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Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault! - Page 2

post #31 of 56
6/2/08 at 12:32pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

I can't believe that Nikki Fenke's blog was wrong... again.
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post #32 of 56
6/2/08 at 12:37pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Corey3rd
reports are now that UMG had moved their Masters from that vault so that nothing was lost. Hits magazine has posted:

MASTERS NOT DESTROYED BY UNIVERSAL FIRE: Reports that this weekend’s fire on the Universal Studios back lot destroyed a video vault which housed thousands of original Decca, MCA and ABC recording masters, including a wide range of music from Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters to Judy Garland and the Carpenters, are unfounded. A UMG spokesperson insists: "Thankfully, there was little lost from UMG's vault. A majority of what was formerly stored there was moved earlier this year to our other facilities. Of the small amount that was still there and waiting to be moved, it had already been digitized so the music will still be around for many years to come. And in addition to being digitized, physical back-up copies of what was still left at that location were made and stored elsewhere." (6/2a)

That's what they are claiming anyway. Who knows where the truth actually lies. I'm hearing from some of my sources that Andy MacKay, the head of Universal music is supposed to be completely distraught over what was lost. Somehow if it is as minor as they are trying to spin it, I doubt he would be so upset. I have a feeling we may never learn the absolute answer but I think far more burned up than they will ever admit.
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post #33 of 56
6/2/08 at 11:55pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

This was apparently sent out in an e-mail to theaters with upcoming Universal repertory bookings and appears to contradict what Uni was telling the press:

Quote:
It is with great sadness that I must inform you that yesterdays fire destroyed nearly 100% of the archive prints kept here on the lot. Due to this we will be unable to honor any film bookings of prints that were set to ship from here. Over the next few weeks and months we will be able to try and piece together what material we do have and if any prints exist elsewhere. For the time being please check your rental confirmations and look under shipping instructions. If the print was set to ship from the studio then you date is now canceled. If the shipping instructions say ship from Deluxe then those dates are still good.
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post #34 of 56
6/3/08 at 11:11pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

I am talking to some of my inside sources and this is way worse than Universal is telling anyone. They are really spinning this big time. Anything that they had 2-inch masters on, those are gone forever. For instance, the show Don Adams Screen Test, gone. Any specials, such as the Herb Alpert one, that they had a 2-inch tape on, gone. As for filmed TV shows, all of the transferred videotape masters are gone. Yes, they still have the original film elements but considering their astronomical in-house costs, are they really going to bother with many of these shows? I doubt it. So companies that are relying on existing tapes for their releases like Shout, Timeless and Arts Alliance could be out of luck.

As for the music that was lost, which is also being covered up, such things as The Carpenters unreleased recordings all burned up. Right now Universal is reporting it their way but as the artists start to find out about their recordings being destroyed you are going to hear it.
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post #35 of 56
6/4/08 at 7:55am

Ironside and Mc Hale's Navy?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hank Dearborn
As for filmed TV shows, all of the transferred videotape masters are gone. Yes, they still have the original film elements but considering their astronomical in-house costs, are they really going to bother with many of these shows? I doubt it. So companies that are relying on existing tapes for their releases like Shout, Timeless and Arts Alliance could be out of luck.


Does this mean what I THINK it means for shows like IRONSIDE and MC HALE'S Navy -- both of which I collect from Shout Factory?

Can anyone confirm or deny? Also, how does this affect the wonderful WOODY WOODPECKER sets that have been emerging from Universal?
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post #36 of 56
6/4/08 at 7:59am

Re: Ironside and Mc Hale's Navy?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Tor1
Does this mean what I THINK it means for shows like IRONSIDE and MC HALE'S Navy -- both of which I collect from Shout Factory?

Can anyone confirm or deny? Also, how does this affect the wonderful WOODY WOODPECKER sets that have been emerging from Universal?

I just posted the same thing about Kate & Allie. Hopefully, when the show is licensed out, the entire series is sent. Otherwise, it could mean trouble for the remainder of series Universal has licensed out.
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post #37 of 56
6/4/08 at 9:04am

Re: Ironside and Mc Hale's Navy?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert13

I just posted the same thing about Kate & Allie. Hopefully, when the show is licensed out, the entire series is sent. Otherwise, it could mean trouble for the remainder of series Universal has licensed out.

