'Cabaret' and 'Straw Dogs' releases postponed! - Blu-ray Forum

Bruce Morrison · 03-11-2009, 09:20 AM

Fremantle Video were supposed to be releasing 'Cabaret' and 'Straw Dogs' on Monday, but at the last moment have advised Amazon of a new release date of 9th September - exactly six months after the originally announced date!

I have no idea why they should want to play these games, but I have the strong impression that they have no serious intention of releasing these titles at all. I hope I'm wrong, but the signs are not good.

demoni · 03-11-2009, 01:28 PM

Bummer!! Was really looking forward to Straw Dogs...

PowellPressburger · 03-13-2009, 11:44 PM

I was curious about Cabaret since on the standard DVD in the US it is not even 16:9 and doesn't have the greatest transfer was curious to hear reviews on what people thought of this release.

Mr.White · 03-14-2009, 12:26 AM

I thought that Criterion owned the rights to Straw Dogs,I have Collector's 2 DVD set from them,awesome transfer and extras! There also bare bones DVD's of this film from MGM,and Anchor Bay . All are the unrated version,really needs a Blu release badly,Criterion preferred! Great film with great acting especially Dustin Hoffman and Susan George and masterful direction from the one and only Sam Peckinpah.

PowellPressburger · 03-14-2009, 03:21 AM

Criterion lost the rights to Straw Dogs in fact they knew that when they were releasing it and even came with a sticker stating it was a limited edition. The rights in the US are now under MGM thru FOX

disrember · 03-15-2009, 08:59 PM

i cant remember the original release date for cabaret, but it was before xmas 2008, possibly september

Mocorongo · 08-24-2009, 07:43 AM

Cabaret's new release date (according to Amazon UK) is October 10, 2009.

Can someone correct that page?

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=1541

For the record, Straw Dogs was postponed to October 10, 2010 according to Blu-ray.com...

pro-bassoonist · 08-24-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mocorongo

Cabaret's new release date (according to Amazon UK) is October 10, 2009.

Can someone correct that page?

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=1541

Yes

Pro-B

Bruce Morrison · 08-25-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mocorongo

Cabaret's new release date (according to Amazon UK) is October 10, 2009.

Can someone correct that page?

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=1541

For the record, Straw Dogs was postponed to October 10, 2010 according to Blu-ray.com...

I'm pretty sure that the stated release date of 10th October for Cabaret isn't correct as it's a Saturday and UK releases normally happen on Mondays.

Fremantle have been playing silly games by announcing bogus release dates for these two titles for nearly a year now, and I'm far from convinced that they have any serious intention of releasing either of them.

MattDean · 08-26-2009, 05:54 PM

I would love to own this on Blu but I doubt it's gonna happen any time soon.

It's a Warner owned title (I believe) that Fremantle distribute. Cabaret is regarded as a classic and Warner (afaik) has not let out any information hints that they are preparing it for a Blu release. There would have been some buzz about it surely? I doubt fremantle could simply port it over to Blu without Warner's assistance. The current special edition is stereo surround only (both Region 1 and 2, I own both), it is a non-anamorphic widescreen print, the print requires work - in many places it is excessively noisy and dirt, scratches, etc pop up frequently.

I REALLY hope I am wrong as I am a fan of this film and let's face it, ITV have a knack of releasing top quality (ish) classic films on blu without too much info. leaking out beforehand, so perhaps Fremantle could do it to?

It would be great to see it come out. I've got it on pre-order anyway, but it's been like that for well over a year with at least 3 street date changes.

Matt

Bruce Morrison · 08-26-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattDean

I would love to own this on Blu but I doubt it's gonna happen any time soon.

It's a Warner owned title (I believe) that Fremantle distribute. Cabaret is regarded as a classic and Warner (afaik) has not let out any information hints that they are preparing it for a Blu release. There would have been some buzz about it surely? I doubt fremantle could simply port it over to Blu without Warner's assistance. The current special edition is stereo surround only (both Region 1 and 2, I own both), it is a non-anamorphic widescreen print, the print requires work - in many places it is excessively noisy and dirt, scratches, etc pop up frequently.

