criterionforum.org

I don't pretend to know the precise timeline, but the film was premiered after Pasolini's death, and the film was stolen after Pasolini's death. How could the kidnappers have stolen the one and only copy of the film. Even if they stole the original negative, there would have been duplicates and work prints at that stage of production.

I only know one thing for sure: There is a tremendous amount of rumor, innuendo, and urban legend surrounding Salo, and any story about the film needs to be taken with a grain of salt. This is the first account I've heard of there being anything missing from the film. Gary Indiana (in his book about the film) mentions certain scenes that were filmed and cut, but says nothing of anything being stolen.

Someone should really make a documentary called Inside Salo, or why did Criterion take the film off production.

there are certainly also scenes shot and then cut by Pasolini himself (he was known for re-editing films--Canterbury Tales having been shortened by over an hour after it's premiere). In the rather misinformed Gary Indiana book on Salo from BFI there are a number of still from scenes not in the existing print of the film, namely the wedding in the Circle of Shit, prececing the banquet.

Pasolini murder case shelved.

Quite aside from the implications arising from the suspension of the Pasolini case; is that not the most unfortunately named blog one has ever come across?

So I finally found this and watched it. Sadly it was from a bittorent... But all in all it was a pretty good film, but pretty messed up. I can see it's importance to cinema though.

You need to watch SALO at least three times to fully appreciate it. The first time it is just shocking. The second time you will be less shocked and will begin to see the beauty. The third time you will see the film in a different way--as a great work of art.

I think I'd agree with that. The first time I watched it, the wall I'd built between myself and the screen was almost palpable. It's almost impossible to deal with the film on a first viewing. I don't think I could ever say I enjoy watching it, but it's one of the best films I've ever seen.

LightBulbFilm wrote:So I finally found this and watched it. Sadly it was from a bittorent... But all in all it was a pretty good film, but pretty messed up. I can see it's importance to cinema though.

Salo is the antithesis to The Trilogy of Life. Having seen the trilogy and having its focus in mind will somehow strengthen one's appreciation of Salo.

I just saw this on DVDTalk.com

Pretty typical stuff, except for the Salo information.

Reel: Why is Salo so valuable?

PB: Because we only made two thousand of them.

Reel: Why only two thousand?

PB: Because we lost the rights. We hope to remedy that in the near future.

Wow. Who knew?

I'm intrigued by 'We hope to remedy that in the near future'

I wonder, how many people on this board own the real SALO?

I owned one once, then came to my senses and sold it.

If this hinted re-release does come to pass, I wonder who they'll have licensed it from? As far as I was aware, Salo is a United Artists film, hence MGM, now the property of Sony.

I'm sure everyone will buy a copy out of morbid curiosity, then flog it immediately on Ebay.

I have 2 copies of Salo, 1 is the real deal white ring Nimbus logo and the other is a VERY GOOD bootleg I paid $75 dollars for about 4 years ago.It has the 29 chapter stops,removable subs,it mirrors the "official" Criterion in every way except the WR and Nimbus logo.But a Re-release ala Seven Samurai would be excellent.Everyone would get a copy for Christmas to watch with It's A Wonderful Life.

Narshty wrote:

Reel: Why is Salo so valuable?

PB: Because we only made two thousand of them.

Reel: Why only two thousand?

PB: Because we lost the rights. We hope to remedy that in the near future.

Wow. Who knew?

That will make the price go up! At least is good to know that they are working on getting the rights again.

gigimonagas wrote:I wonder, how many people on this board own the real SALO?

I do. And I'm not selling it. It makes a fantastic dowry, don't you think?

Annie Mall wrote:

gigimonagas wrote:I wonder, how many people on this board own the real SALO?

I do. And I'm not selling it. It makes a fantastic dowry, don't you think?

So you're one of the lucky 2,000.

I have the Criterion Salo ever since it came out. I found it languishing on a DVD shelf somewhere on a Virgin Megastore, back in the days when people didn't even know what DVDs were, let alone Criterion.

Oh, and I'm always short on cash when DVDs are concerned. Or at least, I force myself to believe in that, so that I don't buy them more than I can afford to. You should do the same.

I have an original Salò which I've held on to because I think it's a brilliant film that deserves to be in print. I mean, if I can go out today and buy a copy of The Dukes of Hazzard (both the movie and the first four seasons of the tv show), I should be able to buy this film. I feel confident that Criterion will put out a comprehensive package on this one.

Salo is hugely overrated. I managed to see it at a rep screening a few years ago and aside from the grossout factor, I didn't see what the fuss all about. I'd rather Critierion bring some other Pasolini titles to DVD before reviving Salo.

Wow! You know there so many extras they could include (Commentary, documentaries, interviews) in a 2-disc edition. Needs a much better quality re-release.

Antoine Doinel wrote:Salo is hugely overrated. I managed to see it at a rep screening a few years ago and aside from the grossout factor, I didn't see what the fuss all about.

It's hardly a universally acknowledged classic. Most people seem to hate it.

I'd rather Critierion bring some other Pasolini titles to DVD before reviving Salo.

Hooray! Didn't take long.

Why do you guys think the remedy has to do with Salo?

I thought it meant they will prevent a similar rights problem from happening again in the future.

We hope to remedy that in the near future.

I love the word "near" in that sentence.