Citizen Kane 75th Anniversary (Blu-ray) Available for Preorder (1 Viewer)

[Josh Steinberg]

I don't think it's an impossibility that Criterion might eventually do AMBERSONS on blu. After all, they finally got back around to CAT PEOPLE, which they previously issued on laserdisc.

It's not impossible and Criterion may even be willing. Unfortunately for them in this specific circumstance, Magnificent Ambersons is owned by Warner, which in general does not license titles. There have been a small handful of exceptions in circumstances where the director has specifically requested they do (for example Badlands from Terrence Malick to Criterion, and Heaven & Earth from Oliver Stone to Twilight Time), but with Welles long gone, he can't make that request. Which is not to say that Warner couldn't surprise us one day and it would be nice if they do, but personally, I'm not holding my breath.

 

[PMF]

Unlike CITIZEN KANE (1941), I've actually viewed THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS (1942) in it's entirety, and more than once. I do find its theme of inevitable progress, and a well to do Family's inability/unwillingness to make the necessary adjustments intriguing, yet relatable! [...]

Perhaps you've put your finger on why "Citizen Kane" doesn't grab everyone.
"The Magnificent Ambersons" is far more accessible and relatable to the larger audiences.
Without a doubt, the "relatable" lesson taught through "Ambersons" is that we can all waste a lot of energy and an entire lifetime waiting for others to receive their "comeuppance"; whereas not all can relate to the message of Mr. Kane's greed, as few of us will ever know what it is to be so filthy rich. And that includes me.
Nonetheless, "Citizen" remains as an amazingly brave and bold feat created by such a young filmmaker. Writer, Actor, Producer, Director; such insights and such an achievement; all at the tender age of 24.
"It's [still] terrific !!!"

 

[Worth]

It's not impossible and Criterion may even be willing. Unfortunately for them in this specific circumstance, Magnificent Ambersons is owned by Warner, which in general does not license titles. There have been a small handful of exceptions in circumstances where the director has specifically requested they do (for example Badlands from Terrence Malick to Criterion, and Heaven & Earth from Oliver Stone to Twilight Time), but with Welles long gone, he can't make that request. Which is not to say that Warner couldn't surprise us one day and it would be nice if they do, but personally, I'm not holding my breath.

Warner has been licencing a fair amount to Criterion lately - Akira Kurosawa's Dreams, Cat People, Day for Night, The In-Laws, McCabe and Mrs. Miller.

 

[Ushabye]

I finally saw Citizen Kane in 1989 when I had just turned 18. It was one of those 'old chestnut' titles I'd heard much of my life as an example of one of the best films ever made (up to that point, the only clip I'd ever seen was Kane thrashing the room) and my dad would always remind me when we'd pass by The Gate theater in Dublin how Orson Welles got his start right in there.

When I did get to sit down and watch it it was, by fate, in the best of circumstances: tea from a porcelain cup and saucer while watching a 35mm print in a double feature with The Third Man (which I had also never seen before.) My reaction? Stunned. I was still trying to digest what I'd just witnessed when The Third Man came on! Anyway, I've been in love with Welles ever since. And I thank my lucky stars I got to see it that first time in the context that I did.

I wish I'd had a smartphone at the time, but when that 70th Anniversary Bluray was released in Ireland I was in HMV Christmas shopping. There were a huge wall of the latest blockbusters...and Citizen Kane. Right in the centre above the Bourne Box sets. I smiled to myself. Orson would be proud.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Amazon has pulled it from their website. Got an email about the cancellation this morning.

They must be having a dispute with Warner Bros.

 

[Tony Bensley]

Amazon has pulled it from their website. Got an email about the cancellation this morning.

They must be having a dispute with Warner Bros.

Amazon.ca still lists the 75th Anniversary Edition via 3rd party merchants, although it costs over $40 Canadian. There's currently only 3 left in stock according to the listing:
https://www.amazon.ca/Citizen-Kane-...id=1476102433&sr=8-1&keywords=citizen+kane+75

CHEERS!

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Tony,

I can get the U.S. release on DVD PLANET for $15. The point I am making is that Amazon pulled the original re-issue, which is a single Blu-ray release. Not a boxed set.

 

[Cranston37+]

Amazon has pulled it from their website. Got an email about the cancellation this morning.

They must be having a dispute with Warner Bros.

Only Amazon though. I went ahead and ordered from Best Buy about a month ago and got it in a few days.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Patrick, I see it on Target. I can have it, delivered, for just under $20.

I just don't want to give stores like Walmart or Target my credit card as they have both had credit card security issues.

I will keep looking....

 

[Tony Bensley]

Patrick, I see it on Target. I can have it, delivered, for just under $20.

I just don't want to give stores like Walmart or Target my credit card as they have both had credit card security issues.

I will keep looking....

Ron, have you considered using a prepaid Gift Credit Card to get around the security issue? It's just a thought!

CHEERS!

 

[Cranston37+]

Patrick, I see it on Target. I can have it, delivered, for just under $20.

I just don't want to give stores like Walmart or Target my credit card as they have both had credit card security issues.

I will keep looking....

$14.99 with free shipping at Best Buy...

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Tony,

That seems more of an inconvenience than a benefit. If these stores take PayPal, however, it would allow me to keep my card details out of their hands.

It's so tough for me once I leave the Amazon ecosystem.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

$14.99 with free shipping at Best Buy...

DONE! Thank You! On my way.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Free shipping is only available on orders over $35. However, I'll pay it.

 

[Angelo Colombus]

Speaking of anniversary blu-ray i hope Warners or Criterion will release Welles's The Magnificent Ambersons for it's 75th.

 

[Cranston37+]

Free shipping is only available on orders over $35. However, I'll pay it.

Ahhhh, it was showing me free shipping because I'm an Elite member. Once I signed out it changed to over $35

 

[battlebeast]

In typical fashion, Amazon Canada is charging nearly double at $40 CDN for this - An instant pass for that alone:
https://www.amazon.ca/Citizen-Kane-...id=1476102433&sr=8-1&keywords=citizen+kane+75

CHEERS!

with the crappy Canadian Dollar Vs. the US, Amazon gouging on every title and now HMV closing, it'll be pretty tough for us Canucks to get the Blu Rays we want...

 

[Tony Bensley]

with the crappy Canadian Dollar Vs. the US, Amazon gouging on every title and now HMV closing, it'll be pretty tough for us Canucks to get the Blu Rays we want...

Sad, but true! The home video market has always been a somewhat more expensive proposition for we Canucks, but after several decent years, there's no mistaking that we are firmly back into "Pay through the nose" mode!

As it happens, due to some upcoming life changes, I probably won't be buying any new titles for the foreseeable future, anyway. I'll simply have to enjoy what I do have for the time being at least!

CHEERS!

 

[bigshot]

I buy from Amazon UK all the time and discs are cheap and shipping is reasonable. God bless America!

 

[TJPC]

I find Best Buy in Canada has the best prices and Costco is great for latest and greatest Blu Rays.