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SLEUTH on DVD?????

post #1 of 51
9/28/06 at 11:07pm
Thread Starter 
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?
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post #2 of 51
9/29/06 at 2:46am

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

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.
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post #3 of 51
9/29/06 at 3:02am

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

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
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post #4 of 51
9/29/06 at 5:05am

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

There is a PAL Film Prestige edition:
http://www.alldvd.ca/Product/DvdDeta...roductID=27014
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post #5 of 51
9/29/06 at 6:53am

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

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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post #6 of 51
9/29/06 at 2:17pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

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.
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post #7 of 51
9/29/06 at 10:12pm
Thread Starter 

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

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.
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post #8 of 51
9/30/06 at 8:32pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

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.
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post #9 of 51
10/1/06 at 12:44am

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

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

Hell, it's always fun seeing Caine do anything!
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post #10 of 51
10/1/06 at 1:19pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

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).
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post #11 of 51
10/1/06 at 2:26pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

Branagh consistantly uses Patrick Doyle as his composer, and Doyle has a lot of the same energy and wit that Addison showed in the original film. Even if the original score isn't necessary quoted, the new film will probably have a similar tone and pacing. Doyle is a wonderful composer.
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post #12 of 51
10/1/06 at 2:31pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

I'm sure the filmmakers will do a splendid job with the material since they're all so talented. I just don't understand the need to invest money in something that we already have such a wonderful film of. I'd rather see a story I don't already know inside out.

I wouldn't be in favor of remaking THE CRYING GAME or THE SIXTH SENSE either, two other films with twists that were done well the first time around.
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post #13 of 51
10/1/06 at 3:45pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

Matt, the remake seems pointless to me as well. The material isn't Shakespeare, open to dozens of interpretations.

I wonder if there will be a remake of Deathtrap as well?
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post #14 of 51
10/1/06 at 4:04pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

I'd go for a copy of Sleuth as well. Haven't seen it in years.

I've never seen it for sale anywhere.
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post #15 of 51
10/1/06 at 4:12pm
Thread Starter 

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

I don't understand the need for constant re-makes, either. Can we not still enjoy a film that is more than 10 years old? It's stupid.

Speaking of Deathtrap....that's probably my 2nd favorite Michael Caine film.
I bought the full-screen DVD a few years back, only because a widescreen version wasn't available. I wonder if one will ever be released.
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post #16 of 51
10/1/06 at 4:14pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

I have it... It's a quality disc too. But sadly.. out of print
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post #17 of 51
10/1/06 at 4:29pm
Thread Starter 

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

Which edition do you have?

All I've got is a CRAPPY old VHS copy that I bought at a Suncoast video years ago (it was even recorded in LP mode!) and the sound is hideous.

TCM has shown it- I suppose I should request it and hope to get it on DVD-R next time it airs.
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post #18 of 51
10/2/06 at 2:16am

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

Quote:
Originally Posted by MielR
Which edition do you have?

All I've got is a CRAPPY old VHS copy that I bought at a Suncoast video years ago (it was even recorded in LP mode!) and the sound is hideous.

TCM has shown it- I suppose I should request it and hope to get it on DVD-R next time it airs.


"clicky" on the "out Of Print"
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post #19 of 51
10/2/06 at 10:17am

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

There were two Region One releases of Sleuth. The second release was a big improvement over the first, and was the only one of the two that was enhanced for 16:9 displays. Both of them have a pretty poor soundtrack. It sounds like a lot of noise reduction was applied to a not very hi-fi source element.

older:
newer (better):

Both are out of print, but definitely try to snag the more recent one if you are combing the used bins.

Regards,
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post #20 of 51
10/3/06 at 5:29am

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

I don't want to hijack the thread too much, but the "Sleuth" score has been mentioned... Does anyone know anything about the recordings of the Cole Porter songs that Oliver is listening to at the beginning of the second act? Were they existing recordings, or were they done for the film? In either case, does anyone know the name of the singer?
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post #21 of 51
9/11/07 at 9:26pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

Well, we're closing out 2007 and it looks like we're still waiting...and waiting...
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post #22 of 51
9/11/07 at 9:40pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

Patience... the release date of the remake is.... October 12? Maybe we'll get a new DVD release when the remake hits DVD. FTR, this remake is a considerable departure from the original, with a script by Harold Pinter.
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post #23 of 51
9/12/07 at 6:09am

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen_J_H
Patience... the release date of the remake is.... October 12? Maybe we'll get a new DVD release when the remake hits DVD.

That could happen...just like 3:10 to Yuma was re-released the week it's remake premiered. But, if October 12 is right for the remake...there is no re-release of Sleuth planned for anytime in October according to any of the "New Release" lists I frequent.
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post #24 of 51
9/12/07 at 9:01am

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen_J_H
FTR, this remake is a considerable departure from the original, with a script by Harold Pinter.

Oh brother.
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post #25 of 51
9/12/07 at 7:12pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

Maybe they DON'T want you to see the original, so one can forget the original for the sake of the remake? Remember, the original MAN ON FIRE, EIGHT BELOW (original was ANTARCTICA), , HEARTBREAK KID, did not come out on DVD to capitalize on the remake. Or the rights owner was too lazy to capitalize on it?
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post #26 of 51
9/12/07 at 9:05pm
Thread Starter 

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

Quote:
Originally Posted by walter o
Maybe they DON'T want you to see the original, so one can forget the original for the sake of the remake?
Well, if it turns out as badly as some of the other remakes that have been made in the last few years, then I can understand them wanting people to forget the original.

I managed to record it on a DVD-R the last time TCM aired it, but
I'd still like a proper new DVD release.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaron Silverman
Oh brother.
My thoughts exactly.

Perhaps Milo will now be the owner of a couple wi-fi coffee shops instead of hairdressing salons?
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post #27 of 51
3/9/08 at 2:49pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

Well...it is finally release week for the 2007 version of Sleuth...and the 1972 version is nowhere in sight. Unless, of course, you want to go to eBay and pay upwards of $50 for a copy!

I would would think that would be an indicator to the owners of the '72 version to get a release out there!
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post #28 of 51
3/9/08 at 3:31pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

...or get Paramount's upcoming UK R2.
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post #29 of 51
3/9/08 at 4:33pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

I guess I am one of the lucky ones who picked up the Anchor Bay release (the improved edition) when it originally came out. I remember the quality of the presentation being more than adequate but I hope they get around to releasing it on DVD again.

-D
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post #30 of 51
3/9/08 at 4:33pm

Re: SLEUTH on DVD?????

I'm beginning to wonder who holds the rights to the original, since Anchor Bay has typically licenced titles from the original rights holder in the past. IMDb indicates Fox, but that may have only been for theatrical release, with the rights reverting back to Palomar Productions. The upcoming Paramount release in the UK is an interesting development, since Paramount released The Stepford Wives, another Palomar title that was previously released by AB. Can anyone shed light on this?
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