Star Wars: The Complete Saga (1977-2005)

[blonde_devil]

I am sure Disney has been talking with Fox but until there is something concrete from them, it is all rumor. Fox has the movies for a while yet, I am sure they would like to hold onto the rights a while longer so I can see them making some deal where Disney gets to use them when the new film comes out but Fox still "owns" them in exchange for money/longer rights or something. Until they actually announce it is being worked on, I am not convinced as the original versions have been coming out on every release according to the internet.

[klauswhereareyou]

At the end of the day the prequels were just Star Wars versions of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles and Radioland Murders...projects made more to test out new technology than to provide much meaningful entertainment. If Lucas gave a crap about quality he would never have shot Attack of the Clones and Revenge of The Sith in HD instead of film, and would've actually let someone else write and direct. Just test reels to push new tech. It's a pity he didn't actually make his small esoteric art projects using said technology instead of movies people actually wanted to see.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

While it isn't anything concrete, I'm shocked that folks haven't been talking about this - everyone else has been.


Again, it isn't solid info on anything, but it's leading some to believe that any issue between Fox and Disney has been addressed - for Disney to be advertising digital versions of the OT.

Guys, Lucas won back the copyright to Star Wars over 15 years ago. It was part of the negotiations for the SE's and the Prequels. The Los Angeles Times even reported on it citing undisclosed insider information. Go check your Blu-Ray for the original Star Wars. It no longer carries the Fox copyright in the credits, it now says copyright LucasFilm.

[klauswhereareyou]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

Guys, Lucas won back the copyright to Star Wars over 15 years ago. It was part of the negotiations for the SE's and the Prequels. The Los Angeles Times even reported on it citing undisclosed insider information. Go check your Blu-Ray for the original Star Wars. It no longer carries the Fox copyright in the credits, it now says copyright LucasFilm.

Yeah, I thought this had been known for quite some time now, yet some seem to spew out the same crap about Fox still owning it.

[blonde_devil]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

Guys, Lucas won back the copyright to Star Wars over 15 years ago. It was part of the negotiations for the SE's and the Prequels. The Los Angeles Times even reported on it citing undisclosed insider information. Go check your Blu-Ray for the original Star Wars. It no longer carries the Fox copyright in the credits, it now says copyright LucasFilm.

Yes Lucas owns them but Fox has the distributions rights until around 2020 so for all intents and purposes, Fox "owns" them for another 6 years. Disney can't do anything with them without Fox giving the okay even though Disney how owns the company and films.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by blonde_devil

I am sure Disney has been talking with Fox but until there is something concrete from them, it is all rumor. Fox has the movies for a while yet, I am sure they would like to hold onto the rights a while longer so I can see them making some deal where Disney gets to use them when the new film comes out but Fox still "owns" them in exchange for money/longer rights or something. Until they actually announce it is being worked on, I am not convinced as the original versions have been coming out on every release according to the internet.

Fox only has *distribution* rights...and only for five more years. They do not own any of the movies, not even Star Wars -- not anymore. And distribution rights only mean this...when LucasFilm wants to release them, Fox gets the gig. That's all that means. Like signing an agreement with a vendor to pass out newspapers...the vendor gets to pass out the newspapers and gets a percentage for their work, the vendor can't force the company to put out content, nor tell the company they can't put out content. When the company wants to distribute the paper, the vendor gets the gig and takes a cut. That's it.

Disney can't do anything with them without Fox giving the okay even though Disney how owns the company and films.

No. When LucasFilm wants to do something with the films, Fox gets the *privilege* of distributing them, for which they receive a cut of the proceeds, they cannot release them on their own without LucasFilm's consent, nor stop LucasFilm from releasing them. They're just a delivery and promotional service at this point. They do what LucasFilm tells them to do, when LucasFilm tells them to do it.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

Fox only has *distribution* rights...and only for five more years. They do not own any of the movies, not even Star Wars -- not anymore. And distribution rights only mean this...when LucasFilm wants to release them, Fox gets the gig. That's all that means. Like signing an agreement with a vendor to pass out newspapers...the vendor gets to pass out the newspapers and gets a percentage for their work, the vendor can't force the company to put out content, nor tell the company they can't put out content. When the company wants to distribute the paper, the vendor gets the gig and takes a cut. That's it.



