I just finished watching my Criterion LD version of Zulu. Is there any up to the minute info on when this will appear on DVD? I'm hoping for a nice SE. I think that it is M-G-M's title isn't it? I absolutely refuse to buy the cheap versions now available. I'll stay with my excellant Criterion LD if I have to.
Zulu has been released on DVD three times, but never in an edition you'd want to own. One was a pan & scan only version from Front Row, one a widescreen version from Goodtimes that I'm told wasn't very good, and one was from some outfit called "Ideal" about which I have no information. (I only know the disc exists because I came across a used copy for sale, but it had no aspect ratio data.) I never bothered buying any of them. Digital Eyes lists the Front Row P&S version as being "on order with the manufacturer" and the Goodtimes version as "out of print". I think this terrific film deserves better. With any luck Front Row's rights to the picture have lapsed and somebody with a little sense (and taste) will get a shot at it. I suspect that the film needs serious restoration before a truly good DVD can be produced, but have no idea who owns the underlying rights, and whether or not whoever does would be willing to spend the money. (I suspect that all three DVDs were issued under license, and that the film itself has not been sold to any of the entities that produced them.) Regards, Joe
Actually, there are more than three versions of Zulu out there. There is Front Row, Goodtimes, Belle and Blade, Platinum, and Diamond. Most are widescreen, but at least one version of Front Row is pan and scam. I have all these versions (I was trying to find the best available version as I really like the film too). Of these versions, the Good Times version is the best quality - in my opinion. On the DVD jacket, it says the aspect ratio is 1.85:1. In reality, it is 2.35:1. The audio on all the versions is not the best. I would hope this movie gets a first class treatment by Criterion or similar. But, no telling when or if that will happen. For info, the cat # for the Good Times version is 05-81064.
I don't think Criterion has the rights for DVD release. I believe they rest with M-G-M. In any case, I'd love to have a DVD with some commentary & perhaps some background material. And 5.1 sound if possible. I just love that John Barry score, especially the opening.
I seem to recall a thread some time ago on the subject of Zulu. I believe it was stated in that thread that MGM was working on a Zulu dvd release. I don't recall a timeframe, however.
Paramount are releasing Zulu in the UK later this year (September I think) but I don't think they have the rights to the film in the U.S. Knowing Paramount, the quality should be good.
