British Film Institute (BFI) Discussion Thread

[rapta]

Originally Posted by Yami

[Show spoiler]If I remember rightly, there was a podcast where Craig Keller said he'd love to release it but the BFI technically had the rights in the UK. And they didn't have the rights to any other WCP films either. As far as I can gather, the 'rumours' were just based on the assumption that WCF films would go to MoC and nothing more than that. I suspect what happened was that Eureka acquired the right to use the World Cinema Foundation name for marketing purposes, and made more of a big deal out of it than they probably should have given that (at that point at least) the WCF didn't deal with home video rights which had to be negotiated on a film by film basis with the original rightsholders. And they seemingly put out a 'Volume One' without having any more for a Volume 2. I'd be surprised if it was due to lack of sales because the films have no relation to each other, and they released three of the least known of the lot. But I'm thankful for Revenge in particular, as I think it's a sublime work.

If you have a contact at the BFI, I'd be pleased if you could suggest any of the following (though if I'm aware of them, they no doubt are as well)!

Signed: Lino Brocka (Christian Blackwood, 1987) - Jonathan Rosenbaum's capsule review

Lino Brocka's Phillipines (Michael Macintyre, 1987) - BBC Genome entry / BFI Collections entry

The Making of Manila (Clodualdo Del Mundo Jr, 1975) - BFI Collections entry

Personally, I would also suggest an introduction by Lav Diaz rather than (or as well as) Scorsese. I know Diaz has introduced the restoration of Maynila on at least one occasion.

[Show spoiler]Yeah I remember hearing that same podcast. It does sound like they were perhaps a little over-excited about the World Cinema Project branding and Scorsese's involvement, and perhaps should've learnt from their first Naruse set not to put "Volume One" on anything again. It is strange they didn't do a follow-up as obviously there are several films they could've presumably accessed (e.g. any two that Criterion had already released plus one exclusive). Maybe the rights to some of the others clashed with the BFI though (e.g. Ghatak's A River Called Titas). What's even stranger though is that Eureka haven't released anything else WCP-related since, not even as a single title, but I guess that could change in the new year (it'd be great to see them do a Hou Hsiao-hsien box set for example).

I've mentioned those docs to the BFI contact, but I reckon they're already aware of them and we might actually get some specs tomorrow. Lav Diaz may be easier to rope in but that's assuming he's in the UK anytime soon...I suggested Scorsese because they just announced he was curating a theatrical run of WCP titles at BFI Southbank in January/February, and might be able to sit him down for a short intro (he might even be introducing one of these Brocka films, who knows?). That said, he's probably going to be very busy doing press for Silence too, which is being released on January 1st (I cannot wait).

[Yami]

Originally Posted by rapta

[Show spoiler]Yeah I remember hearing that same podcast. It does sound like they were perhaps a little over-excited about the World Cinema Project branding and Scorsese's involvement, and perhaps should've learnt from their first Naruse set not to put "Volume One" on anything again. It is strange they didn't do a follow-up as obviously there are several films they could've presumably accessed (e.g. any two that Criterion had already released plus one exclusive). Maybe the rights to some of the others clashed with the BFI though (e.g. Ghatak's A River Called Titas). What's even stranger though is that Eureka haven't released anything else WCP-related since, not even as a single title, but I guess that could change in the new year (it'd be great to see them do a Hou Hsiao-hsien box set for example).

I've mentioned those docs to the BFI contact, but I reckon they're already aware of them and we might actually get some specs tomorrow. Lav Diaz may be easier to rope in but that's assuming he's in the UK anytime soon...I suggested Scorsese because they just announced he was curating a theatrical run of WCP titles at BFI Southbank in January/February, and might be able to sit him down for a short intro (he might even be introducing one of these Brocka films, who knows?). That said, he's probably going to be very busy doing press for Silence too, which is being released on January 1st (I cannot wait).

[Show spoiler]
Cheers! I suspect you're right, but no harm.