No. When LucasFilm wants to do something with the films, Fox gets the *privilege* of distributing them, for which they receive a cut of the proceeds, they cannot release them on their own without LucasFilm's consent, nor stop LucasFilm from releasing them. They're just a delivery and promotional service at this point. They do what LucasFilm tells them to do, when LucasFilm tells them to do it.

For all episodes except IV, in which Fox has distribution rights in perpetuity.
I'm guessing Disney is waiting to see how well Episode VII does, before trying to buy out Fox? Possibly even wait for Episode VIII & IX, plus all those other spin-offs, to see how well they all do. That brings us almost to 2020, then Fox is only left with Episode IV, which wouldn't give Fox as much bargining leverage. I would think.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by rickah88

For all episodes except IV, in which Fox has distribution rights in perpetuity.
I'm guessing Disney is waiting to see how well Episode VII does, before trying to buy out Fox? Possibly even wait for Episode VIII & IX, plus all those other spin-offs, to see how well they all do. That brings us almost to 2020, then Fox is only left with Episode IV, which wouldn't give Fox as much bargining leverage. I would think.

Seeing as how people so associate the Fox Fanfare with the saga, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see LucasFilm and Disney enter into an distribution agreement with Fox for the sequels and spinoffs, and obtain all final distribution rights to Star Wars once and for all in the process.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

Seeing as how people so associate the Fox Fanfare with the saga, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see LucasFilm and Disney enter into an distribution agreement with Fox for the sequels and spinoffs, and obtain all final distribution rights to Star Wars once and for all in the process.

Yes, but the $1million question(actually, way more than that I'm sure): When?
I figured Disney would wait until, at least, after VII is out. I mean if the film flops(which I highly doubt), they might not be in any rush to write another huge check to Fox. Then again if VII were to break box office records, well...that might force Disney's hand a little bit?
I've been saying this for the last 2 years: What happens between Disney and Fox is almost as exciting as the films themselves.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by rickah88

Yes, but the $1million question(actually, way more than that I'm sure): When?
I figured Disney would wait until, at least, after VII is out. I mean if the film flops(which I highly doubt), they might not be in any rush to write another huge check to Fox. Then again if VII were to break box office records, well...that might force Disney's hand a little bit?
I've been saying this for the last 2 years: What happens between Disney and Fox is almost as exciting as the films themselves.

I don't think LucasFilm would go it alone on VII with WDPictures distributing and then turn around ask Fox to bid on VIII and IX and the spinoffs. I think they'll force (no pun intended) Fox into a cost/benefit analysis at the outset...distribution rights for VII, VIII and IX for a while, in exchange, LucasFilm gets free and clear of any long-term entanglements. Fox gave up their *copyright* to Star Wars in exchange for distribution duties for the Prequels. Hard to see anyone with a brain at Fox turning down distribution rights for the sequels in exchange for that "in perpetuity" clause for Star Wars (if that's even true...you hear so much fuzzy data about the whole thing).

[BillieCassin]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

Guys, Lucas won back the copyright to Star Wars over 15 years ago. It was part of the negotiations for the SE's and the Prequels. The Los Angeles Times even reported on it citing undisclosed insider information. Go check your Blu-Ray for the original Star Wars. It no longer carries the Fox copyright in the credits, it now says copyright LucasFilm.

Oh yes, that is my understanding as well. That said, you have probably 100 pages of posts in this thread from people who don't know/don't believe/etc., so I was very surprised that no one had brought this up here yet as it's been quite widely distributed (I've seen at least 10 sites, just ones I keep track of, run this).

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

Seeing as how people so associate the Fox Fanfare with the saga, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see LucasFilm and Disney enter into an distribution agreement with Fox for the sequels and spinoffs, and obtain all final distribution rights to Star Wars once and for all in the process.

I absolutely don't think that will be the case. Episode VII will be a Disney film with the Disney logo, before the Lucasfilm logo. Disney is not going to give distribution rights to their new crown jewel to anyone for any reason.

