Dave L. thinks that this is a recycling of the same thing that's been said all along:
Warner and Fox are each vying with the other for which entity will get the biggest piece of the pie in such a deal. With two giant studios involved, neither wants to give up a cent to the other that they don't think they have to.
I respect both companies, but I don't think there is enough motivation to resolve this until Batman Begins is heading toward post-production.
I read every word of the info at that link, and I don't see anything really new in there. Or even really anything to work with: it's all "a friend said..."
I don't see how I could call my contacts at either studio and get any different answer than we already know. Let's remind ourselves:
1/12/04: HTF Chat with Fox's SR. V.P., Peter Staddon:
{DavidLambert} Thanks for coming! As always I'm asking about plans for TV-DVDs. Fox did a great job shaking loose Roswell & In Living Color! What's being done to shake loose other hold-ups? Ex's: Ally McBeal, Boston Public, Wonder Years, WKRP, Batman, Gr. Hornet, Lone Gunmen, Space A&B, MTMoore S2, & Malcolm S2?
{peterstaddon} Hi David, most of the shows you mention have huge music clearance costs. WKRP is obviously music driven, but think of the music in a full season of Ally Mcbeal. We are working on reducing the costs but it's difficult to do that and retain the integrity of the show. Space A&B might be out in the not too distant future. Batman is tied up in legal and licensing rights hell. MTM2 is a possibility but no certain at this stage. |
3/8/04: HTF Chat with executives from Warner Home Video:
{CarlosGarcia} Hello Warners! Rumors about the Batman TV series making it to DVD range from "negogiations with 20th Century Fox are no where near making this a possibility" to "Warner Brothers is embarrassed by the TV show and wants the public to forget the show ever exited so they can concentrate on the new Batman theatrical movies and cartoon series". Can you please put these rumors to rest and tell the fans some of the facts regarding the possibility of a release?
{RonEpstein} Great question! BATMAN is one of the most requested TV shows and we'd love for you to help Fox release it.
{warnerbros} We can't comment on this at the moment. Sorry. |
There's nothing at Sam's link to make me think that Fox or Warner would say anthing different than they did 2-4 months ago. Sorry.
Over in Sam's link, a fellow named "Dark Knight" had the best response I've seen to this:
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