Why such a long time to release some directors' most popular/important films on DVD? (1 Viewer)

[RobR]

This is something I couldn't figure out. Why does it take so long to release certain directors' most popular or important films on DVD?

E.g.

Spielberg's Schindler's List, E.T., and the Indiana Jones trilogy

Lucas' Star Wars trilogy

Zemeckis' Back to the Future trilogy

I know some people are going to respond that they'd rather wait for them to do it right the first time those films are released on DVD, but that doesn't make sense from a manufacturer's standpoint in terms of maximizing profits.

 

[Simon Massey]

I find it frustrating as well, but I would imagine that makers of these films have sufficient influence to prevent their release. I can' think of any reason other than to ensure that they are done right.

 

[Chad R]

At this point it has a lot to do with maximizing sales by choosing appropriate timeframes and leaving enough time to build proper campaigns.

For instance E.T. is getting a theatrical re-release which leads into its DVD release. Awareness will be high and Universal hopes sales will too.

If they dumped everyone of their popular titles at once, they wouldn't be able to build enough awareness and they know it'd stretch our wallets too thin thinning their sales.

 

[Patrick McCart]

Many directors such as Speilberg are kind of busy with films...so if participation is needed for DVD, obviously it's going to have to wait.

Also take into consideration that remastering, extras gathering, etc has to be done. Waits are good if it results in a top-notch disc (such as Snow White, Citizen Kane, and even Lawrence of Arabia.)

 

[Scott Weinberg]

At this point it has a lot to do with maximizing sales by choosing appropriate timeframes and leaving enough time to build proper campaigns.

I couldn't agree more. I doubt it would benefit the studios to dump all of their "sure things" onto the market in the same month.