RIO GRANDE (1 Viewer)

[MarcoBiscotti]

Does Artisan still own the rights to release?

Is the 2002 Collector's Edition still the best version to own and is there any possibility that a new and definitive release will surface anytime soon or is this a safe purchase for better or worse?

 

[ahollis]

While simple it is complicated. As we all know Rio Grande was an Argosy Pictures production released by Republic Pictures. Republic Pictures released the home versions until 1994 when Spelling Entertainment purchased Republic Pictures. In 1995 Spelling licensed the Republic films to Artisan Entertainment, which then released the films under their name. In 2000 Paramount purchased Spelling Entertainment and continued the licensing arrangement with Artisan. Now in 2003 Lionsgate purchased Artisan, and that is where the DVD rights reside.

Paramount did take back IT's A WONDERFUL LIFE and a couple of other Republic owned titles, but the John films stayed with Lionsgate.

With Lionsgate controlling the rights, the 2002 edition is the best to own. If there is another release, Lionsgate will more than likely just use the same transfer as the 2002 edition since they have gone that route in the past with other re-releases.

It is a great film and I actually like this one the best of the three John Ford "Calvary" films. You have good taste.

 

[Simon Howson]

So did Paramount release a DVD version in the U.S.? I have an Australian DVD version that was released by Paramount. They have released a lot of Republic films that in the U.S. were released by Artisan.

 

[JoeDoakes]

So, does the 2007 version differ from the 2002 version? On Amazon they look the same with the only difference being the company releasing it.

 

[ahollis]

Paramount did not release a US version nor except a about dozen titles do they have the rights until the agreement with Lionsgate runs out. Not sure who I wish would have the rights, Lionsgate or Paramount, neither want to really do anything with the films. Lionsgate is not going to restore any since they are only leasing the rights, and Paramount as the lawful owners are not going to do anything since they would receive nothing from any restoration. And if they did control the DVD rights, the films would just lay in the vault.

The 2007 version is the same transfer as 2002 right down to the extras only difference is they slapped Lions Gate on it instead of Artisan.