True, while we don't know what's gone on behind the scenes I've been very surprised that they haven't put out at least one of the non-WCP Taiwan restorations in the meantime. Seem like the kind of thing they would have jumped on years ago, and I can't imagine there being too much competition for the rights (if only because no one else has released them yet either; the rightsholders have even uploaded Yang's The Terrorizers to iTunes themselves).

Diaz doesn't necessarily have to be in the country though. He seems like the kind of guy who'd turn the camera on himself and send it in. Maybe he'll keep it under 4 hours as well!

[BarnDoor]

Originally Posted by rapta

I know Sam Dunn was supposedly credited with resurrecting the Flipside label, and hopefully his replacement will continue that strand. What BBC stuff could they potentially release?

Well it's more in hope rather than expectation, but last year's Watkins, Russell and of course Alan Clarke releases certainly gives me cause for optimism. In principal there's a number of writers and directors who come to mind, though who knows if the BFI would go for individual releases of notable productions (like Cathy Come Home say) or themed box sets: Ken Loach, Mike Leigh, Dennis Potter, Peter McDougall, Roland Joffe, Stephen Frears, Alan Bennett, Alan Bleasdale, Jack Rosenthal, Michael Apted, Mike Newell, Jack Gold, Simon Gray, David Rudkin, David Mercer, Danny Boyle, Colin Welland, Horace Ove, and so forth. Of course I've no idea about rights and materials, but we live in hope. If not themed by writer or director, then small sets of the more famous Wednesday Plays or Play for Todays would also be welcome, though I'd be surprised if BFI went down that path.

As for other ideas, I keep harping on about a Blu-ray upgrade of the Ghost Stories for Christmas set, which at least remains a possibility (though not this early in the year). An upgrade of Threads would surely be a decent seller, and go well with The War Game. If BFI considered doing series', I would love an upgrade of Edge of Darkness, but I'm sure I read somewhere that the film elements of that were lost (I may be wrong). Upgrades of Tinker Tailor and Smiley's People would also be wonderful (the US releases left a lot to be desired), but that's surely wishful thinking.

There's some other genre stuff I'd like on DVD (Leap in the Dark, Playhouse: The Mind Beyond, West Country Tales) but this doesn't really concern a Blu-ray thread, and stuff like that is probably more likely to be released later on in the year anyway.

[tenia]

Originally Posted by rapta

I know Sam Dunn was supposedly credited with resurrecting the Flipside label, and hopefully his replacement will continue that strand.

Seems like I missed this one. Sam Dunn left the BFI ?

[rapta]

Originally Posted by BarnDoor

Well it's more in hope rather than expectation, but last year's Watkins, Russell and of course Alan Clarke releases certainly gives me cause for optimism. In principal there's a number of writers and directors who come to mind, though who knows if the BFI would go for individual releases of notable productions (like Cathy Come Home say) or themed box sets: Ken Loach, Mike Leigh, Dennis Potter, Peter McDougall, Roland Joffe, Stephen Frears, Alan Bennett, Alan Bleasdale, Jack Rosenthal, Michael Apted, Mike Newell, Jack Gold, Simon Gray, David Rudkin, David Mercer, Danny Boyle, Colin Welland, Horace Ove, and so forth. Of course I've no idea about rights and materials, but we live in hope. If not themed by writer or director, then small sets of the more famous Wednesday Plays or Play for Todays would also be welcome, though I'd be surprised if BFI went down that path.

As for other ideas, I keep harping on about a Blu-ray upgrade of the Ghost Stories for Christmas set, which at least remains a possibility (though not this early in the year). An upgrade of Threads would surely be a decent seller, and go well with The War Game. If BFI considered doing series', I would love an upgrade of Edge of Darkness, but I'm sure I read somewhere that the film elements of that were lost (I may be wrong). Upgrades of Tinker Tailor and Smiley's People would also be wonderful (the US releases left a lot to be desired), but that's surely wishful thinking.

