Now that Indy and Duel are scheduled can Schindler's List be far behind? (1 Viewer)

[Joel Vardy]

I know the release of Schindler's has been discussed in other threads on HTF but this is the last of the 'high profile' non-scheduled Spielberg films not available on DVD. I have no doubt that it will be released on this format at some point but if the 10th anniversary date of 2003 has any meaning the announcement window is closing fast. I know that not all releases get a 6 month announcement like Indy but SL is arguably a more important and a more 'personal' film for Spielberg and the rumor mill is unusually quiet about this.

About a year ago Bill Hunt (from thedigitalbits) wrote me that 2003 is too busy with the Indy release to allow Spielberg the 'time' to focus on SL. I find this hard to believe, since he has commented on this title at least once publicly and has had plenty of time to collect whatever he needs to delay it another year. What about a December release possibility? Anyone?

Joel

 

[Quint van der Vaart]

There are rumors about Schindler's List being released as a 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition dvd for 2003 but nothing solid.
I think that when and if it arrives you won't see an announcement from Universal before June or July even.
Now that Duel's new streetdate has been set I think it will only be a matter of time before Schindler can be announced.

 

[DonRoeber]

Duel is due to be released on 8/12. Personally, I'd be surprised if Schindler's List was released this year. I think all of the marketting dollars will be pushed for Indy.

 

[Joel Vardy]

I'd be surprised if Schindler's List was released this year. I think all of the marketting dollars will be pushed for Indy.

That's my concern as well. If this decision is being made based on 'marketing dollars' available I will be very disappointed. :frowning:

I would have thought that Spielberg had more respect for this material that after 6+ years of waiting we would be getting some ideas about this. As is being said, if it happens this year we will probably hear by mid-year, the latest -- otherwise early 2004 may be a good bet.

Joel

 

[Craig S]

Personally, I'd be surprised if Schindler's List was released this year. I think all of the marketting dollars will be pushed for Indy.

I don't think marketing dollars has anything to do with it. Indy's coming from Paramount, and Schindler, when it comes, will be from Universal. I don't believe those two companies pool their marketing budgets.

Spielberg's time (or the lack thereof) is probably the issue here.

 

[Joel Vardy]

Indy's coming from Paramount, and Schindler, when it comes, will be from Universal.

Good point. This is clearly in Spielberg's court. His time availability may be the gating issue but I believe that discussions about this may have been going on for awhile so that his time alocation would have been planned for this year if it was ever seen as a 2003 release. Spielberg may be 'holding out' for some additional 'stuff' he wants to do to make this a reflection of his most personal of works (along with E.T.).

Joel

 

[David Lambert]

Don't forget that Universal is up for sale, and because of that they are going to hold back on announcing many of their high-level assets (to save them as motivation for a potential buyer to bid high).

Because of that, Schindler would potentially be held off no matter what other SS/Amblin titles were coming from any other studio. Putting Duel back on their schedule was probably the lowest-profile SS title they could have had ready to go this year, while not "jeopardizing" the library of assets they own. Or, well, the value of that library to a bidder.

 

[Joel Vardy]

Don't forget that Universal is up for sale, and because of that they are going to hold back on announcing many of their high-level assets (to save them as motivation for a potential buyer to bid high).

Dave, I had the impression as well that SL was going to slip out of contention for '03 but had forgotten about the impending Universal sale issue. I had hoped with the recent rumors of an anouncement a few weeks back that Spielberg was going to push for the release of this title since he has quite a lot to say about titles that have his involvement like this one. Not that anyone cares, but the subjects of this docudrama are of an age where they can not be expected to be available much longer, in case he wanted to add a few new interviews with this release :frowning: .

Joel

 

[Dave Simpson]

Not that anyone cares, but the subjects of this docudrama are of an age where they can not be expected to be available much longer...

Not that anyone cares? Are you mad, man?? Isn't it the entire point of the picture that we never forget??
My apologies in advance if I've misconstrued your post. Cheers.

DS.

 

[Joel Vardy]

Not that anyone cares? Are you mad, man?? Isn't it the entire point of the picture that we never forget??

I've made this point before here at the HTF but others, including the ever-so wise moderators didn't feel this was a 'strong enough' argument to lobby with Spielberg in terms of a DVD release. After all, it is available on other formats like LD/VHS...:frowning: . I have been thinking of contacting Spielberg's operation directly to get their views. As a firstborn of an Auschwitz survivor, who is ailing and has been contacted directly by Spielberg about his projects (and participated the early interviews) in the past, I believe I have the right. If others are interested in joining this effort I welcome it.

Joel

 

[oscar_merkx]

Hi David

You bring up a good point about Universal being up for sale. This could very well delay this important landmark.

 

[Joel Vardy]

It looks like 'thebits' has gotten wind of this for February of 2004 (per their rumor mill from today). This makes sense since the window for a 2003 release has pretty much closed. Let's hope for the best SE possible (though per the rumor Spielberg will not be doing a commentary -- not surprising). I'm sure it will be at least a two disk special. I'm hoping perhaps for a three disk release since pricing will not be a factor for the sale of this one and there surely is plenty of extra material that would be appropriate.

Joel