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HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIDEO…
…AS JAWS MARKS 50…
…SHARK’S HISTORY AT THE BBFC…
…NEW STEELBOOK WITH EXTRA BITE TO LAUNCH
THE ABYSS PULLED FROM DISNEY+
BFI PLAYER HEADS FURTHER AFIELD…
…AS THE STREAMING SERVICE CONTINUES TO GROW IN THE UK
INDICATOR ADDS GIALLO TITLES IN SEPTEMBER…
…WITH RADIANCE RELEASING MORE WORLD NOIR
PECCADILLO’S SUMMER TREATS…
…PARAMOUNT’S PAINKILLER…
…WITH CLUELESS ON THE WAY
SPOTTED OUT AND ABOUT
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
SPOTTED OUT AND ABOUT
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TRAILERS OF THE WEEK 
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It was a good week for… 28 Years Later rullung at the box office, earning more than its two predecessors's opening weekends combined in its first three days, as those two both enjoy resurgences on digital…
It was a bad week for… As Elio has Pixar's worst ever opening weekend, some half of film exxhibition executives quizzed in a survey say the theatrical business as we know has less than 202 years left (more on these next week)…
We have been watching… We paid our first visit to London's new grindhouse cinema The Nickel, complete with a raft of Blu-rays, DVDs and even VHS titles for sale (more on this next week)…
It kind of passed us by initially, and there’s still some debate as to the exact month and date, but happy birthday video. For the first home video format, Betamax, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. If Jaws, just marking its fifth decade (see below) was the film that changed everything and essentially became the first modern blockbuster, the invention that gave birth to the video industry is also celebrating its golden jubilee this year – a half a century ago, electronics giant Sony launched its Betamax machine alongside its tapes. June 7 was officially chosen as National VCR Day, in the US at least, although some would suggest that May was the official launch day in Japan for Betamax. Initially costing some £11,000 or so in today’s money, the format landed in the US later in 1975, with the UK following the next year. It was initially intended to allow consumers to tape one channel and watch another as much as anything, but the major studios, and a slew of independents, all released films at exorbitant prices to watch on these new-fangled machines. At launch, The New York Times said the machine was just for “wealthy faddists”, but, somewhere along the way, an enterprising retailer (George Adkinson, in Wilshere Boulevard, LA, California) bought a job lot of pre-recorded tapes of all the then available Fox titles, some 50 in all, for a total of $10,000 and started renting them out. And so, the video industry, home entertainment or screen entertainment business, was born. Initially, the studios objected – Disney and Universal joined forces, and sued Sony before an eventual Supreme Court ruling in Sony’s favour,, although this took years to make its way to the highest court in America (the eventual decision being made in 1984). By that time, the rental industry was in full swing. VHS had also come along (it launched a couple of years after Betamax) and become the dominant force. It’s been a long old journey, but happy birthday to video and the launch that gave us all our jobs…
The first big blockbuster of the modern era, Steven Spielberg’s seminal creature feature Jaws, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year (the film opened In the US on June 20, meaning most websites, even British-based ones, were marking the date this past week, although pedants such as us at The Raygun believe that its UK opening, Boxing Day 1975, is really the one to note on these shores). And with the anniversary came a welter of coverage, spanning social media, online publications (The Quietus' take is here) and print, with Empire already marking its anniversary in a special issue with a front cover and extensive feature. As noted above, the film, of course, changed everything, almost single-handedly creating the blockbuster movie (the summer one in the US, more winter over here, as a six month delay between US and UK theatrical releases was more the norm then). It was the highest grossing film of 1976 in the UK, taking in £11.8 million, then the highest figure for a film in this country, although its box office was trumped by Star Wars a couple of years later. Its 16 million-plus admissions made it the 13th biggest sound film of the 20th century.
The home entertainment history of Jaws, meanwhile, is a journey through different video formats and concepts. First released on video in 1981 as a rental proposition, then a retail release in 1987 on video; re-released under a generic film collection banner and as a widescreen SKU in the mid-90s, like many other classics; on DVD in 2000 as the format exploded; and, latterly, over the past 10 or 15 years, on Blu-ray and, finally, 4K UHD. Moreover, there’s going to be another chance to cash in on its anniversary with the release of a 4K UHD Steelbook via Spirit on July 18, a true indication of the changing face of the business. The new Spirit-handled release also boasts a raft of extras, as outlined by the company’s John (“JP”) Partridge, who said: “The Steelbook comes with a brand new bonus disc with a feature length documentary titled Jaws @ 50. Made by National Geographic, it is pretty much the final word on Jaws docs with involvement from both Spielberg and author Peter Benchley’s wife Wendy Benchley, who produced the film. It will cover the making of the book and the film together with the legacy and impact they have had on both the human world and the world of marine life. And when I say ‘final word’, I mean it will be the final word on Jaws docs until the next Jaws Anniversary!”
