The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

[koberulz]

Originally Posted by Landonio

One of the greatest films I've ever seen. Affleck is legendary. Criminally underrated.

"What does Ben Affleck have to do with this film?" - my brain, not quite with the ball yet today.

[AgentOrange]

Originally Posted by DEN7ER

It is literally perplexing that Criterion isn't interested in this title. It's actually mind numbing that this is EXACTLY the kind of film that Criterion seemingly exists for. It's a stunning masterfully crafted and acted lightning-in-a-bottle, timeless piece of cinema. plus it's full of academy award winning names (now). and YES the idea that CC puts out other obscure and honestly forgetful titles over this gem is saddening.

Especially since WB criminally let it down majorly and has seemingly abandoned it. Even the brilliant director seems to be moving on without much interest lol. According to Brad, he owns a copy extended cut and has spoken glowingly of and prefers it. Hell i'd even settle for a one time only screening in a different state if need be!

I'd pay stupid money for even a limited edition release of this picture with:

Both cuts in remastered 4K
Director Commentary
Actor's Commentary
Ron Hanson Commentary
Anniversary Retrospective
Ellis & Cave scoring sessions/materials
behind the scenes/B-roll footage
all publicity materials
and a ode to Roger Deakins
w/ a special apology from Warner Bros. studios

I dare to dream...

That's what tends to happen when a film flops. Studio's don't go all out on the home video release, and directors don't want to talk about it. The business failure can sort of cloud the artistic vision a bit.

That being said, it's been 13 years, and indeed this film deserved better. Criterion has taken on far more obscure projects. This seems like it would be perfect for them. There should be ample material, and despite flopping at the box office I'd think as a Criterion it would probably be one of their better sellers. Plus you have the cinematropher literally begging them to do it. How can they not? I'd love to see a 4K remaster and a longer cut.

[Gunsnroses092789]

It’s not that criterion has no interest. But they only release 5 films a month. That’s 60 films a year, but let’s say with box sets and trilogies, they average closer to 75 films a year. That’s not a lot. They have to be very selective.

[Batman90]

Originally Posted by koberulz

"What does Ben Affleck have to do with this film?" - my brain, not quite with the ball yet today.

The guy who plays Robert Ford is Casey Affleck.

[BerryTheMusicMan]

Watched it once ... one and done .

[noirjunkie]

Originally Posted by BerryTheMusicMan

Watched it once ... one and done .

I read your post ... one and done.

[nusilver]

Originally Posted by peacekeeper

Once again, my post was in reaction to the 'DNR bomshell' remark, which as others have pointed out is way of the mark. My post was a reminder that people who have avoided this GREAT movie so far should get this blu-ray, it's easily and cheaply available.

And yes: I'm very happy with the current blu-ray, not because it's the best transfer possible or the optimum in 4k glitterati (as some people seem to need now for every movie release to avoid getting their eyeballs infected or something), but because it's the best way to see the movie. It's a faithful transfer of the intentions of the director and cinematographer, and for me that's always the bottom line with any blu-ray release.

It's actually not the best way to see the movie. The Vudu stream doesn't have any of the obvious compression issues of the Blu-ray. Which is a damn shame because this film deserves so much better.

[_Ewan_]

Saw this in 35mm about a year ago. Roger Deakins photography looked gorgeous, especially during the train robbery scene.

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by Gunsnroses092789

It’s not that criterion has no interest. But they only release 5 films a month. That’s 60 films a year, but let’s say with box sets and trilogies, they average closer to 75 films a year. That’s not a lot. They have to be very selective.

Haven't they basically said that they have no interest in releasing it?

I wonder if the fact that it flopped at the box office means that the cost of licensing it is currently higher than the price that Criterion and companies like them are prepared to pay?

[trip66]

Somebody correct me if I am remembering right, but not long after the initial dvd/bluray release, Andrew Dominik said in an interview he wanted to release a director's cut, but stated it would only make the movie about 5 minutes longer. Like I said, that was now over 10 years ago, and I'm wondering if I'm remembering it wrong, or possibly the written interview mis-typed that the director's cut would only be 5 minutes longer.

So, I'm wondering if that the longer 3.5 hour version was never an official cut. I know the trailers and making of had deleted scenes littered in them.