I would doubt that they would have all the tapes in that case, since Kate & Allie is only syndicated domestically by Universal while owned by FremantleMedia. They probably didn't receive the originals when they made the edits for syndication back in the 1980s. Even so, as I have said countless times, most videotaped shows have 3/4" copyright deposits stored at the Library of Congress (and I pray that they're following building and fire codes to the letter over in D.C.). Filmed shows used to have prints sent to the LoC, mostly 16mm, but some in 35mm.

It's shows produced and owned by Universal that are at the greatest risk. That means any videotaped show or filmed show that was edited on videotape could be lost if what Hank is saying is true. No offense, Hank, but for once I sincerely hope you're lying.

Plus, they claim to have backups. Is that also untrue?

God, this feels like a bad dream come true.
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post #38 of 56
6/4/08 at 9:26am

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Hank, with all due respect, you don't know the facts and you're letting it get out of proportion. Just let the real info come in before you get everybody all upset. Richard Carpenter says he still doesn't know what was lost, but that he has copies, backups and some masters of everything he ever recorded. That's one good thing, eh?
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post #39 of 56
6/4/08 at 9:52am

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ethan Riley
Hank, with all due respect, you don't know the facts and you're letting it get out of proportion. Just let the real info come in before you get everybody all upset. Richard Carpenter says he still doesn't know what was lost, but that he has copies, backups and some masters of everything he ever recorded. That's one good thing, eh?

He had the foresight to do so. Other musicians didn't think that far in advance, but some did.

We won't know all of the facts for some time to come. Whether Universal will be forthcoming with them is another matter.
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post #40 of 56
6/4/08 at 10:24am

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

other musicians are contractually obligated to turn over the Masters since they are property of the record company.

This is looking like a complete disaster and by the folks at NBC-Universal downplaying the disaster, it might get them in trouble with the SEC since they were attempting to lessen the loss of destroyed assets by making it sound like only dupe videotapes were destroyed
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post #41 of 56
6/4/08 at 11:33am
Thread Starter 

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Corey3rd
other musicians are contractually obligated to turn over the Masters since they are property of the record company.

This is looking like a complete disaster and by the folks at NBC-Universal downplaying the disaster, it might get them in trouble with the SEC since they were attempting to lessen the loss of destroyed assets by making it sound like only dupe videotapes were destroyed

But "Downplaying" the disaster could bite them in the rear when it comes to the insurance clams.
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post #42 of 56
6/4/08 at 11:43am
Thread Starter 

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ethan Riley
Hank, with all due respect, you don't know the facts and you're letting it get out of proportion....

Hank's just reporting what he's heard from his sources. It's more than we're getting from any other outlet - offical or unoffical.

TV GUIDE or TV SHOWS ON DVD have yet to report anything-even rumors - on how this is going to impact NBC-U's video releases - in house or licenced out.

The only "offical" report so far is 100% Universal's archival 35mm prints used for revival/rep houses stored on the lot are now destroyed or damaged. (See "Variety")
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post #43 of 56
6/4/08 at 12:07pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ethan Riley
Hank, with all due respect, you don't know the facts and you're letting it get out of proportion.
I agree. That being said, Hank could be 100% correct but whether he is or isn't, this has already been accepted as fact. Some people who want to believe the worst has happened or want to see a conspiracy everywhere ("Universal is covering up what was lost!!!") and Universal can make all the statements in the world about what was lost and it won't change those people's POVs.
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post #44 of 56
6/4/08 at 1:24pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

I received an E-mail from Timeless today inquiring about whether the Universal fire would affect the season 2 releases of Laredo. Season 2 part 1 is still on schedule for release on August 5th. Season 2 Part 2 is still planned for release but no official date has been determined.
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post #45 of 56
6/4/08 at 1:39pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Quote:
Originally Posted by DeWilson
But "Downplaying" the disaster could bite them in the rear when it comes to the insurance clams.

The downplaying won't hurt them on the insurance. but it was being done to keep investors from panicking and dumping on Monday morning.
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post #46 of 56
6/4/08 at 3:21pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Forgive me for being late to the thread, but I recall watching "Out Of This World" when I was younger, and I really enjoyed what I saw. Do you think that this show was impacted by the fire? I say that because, although it's unlikely, I would like to see a DVD release of it, and I fear that the fire might impact the possibility of one.

Sincerely,

John Kilduff...

And would this affect "California Dreams", one of my few favorite 90s programs, as well?
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post #47 of 56
6/4/08 at 8:12pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

I am pretty sure their are suitable replacements for most of the destroyed stuff. For instance, how many here know that the entire Adam 12 series is currently available for instant viewing at Netflix. This means that Netflix has to have a set of digital masters for that show (they also have most of Emergency beyond the DVD released seasons).