There's some other genre stuff I'd like on DVD (Leap in the Dark, Playhouse: The Mind Beyond, West Country Tales) but this doesn't really concern a Blu-ray thread, and stuff like that is probably more likely to be released later on in the year anyway.

Obviously Loach and Leigh are the most obvious names on that list, as well as probably the most bankable if we're talking box sets and whatnot, but I'd be interested to see some of the others too (Joffé, Newell, Frears, Apted etc). Loach especially will have a lot of interest at the moment, with his new film being arguably his biggest financial and critical success, and titles like Kes and Hidden Agenda coming out quite recently (though Film4 did release a couple of Mike Leigh titles on Blu-ray last year too).

Threads is obviously something that is requested quite a lot. I'd be surprised if they didn't get there eventually, especially since they've ticked The War Game off the list. Also, I know it's with Film4 but I'd love to see BFI try and acquire When the Wind Blows from them too - at least matching the TT release from a couple of years ago and possibly adding some new extras (and a booklet). I think they're the only UK label that have managed to license from Film4 before, but I can't for the life of me remember the title...

Originally Posted by tenia

Seems like I missed this one. Sam Dunn left the BFI ?

Yup! He's now working for Hollywood Classics apparently, who are still hanging on it seems despite Metrodome folding. Great news as it sounds like they're stepping things up, so we may see more and more availability of titles for UK labels (and they may even manage to crack Warner Bros - actually, the two upcoming Scorsese's from the BFI are WB...might that be a sign for things to come?).

[jhird2007]

Hello,

Unfortunately, the release date for the item(s) listed below was changed by the supplier, and we need to provide you with a new estimated delivery date based on the new release date:

"The Wages of Fear (Limited Edition Dual Format) [DVD] [1953]"
Estimated arrival date: January 26 2017 - January 28 2017

[rapta]

Finally some artwork too:



(Nice pull-quote from the Daily Mail there...hehe)

[Rottweiler30]

I see The Crying Game has been put back to February now!

Will this ever come out? I remember a 20th Anniversary being announced 4 years ago that never came now it's been shoved back again.

Only film from my top 10 missing on Blu

[rapta]

Originally Posted by Rottweiler30

I see The Crying Game has been put back to February now!

Will this ever come out? I remember a 20th Anniversary being announced 4 years ago that never came now it's been shoved back again.

Only film from my top 10 missing on Blu

Yeah that was delayed to February a while ago. I reckon it was delayed because of extras, but they seem to have sorted it out now.

[BarnDoor]

Here we go:

http://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/n...e-here-anymore

Looks like Wages of Fear will probably be second quarter? Great to see more Chaplin. Interested in that, The Crying Game and the March releases.

[rapta]

Great lineup! Definitely in for El Sur, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore and the Lino Brocka set, but will also have to get The Glass Shield and Who's That Knocking at My Door? soon after too!

That Chaplin Essanay set looks good but I still need to get the Mutual one! Also great to see more Chinese affair like The Spring River Flows East, but just reminds me I've still yet to get Spring in a Small Town (I know, I know).

PS: The Wages of Fear isn't mentioned, probably because they can't yet confirm if it will be Q1 or Q2. I'd prepare for Q2 personally, then it'd be a pleasant surprise if they managed to get it out for Q1!

[Fnord Prefect]

Frantz Fanon: Black Skin White Mask looks potentially fascinating. So I'm probably in for that as well as The Glass Shield.

Lino Brocka sounds interesting.

See what the BFI add to The Crying Game before I commit as it's not a movie I feel any desperate urge to upgrade to HD.

[Aunt Peg]

Originally Posted by rapta

Great lineup! Definitely in for El Sur, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore and the Lino Brocka set, but will also have to get The Glass Shield and Who's That Knocking at My Door? soon after too!

That Chaplin Essanay set looks good but I still need to get the Mutual one! Also great to see more Chinese affair like The Spring River Flows East, but just reminds me I've still yet to get Spring in a Small Town (I know, I know).