[Dylan34]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

Oh yes, that is my understanding as well. That said, you have probably 100 pages of posts in this thread from people who don't know/don't believe/etc., so I was very surprised that no one had brought this up here yet as it's been quite widely distributed (I've seen at least 10 sites, just ones I keep track of, run this).




I absolutely don't think that will be the case. Episode VII will be a Disney film with the Disney logo, before the Lucasfilm logo. Disney is not going to give distribution rights to their new crown jewel to anyone for any reason.

Yeah, Episode Vll is going have Disney' s name all over it most definitely. However, it is going to be weird looking without the Fox Fanfare, kind of sad too.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

I don't think LucasFilm would go it alone on VII with WDPictures distributing and then turn around ask Fox to bid on VIII and IX and the spinoffs. I think they'll force (no pun intended) Fox into a cost/benefit analysis at the outset...distribution rights for VII, VIII and IX for a while, in exchange, LucasFilm gets free and clear of any long-term entanglements. Fox gave up their *copyright* to Star Wars in exchange for distribution duties for the Prequels. Hard to see anyone with a brain at Fox turning down distribution rights for the sequels in exchange for that "in perpetuity" clause for Star Wars (if that's even true...you hear so much fuzzy data about the whole thing).

So you're suggesting a continued joint deal, between Fox/Disney? I just don't see Disney, who spent so much money on LucasFilm, wanting to share with anyone. As it stands Disney is holding higher cards, and those cards will only get better in 5 years(assuming this tangled distribution mess goes on that long), then the buyout price would be much lower, I would think.
Of course I'm basing all my assumptions that Fox own distribution rights in perpetuity, and it's been widely reported, so I'm inclined to believe it. I'm sure we'd know, by know, if that wasn't the case. So assuming that is the case, as I mentioned, I can just see Disney slow playing this whole thing. Let's face it, the only reason this is a discussion is because folks(myself included) are going to want THE boxed set, and that can only happen if Disney buys out Fox.
I don't see "Halloween set happening, with Disney & Fox logos on it...of course you just never know!

[blonde_devil]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

Fox only has *distribution* rights...and only for five more years. They do not own any of the movies, not even Star Wars -- not anymore. And distribution rights only mean this...when LucasFilm wants to release them, Fox gets the gig. That's all that means. Like signing an agreement with a vendor to pass out newspapers...the vendor gets to pass out the newspapers and gets a percentage for their work, the vendor can't force the company to put out content, nor tell the company they can't put out content. When the company wants to distribute the paper, the vendor gets the gig and takes a cut. That's it.



No. When LucasFilm wants to do something with the films, Fox gets the *privilege* of distributing them, for which they receive a cut of the proceeds, they cannot release them on their own without LucasFilm's consent, nor stop LucasFilm from releasing them. They're just a delivery and promotional service at this point. They do what LucasFilm tells them to do, when LucasFilm tells them to do it.

Here is what Hollywood Reporter had to say a few years ago for whatever it is worth.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...-tie-up-384541

In the end, Fox controls the movies for a few more years. I could be wrong but they are under no obligation to release these films just because Disney says to. With the newspaper, it is a little different since you are selling the product on behalf of the paper - you are basically asking the company for the right to sell their paper. They didn't come to you and say "hey, want to sell this for us?". But as long as you pay for those papers, they can't force you to sell them. Here, Lucas made the film for Fox. Fox paid him to make the movie they owned and they would distribute. It is no different than any other movie even if Lucas owns the films - he made a deal with them to distribute and they do it whenever they want. That is thier right. If not, then what is the concern about not being able to release a complete set? Disney just tells them to release the film and gives them the specs they want and Disney leaves a spot in the box for it when they release the other films. So they don't get the money for it, big deal. Owning the film is only part of it - tons of films get made without distribution deals in place but it is that deal that gets it out to the public and you know the studio will make sure it is in their best interest.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

Oh yes, that is my understanding as well. That said, you have probably 100 pages of posts in this thread from people who don't know/don't believe/etc., so I was very surprised that no one had brought this up here yet as it's been quite widely distributed (I've seen at least 10 sites, just ones I keep track of, run this).

