SLEUTH on DVD?????

MielR · 09-29-2006, 01:07 AM

Why can't "Sleuth" (1972) seem to stay in print on DVD for any length of time? This is my favorite film with Michael Caine, and there have been a couple of DVD releases in the last several years, but they seem to go out of print before I can get one. The used copies sell for insane prices.

Anybody know anything about an upcoming re-release?

Elijah Sullivan · 09-29-2006, 04:46 AM

Considering that a remake is due to begin shooting soon (with Jude Law and Michael Caine, directed by Kenneth Branagh), I'm betting this movie will find a re-release sometime in 2007.

I, also, love this movie and would snap up the DVD if one of quality were released.

Chris Gerhard · 09-29-2006, 05:02 AM

I loved this movie when I saw it in a theater in 1972 but like some other movies with many twists and turns, it has little repeat viewing potential for me. I have never seen it since. Why it has such limited runs when released on DVD isn't clear though. It will definitely be released if the 2007 film is well received and maybe even if it isn't. I expect the 2007 version to be a bomb.

Chris

Irina · 09-29-2006, 07:05 AM

There is a PAL Film Prestige edition:
http://www.alldvd.ca/Product/DvdDeta...roductID=27014

David_B_K · 09-29-2006, 08:53 AM

Quote:

I loved this movie when I saw it in a theater in 1972 but like some other movies with many twists and turns, it has little repeat viewing potential for me. I have never seen it since.

I agree that movies with a "twist ending" (Sleuth, Sixth Sense, Inside Man, et al) do not hold up to repeat viewings. However, I really enjoy the performances in the film enough (particularly Olivier's) to have a look every now and then just for that.

I have a rather poor flipper DVd of Sleuth that I bought in 1999 or so. Don't think I've watched it more than once.

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MattH. · 09-29-2006, 04:17 PM

I actually like seeing these films with twists many times to savor the performances and the clues (if any) planted along the way to assist the viewer in guessing surprises.

In the case of SLEUTH, there is also John Addison's highly enjoyable score.

MielR · 09-30-2006, 12:12 AM

This is the first I've heard about a remake. I'm guessing Caine will be playing Olivier's part, and Law will play Caine's...? I'm not really that fond of remakes, in general.

For me, it's held up pretty well for repeat viewings. I first saw the film when I was very young, and there were some things I didn't understand until I saw it several more times (when I was older). I discovered new things every time I watched it.

MattH. · 09-30-2006, 10:32 PM

I see no need for a remake. The film can't be bettered in my opinion. Great actors, a great director, a script that moved the actors around as much was sensible for the talkiness of the play. And that spritely score by John Addison.

I agree with the above poster who doesn't think the new one will succeed.

Jay Pennington · 10-01-2006, 02:44 AM

Mostly agreed, but it might be fun to see Caine doing Oliver's part.

Hell, it's always fun seeing Caine do anything!

David_B_K · 10-01-2006, 03:19 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if John Addison's spritely score gets used in the remake (a la Scorsese's use of the original Cape Fear score in his remake of the same).