I REALLY hope I am wrong as I am a fan of this film and let's face it, ITV have a knack of releasing top quality (ish) classic films on blu without too much info. leaking out beforehand, so perhaps Fremantle could do it to?

It would be great to see it come out. I've got it on pre-order anyway, but it's been like that for well over a year with at least 3 street date changes.

Matt

Warner certainly released the DVD of Cabaret in the US but, as you say, it was a very basic early DVD, non-anamorphic, poor PQ and terrible sound quality, and I'm wondering whether they actually own the film or just had temporary US distribution rights that have now lapsed. They have never revisited what most people would agree is a classic. Instead they have just re-packaged the same transfer at least once, which rather suggests that they are not in a position to do any further work on a proper restoration.

MattDean · 08-26-2009, 06:59 PM

I've just looked into it and the production company that made Cabaret was (the now defunct?) ABC pictures and it was originally distrubuted by Allied Artists. In the US it is now distributed on DVD by Warner and in the Uk, Fremantle. As Warner financed the special features for the DVDs (which fremantle used) I wonder whether they now own the title overall but not not all distribition rights? Confusing! I don't know for sure. Anyway, whatever happens and whoever owns/distributes I just hope it's treated well. Restored, remastered, Lossless sound and full 1080p wide AND with a possible option to watch in open matte, as the vhs versions were presented! Joel Grey and Liza doing a commentary would be a real treat!

Matt

pmov · 10-30-2009, 11:16 AM

Cabaret has been very shabbily treated in the past on DVD so I was really looking forward to seeing a good print at last on Blu Ray but I can confirm it has been cancelled as 'a suitable source cannot be found' (Freemantle have checked with both Disney/ABC and Warners in the US - their recent DVD re-release is the same old scratchy non-anamorphic print we've had before).

This is very worrying for a movie that in 1995 went on the US National Film Registry as being 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant' and is number 5 of the American Film Institutes list of Best Musicals.

The BBC showed a Cabaret in widescreen a couple of times in October 2009 and the print looked fine (certainly cleaner than any DVD version but obviously not at DVD resolution).

Arkadin · 11-01-2009, 01:03 AM

yeah this company has been messing around regarding these releases for 2 years now.
They have been up for pre-order at amazon.uk like 4 different times now I think.
I like many others was really looking forward to both of them.
They obviously aren't coming out imo.
a real shame.

bygberbrown · 11-01-2009, 09:16 AM

I'm not used to releases being cancelled like Cabaret was, and I hope its not something I have to get used to. Of course the best case would be they're still getting it right; but if they were good at making BD's, I doubt it would have gone on like this for 2 years.

pmov · 11-04-2009, 09:24 PM

They're not waiting to get it right. I've written to Freemantle and they said it's not going happen. They probably picked up Cabaret when they purchased an entire library - they've re-released the DVD which is the main market and the effort and cost of sourcing something that's good enough for the small blu-ray market is not commercially justifiable for them.

bygberbrown · 11-06-2009, 12:48 AM

Thanks pmov. B+stards...

kandraks · 04-03-2011, 02:15 PM

Any updates/news/rumours about Cabaret on Blu?

disrember · 04-03-2011, 08:32 PM

I spoke to Freemantle in 2008 and they said they have cancelled the release of cabaret on blu-ray. I am assuming its because the film needs a new restore and also the rights have reverted.

mike siegel · 04-03-2011, 09:01 PM

I don't have contact ingo of Fremantle any longer (I provided some supplements for the DVD, but that was 10 years ago...)

In case anybody knows someone there:I would license the STRAW DOGS supplements I produced for the German 2-Disc SE 3 years ago in case they're interested (some 70 minutes of documementaries & featurettes)
Or forward my an email or what have you...

