Reds: 25th Anniversary Edition

[stroszeck]

I was talking to a friend recently who claimed that the only reason REDS isn't available on DVD and only on crappy VHS transfers is simply because of it's communist-POV and therefore it's sympathy towards communism, which is a huge NO NO in America (another reason why Chariots of Fire won over REDS).

Anyone have any info on this or comments? It makes sense seeing as how a film that garnered Beatty an Oscar for Best Director, with him being one of very few actors to win that honor, has NOT been put out...not even barebones let alone a nice 2-disc treatment packed with extras.

[Gregory]

Then why would Paramount have released the VHS? Why would they have produced the film in the first place? No, these corporations will sell whatever sells, except sometimes when there is a vocal and sustained outcry. To say that the film has a Communist point of view is a gross oversimplification. It's a sympathetic portrayal of John Reed, to be sure, and like many he was swept away by the hope he witnessed in the Russian Revolution. As the revolution's promise was betrayed by party bureaucrats, Reed began to have some doubts, but he kept up his fervid involvement in meetings in the hope of putting the revolution back on the track it began on. I believe if he hadn't died in 1920 his disillusionment would have continued to grow.
Unfortunately, Paramount has taken a long time to finally get serious about releasing catalog titles on DVD. I think there is now some hope that this film, about the fascinating lives of John Reed and Louise Bryant, will be released.

See this thread.

[pianocrash]

The film aired on TCM a few months ago, OAR etc. So I would imagine a release on the horizon in the next year or so. I only wish I liked it enough to actually buy it. Dick Tracy, on the other hand....

[Polybius]

I saw it at he time (in one of my favorite theatres), I've seen it since several times (a few weeks ago, in fact.) It's brilliant, and holds up very well.

I tend to doubt that's really a problem for them, since they released it at the beginning of the zenith of Reaganism. Of course this is a culture where a nitwit like Chris Wallace can call Dr. Zhivago "a little commie" in it's outlook and not be summarily fired for sheer stupidity.

[tryavna]

"...he is not slated to appear on Warner's upcoming McCabe & Mrs. Miller release, which will sport a track from director Robert Altman and producer David Foster."

I don't know what Beatty's general attitude towards commentaries are. Maybe he subscribes to the Spielberg/Woody Allen attitude of not liking them. However, even he did approve of commentaries, it's not much of a surprise that he's not involved with the upcoming McCabe & Mrs. Miller release. Beatty and Altman butted heads so frequently during that production (with Beatty eventually losing most of the time) that he's pretty much ignored that film altogether -- which is a shame, since it's one of his best performances and one of my favorite films of the 1970s.

EDIT: Ah, yes, didn't actually check the date of the article, but just remaned consistent with the "upcoming" quote (re. next post below).

[The Fanciful Norwegian]

the upcoming McCabe & Mrs. Miller release

Seeing as the article dates from 2002, it's reasonable to assume the McCabe and Mrs. Miller disc they refer to is the one that's currently on the market, which comes complete with an Altman/Foster commentary.

[Polybius]

Which is quite good.

I withdraw all my two-boards-ago aspersions on Altman and his opinion about DVDs. I was clearly mistaken (and I've never been more happy to admit that.)

[TedW]

Warren Beatty does not like commentary tracks at all. His standard joke is, "What am I supposed to say? 'Boy, that was a tough day. Gee, getting that shot was difficult. Here's how we did it.'" I actually asked him about this movie once a few years ago and he seemed at the time very resistant to the idea of participating in a release of Reds, though I have no idea why. Somebody should stay on him. The movie's worth having, if only for the photography.

[justeleblanc]

I've only heard the music from the movie, and I'd say tht's pretty good as well.

[Gordon]

Paramount seem to be stepping up production of SEs and 2-disc sets, so we may see this amazing film on DVD next year. I am sure that they want to release the film on DVD and it is very plausable that Beatty's reluctance to participate in interviews or commentaries may be holding it up. If that is the case, Paramount should make him a damn good offer and if he doesn't accept it, they should just plow-on with the DVD regardless and interview everyone else for a substantial documentary and include any deleted scenes, trailers, etc. The set would seem incomplete without Beatty, but then so many DVDs of films lack participation of the director, although Paramount seem to be pretty consistant in getting directors to work with them on SEs.

