River Phoenix films ignored for Blu-ray release?

[D4L3K]

Just curious if there's any news on this great and missed actor getting his share of movies released on Blu-ray soon?

I know there's Stand by Me and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. But is that it?
A whole generation has grown up without his films and some have even asked the dreaded "Who is River Phoenix?" He died 21 years ago.

Also what of his recently completed film Dark Blood getting a release?

[BagheeraMcGee]

All I know is if "Running On Empty" is ever released on Blu-Ray, it would be a day 1 pre-order for me. Extremely underrated film, and arguably his finest performance. The final scene never fails to get me misty-eyed.

[JTanck]

Originally Posted by BagheeraMcGee

All I know is if "Running On Empty" is ever released on Blu-Ray, it would be a day 1 pre-order for me. Extremely underrated film, and arguably his finest performance. The final scene never fails to get me misty-eyed.

How would you consider running on empty an underrated film, it got good reviews, didn't do terrible at the box office and got him a nomination for a best supporting actor from the academy?

[Atreyu]

I would love to see My Own Private Idaho on blu. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I thought it was exceptional.

[Al_The_Strange]

Sneakers is the next biggest one that comes to my mind, but it was released on BD in the UK (region-free).

[Mahatma]

Wasn't he in a movie called something like 'Rivers edge'?

[cinemaphile]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Sneakers is the next biggest one that comes to my mind, but it was released on BD in the UK (region-free).

That was one of the first movies I did on D2D so I can watch it on UV in HD without having to import.

[Oscar Rothman]

Dogfight and Running on Empty would be sweet.

[KubrickKurasawa]

It would certainly BE NICE if there were more of his movies on Blu-Ray and not the DVD format. Most of his movies were drama's so the soundtracks won't be improved to much, just the visual clarity. Extras? I doubt it.

I would like to see MPI and maybe Sneakers on BR, but I've never seen them. I didn't care for Running on Empty. Stand by Me I've seen 1 to many times. I will try and watch Explorers today.

[the sordid sentinel]

The Mosquito Coast..we NEED this on Blu.

[D4L3K]

Odd today happens to be his birthday and I posted this not knowing that.


I'd like Dogfight and My Own Private Idaho. As well as Dark Blood which I'm dying to finally see.


Harrison Ford was so impressed with him (unlike he was Shia) when they did Mosquito Coast, that he was able to get him to play young Indy in The Last Crusade. I've a feeling that had he lived, it would have been River to take over the Indiana Jones mantle.

[BagheeraMcGee]

Originally Posted by JTanck

How would you consider running on empty an underrated film, it got good reviews, didn't do terrible at the box office and got him a nomination for a best supporting actor from the academy?

Simple. Ask most people (especially non-film buffs) about "Running On Empty" and odds are, they've never even heard of it. Also, it didn't exactly receive a wide release when it came out theatrically. "Fearless" with Jeff Bridges would be a good comparison. Same studio, got the same type of release, got generally good reviews, scored a few Oscar nominations, and still, most people haven't even heard of it. So, yeah, I'd consider both of those films underrated.

IMHO, it should have received more nominations then just Phoenix and Best Original Screenplay (you could make a very convincing case for Christine Lahti for Best Actress and Sidney Lumet for Best Director).

[D4L3K]

I also loved that River played 'Jeffrey Grant' in Little Nikita, as that's my name.

So yeah. Get these films out!

There's also A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon with Ione Skye.

[wonkavision]

Originally Posted by Mahatma

Wasn't he in a movie called something like 'Rivers edge'?

No. The "River's Edge" starred Keanu Reeves and Crispin Glover.

Originally Posted by the sordid sentinel

The Mosquito Coast..we NEED this on Blu.

YES!!!!!!
Although not his best role (Harrison steals the show here), but rather his best acting work is Dogfight.

[Flash3000]

Originally Posted by Oscar Rothman

Dogfight and Running on Empty would be sweet.

Dogfight is a brilliant movie. I became a HUGE Bob Dylan fan after hearing 'Don't think twice, it's alright" on the soundtrack.

Running on Empty I saw in the theatre 3-4 times. Brilliant movie. Martha Plimpton is great in it to

Let's not forget his - and Martha's - performance in Mosquito Coast as well. That would look awesome on BD.

Grew up with Phoenix movies. Saw him first in Stand By Me in the theatre with my friends for my 12th birthday. One of my all time favourite movies and actor. I was gutted when I heard he died.

R.I.P

[dissention]

Originally Posted by D4L3K

As well as Dark Blood which I'm dying to finally see.

It's been online for quite a while now, but Lionsgate is supposedly officially releasing it via VOD sometime this year. I downloaded it the day it leaked online and didn't feel bad about it, Sluizer was practically telling people to do it.