My 2-Disc SE PASSION & POETRY (270min.) is available through eBay.co.uk
For CROSS OF IRON (Blueray Germany/UK) I just produced 110 min. of supplements (doc & 11 featurettes).

03-11-2009, 09:20 AM	#1
Bruce Morrison Power Member Member since:Feb 2007 Location:United Kingdom 4K collection:339 Blu-ray collection:2245 DVD collection:581	'Cabaret' and 'Straw Dogs' releases postponed! Fremantle Video were supposed to be releasing 'Cabaret' and 'Straw Dogs' on Monday, but at the last moment have advised Amazon of a new release date of 9th September - exactly six months after the originally announced date! I have no idea why they should want to play these games, but I have the strong impression that they have no serious intention of releasing these titles at all. I hope I'm wrong, but the signs are not good.

03-14-2009, 12:26 AM	#4
Mr.White Banned Member since:Jan 2009 Blu-ray collection:502 Blu-ray reviews:29	I thought that Criterion owned the rights to Straw Dogs,I have Collector's 2 DVD set from them,awesome transfer and extras! There also bare bones DVD's of this film from MGM,and Anchor Bay . All are the unrated version,really needs a Blu release badly,Criterion preferred! Great film with great acting especially Dustin Hoffman and Susan George and masterful direction from the one and only Sam Peckinpah. Last edited by Mr.White; 03-14-2009 at 12:30 AM.

10-30-2009, 11:16 AM	#13
pmov New Member Member since:Oct 2009	Cabaret Cancelled Cabaret has been very shabbily treated in the past on DVD so I was really looking forward to seeing a good print at last on Blu Ray but I can confirm it has been cancelled as 'a suitable source cannot be found' (Freemantle have checked with both Disney/ABC and Warners in the US - their recent DVD re-release is the same old scratchy non-anamorphic print we've had before). This is very worrying for a movie that in 1995 went on the US National Film Registry as being 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant' and is number 5 of the American Film Institutes list of Best Musicals. The BBC showed a Cabaret in widescreen a couple of times in October 2009 and the print looked fine (certainly cleaner than any DVD version but obviously not at DVD resolution).

04-03-2011, 09:01 PM	#20
mike siegel Active Member Member since:Apr 2011	I don't have contact ingo of Fremantle any longer (I provided some supplements for the DVD, but that was 10 years ago...) In case anybody knows someone there:I would license the STRAW DOGS supplements I produced for the German 2-Disc SE 3 years ago in case they're interested (some 70 minutes of documementaries & featurettes) Or forward my an email or what have you... My 2-Disc SE PASSION & POETRY (270min.) is available through eBay.co.uk For CROSS OF IRON (Blueray Germany/UK) I just produced 110 min. of supplements (doc & 11 featurettes). Last edited by mike siegel; 04-03-2011 at 09:06 PM.

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03-11-2009, 01:28 PM	#2
demoni Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray reviews:1	Bummer!! Was really looking forward to Straw Dogs...

03-13-2009, 11:44 PM	#3
PowellPressburger Blu-ray Count Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:DIFFERENT PLACES! Minneapolis 4K collection:991 Blu-ray collection:3676 DVD collection:359 Blu-ray reviews: 51 Trading Score:297	I was curious about Cabaret since on the standard DVD in the US it is not even 16:9 and doesn't have the greatest transfer was curious to hear reviews on what people thought of this release.

03-14-2009, 03:21 AM	#5
PowellPressburger Blu-ray Count Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:DIFFERENT PLACES! Minneapolis 4K collection:991 Blu-ray collection:3676 DVD collection:359 Blu-ray reviews: 51 Trading Score:297	Criterion lost the rights to Straw Dogs in fact they knew that when they were releasing it and even came with a sticker stating it was a limited edition. The rights in the US are now under MGM thru FOX

03-15-2009, 08:59 PM	#6
disrember Active Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Hove, UK 4K collection:74 Blu-ray collection:557 DVD collection:93 Blu-ray reviews:2	i cant remember the original release date for cabaret, but it was before xmas 2008, possibly september

08-24-2009, 07:43 AM	#7
Mocorongo Active Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2009	Cabaret's new release date (according to Amazon UK) is October 10, 2009. Can someone correct that page? https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=1541 For the record, Straw Dogs was postponed to October 10, 2010 according to Blu-ray.com...

