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POSITIVE PR FOR PHYSICAL MEDIA
“VIBRANT MARKET FOR DISCS”
HMV “BLOWN AWAY” BY CENTENARY REACTION
BASE LAUNCHES Q3 TRAILER
RABBITING ON
ULTRA HD GETS SEAL OF APPROVAL
OUT OF THE BLUE, INTO STORES
ARROW’S RED LETTER DAYS
SERVANT IS BOUND TO EXCITE
GOOD THINGS PREDICTED FOR PSYCHIC
SIGNATURE’S MIDAS TOUCH
HARD CELL FOR UK RELEASE
HELL FOR SHUDDER
FILM INDUSTRY FANTASY LEAGUE RETURNS
AT THE MOVIES
TWEET OF THE WEEK
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
For as long as we can remember, the national press has always been hard on the video industry, the home entertainment business, dating right back to the early days of VHS. First it was the nasties and newspapers such as the Guardian have always been sniffy about new formats, in recent years embracing streaming and deriding people still buying physical media as being something from a bygone era (“get with it daddio!”, as we’ll always say on Twitter when such comments are made). So it’s good to see the recent negative publicity from Sainsbury’s decision to exit from DVD and Blu-ray as well as the audio market (save for vinyl) has been met with some positive PR. This piece here (it’s premium but well worth the free sub for) actually highlights the ongoing importance of physical media for films (and TV and more), interviewing many of the people and labels we feature here regularly on The Raygun, from Arrow Video to Studiocanal, by way of Anime Ltd, the BFI, Fremantle and BASE, with comments about the state of the market, Sainsbury’s exit, hmv’s plans to open new stores and why physical media still matters. Plaudits must go to Fetch’s Almar Halfidason, who pushed the paper to run the story, and later told The Raygun: “The lazy stories in the media about the physical side of the industry has been annoying me for some time and I'm grateful to James Moore at The Independent who has been patient enough to listen and decided there was a story to be written. I helped him with client connections and I'm thrilled to see the amazing efforts that some labels put into keeping physical media alive are being now recognised. I've created and conceived various collector labels over the years and there will remain potential to do more in this area. A younger generation who love film and want to own key titles are there to be served along with gifting opportunities for all generations. Digital is the ultimate convenience but physical gives entertainment fans of all types a reason to invest and show their allegiance to what they love to watch."
For those who can’t be bothered to subscribe, here’s a few snippets from the article, and it would be good to see other imprints, labels, distributors and agencies putting forward similar arguments to other outlets too. We are, after all, all in this together… Studiocanal’s John Rodden said: “I think there’s a very vibrant market for discs, especially within the collectors’ market and with premium products. Classic films in particular. What’s been happening with discs is similar to what you’ve seen in the publishing world with books and in music with vinyl. There’s a great love for content and we’ve invested heavily in restoration work for our movies to make them look good.” The BFI’s John Ramchandani added: “People have talked about the death of DVD for ages, but our customers never really went away. This last year we had our busiest since 2012. Why? A mix of a strong slate and also a very healthy back catalogue of close to 500 films.”
Obviously, the hmv announcement, part of its centenary celebrations, that the retailer is opening up 10- new stores this year, including a new London flagship, were covered extensively in the above feature and we’ve caught up with the retailer this week following the flurry of publicity about its 100th anniversary and the fallout from the positive PR it had received. Head of film and TV John Delany said: “We've been blown away with the reaction and engagement around hmv's Centenary. From the memories shared by colleagues, customers and industry members to the excitement around our product offer, which included exclusive vinyl, unmissable discounts and limited-edition hmv merchandise such as a cuddly Nipper plush. There's also been amazing support from talent, with KSI and Anne-Marie meeting fans through in-store events, Ed Sheeran's one-off gig at the hmv Empire Coventry and video messages from icons like director Richard Curtis. There's something very special and loved about hmv, and it's heartening to see how that extends across so many people. I think that ultimately comes from hmv not just supporting and promoting entertainment for 100 years, but sharing in customers' passion for that entertainment, and the artists and filmmakers who make it.”
Meanwhile, BASE is doing its bit to promote the industry with its latest quarterly trailer, covering July, August and September releases, with a line-up that includes the likes of Cruella, Peter Rabbit 2 through to The Father and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do it, by way of Black Widow and Nobody. You can see the latest trailer here.
More from BASE and it’s as you were in the Official Film Chart announced by the organisation and the Official Charts Company, as Peter Rabbit 2 remains in the top slot for the chart to the week ending August 4. Moving up the chart on the back of a theatrical sequel thanks to drafting is The Croods. The highest new entry, just outside the top 10, is Six Minutes To Midnight from Lionsgate, while the likes of Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Birds Of Prey are both boosted by the arrival of the Suicide Squad in cinemas.