Talking of the BBFC, we’ve been discussing James Cameron’s The Abyss on and off here on The Raygun newsletter for some years, with its storied history with the organisation surrounding a scene involving a rat being given a prototype underwater breathing liquid. As noted here previously, It’s been a thorny one for years, with many believing the scene contravenes the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937, causing suffering to the animal. The BBFC said cuts should be made to its recent 4K release and, after relenting for years and allowing the cuts on previous formats, director James Cameron and co nixed them, so its release was yanked. But, as reported here recently, the film went on Disney+’s UK streaming offering with no cuts, potentially falling foul of the legislation. Among those objecting was the RSPCA, David Bowles, the organisation's head of public affairs, said: "The RSPCA is really concerned that a loophole currently exists allowing animal abuse scenes deemed unacceptable elsewhere to be streamed freely and legally into our homes. The Abyss' controversial rat scene has long concerned the RSPCA, and has always been deemed unacceptable by BBFC — so it's hard to fathom out why Disney Plus has decided to broadcast it. We need to ensure people are not being exposed to content which promotes or showcases cruelty to animals. As the way millions of households consume entertainment changes, it's vital the legal framework is responsive to that and continues to consistently protect people and animals.” The Raygun approached Disney+ at the time the story broke, but received no comment. Now, he film has been pulled from the streaming service in the UK In a new comment, the RSPCA’s Bowles said: “This isn't about cancel culture — we'd welcome Disney Plus reinstating the film to their platform, just with this troubling scene removed — as is already the case in cinemas, on TV, and on DVD. This was instead about highlighting a loophole that currently exists allowing animal abuse scenes deemed unacceptable elsewhere to be streamed freely and legally into our homes — and protecting the public from having to see this animal abuse content."
After a successful UK launch, where it’s now an established name on the streaming front, and after heading over to the US too, the BFI Player is spreading its wings further afield, this time to Scandinavia. The organisation has announced its streaming service its now live through Amazon Prime Video Channels in both Finland and Sweden. It’s similar to its UK offering, with a raft of British classics old and new and some of the best independent cinema from around the world. Paul Lewis, Director of BFI Player: “Bringing BFI Player to the Nordic region is a hugely exciting step in growing our international digital audience. We’re thrilled that audiences in Finland and Sweden will now be able to enjoy the BFI’s rich and varied cultural programme. This launch is another key milestone in our mission to champion great cinema, both British and global, to audiences worldwide.” Andreas Hjertø, Regional Manager, Nordics, Amazon Prime Video "We're thrilled to partner with the BFI to bring their acclaimed BFI Player service to Prime Video subscribers in Finland and Sweden. The BFI's curated selection of world-class independent films, from British classics to award-winning global cinema like The Handmaiden and The Piano will be a fantastic addition for our Nordic viewers. The fact the service has been localised with Finnish and Swedish subtitles demonstrates the BFI's commitment to making their remarkable library accessible across the region. We're excited to collaborate and expand access to exceptional cinema."
The news came as the BFI announced further upgrades to its UK offering, which, the BFI noted, involved “rolling out a wave of recent updates across web, mobile, and all major TV apps designed to enhance the user experience.”. The news gave us the the opportunity to check in and see how the BFI Player is progressing. Paul Lewis, director of BFI Player, told The Raygun: “BFI Player is continuing to increase UK subscribers in what is certainly a congested streaming landscape. We’ve worked to make BFI Player as accessible as possible, launching TV apps on all major providers and expanding our reach via service carriers like Amazon and Apple. More and more viewers are engaging with the service and recognising that we’re not just another streaming platform, but a trusted cultural resource. In a crowded marketplace, our strength lies in our curation, credibility and sense of purpose, offering new and hard to find films often overlooked by the mainstream. Of course, we want more to join us on this cinematic journey – so tell a friend to tell a friend.”
The past week or so has seen the usual flow of announcements from boutique imprints showing no signs of abating. Among those announcing its wares for future release was Powerhouse and its Indicator series, which is, for September, heading to Italy for a brace of giallo releases from the much loved Mediterranean genre. Commenting on its releases, the company’s Sam Dunn said: “We’re thrilled to be adding a range of Italian genre-film titles to our diverse roster, beginning with the stylish 1973 slasher-mystery Death Carries a Cane, starring giallo stalwart Nieves Navarro (aka Susan Scott), and the nightmarish 1974 horror-thriller The Perfume of the Lady in Black, starring fan-favourite Mimsy Farmer. We've restored both titles in 4K HDR from the original negatives archived in Rome, and are proud to be giving both films their world premiere 4K UHD releases. As usual, our brand-new restorations will be packaged with a host of fascinating new and archival extras, and extensive 80-page books. Initial feedback has been extremely positive, and both titles have been pre-ordering strongly, especially on UHD. As with our Jean Rollin titles, it looks like the titles are appealing to both established fans and to first-timers alike, which is always incredibly pleasing to see.”
