Seen The 1959 Hercule's Threads - But does anyone really know who has the US rights to the film? (1 Viewer)

[Capt D McMars]

Very interesting. Very cool packaging. Strangely, the link has been removed from the distributors web site. Not an English release. Brings us back to the GATT treaty. I can only go out on a limb here and think it was not copyright reclaimed because all the lousy dvd & blu-ray Hercules burns out there, even in retail locations. We're not talking underground bootlegs here.

Still, the questions remain...where are the exsisting flim and audio elements located and can they be aquired for remastering? It seems that these and other properties have traded hands so often that it's looking allot like the old fashoned "Find the Queen" senario. The search continues...

 

[AlanP]

I saw both "Hercules and Hercules Unchained" on AMC in the 90s. They were on periodically before, the starting cutting films and adding commercials. That happened and I stopped watching AMC. I suggest everyone write TCM, to show these films. I have been emailing for years requesting them. So, if more will email maybe they will step up to the plate. I can't remember if AMC was pan and scan I believe but it was a decent print. I say we all contact TCM.

 

[Capt D McMars]

I saw both "Hercules and Hercules Unchained" on AMC in the 90s. They were on periodically before, the starting cutting films and adding commercials. That happened and I stopped watching AMC. I suggest everyone write TCM, to show these films. I have been emailing for years requesting them. So, if more will email maybe they will step up to the plate. I can't remember if AMC was pan and scan I believe but it was a decent print. I say we all contact TCM.

Wow, that was a long time ago, I too remember watching AMC when they were commcercial free!! TMC was great, but many have left cable and TMC doesn't have a streaming app for Roku. The closest I have is thier nonlive hub inside HBO MAX, which offers many of the films in thier catalog, but no live broadcasts like with cable. Really, for me post Robert Osborne just wasn't the same...

 

[RobertMG]

I saw both "Hercules and Hercules Unchained" on AMC in the 90s. They were on periodically before, the starting cutting films and adding commercials. That happened and I stopped watching AMC. I suggest everyone write TCM, to show these films. I have been emailing for years requesting them. So, if more will email maybe they will step up to the plate. I can't remember if AMC was pan and scan I believe but it was a decent print. I say we all contact TCM.

Great idea!

 

[bujaki]

post deleted

 

[Brent Reid]

This thread is a very frustrating read: there's so much speculation, much of it completely misinformed. Hopefully this will end it.

I'm not going to quote individual posts but reply to various points raised since the beginning of this thread.

Once again: as of today, 1st January, essentially, no post-1926-released, non-US works are public domain in the US – or anywhere else for that matter. I'm honesty baffled as to why so many fail to grasp this basic concept.

To reiterate: Neither Hercules film has ever been public domain in the US or anywhere else.

What's more, the number of US films that are truly public domain is far fewer than widely believed.

No British film has ever entered the public domain domestically for at least 50 years following the death of its co-creator.

The rambling, contradictory copyright statement on Festival Films' website is a deliberately convoluted lie with only peripheral relation to the facts. It's concocted to justify their inveterate piracy and many bootleggers post similar worthless notices alongside their listings, in an attempt to ward off inquisitive visitors. This links to several layman's guides to US and international copyright law, all fully referenced with official sources.

Here's a straightforward guide to differentiating bootlegs from licensed releases.

Like every single so-called "public domain" company I've ever come across, a significant proportion of Festival Films' inventory is actually copyrighted; ie they have no business selling it and are committing theft. The same also applies, albeit to a much lesser degree, to Film Chest and Retromedia.

The German Intergroove label are/were 100% bootleggers, part of a large stable of front companies collectively pirating thousands of titles. If Intergroove's 2014 DVD of Hercules Unchained happens to have decent A/V, it's only because it was stolen from...

Legit German KNM/Concorde Home Entertainment's 2004 2-DVD set of both films is for most the best option currently available. Hercules has a slightly cropped 1.78:1, non-anamorphic transfer, while Hercules Unchained's transfer is 2.35:1 anamorphic. Both films have English and German dubs, no subtitles, and no extras.

Both films have also had the exact same DVD issued by DVDY and Opening in France. The latter have issued each film four times with different sleeve designs. Both discs have 2.35:1 anamorphic transfers; English, French and Italian dubs; and forced French subtitles. Their only extra is a French-language peplum featurette (5:35, no subtitles) on the Hercules disc.

As far as can be ascertained, these appear to be the only legit releases, with all others being bootlegs.

Via a series of buyouts, takeovers and acquisitions, according to Concorde both Hercules films are now owned by AMC Networks, licensors for all the DVDs above. Current ownership by a US company has nothing to do with the films' original US theatrical distribution.