Back to the BFI, mentioned above, and after revealing how its strong slate in 2020 had helped it to its best 12 months for almost a decade, the organisation has pulled out all the stops for its forthcoming Q4 releases, which it has just revealed. What’s more, it is also releasing its first ever 4K Ultra HD product, moving on to the ultra high definition format in a suitably stylish way, bringing Bergman’s classic The Seventh Seal to the format on October 18. Comment on the state-of-the-art Blu-ray release came from the BFI’s Ben Stoddart, who said: “The increasing popularity of UHD has been a real positive for the industry, and we’re delighted to announce our first foray into the format with our release of Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal. It’s undoubtedly a film that deserves the 4K UHD treatment and early reaction to the announcement has been incredibly positive. I remember when the BFI released its first ever Blu-ray, so this hopefully represents the start of another exciting journey…”
The rest of the slate includes more Bergman in a second box set on Blu-ray also on October 18, followed a week later by the Blu-ray debut of the original Don Siegel classic Invasion Of The Body Snatchers, alongside a second volume of Short Sharp Shocks under its BFI Flipside banner. Into November, and there’s a Blu-ray first for a restored Out Of The Blue, Dennis Hopper’s punk-influenced tale featuring a tour de force performance from teenager Linda Manz (this film has to be seen to be believed). Later in November, there are two classic Mike Leigh films making their first Blu-ray appearance, Bleak Moments and Naked. The month finishes with Cocteau adaptation Les Enfants Terribles in a new restored version and into December there are standalone releases for a brace of Marlene Dietrich titles taken from January’s box set, Pittsburgh and The Spoilers. Further comment came from John Ramchandani who said: “We are thrilled to announce what is inarguably one of our strongest quarterly line-ups. Specialist home entertainment is going from strength to strength and our slate is testament to the continued demand for physical format. From Bergman to Body Snatchers and from Leigh to Les Enfants… our Q4 is coming Out of the Blue to deliver an outstanding collection to suit all tastes in film”
We promised to talk about Arrow Video’s recently announced October line-up here recently, and, true to our word, here’s the company’s Kevin Lambert on the slate for the autumn month. He said: “Continuing our run of Dario Argento 4K UHDs this month we have Deep Red featuring a new 4K restoration with Dolby Vision HDR and packed with special features as well as two cuts of the film, the giallo to end all giallo comes packed with two UHDs in deluxe packaging with a 60-page perfectly bound book, as with our previous Argento UHDs Deep Red is available in two editions, trade-wide limited edition and an 'Arte Originale' limited edition available exclusively from the Arrow store. For fans of Japanese cinema, we have a deluxe limited edition box set The Yokai Monsters Collection, a trilogy of terror ripped from the pages of Japanese folklore, with ghosts and monsters from ancient myths and legends brought to life through stunning special effects, alongside an epic, big-budget reboot of the series from a modern-day master of the macabre, this three disc set comes packed in a rigid slipcase with a 60-page book, art cards and a poster. Next up, from the acclaimed director of indie horror hit Jug Face, Chad Crawford Kinkle, comes Dementer a brave and unflinching story of lives lived on the fringes of society, and a battle with demons inside and out., the first pressing includes a limited edition second disc containing Jug Face and new extras. If that wasn't enough cult cinema for one month we have three boxsets, He Came from the Swamp collects together seven of William Grefe's most outlandish films, plus a feature length documentary on the filmmaker's career. The second box set Rainer Werner Fassbinder volume 1 brings together six of the enfant terrible of the New German Cinema's finest works. And last but by no means least is Essential Giallo [Red], the first in a continuing series this set brings together The Possessed, The Fifth Cord, and The Pyjama Girl Case these films feature a raft of talent in front and behind the camera with each film restored from the original camera negative and presented with a range of contextualising interviews and featurettes.
Due from Studiocanal on September 20 is another slice of classic cinema given a stunning 4K restoration in the shape of The Servant. The release was officially launched last week and with an exclusive announcement up on film magazine site Little White Lies, the release and pre-orders picked up on the back of it. Studiocanal’s Alison Arber said: “We were thrilled to exclusively announce last week with Little White Lies the release of our stunning new 4K restoration of The Servant, with a fantastic new trailer and artwork from the brilliant Edward Kinsella. Joseph Losey and Harold Pinter’s masterpiece showcases Dirk Bogarde in one of his most iconic roles. This brand-new restoration is a fitting tribute to his centenary this year and will premiere at this year’s Edinburgh International film festival. We will be releasing on 4K UHD collector’s edition, Blu-ray, DVD and digital on September 20.”