Also announcing its September titles was Radiance, with another strong selection due at the end of summer. Outlining the September slate, the company’s Bruno Savill de Jong said: “We are very pleased by the reaction to our September titles. Particularly pleasing is the response to our new boxset of WORLD NOIR VOL 4, focusing on French cinema responding to the Hollywood genre that its own critics helped create. We are also happy to introduce many customers to the work of Carlos Saura with LOS GOLFOS, utilising a new 4K restoration for this classic piece of Spanish cinema and reinstating footage previously censored by the Francoist regime. Plus we have a UHD release of the New French Extremity foundation IN MY SKIN which comes with an exclusive new booklet essay from critic Savina Petrovka. And we are very excited by the release of the exquisite 'chanbara' (samurai film) THE BETRAYAL, which alongside select-scene commentary includes two visual essays (one by Philip Kemp and one from Tom Mes).”
Announcing its summer line up is Peccadillo, with a home entertainment release, Sebastian, out on June 23, swiftly followed by a brace of theatrical outings, with Hidden Master due on July 11 and Young Hearts into August (the former will arrive on digital in August, the latter on DVD and digital in September). Peccadillo’s MD Tom Abell says, “We’re proud to release SEBASTIAN an outstanding British gay drama on collectible blu-Ray for pride month. Lead actor Ruaridh Mollica is going to be British star to watch.
As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations we also present the documentary HIDDEN MASTER, offering an insightful appreciation of fashion photographer George Platt Lynes’s studies of the male physique, and the beautiful drama YOUNG HEARTS reminding us all of the joys of falling in love. Peccadillo hope that all three films will have you dancing in the sun this summer.”
Landing in stores this week is the latest from Paramount, Novocaine, a thriller starring the immensely likeable Jack Quaid, star of Prime’s The Boys and now being groomed as an action hero and one of the main draws of this well-reviewed tale. Quaid stars as the semi-titular hero Nathan Caine, a mild-mannered bank clerk who is impervious to pain and ends up getting up to all sorts while trying to save his colleague – and romantic interest – after a robbery. The release via Elevation comes on the back of such aforementioned critical notices, such as The Sun’s, which said “You’ll need to be desensitised to blood and gore, because there’s a lot of that in Novocaine. But if you want a laugh this weekend give this a shot, it won’t hurt.’ New York Magazine noted: “Directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen take this dumb-clever, fake-movie-science idea and run with it as hard and as fast as they can in one straight direction, using Nate’s condition as an excuse for pure, unchecked mayhem.” The title is released across DVD, Blu-ray, Steenbok and 4K UHD.
Meanwhile, sticking with Paramount and Clueless is marking its 30th anniversary this year with a theatrical re-release – it’s due in cinemas on Friday June 27 – and a special home entertainment release, including a glittering, anniversary Steelbook, complete with sparkling slipcase, poster, a report card, photo and art cards, stickers and a decal, as well as the film on 4K and Blu-ray, loaded with extras, as well as a standard 4k, landing on July 7. To mark the celebration, as well as the arrival of a musical version on the London stage, Paramount has hooked up with London coffee chain and online offering Grind, for a special Clueless collection, including themed drinks, cups, tins and more. Grind founder and ceo David Abrahamovitch said: “Even if you haven’t watched Clueless for years (which means you’re definitely due a rewatch), its 90s style, iconic one-liners and legendary makeover scene are instantly recognisable and deeply nostalgic. To be partnering with Paramount on this collection, bringing all those famous features of the beloved classic to the Grind range, is incredibly exciting – especially when Clueless, The Musical is making its debut in London’s West End. We won’t claim to be on Cher’s level, but we’re also pretty fond of makeovers: we’ve been giving coffee one for years, building a brand rooted in sustainability, community and craft expertise to change the way we drink coffee for the better.” See below and here for more…
 Grind x Clueless and, below, hmv x Superman, as the retailer prepares for the forthcoming theatrical release with Krypto taking Nipper's place and a special front window, with Supes-related goodies in-store and a sold0-out Q&A with director James Gunn on July 1…
 An Elio Intergalactic Messge Pod on London's Southbank, enabling Disney fans to send a message into space ahead of the theatrical release of the next animated adventure from the studio, Elio, due in cinemas on June 20…
 The Raygun, is 15 years old and continues to report on the home entertainment industry and its ever-changing face. To ensure we can continue to bring you the latest news, opinion and analysis from a business we love and care passionately about, you can support our independent journalism by donating to us via Ko-fi… Thank you.
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
Keep an eye on this one
More Weapons…
Stick it up yer bollocks…
Frank’s back…
https://youtu.be/S3Cy3Ya8SaI?si=PG1jHf4zhEwQRA0t
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