Will Universal ever release their own version of "Matinee"?

Nicholas Vargo · 05-04-2008, 04:37 AM

I just saw this film for the first time in its entirety today on Universal HD and I think it is Joe Dante's most underrated film. Why is it still unavailable?

The Image version is long OOP, and it's just sitting there in Universal's vaults. Not to mention that the film looked quite good in HD, so what are they waiting for?

Does anyone know what's going on with it?

Paul_Scott · 05-04-2008, 05:10 AM

Good question! I just sold my copy of the Image disc this past Christmas because I expected to see this sometime this year. I should have sold The Car as well, but that one was already anamorphic and I liked the jacket art on the AB release. I still expect Matinee to show up at some point. It's one of the few (only?) original Image liscensed titles left un-remastered. And it is a great little movie.

Nicholas Vargo · 05-04-2008, 08:09 AM

No, it's one of the few remaining Image titles. Many are also still waiting for Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie to get re-issued too.

If I'm not mistaken, the last Image-licensed title that Universal reissued themselves was Radioland Murders back in August 2006, so if I'm right, it's definitely been a while.

JeffMc · 05-04-2008, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul_Scott

It's one of the few (only?) original Image liscensed titles left un-remastered.

MATINEE and THE SEVEN PERCENT SOLUTION are the only two Image/Universal titles still un-remastered by Universal directly, as far as I know. That, of course, is taking into account the few that have already been announced and are coming out soon (MST3K - THE MOVIE, MAN OF A THOUSAND FACES, JOURNEY TO FAR SIDE OF SUN).

I expect MATINEE to show up sometime soon as well and sold off my copy recently.

ahollis · 05-04-2008, 11:19 AM

Matinee is one of my favorite films and I watch the Image DVD at least twice a year. I could not part with it until Universal releases a replacement. I also still have the laser copy which includes MANT in a complete version. Actually it is just all the segments edited together and forms a fairly good narrative. I was also lucky enough to work with John Goodman latter and he graciously signed the one sheet of Matinee starting off by saying "Keep Your Eyes Open"

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John Sparks · 05-04-2008, 05:26 PM

Just saw it on Universal HDTV and it was nice getting to see it again.

Nicholas Vargo · 05-05-2008, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffMc

That, of course, is taking into account the few that have already been announced and are coming out soon (MST3K - THE MOVIE, MAN OF A THOUSAND FACES, JOURNEY TO FAR SIDE OF SUN).

MST3K: The Movie is out on May 6th.

And John, you have to admit that the presentation of "Matinee" looked great on Universal HD (sans commercials of course).

John Sparks · 05-05-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicholas Vargo

MST3K: The Movie is out on May 6th.

And John, you have to admit that the presentation of "Matinee" looked great on Universal HD (sans commercials of course).

You bet it did!