Where is the Poltergeist Special Edition (1 Viewer)

[Anthony R]

I heard a while back that a Poltergeist 20th Anniversary Edition was coming to DVD at the end of the year. Anyone know the current status on that? I haven't heard anything. Thanks,

Tony

 

[Robert Ringwald]

It was stopped by mr. spielberg for reasons unknown.
Don't expect this one anytime soon. :frowning:

 

[Bruce Hedtke]

Drat! Even with 20 years under its belt, it still holds up well.

Bruce

 

[Robert_eb]

Is there any word on a SE of this film in the works?

 

[Haden]

Spielberg probably wants to do a director's commentary for it.

 

[Dave H]

Yes, it holds up very well still. While the current transfer is decent, I would love to see a new one.

Wasn't there some kind of (potential?) lawsuit holding this up?

 

[WillG]

I never heard of a lawsuit, but let's go over the possibilities:

1. The whole "Who Really Directed This Movie" Controversy
On one hand, Spielberg has officially denied directly interfering with the direction of the film. Cast members confirm this as well, so what is all the fuss about? On th other hand, perhaps Spielberg is worried that a SE with behind the scenes material would reveal too much about his alleged opressive hand over the making of this film.

2. Spielberg does not want to glorify the tragic events that plagued the series which would almost certianly be fodder for a Special Edition DVD.

3. There is some kind of lawsuit, but who and why.

I guess we'll never know as it doesn't seem likely that Spielberg will pop into this thread and give us a reason. Did anyone bring up anything about this in the last Warner Chat?

 

[Jonathan White]

. Spielberg does not want to glorify the tragic events that plagued the series which would almost certianly be fodder for a Special Edition DVD.

The only tragic event I am aware of is the death of Heather O'Rourke whilst filming Poltergeist III, what were the tragic events of the first two films?

 

[Michael Reuben]

Dominique Donne, who played the elder Freeling daughter, was killed in 1982 by a jealous boyfriend when she tried to end the relationship. That's why the character isn't in the sequels.

As noted, Heather O'Rourke, who played Carol Anne, died of complications resulting from an intestinal blockage. The condition developed during the filming of Poltergeist 3.

Talk about the Poltergeist "curse" usually includes reference to Julien Beck, who played Kane in the second film and died not long after filming. As I recall, he was known to be ill when he played the role. But conspiracy theorists need a death to connect to the second film, and Beck is the only candidate.

M.

 

[Jon Sheedy]

Julien Beck, who played Kane in the second film

STILL....one of the creepiest performances I've seen in any film...EVER!!! Gives me goosebumps every single time.

 

[WillG]

Don't forget the guy who played Taylor in Poltergeist II, Didn't he die not long after that movie was filmed?

 

[DeanR]

Yes, in 1987.

 

[BrettB]

Here's the lowdown from Snopes regarding the "Poltergeist Curse". How did the loser who killed Dunne only get like 3 years?!

1. The whole "Who Really Directed This Movie" Controversy
On one hand, Spielberg has officially denied directly interfering with the direction of the film. Cast members confirm this as well, so what is all the fuss about? On th other hand, perhaps Spielberg is worried that a SE with behind the scenes material would reveal too much about his alleged opressive hand over the making of this film.

Surely there's some footage of Hooper doing something other than going on bagel runs and returning with Spielberg's dry cleaning.

 

[Jonathan White]

Dominique Donne, who played the elder Freeling daughter, was killed in 1982 by a jealous boyfriend when she tried to end the relationship. That's why the character isn't in the sequels.

Wasn't Dominique Donne due to be in V when she died, I'm sure she was actually rehersing for the role when this happened.

 

[WillG]

"Wasn't Dominique Donne due to be in V when she died, I'm sure she was actually rehersing for the role when this happened."

Yes are there are even some shots of her still in there (Shot from behind where you can't see her face, of course)

 

[Haden]

Originally she was playing Robin Maxwell in V.

 

[Lyle_JP]

Spielberg does not want to glorify the tragic events that plagued the series which would almost certianly be fodder for a Special Edition DVD.

Not necessarily. The Crow got a deluxe 2-disc Special Edition, and the only hint that Brandon Lee had died can be found in the film's closing credits dedication. You'd never know from the supplements.

-Lyle J.P.

 

[Chris Brunner]

The Poltergeist II & III double feature disk hits stores today. Any word on PQ & features? I'd like to see II again and $9.99 with a "free" extra movie (III) seems like a good deal.

Poltergeist is one of my all time favorites and I am absolutely begging for a Special Edition with lots of "stuff".

Thanks

C

 

[James L White]

Chris, here's a review.
I too want an SE of the first one. :frowning: