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ahollis
- Allen Hollis
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CBS is the legal rights holder. They made a deal with Warners for several years since Warners wanted the film in their library since they originally made and released. I am not sure where the rights are at this moment, but I have heard that if Warners still has rights they are short and they are not interested in a remaster for Blu-ray.
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ahollis
- Allen Hollis
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I understand that the rights window is short and while WB wants to hold on to the film since they are associated with it, CBS/Paramount also wants it. At least if goes to Paramount, we will see a new release every two years. That is if they restore it. Warners could make another long term deal.
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ahollis
- Allen Hollis
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Guido Bibra 
My Fair Lady doesn't need to be "restored" - it IS restored! All that needs to be done is a new high-definition transfer of the Harris-Katz-Restoration, since the old one is so old that it wouldn't hold up on HD media. I'm pretty sure that the rights are still in the hands of Warner and a new transfer hasn't been made yet because it's bound to be really expensive - has any studio done a large-format transfer directly from 65mm for a HD target medium yet?
Wrong use of words as I should of said remastered for Blu-ray. Also Warner lost the rights to this film at the end of June and the film now belongs to CBS/Paramount or in other words Viacom.
CBS actually put up the money for the original Broadway production in order to get the rights for the cast album (Columbia Records) and the agreement with Warner Brothers for the rights to revert back to CBS seven years (1972) after the film's release. CBS over the years has released the film to the home video format in conjunction with MGM (VHS) and Fox (several VHS & Laser-disc versions). Warners acquired the rights for DVD home release which ended last month. Viacom (CBS/Paramount) retained all television broadcast rights.
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And IIRC, most of the features on the previous Warner DVDs initially appeared in the Fox laserdisc box set, produced by CBS. So I suspect those would get turned over to Paramount if and when they decide to reissue it.
I would bet that Paramount are likely to put this out as a "Sapphire" Blu-Ray (provided some new HD cleanup is done), but are waiting to see how well the upcoming Centennial Edition of THE AFRICAN QUEEN does.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Guido Bibra
Hopefully they're going to use the correct 2.21:1 ratio and not squash the picture to 2.40:1 like they
did on the old dvd...
The "old dvd" is not "squashed." The x/y parameters of the laserdisc were incorrect as they were horizontally squeezed to create a false 2.21:1 aspect ratio. 65mm originated productions can be taken to video (data) anywhere between 2.21:1 and 2.39:1 and be perfectly acceptable as long as nothing problematic is exposed on the sides. The difference between the two ratios is the capture of image normally covered by the inboard (balance) magnetic stripes for pre-DTS 70mm printing and projection.
RAH
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So it's basically losing the second disc from the 2-disc set?
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ahollis
- Allen Hollis
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With Paramount now in control, we will start seeing this released every six to twelve months. First as this one disc version then a two disc version then another two-disc version with one extra added and maybe in four or five years a Blu-ray version. As quick as they are getting this out, I suppose they are using the same transfer as Warner's did. I too am glad I have the Warner's two disc version on my shelf and will not re-buy until I see the reviews of a Blu-ray.
“For God's sake don't say yes until I've finished talking.” - Daryl F. Zanuck