The teaser trailer is made up of almost entirely of deleted scenes. The trailer shows what looks like people up to Jesse James' house a sunset. The making of feature shows a deleted scene the robbers in the locomotive with the train engineers during the train robbery.

[sawdustandtinsel]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

Haven't they basically said that they have no interest in releasing it?

I wonder if the fact that it flopped at the box office means that the cost of licensing it is currently higher than the price that Criterion and companies like them are prepared to pay?

I think I remember Andrew Dominik saying it himself that they offered it to Criterion and they had no interest. I think you're right, the licensing fee is likely too high.

Edit: Here's the article I'm remembering from Indiewire, it was Deakins who wanted Criterion to release the first cut.

[MifuneFan]

Did Criterion even have a deal with Warner when the director claims Criterion had "no interest'? It's such a misleading thing to say anyway if you actually read the context of it. Apparently some super fan tried organizing an event and invited Criterion, and they didn't go. So the director took that as Criterion having no interest, which is completely stupid.

[sawdustandtinsel]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Did Criterion even have a deal with Warner when the director claims Criterion had "no interest'? It's such a misleading thing to say anyway if you actually read the context of it. Apparently some super fan tried organizing an event and invited Criterion, and they didn't go. So the director took that as Criterion having no interest, which is completely stupid.

The article said they passed on it in 2016 but that was the theatrical cut, surely Criterion had dealt with WB before, right?

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by sawdustandtinsel

The article said they passed on it in 2016 but that was the theatrical cut, surely Criterion had dealt with WB before, right?

Warner wasn't licensing much of anything back then. Criterion finally got a deal with them around 2015 or so, but it's not.known when the fan tried to actually organize the event. Could have been several years before that partnership.

This is hardly the way to go about getting Criterion to license something anyway, and certainly not evidence that they're not interested. Maybe if the director reached out to them directly, rather than relying on some super fan, things would have been different.

[sawdustandtinsel]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Warner wasn't licensing much of anything back then. Criterion finally got a deal with them around 2015 or so, but it's not.known when the fan tried to actually organize the event. Could have been several years before that partnership.

This is hardly the way to go about getting Criterion to license something anyway, and certainly not evidence that they're not interested. Maybe if the director reached out to them directly, rather than relying on some super fan, things would have been different.

Did a quick Google search, looks like the revival screenings happened in 2013, I think this is the screening you're talking about? Here's an interesting one from Dominik, seems like he has changed his tune a bit regarding the director's cut.

[Doctorossi]

Well, Warner could certainly rectify the situation with a nice UHD release!

[scarletlion]

One of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. I would sell a kidney for a UHD release.

[Sopranogl]

I just watched this again this afternoon...and I was blown away AGAIN. (I'm going through my collections of westerns and could not remember when I last saw this.)

Yes, it's long...but it's also a masterpiece. Every shot, every word, every glance, and every gesture is so, SO meaningful. This might be one of my favorite movies of all time.

[xochipilli]

I have a habit of going through the listings at the Park Circus website for any 4K DCPs not yet on disc, and I noticed this film has one, which I don't think I saw last time I was looking at Warner's listings! Looking back through the thread I didn't see anyone mention this, so it might have been recently added, making the likelihood of either a remastered UHD or Criterion release greater than before. I think of the thirty or so Warner titles still without lossless audio this is one I think would be more likely to get re-released, and with Deakins' reputation increasing enough to contribute a solo commentary for 1917 might mean his clout could have increased enough to get some movement going on this situation. Here's hoping!

https://www.parkcircus.com/film/1089...rd-Robert-Ford

[Lope de Aguirre]

Originally Posted by xochipilli

I have a habit of going through the listings at the Park Circus website for any 4K DCPs not yet on disc, and I noticed this film has one, which I don't think I saw last time I was looking at Warner's listings! Looking back through the thread I didn't see anyone mention this, so it might have been recently added, making the likelihood of either a remastered UHD or Criterion release greater than before. I think of the thirty or so Warner titles still without lossless audio this is one I think would be more likely to get re-released, and with Deakins' reputation increasing enough to contribute a solo commentary for 1917 might mean his clout could have increased enough to get some movement going on this situation. Here's hoping!

https://www.parkcircus.com/film/1089...rd-Robert-Ford

I hope, I hope, I hope...