McLintock!

[OneQuestionMan]

McLintock! is listed twice on both the Irish and UK stores.

One is distributed by Paramount, rated PG and is SD.

The is Lionsgate, Unrated and in HD.

How can two distributors have the same movie?

[SpaceBlackKnight]

This movie's public domain in the US, though sometimes a distributor can create a restored version with different footage (usually opening logos added) that also allows them secure a new copyright. In some countries, the movie is still under copyright to the distributors who last put it out on video or TV there. In the case of the UK and Ireland, Vestron released it on video there and Lionsgate owns Vestron, explaining where their version comes from.

[OneQuestionMan]

Originally Posted by SpaceBlackKnight

This movie's public domain in the US, though sometimes a distributor can create a restored version with different footage (usually opening logos added) that also allows them secure a new copyright. In some countries, the movie is still under copyright to the distributors who last put it out on video or TV there. In the case of the UK and Ireland, Vestron released it on video there and Lionsgate owns Vestron, explaining where their version comes from.

Being in the public domain would explain it.

I looked it up online using those details and found theory for the music score is still copyrighted. Do you know if either version has the original music?

And which one of them is the “safe but”? Does being in the public domain mean any distributor can hold it for life?

I wish distributors like Arrow would release public domain movie. There are a lot gems out there.

[SpaceBlackKnight]

Originally Posted by OneQuestionMan

Being in the public domain would explain it.

I looked it up online using those details and found theory for the music score is still copyrighted. Do you know if either version has the original music?

And which one of them is the “safe but”? Does being in the public domain mean any distributor can hold it for life?

Even though the movie is PD, Batjac Productions holds the original film negatives and retains distribution rights for "officially restored" versions through Paramount. Paramount released a DVD and BD, as well as select streaming rights, using OCN restorations from the estate holder. Because of it's PD status, anyone can still release a DVD/Blu/Digital version provided they don't outright steal Batjac's restored source or use their film elements without permission (there's tons of 35mm prints and shitty VHS copies the PD entities can source from). Olive Films put out a Blu-Ray which was sourced off a 35mm theatrical print from the Library of Congress (which still checks as PD as it also wasn't from Batjac's or Paramount's sources or involvement).

Batjac Productions rights to the score reportedly didn't pertain to usage on the film itself. United Artists' music division owned those rights with the film and had let them lapse into PD in the late 80s. Batjac does control a new copyright to CD/digital releases of the soundtrack. So in other words, if someone wanted to put out a McLintock OST on CD or Digital, they'd have to licence it from Batjac regardless of region. AFAIK, all US releases keep the original music intact, so it's presumed the streaming versions do too unless the Lionsgate master is a different source altogether.