Bottom line: the film is long overdue on DVD, is much in demand and would be a huge seller for Paramount.

[Polybius]

Maybe they could get Altman to do a commentary for it...

[foofighters7]

Reds is one of, if not my most awaited film, awaiting a dvd release.

Although it has yet to arrive, IT WAS on the schedule from Paramount several years ago. It was in their Catalogs as Coming in (Dec 02) I think. I may be wrong on the year but it was ready to go. Apparently SOMETHING held it up. I'm guessing someone didn't like the transfer quality.

At any rate , they seriously need to get this out, and with a SE dvd, not some crappy barebones disc with the film smashed onto 1 disc with no extras.

[Jeff]

According to the "Wired" column at Hollywood Elsewhere, Reds is set to be released in November. Peter Biskind talks about the making of the film in the new issue of Vanity Fair (the one with the yummy picture of Scarlett Johansson and Keira Knightly on the cover). Jeffrey Welles did a follow-up interview with Biskind, in which he mentions the DVD.

Here is the relevant info:

The piece is an excerpt from Biskind's Beatty biography. He's been working on it for a year or so but it probably won't be on the stands until sometime in late '07 or early '08, he told me this morning. Biskind added that Paramount Home Video is finally putting out their long-delayed Reds DVD in November. It took them years to get it done and on the schedule, in part (largely?) because of Beatty's reluctance to sit down for an interview and/or record a commentary track. (PHV spokesperson Martin Blythe acknowledged three or four years ago this was an issue/concern.) Reds is one of the greatest and proudest achievements of Beatty's career, so naturally he hems and haws when it comes to providing supplementary materials for the DVD.

[John Cope]

So, I wonder what this ultimately means. I assume it means we'll get what we've been waiting for. Or, maybe not. Those statements are the height of ambiguous.

[Gordon]

Biskind added that Paramount Home Video is finally putting out their long-delayed Reds DVD in November.

Not all that ambiguous, but I wonder how close Biskind is to Paramount's DVD Dept. I buy it, but I'd prefer a Paramount press release.

[Zumpano]

In the actual Vanity Fair magazine it states the film is coming to DVD by Paramount in Novemeber. I could make a baby in the time between, but at least we know it's on the radar. Now I can erase it from my DVR.

BTW, the Biskind article is really good. Beatty really intrigues me the more I read about him, and the more films I see of his.

[dx23]

There is a trailer for Reds on the new What's Eating Gilbert Grape SE and it ends by saying that the special collector's edition DVD coming this October. Hope this is true.

[Polybius]

BTW, the Biskind article is really good.

It is, isn't it? It took me a while to get around to reading it (about a month ago.) Informative and evocative.

[pro-bassoonist]

courtesy of DVDACTIVE:

Paramount Home Entertainment has sent over some early artwork for a 25th Anniversary Edition of Reds which stars Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. This new two-disc special edition will be available to own from the 3rd October this year. I'm afraid Paramount has yet to reveal the disc specs for this one, but we'll bring you the full details very shortly. Stay tuned. For now though, here's a look at the package artwork. As you can see from the bright red sticker - the artwork has yet to be finalised.

(please feel free to post the artwork)

[dx23]

Davisdvd.com has the list of features in this upcoming DVD. It is being released on Oct 3rd.

[Gordon]

I expected those specs. I just couldn't envisage Warren doing a commentary. Damn, he is SO vain!

[Gigi M.]

I expected those specs. I just couldn't envisage Warren doing a commentary. Damn, he is SO vain!

He better do a commentary for the 40th Anniversary edition of Bonnie and Clyde.

[Antoine Doinel]

I just wish he'd resolve the Dick Tracy ownership issues and get a special edition in the pipeline!

[Fletch F. Fletch]

Hell yeah! I'd second that. You mean, Touchstone/Disney doesn't own the rights?

[Antoine Doinel]

If I remember correctly Beatty may have purchased the rights to the characters for the film but Disney/Touchstone still contend they own the rights for any other use. I remember hearing a while ago that ownership and control of the character was what was holding up a DVD release.