08-26-2009, 05:54 PM	#10
MattDean Senior Member Member since:Sep 2008 Trading Score:10	I would love to own this on Blu but I doubt it's gonna happen any time soon. It's a Warner owned title (I believe) that Fremantle distribute. Cabaret is regarded as a classic and Warner (afaik) has not let out any information hints that they are preparing it for a Blu release. There would have been some buzz about it surely? I doubt fremantle could simply port it over to Blu without Warner's assistance. The current special edition is stereo surround only (both Region 1 and 2, I own both), it is a non-anamorphic widescreen print, the print requires work - in many places it is excessively noisy and dirt, scratches, etc pop up frequently. I REALLY hope I am wrong as I am a fan of this film and let's face it, ITV have a knack of releasing top quality (ish) classic films on blu without too much info. leaking out beforehand, so perhaps Fremantle could do it to? It would be great to see it come out. I've got it on pre-order anyway, but it's been like that for well over a year with at least 3 street date changes. Matt

08-26-2009, 06:59 PM	#12
MattDean Senior Member Member since:Sep 2008 Trading Score:10	I've just looked into it and the production company that made Cabaret was (the now defunct?) ABC pictures and it was originally distrubuted by Allied Artists. In the US it is now distributed on DVD by Warner and in the Uk, Fremantle. As Warner financed the special features for the DVDs (which fremantle used) I wonder whether they now own the title overall but not not all distribition rights? Confusing! I don't know for sure. Anyway, whatever happens and whoever owns/distributes I just hope it's treated well. Restored, remastered, Lossless sound and full 1080p wide AND with a possible option to watch in open matte, as the vhs versions were presented! Joel Grey and Liza doing a commentary would be a real treat! Matt

11-01-2009, 01:03 AM	#14
Arkadin Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Mar 2007 Location:...somewhere in Sweden Blu-ray collection:- Blu-ray reviews: 1 Trading Score:9	yeah this company has been messing around regarding these releases for 2 years now. They have been up for pre-order at amazon.uk like 4 different times now I think. I like many others was really looking forward to both of them. They obviously aren't coming out imo. a real shame.

11-01-2009, 09:16 AM	#15
bygberbrown Active Member Member since:Aug 2009 Location:Sydney, Australia Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray collection:356 DVD collection:107 Blu-ray reviews:19	I'm not used to releases being cancelled like Cabaret was, and I hope its not something I have to get used to. Of course the best case would be they're still getting it right; but if they were good at making BD's, I doubt it would have gone on like this for 2 years.

11-04-2009, 09:24 PM	#16
pmov New Member Member since:Oct 2009	They're not waiting to get it right. I've written to Freemantle and they said it's not going happen. They probably picked up Cabaret when they purchased an entire library - they've re-released the DVD which is the main market and the effort and cost of sourcing something that's good enough for the small blu-ray market is not commercially justifiable for them.

11-06-2009, 12:48 AM	#17
bygberbrown Active Member Member since:Aug 2009 Location:Sydney, Australia Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray collection:356 DVD collection:107 Blu-ray reviews:19	Thanks pmov. B+stards...

04-03-2011, 02:15 PM	#18
kandraks Active Member Top contributor Member since:Nov 2009 Location:SRB Home Theater Gallery:8 4K collection:48 Blu-ray collection:639 DVD collection:249	Any updates/news/rumours about Cabaret on Blu?

04-03-2011, 08:32 PM	#19
disrember Active Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Hove, UK 4K collection:74 Blu-ray collection:557 DVD collection:93 Blu-ray reviews:2	I spoke to Freemantle in 2008 and they said they have cancelled the release of cabaret on blu-ray. I am assuming its because the film needs a new restore and also the rights have reverted.

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