don't see the point in getting worked up about it

[Schkura]

It's time they scrapped "Warning!" screens altogether. A minor annoyance when you consider all of the other things one could find to complain about, but
1) they deter no one and
2) I personally don't appreciate spending money for a product which includes at its beginning and end an order not to steal it.



If you quote this post, you stand admonished not to do so for profit.

[HerrSchreck]

As long as its behind and not in front of films/menus as is the case with most r2 releases (or even the dreaded PIRACY IS A CRIME commercial), I really don't see the point in getting worked up about it

Worked up?-- i said it cracked me up. Just making lite conversation...

[Schkura]

Oh.
Then, I proudly present this:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ArzS7EX9Uwg& ... %20Warning

[HerrSchreck]

Uh, now I'm worked up-- pick up the phone & let your fingers do the walking... "a.u.t.h.o.r.i.t.i.e.s.... help!!! Ripoff warnings ripped off. Surely this foul crime screams for justice in the court of public lynching!"

[AZAI]

sorry I just tried to put things in perspective, I knew I was exagerating (hence the smiley whatever)..... I envy you americans getting the screen AFTER the film, and find it rather funny that even that is the cause for "angry" (again: wink wink nudge nudge) rants.

[Schkura]

Dude, we totally get it both before AND after the movie.

[Jean-Luc Garbo]

I love that clip mocking the copyright screen!

[Floyd]

A bit off topic but Sony's is way worse, they force like 5 minutes of warning screens in other languages.

[Gigi M.]

From Amazon.com

Due to the overwhelming popularity of Warner Bros.' prior DVD Decision campaigns, Warner Home Video (WHV) is once again empowering film fans to select a new group of films to be released on DVD. This year DVD Decision 2006(TM) is a joint promotion from Warner Home Video and Amazon.com in which movie fans can vote online for 30 catalog candidates from the Warner Bros. Studios library, 10 of which will then be released on DVD. Voting will occur at Amazon.com during the month of June 2006. Film fans can vote for their favorite action & adventure, comedy & musical, or drama films; view trailers and movie stills; and read synopses and customer reviews.

[Antoine Doinel]

Warner is letting consumers vote for what they release next. This time they're teaming up with Amazon.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/br ... 30-1351939

Here are the competing movies. Voting begins in June:

Action & Adventure
* Al Capone
* Cimarron (1960)
* Gymkata
* The Hand
* The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing
* Operation Crossbow
* Up Periscope

Comedy & Musicals
* Angels in the Outfield (1951)
* April in Paris
* Best Foot Forward
* Blume in Love
* The Eddie Cantor Story
* Get to Know Your Rabbit
* Not with My Wife You Don't
* Presenting Lily Mars
* You're a Big Boy Now

Drama
* All Fall Down
* The Arrangment
* Band of Angels
* Bhowani Junction
* Carny
* The Illustrated Man
* Looker
* Madame Curie
* Made in Heaven
* Mike's Murder
* One Trick Pony
* Sphinx
* Sunrise at Campobello
* There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)

[FilmFanSea]

At first glance, the selection this year is painfully weak:

DVD Decision 2006: Action & Adventure:

Al Capone
Cimarron (1960)
Gymkata
The Hand
The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing
Operation Crossbow
Up Periscope


DVD Decision 2006: Comedy & Musicals:

Angels in the Outfield (1951)
April in Paris
Best Foot Forward
Blume in Love
The Eddie Cantor Story
Get to Know Your Rabbit
Not with My Wife You Don't
Presenting Lily Mars
You're a Big Boy Now


DVD Decision 2006: Drama:

All Fall Down
The Arrangment
Band of Angels
Bhowani Junction
Carny
The Illustrated Man
Looker
Madame Curie
Made in Heaven
Mike's Murder
One Trick Pony
Sphinx
Sunrise at Campobello
There Was a Crooked Man... (1970)

Nice to see Cukor's Bhowani Junction, but not much else there to get excited about (IMO).

[Joe Buck]

I'll be voting for "Big Boy Now". Not alot on that list to get excited about.

[htdm]

No silents and very few prewar films? This isn't very encouraging.