PS: The Wages of Fear isn't mentioned, probably because they can't yet confirm if it will be Q1 or Q2. I'd prepare for Q2 personally, then it'd be a pleasant surprise if they managed to get it out for Q1!

Ditto!

[AlexIlDottore]

Originally Posted by rapta

PS: The Wages of Fear isn't mentioned, probably because they can't yet confirm if it will be Q1 or Q2. I'd prepare for Q2 personally, then it'd be a pleasant surprise if they managed to get it out for Q1!

I had a look on the Bfi shop for Wages of Fear. Nothing, but their search engine did ask me if I meant "Pages of Fear"

[rapta]

Just realised there are no firm dates yet, but as it stands this is how the calendar's looking...

January:

EL SUR (Dual Format Edition)
THE GLASS SHIELD (Dual Format Edition) - January 23rd according to Amazon
CHARLIE CHAPLIN: THE ESSANAY COMEDIES (Blu-ray) - DVD edition also available

February:

THE CRYING GAME (Dual Format Edition) - February 20th according to Amazon
THE SPRING RIVER FLOWS EAST (DVD)
FRANTZ FANON: BLACK SKIN WHITE MASK (Dual Format Edition)

March:

LINO BROCKA: TWO FILMS [MANILA IN THE CLAWS OF LIGHT + INSIANG] (Limited Dual Format Edition)
ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE (Dual Format Edition)
WHO'S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR? (Dual Format Edition)

TBC Q1/Q2 2017:

THE WAGES OF FEAR (Limited Dual Format Edition) - January 23rd according to Amazon, but that could change

[samdvd1]

Loved the previous Chaplin set so definitely in for that.

[BarnDoor]

Originally Posted by rapta

Just realised there are no firm dates yet, but as it stands this is how the calendar's looking...

January:

EL SUR (Dual Format Edition)
THE GLASS SHIELD (Dual Format Edition) - January 23rd according to Amazon
CHARLIE CHAPLIN: THE ESSANAY COMEDIES (Blu-ray) - DVD edition also available

February:

THE CRYING GAME (Dual Format Edition) - February 20th according to Amazon
THE SPRING RIVER FLOWS EAST (DVD)
FRANTZ FANON: BLACK SKIN WHITE MASK (Dual Format Edition)

March:

LINO BROCKA: TWO FILMS [MANILA IN THE CLAWS OF LIGHT + INSIANG] (Limited Dual Format Edition)
ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE (Dual Format Edition)
WHO'S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR? (Dual Format Edition)

TBC Q1/Q2 2017:

THE WAGES OF FEAR (Limited Dual Format Edition) - January 23rd according to Amazon, but that could change

I suspect The Informer will probably come in the second quarter too. Is there anything else we know of but still unscheduled?

[rapta]

Originally Posted by BarnDoor

I suspect The Informer will probably come in the second quarter too. Is there anything else we know of but still unscheduled?

Ah yeah, nearly forgot about that...yeah likely for Q2 I reckon, as it was shown at this year's LFF.

I don't actually know if there's anything else rumoured or speculated. I think this announcement confirmed those we knew were on their way (El Sur, Chaplin's Essanay set) and a couple we were unsure about (The Glass Shield, Frantz Fanon), and we know that The Crying Game and The Wages of Fear are on their way.

Be interesting to see what their big projects will be for 2017. I wonder if we'll also see some more WCP stuff after the Sembene and Brocka, unless they're only going to do those sporadically. I'd love to see one or two of the titles restored by L'Immagine Ritrovata in recent years too, which could be quite likely (they've been quite busy recently).

I really hope we get some upgrades of some of their Japanese and French DVD titles in the next couple of years. I know that the person I contact at the BFI did mention potentially licensing a new Toho restoration of Ikiru, which would obviously be incredible, but I dunno how likely or unlikely a prospect that is within the next year.

[Cremildo]

Originally Posted by BarnDoor

I suspect The Informer will probably come in the second quarter too.

Wait, what? Ford's The Informer is coming to Blu-ray?

[tenia]

All of it ! I'm buying all of it ! Everything !!