Mark Edward Heuck
Screenwriter
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2000
- Messages
- 1,187
It's always frustrating when WB launches an interesting umbrella heading for box set releases, because they are often very good, but not always continued. We are going to see more "Forbidden Hollywood" and "Gangsters" boxes, but the gauntlet that has been dropped with the new Kubrick "Director's Series" box makes me hungry for more comprehensive collections by one artist. But in their noble attempt to prevent buyers from double dipping by not putting already-released discs in boxes, it limits the possibilities. I seem to recall hearing that Clint Eastwood will get one, which he rightfully deserves since many of his movies would benefit from fresh new transfers and added extras. But who else is due for more representation?
Right off my head Sidney Lumet would be a great candidate. He's getting lots of attention again for BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD, and of course the Lifetime Achievement Award is a good excuse to revisit his work. True, WB has already revisited NETWORK and DOG DAY AFTERNOON for their "Controversial Classics" box, and just released THE HILL for their war movie promotion, but there are plenty of other movies of his that would be either new to DVD (BYE BYE BRAVERMAN, THE SEAGULL, THE APPOINTMENT, LAST OF THE MOBILE HOT SHOTS, JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT, GARBO TALKS) or due for upgrading (DEATHTRAP, RUNNING ON EMPTY, POWER - all currently barebones 1.33) to include.
Ken Russell is another that comes to mind. There is almost none of his WB or MGM output on DVD right now save for ALTERED STATES (which is 1.85 but without extras). Putting Russell's work in one box would yield two long-sought films - THE DEVILS and THE BOYFRIEND - that would make this as desirable and highly marketable as the Kubrick box, plus SAVAGE MESSIAH which features an infamous Helen Mirren nude scene, the divisive cult musical LISZTOMANIA, and perhaps a new ALTERED STATES with cast interviews or director commentary.
Any other suggestions? Remember, WB prefers not to double dip, so semi-obvious and deserving directors like Scorsese or Spielberg are not likely.
Right off my head Sidney Lumet would be a great candidate. He's getting lots of attention again for BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD, and of course the Lifetime Achievement Award is a good excuse to revisit his work. True, WB has already revisited NETWORK and DOG DAY AFTERNOON for their "Controversial Classics" box, and just released THE HILL for their war movie promotion, but there are plenty of other movies of his that would be either new to DVD (BYE BYE BRAVERMAN, THE SEAGULL, THE APPOINTMENT, LAST OF THE MOBILE HOT SHOTS, JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT, GARBO TALKS) or due for upgrading (DEATHTRAP, RUNNING ON EMPTY, POWER - all currently barebones 1.33) to include.
Ken Russell is another that comes to mind. There is almost none of his WB or MGM output on DVD right now save for ALTERED STATES (which is 1.85 but without extras). Putting Russell's work in one box would yield two long-sought films - THE DEVILS and THE BOYFRIEND - that would make this as desirable and highly marketable as the Kubrick box, plus SAVAGE MESSIAH which features an infamous Helen Mirren nude scene, the divisive cult musical LISZTOMANIA, and perhaps a new ALTERED STATES with cast interviews or director commentary.
Any other suggestions? Remember, WB prefers not to double dip, so semi-obvious and deserving directors like Scorsese or Spielberg are not likely.
