Criterion and Paramount

[CSM126]

a Paramount title Criterion should seriously look to acquire is 1492: Conquest Of Paradise. Only released on VHS and Laserdisc. For reasons unknown this has never seen a Region 1 DVD release by them. Maybe they would license this off to Criterion. I can imagine this would make for a fine looking and sounding Criterion DVD since it's visually stunning and has a great score by Vangelis.

I'd be shocked if they didn't at least consider it. Whatever you think of the movie, Ridley Scott is a name that will move product and turn a pretty profit.

[Stefan Andersson]

How about two Eclipse boxes of Paramount Noirs? like this:

THREE FILMS NOIRS - THE CORNELL WOOLRICH THRILLERS
STREET OF CHANCE
FEAR IN THE NIGHT
NIGHT HAS A THOUSAND EYES

THREE FILMS NOIRS - THE STAR COLLECTION
I WALK ALONE - Burt Lancaster & Kirk Douglas
THE FILE ON THELMA JORDON - Barbara Stanwyck
DARK CITY - Charlton Heston

I think these ideas are good sellers just waiting to happen!

[criterion_disc_101]

I'd be shocked if they didn't at least consider it. Whatever you think of the movie, Ridley Scott is a name that will move product and turn a pretty profit.

They should definitely consider it, I am sure Ridley Scott and Vangelis would probably love to help create a very nice DVD for Criterion. Ridley Scott likes to do DC of his movies. A 4 hour directors cut of 1492, so what would be nice is a 4-disc set with theatrical cut, international cut and directors cut of 1492 and the fourth disc being extras. Make it happen one day Criterion!

[Jobla]

I'd like to see Criterion release a Paramount Horrors box:

BLOOD AND ROSES
THE SKULL
THE POSESSION OF JOEL DELANEY

[Cinephrenic]

Doesn't Paramount control Savage Innocents? ...or is it a miscellaneous company that has rights? Has anyone asked Criterion?

[Jeff]

I'd like to see Criterion release a Paramount Horrors box:
BLOOD AND ROSES
THE SKULL
THE POSESSION OF JOEL DELANEY

With Legend films releasing supposedly good transfers of The Skull and Delaney at bargain prices, I'd say it's not very likely.

Doesn't Paramount control Savage Innocents? ...or is it a miscellaneous company that has rights? Has anyone asked Criterion?

I believe Pathé has the rights.

[Jobla]

I'm sure you're correct, Jeff. That leaves BLOOD AND ROSES in some kind of limbo, with neither Criterion, Paramount or Legend having mentioned it as a possibility.

[Person]

I'm sure you're correct, Jeff. That leaves BLOOD AND ROSES in some kind of limbo, with neither Criterion, Paramount or Legend having mentioned it as a possibility.

That one would have been most welcome from Legend. But as I note elsewhere on this site, I am sceptical about Paramount being in possession of prime elements (negative, dupe, IP) of the 96-minute uncut version.

[Jobla]

Paramount probably doesn't have the uncut European edition. However, Paramount Classics Division has had a widescreen 35mm print that has appeared in repertory screenngs. I don't know if that was the print that was used to strike the old Paramount/Gateway VHS release, or not. That VHS was recorded in the poor quality SLP/EP (6 hour) mode, and was P&S to boot.

[Stefan Andersson]

Re: those von Sternbergs that CC may have licensed from Paramount. Wouldn´t it be very appropriate if CC also licensed the 3-4 minutes of THE CASE OF LENA SMITH they found recently in a Japanese antique shop? There was a whole book published about it.

OK, I know, no extras for Eclipse, but if CC worked with the people behind the book it might count as one title more, even if only as a fragment + stills, scholarly commentary etc. A sort of primer for the whole film/book about the film. Opinions?

[Danny Burk]

Re: those von Sternbergs that CC may have licensed from Paramount. Wouldn´t it be very appropriate if CC also licensed the 3-4 minutes of THE CASE OF LENA SMITH they found recently in a Japanese antique shop? There was a whole book published about it.

OK, I know, no extras for Eclipse, but if CC worked with the people behind the book it might count as one title more, even if only as a fragment + stills, scholarly commentary etc. A sort of primer for the whole film/book about the film. Opinions?

I agree; I was thinking the same thing. I've got the book, which is very thorough; it includes frame captures from the recovered footage. The footage really should be included since it's likely to be all that we'll ever see.