I live near the Eastman House. It was on our local news that many of the destroyed films at Universal can be replaced by The Eastman House achieves.

The audio masters might be a different story.
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post #48 of 56
6/5/08 at 8:27am

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Rogers
I am pretty sure their are suitable replacements for most of the destroyed stuff. For instance, how many here know that the entire Adam 12 series is currently available for instant viewing at Netflix. This means that Netflix has to have a set of digital masters for that show (they also have most of Emergency beyond the DVD released seasons).

I live near the Eastman House. It was on our local news that many of the destroyed films at Universal can be replaced by The Eastman House achieves.

The audio masters might be a different story.

I don't think Eastman House wants to be willing to ship their prints out to anyone who has the rental money. I used to work at a major film archive and you get very protective about loaning prints. For a private collector, they are irreplaceable. The studios don't sell 35mm prints. So once they are destroyed, scratched or stolen, you're screwed. There is a major level of trust that must be built between archive and exhibitor. These are like loaning out Picassos.

Universal didn't have such worries cause if you trashed their print, they could create a new one and bill you.
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post #49 of 56
6/5/08 at 11:27am

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

What I believe is that the damage has not been completely assessed, and that info will be forthcoming. There are insurance matters to be considered before any loss is reported to the public...Universal isn't "covering up" anything; they're probably playing by the rules.

And members on this thread seem to assume that everything Universal ever filmed or owned is gone forever. You guys, I mean really...
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post #50 of 56
6/5/08 at 11:35am

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ethan Riley
And members on this thread seem to assume that everything Universal ever filmed or owned is gone forever. You guys, I mean really...

Thank you!
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post #51 of 56
6/6/08 at 2:42pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

this means house calls now probably won't get released
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post #52 of 56
6/6/08 at 4:29pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Quote:
Originally Posted by mannix
this means house calls now probably won't get released
What's your source on that info?
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post #53 of 56
6/7/08 at 8:06pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Rogers
For instance, how many here know that the entire Adam 12 series is currently available for instant viewing at Netflix. This means that Netflix has to have a set of digital masters for that show (they also have most of Emergency beyond the DVD released seasons).

Then why does every season except for season 1 say "This movie has not been released on DVD. Future availability is not guaranteed."
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post #54 of 56
6/10/08 at 4:14pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ethan Riley
And members on this thread seem to assume that everything Universal ever filmed or owned is gone forever. You guys, I mean really...

Top 13 Movie Mementos Lost In the Universal Studios Fire That Nobody Will Miss:
01) The next-to-last Starfighter
02) Granny Klump’s prosthetic breasts
03) The pie from American Pie
04) Sting’s codpiece from Dune
05) Jim Belushi
06) Howard the Duck’s copy of Playduck magazine
07) The new cut of American Graffiti featuring an all-CGI Wolfman Jack more in line with the original vision of George Lucas
08) The rarely seen Satanic cauliflower from Veggie Tales
09) Body glitter washed off of Michael Beck after shooting Xanadu
10) Nick Nolte’s accent from Lorenzo’s Oil
11) The X-rated footage cut from Problem Child 2
12) An extensive collection of various vials, syringes, and scraps of scorched aluminum foil recovered from Robert Downey, Jr.’s trailers over the years
13) All prints of the secretly completed surprise sequel to Firefly

(Thanks to Woot, by the way. )
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post #55 of 56
6/11/08 at 3:27pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Platt
They said there are duplicates of the movies and films at a different location, so it appears nothing was lost "for good."

Jack

Most Universal masters I can say for sure (as some people specilated) are in fact, stored in an underground bunker "somewhere" (there are several more besides the Salt Mine) They store 1 and 2" tape masters as well. I'm thinking the tapes destroyed were most likely Syndication "duplication masters" and the like (several copies of duplication masters can exist in several different locations, so it's most likely most of the TV shows destroyed could probably be replaced.
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post #56 of 56
6/20/08 at 2:52pm

Re: Fire at Universal Damages Video Vault!

Broadcasting & Cable reports Meyer was upbeat in an e-mail to employees: "Although our video vault was destroyed, losing thousands of tapes and hundreds of duplicate film prints that we are now in the process of recreating, the vault in which we store our library of films was untouched."

Universal Studios Fire -- Studio Chief Says Film Library Untouched - Today's News: Our Take | TVGuide.com

Gord
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