Just because films are freely and openly distributed on various media, it does not make them public domain, nor does it necessarily mean the copyright holders don't know or care about it. For more information, see the bootleg guide.

 

[Artanis]

This thread is a very frustrating read: there's so much speculation, much of it completely misinformed. Hopefully this will end it.

I'm not going to quote individual posts but reply to various points raised since the beginning of this thread.

Once again: as of today, 1st January, essentially, no post-1926-released, non-US works are public domain in the US – or anywhere else for that matter. I'm honesty baffled as to why so many fail to grasp this basic concept.

To reiterate: Neither Hercules film has ever been public domain in the US or anywhere else.

What's more, the number of US films that are truly public domain is far fewer than widely believed.

No British film has ever entered the public domain domestically for at least 50 years following the death of its co-creator.

The rambling, contradictory copyright statement on Festival Films' website is a deliberately convoluted lie with only peripheral relation to the facts. It's concocted to justify their inveterate piracy and many bootleggers post similar worthless notices alongside their listings, in an attempt to ward off inquisitive visitors. This links to several layman's guides to US and international copyright law, all fully referenced with official sources.

Here's a straightforward guide to differentiating bootlegs from licensed releases.

Like every single so-called "public domain" company I've ever come across, a significant proportion of Festival Films' inventory is actually copyrighted; ie they have no business selling it and are committing theft. The same also applies, albeit to a much lesser degree, to Film Chest and Retromedia.

The German Intergroove label are/were 100% bootleggers, part of a large stable of front companies collectively pirating thousands of titles. If Intergroove's 2014 DVD of Hercules Unchained happens to have decent A/V, it's only because it was stolen from...

Legit German KNM/Concorde Home Entertainment's 2004 2-DVD set of both films is for most the best option currently available. Hercules has a slightly cropped 1.78:1, non-anamorphic transfer, while Hercules Unchained's transfer is 2.35:1 anamorphic. Both films have English and German dubs, no subtitles, and no extras.

Both films have also had the exact same DVD issued by DVDY and Opening in France. The latter have issued each film four times with different sleeve designs. Both discs have 2.35:1 anamorphic transfers; English, French and Italian dubs; and forced French subtitles. Their only extra is a French-language peplum featurette (5:35, no subtitles) on the Hercules disc.

As far as can be ascertained, these appear to be the only legit releases, with all others being bootlegs.

Via a series of buyouts, takeovers and acquisitions, according to Concorde both Hercules films are now owned by AMC Networks, licensors for all the DVDs above. Current ownership by a US company has nothing to do with the films' original US theatrical distribution.

Just because films are freely and openly distributed on various media, it does not make them public domain, nor does it necessarily mean the copyright holders don't know or care about it. For more information, see the bootleg guide.

NONSENSE! Prove it, Brent. PROVE that Hercules is NOT public domain. I'm not saying it is. I'm not saying it isn't. But I've made a case. You've been touting your copyright opinions all over this forum, with nary a single piece of documented fact to corresponded with a particular post. PROVE the Hercules copyright, Brent. And don't just say "according to such and such", or rip a copy and paste of a supposed claimant. Prove it, legally. Because there is a lineage, decades long, retail and broadcast history to counter and highly likely prove otherwise. And yet, you tout that doesn't make it so. Possession is 9/10ths of the law is certainly attributable in a copyright dispute, especially with regard to a disputed copyright renewal. However; If you can (which I doubt you actually will) prove copyright, then good for you! And good for all of us here that are fans of this movie. We'll at least know one way or the other because without any doubt whatsoever, Brent will have PROVED IT. Don't just hide in the shadows down voting posts here. With respect to GATT, PROVE the original Hercules is copyright protected in the United States. Oh...You're not from the U.S. Well...That might be a totally different case. If I may be so bold (if not arrogant), in so-far as to suggest that the majority of curiosity regarding this particular post from the OP might infer, a U.S. release. If I'm wrong, I apologize. Nevertheless. PROVE IT, Brent. Go to work. I can't wait for this.....

 

[Robert Crawford]

Calling out another HTF member goes against our normal forum decorum. I think some people need reminding of the following HTF posting guideline:

Conduct
10. No personal attacks. We expect all members to treat each other with consideration and respect. While we encourage lively debate, we do not allow personal attacks. This includes direct attacks, such as name-calling, as well as indirect attacks, such as repeated baiting of a member in a provocative or belittling manner. If you believe that you have been subjected to a personal attack, or have witnessed one on another member, please see the section on Dealing with Problems for instructions on how to proceed.