[Dr Mabuse]

I agree with Jeff - it seems unlikely that Paramount are willing to licence out titles they've already released themselves. This seems to be a "take it, we'll never get around to it" arrangement. A proper One-Eyed Jacks would be a wonderful thing, however.

that is something i have waited so long for...

any new news on this?...

[Jeff]

A proper One-Eyed Jacks would be a wonderful thing, however.

that is something i have waited so long for...

any new news on this?...

I got the "no plans at this time" response regarding One-Eyed Jacks several months ago.

[Jobla]

What is the best way (email?) to contact Criterion and request a particular title?

[Jeff]

What is the best way (email?) to contact Criterion and request a particular title?

Go here.

[Jobla]

Thanks. I've written at least one letter to that address previously, without response. I gather that some people receive responses from "Tamara," while others don't?

[justeleblanc]

Thanks. I've written at least one letter to that address previously, without response. I gather that some people receive responses from "Tamara," while others don't?

Send a short email question.. such as.
---
Dear Criterion,

Do you have any plans to release Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins or any other Malcom Lee films?

Thanks,
Martin
---
Sometimes it takes up to a month to hear back. I wouldn't send more than one email every few months. They are more likely to respond that way.

[mrschroeder1982]

Do you have any plans to release Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins?

I think that's the question that's been on everybody's lips recently. Just thinking about this will probably send the creators of "fake Criterion covers" into a tizzy.

[Jeff]

In regards to Ladies & Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains, I've always heard that the reason it hasn't seen a legit release is that no negatives or any sort of original elements exist and they would have to remaster it off of VHS. Of course, that might just be a rumor - haven't there been theatrical showings within the last few years?

Yeah, it's clearly false. STAINS was just screened in LA last year.

There is a single vintage 35mm print in circulation, which has turned quite red, and the first reel is pretty banged up. I assume that Paramount still has the original elements in the vault though. Word is that music rights continue to hold up the release.

[jaredsap]

People have mentioned this before, but I'd really like to think that THE PARALLAX VIEW remains a viable Criterion release. It's clear from his lively YouTube series that co-screenwriter Lorenzo Semple Jr. could provide a hell of a commentary. And any Gordon Willis contribution would be pure gold (whenever Willis resurfaces for the occasional interview, it's always a compelling read). Has he ever participated in any DVD supplements? (I never dug through the GODFATHER set.)

Can anyone confirm that Paramount's THE PARALLAX VIEW disc has now gone out of print?

EDIT TO ADD: It appears THE TENANT has gone out of print also.

[Ashirg]

Good to know - every time a title goes out of print from Paramount, it's getting a release from Criterion. I'll cross my fingers for Good Burger.

[Person]

In regards to Ladies & Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains, I've always heard that the reason it hasn't seen a legit release is that no negatives or any sort of original elements exist and they would have to remaster it off of VHS. Of course, that might just be a rumor - haven't there been theatrical showings within the last few years?

Yeah, it's clearly false. STAINS was just screened in LA last year.

There is a single vintage 35mm print in circulation, which has turned quite red, and the first reel is pretty banged up. I assume that Paramount still has the original elements in the vault though. Word is that music rights continue to hold up the release.

At the Mobius Home Video Forum, it was reported that Rhino Entertainment will be releasing a DVD on September 30th, 2008. Lou Adler has recorded a commentary with Diane Lane.

[miless]

EDIT TO ADD: It appears THE TENANT has gone out of print also.

A new print of this recently played in NY, as well.

[jaredsap]

Good to know - every time a title goes out of print from Paramount, it's getting a release from Criterion. I'll cross my fingers for Good Burger.

This is a speculative thread and two long-discussed Paramount titles ripe for a Criterion release going out of print is a noteworthy development. No need to be obnoxious, especially since that hoary GOOD BURGER joke has been recycled far too many times already.

[Person]

EDIT TO ADD: It appears THE TENANT has gone out of print also.

A new print of this recently played in NY, as well.

That must have been a great experience for the audience. I'd love to this film in a new print on a large screen. A Criterion of this would be amazing, but I won't be getting my hopes up. Until I hear from a realiable source, I chalk the OOP Paramounts up to unknown marketing weirdness.

What are the OOP Paramounts?

Seconds
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold
The Tenant
The Parallax View

There's more, right?