I've brought it up here, and not too long ago....but it's sort of like telling a sports fan a factoid, and they hear you, but it doesn't sink in, and two months later, you're right back at square one.

I absolutely don't think that will be the case. Episode VII will be a Disney film with the Disney logo, before the Lucasfilm logo. Disney is not going to give distribution rights to their new crown jewel to anyone for any reason.

I'm not so sure. You'd be surprised the kind of wheelin and dealin that goes on. This is the company that got rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit back from Universal in exchange for a sportscaster named Al Michaels. Also, because LINCOLN was originally set up at Fox with DreamWorks, when Disney signed DreamWorks, Fox had international distribution rights while Disney/Touchstone only handled North America. Paramount isn't giving up their interest in Indiana Jones. Disney's not ponying up to buy out Fox's interests in The X-Men, or Sony's interests in Spider-Man. The fans want the Fox fanfare. It is *crucial* to Disney that Episode VII go over well. If Fox has something that Disney wants, and Disney has something Fox wants...don't be so sure what could or would happen.

[Gold Ranger]

Actually, Marvel/Disney are trying to work out a deal with Sony for Spider-Man.

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

I've brought it up here, and not too long ago....but it's sort of like telling a sports fan a factoid, and they hear you, but it doesn't sink in, and two months later, you're right back at square one.



I'm not so sure. You'd be surprised the kind of wheelin and dealin that goes on. This is the company that got rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit back from Universal in exchange for a sportscaster named Al Michaels. Also, because LINCOLN was originally set up at Fox with DreamWorks, when Disney signed DreamWorks, Fox had international distribution rights while Disney/Touchstone only handled North America. Paramount isn't giving up their interest in Indiana Jones. Disney's not ponying up to buy out Fox's interests in The X-Men, or Sony's interests in Spider-Man. The fans want the Fox fanfare. It is *crucial* to Disney that Episode VII go over well. If Fox has something that Disney wants, and Disney has something Fox wants...don't be so sure what could or would happen.

[Bucky]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

I absolutely don't think that will be the case. Episode VII will be a Disney film with the Disney logo, before the Lucasfilm logo. Disney is not going to give distribution rights to their new crown jewel to anyone for any reason.

I think it will only be the Lucasfilm logo before the film. Similar to the Marvel Studio films only having the Marvel logo before the films.

The Fox fanfare is not required for a Star Wars movie, I don't understand why people are making it seem so important.

[Cook]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

Oh yes, that is my understanding as well. That said, you have probably 100 pages of posts in this thread from people who don't know/don't believe/etc., so I was very surprised that no one had brought this up here yet as it's been quite widely distributed (I've seen at least 10 sites, just ones I keep track of, run this).


I absolutely don't think that will be the case. Episode VII will be a Disney film with the Disney logo, before the Lucasfilm logo. Disney is not going to give distribution rights to their new crown jewel to anyone for any reason.

Disney doesnt put their logo in front of Marvel's films so why would they put their logo in front of the Lucasfilm logo? They likely won't. Kathy Kennedy has been clear. Star Wars is a Lucasfilm production. The same way that the MCU is a Marvel production. Disney just ownes them both.

I think Episode 7 will open like Marvel's films do. The Lucasfilm logo with maybe a new fanfare composed by John Williams and then "A long time ago in a galaxy far far away..." There wont be a Disney logo.

[IndyMLVC]

Originally Posted by Cook

Disney doesnt put their logo in front of Marvel's films so why would they put their logo in front of the Lucasfilm logo? They likely won't. Kathy Kennedy has been clear. Star Wars is a Lucasfilm production. The same way that the MCU is a Marvel production. Disney just ownes them both.

I think Episode 7 will open like Marvel's films do. The Lucasfilm logo with maybe a new fanfare composed by John Williams and then "A long time ago in a galaxy far far away..." There wont be a Disney logo.

Regardless, ANY fanfare before that "A long time ago..." is going to seem positively foreign. And sad.

[Cook]

Originally Posted by IndyMLVC

Regardless, ANY fanfare before that "A long time ago..." is going to seem positively foreign. And sad.

Personally Id prefer there be no sound or music until the crawl. That way when the star wars theme blasts through the speakers and that crawl scrolls by its all the more impactful.