 

[Ed Lachmann]

What's particularly sad about all this is the "legit" Hercules double feature DVD set IS NOT currently available except in OOP form and for 76+ euros. That's what makes me sick to my stomach, the godly rights holder deciding that now nobody can ever have these beloved films in the future. And, why aren't copyright lawsuits coming for the many crappy low quality DVDs STILL available from budget companies?

 

[RobertMG]

This thread is a very frustrating read: there's so much speculation, much of it completely misinformed. Hopefully this will end it.

I'm not going to quote individual posts but reply to various points raised since the beginning of this thread.

Once again: as of today, 1st January, essentially, no post-1926-released, non-US works are public domain in the US – or anywhere else for that matter. I'm honesty baffled as to why so many fail to grasp this basic concept.

To reiterate: Neither Hercules film has ever been public domain in the US or anywhere else.

What's more, the number of US films that are truly public domain is far fewer than widely believed.

No British film has ever entered the public domain domestically for at least 50 years following the death of its co-creator.

The rambling, contradictory copyright statement on Festival Films' website is a deliberately convoluted lie with only peripheral relation to the facts. It's concocted to justify their inveterate piracy and many bootleggers post similar worthless notices alongside their listings, in an attempt to ward off inquisitive visitors. This links to several layman's guides to US and international copyright law, all fully referenced with official sources.

Here's a straightforward guide to differentiating bootlegs from licensed releases.

Like every single so-called "public domain" company I've ever come across, a significant proportion of Festival Films' inventory is actually copyrighted; ie they have no business selling it and are committing theft. The same also applies, albeit to a much lesser degree, to Film Chest and Retromedia.

The German Intergroove label are/were 100% bootleggers, part of a large stable of front companies collectively pirating thousands of titles. If Intergroove's 2014 DVD of Hercules Unchained happens to have decent A/V, it's only because it was stolen from...

Legit German KNM/Concorde Home Entertainment's 2004 2-DVD set of both films is for most the best option currently available. Hercules has a slightly cropped 1.78:1, non-anamorphic transfer, while Hercules Unchained's transfer is 2.35:1 anamorphic. Both films have English and German dubs, no subtitles, and no extras.

Both films have also had the exact same DVD issued by DVDY and Opening in France. The latter have issued each film four times with different sleeve designs. Both discs have 2.35:1 anamorphic transfers; English, French and Italian dubs; and forced French subtitles. Their only extra is a French-language peplum featurette (5:35, no subtitles) on the Hercules disc.

As far as can be ascertained, these appear to be the only legit releases, with all others being bootlegs.

Via a series of buyouts, takeovers and acquisitions, according to Concorde both Hercules films are now owned by AMC Networks, licensors for all the DVDs above. Current ownership by a US company has nothing to do with the films' original US theatrical distribution.

Just because films are freely and openly distributed on various media, it does not make them public domain, nor does it necessarily mean the copyright holders don't know or care about it. For more information, see the bootleg guide.

Cannot even find it online Copyright searches. If AMC Networks owns the films in the states why have they not licensed it to any US firm, why are they tolerating the film all over youtube. Something is amiss here. On copyright laws they are a muddle - why because anytime Copyrights are set to expire Disney lobbies to protect Mickey and succeeds.

 

[RobertMG]

This thread is a very frustrating read: there's so much speculation, much of it completely misinformed. Hopefully this will end it.

I'm not going to quote individual posts but reply to various points raised since the beginning of this thread.

Once again: as of today, 1st January, essentially, no post-1926-released, non-US works are public domain in the US – or anywhere else for that matter. I'm honesty baffled as to why so many fail to grasp this basic concept.

To reiterate: Neither Hercules film has ever been public domain in the US or anywhere else.

What's more, the number of US films that are truly public domain is far fewer than widely believed.

No British film has ever entered the public domain domestically for at least 50 years following the death of its co-creator.

The rambling, contradictory copyright statement on Festival Films' website is a deliberately convoluted lie with only peripheral relation to the facts. It's concocted to justify their inveterate piracy and many bootleggers post similar worthless notices alongside their listings, in an attempt to ward off inquisitive visitors. This links to several layman's guides to US and international copyright law, all fully referenced with official sources.

Here's a straightforward guide to differentiating bootlegs from licensed releases.

Like every single so-called "public domain" company I've ever come across, a significant proportion of Festival Films' inventory is actually copyrighted; ie they have no business selling it and are committing theft. The same also applies, albeit to a much lesser degree, to Film Chest and Retromedia.

The German Intergroove label are/were 100% bootleggers, part of a large stable of front companies collectively pirating thousands of titles. If Intergroove's 2014 DVD of Hercules Unchained happens to have decent A/V, it's only because it was stolen from...

Legit German KNM/Concorde Home Entertainment's 2004 2-DVD set of both films is for most the best option currently available. Hercules has a slightly cropped 1.78:1, non-anamorphic transfer, while Hercules Unchained's transfer is 2.35:1 anamorphic. Both films have English and German dubs, no subtitles, and no extras.

Both films have also had the exact same DVD issued by DVDY and Opening in France. The latter have issued each film four times with different sleeve designs. Both discs have 2.35:1 anamorphic transfers; English, French and Italian dubs; and forced French subtitles. Their only extra is a French-language peplum featurette (5:35, no subtitles) on the Hercules disc.

As far as can be ascertained, these appear to be the only legit releases, with all others being bootlegs.

Via a series of buyouts, takeovers and acquisitions, according to Concorde both Hercules films are now owned by AMC Networks, licensors for all the DVDs above. Current ownership by a US company has nothing to do with the films' original US theatrical distribution.

Just because films are freely and openly distributed on various media, it does not make them public domain, nor does it necessarily mean the copyright holders don't know or care about it. For more information, see the bootleg guide.

Just clicked on your link and u have a VERY informative fun site. I also checked again the US Copyright site and boy all it is is mumbo jumbo!

 

[haineshisway]

Artus messaged me - the reason they canceled their release was bad film elements

Maybe someone can enlighten me - they announce the title, do the packaging and THEN find out the elements are bad. Something doesn't smell right here.

 

[RobertMG]

Maybe someone can enlighten me - they announce the title, do the packaging and THEN find out the elements are bad. Something doesn't smell right here.

That's what the sent me. Maybe legal in reality?

 

[Douglas R]

Cannot even find it online Copyright searches. If AMC Networks owns the films in the states why have they not licensed it to any US firm, why are they tolerating the film all over youtube. Something is amiss here. On copyright laws they are a muddle - why because anytime Copyrights are set to expire Disney lobbies to protect Mickey and succeeds.

There are numerous films which are never released on disc or licensed out so that doesn’t mean anything. Brent Reid’s excellent, informative website explains why it is so difficult for rights owners to remove pirated material from YouTube. It’s disgraceful that YouTube is allowed to be a carrier of thousands of pirated feature films.

 

[Robin9]

There are numerous films which are never released on disc or licensed out so that doesn’t mean anything. Brent Reid’s excellent, informative website explains why it is so difficult for rights owners to remove pirated material from YouTube. It’s disgraceful that YouTube is allowed to be a carrier of thousands of pirated feature films.

I agree about YouTube. I repeat a point I've made before: the only way to coerce YouTube into respecting copyright even more than instant profits is for the big companies to join forces and bring a succession of class actions against YouTube. Remember: people upload these movies because they believe they'll make money by doing so. If YouTube promptly took these videos down, within weeks people would stop uploading them.

 

[Capt D McMars]

That's what the sent me. Maybe legal in reality?

no company will create packaging before going into final editing and pre-dup production. It just doesn't make sence? But for what ever the reason, the end result is no Product!!

 

[Brent Reid]

Just clicked on your link and u have a VERY informative fun site. I also checked again the US Copyright site and boy all it is is mumbo jumbo!

Thank you. It may initially appear to be mumbo jumbo but I've studied it for many years and understand it perfectly. But it's really not that difficult: copyright laws may seem intimidating at first but once you decipher the legalese, they're actually quite straightforward. This especially applies since 1996 when America, the last major hold-out, finally adopted the rest of the world's much more logical, consistent – and fair! – copyright laws. Yet still the old canards persist.

But to get back on topic, I actually learned a fair bit more about the Hercules films' lineage than was prudent to share publicly. My hope is that anyone with a sincere intent to release them officially sees my post and has enough info now to pursue it properly. If really necessary, they're also welcome to contact me privately.

Lastly, the German set is currently hovering around €22 on the link I provided, although new, sealed copies do cost more (but still only around €30 on German eBay). The price also regularly drops much lower: my own copy, bought within the past year, was only €7.

 

[RobertMG]

no company will create packaging before going into final editing and pre-dup production. It just doesn't make sence? But for what ever the reason, the end result is no Product!!

The discontinued Artus releases

 

[Joseph Goodman]

Those may be mere mockups, not an image of actual packaging.

 

[Capt D McMars]

Those may be mere mockups, not an image of actual packaging.

Still, wether digital or actual packaging, both require time, effort and expence...for a dead project...still makes no sense!