Due in stores on Monday from Shameless is a classic slice of Lucio Fulci in the shape of The Psychic, which has been fully restored in a painstaking process, as outlined by the company’s Garwin Spencer-Davison, who said: “We’re super pleased because this was the first full restoration we undertook here in Britain instead of buying a pre-cooked restoration. It looks like the many dedicated man hours – actually months of fastidious work with state of the art restoration programmes – have paid off. We’ve posted a comparison to all prior releases and it is clear to see! It is a path we are now set to continue for both the labels Shameless Films and CultFilms.. For sister label CultFilms, we’re presently authoring Marco Ferreri’s extraordinary The Ape Man, with both Ferreri’s own (real-life inspired) ‘cruel’ ending and Producer Carlo Ponti’s Palme d’Or ‘Happy-ending’ submission on the Blu-ray. This is for a September release and we've many more upcoming projects coming soon…”
 Acquisition news and Signature has picked the forthcoming film looking at the life and times of the man who could genuinely claim the moniker the Fifth Beatle, their manager Brian Epstein. Midas Man is directed by pop promo maker turned feature length helmer Jonas Akerlund. The film is being shot in London and Liverpool ready for release in 2022. Signature’s Elizabeth Williams commented; “Signature is absolutely thrilled to be releasing Midas Man in the UK and Ireland. We are so impressed with the script and the filmmakers’ approach to the extraordinary untold story of Brian Epstein and cannot wait to see the result. The film promises to have such a broad appeal and so many winning elements. We look forward to introducing it to audiences, who we are sure will absolutely love it.” StudioPOW’s Perry Trevers said: “Signature Entertainment is a great fit for Midas Man. Their unparalleled marketing and distribution expertise, and intrinsic understanding of this special story, will give the film the very best launch in the UK and Ireland. We feel the film is in the best hands with Signature and our other leading international distribution partners." Director Jonas Akerlund said: “Midas Man has found the right home with Signature Entertainment with its innovative and nimble approach to each film. With the international expertise of our other first-class distributors, Brian Epstein's powerful story will reach the global audience it deserves."
Newish distributor ILY Films has also picked up another title to add to its roster in the shape of action meets disaster flick Supercell, starring Alec Baldwin and Skeet Ulrich. The title us due out next year and charts storm chasers and one almighty tornado that threatens their lives. Richard Lechartier, CEO of ILY Films says: “We are excited to have secured the UK rights to Supercell with it’s strong cast, including Alec Baldwin, Skeet Ulrich and Anne Heche and it’s Twister-esque plot. We hope the audiences will love the film and it becomes an instant fans favourite upon release”. Delphine Perrier, COO of Highland Film Group says: “Our friends at ILY Films are just the very best in the business at creating event releases for our films and maximizing the appeal of the films with cinema fans. We could not be happier to see Supercell in their very capable hands. Watch out UK – a storm is coming.”
More acquisition news and Shudder has picked up the eagerly awaited horror film Hellbender for exclusive airing on its service in the UK and other territories following its premiere at Fantasia International Film Festival. The film tells the occult-based tale of a teenage girl who’s been brought up by her mother isolated atop a mountain. Shudder general manager Craig Engler said: “We are thrilled to bring this family-focused folk nightmare to Shudder with such a talented actual family in front of and behind the camera. With Hellbender, Wonder Wheel Productions has made their most polished feature yet, and we know our audience will delight in the film’s shocking visuals and scares.” “Teaming up with Shudder was at the top of our bloody bucket list. They’re the pinnacle of beautiful horror, and to be a part of that is beyond thrilling for our family,” added writers, directors and family unit Toby Poser, Zelda Adams and John Adams.
Back to Signature and Premier League football fans take note, as the industry’s favourite Fantasy Football competition is back with the announcement that Signature’s Film Industry Fantasy League is returning for 2021/22. As the company’s James Javes said: “Doesn’t feel that long ago since we were dreaming of European glory, but nevertheless we find ourselves a week away from the 2021/22 FPL season. I’m not sure it will be a season to remember for my team Southampton, so I’m hoping for a more favourable FPL performance. Aside from the bragging rights, the winner will also receive a £100 Amazon Voucher at the end of the season.” Regulars will automatically be added, new players should go to https://fantasy.premierleague.com/help, and then on to the Signature Presents: Film Industry Fantasy League II here.
AT THE MOVIES
With things ever so slowly but surely returning to normal, it looks as if this year’s London Film Festival, due to take place between October 6 and 17 this year may be less disrupted than the 2020 event. And this week the opening film, new school Western The Harder They Fall, starring, among others, Idris Elba, will open the event. Writer, director and producer Jeymes Samuel, said: “It’s a great honour that THE HARDER THEY FALL will have its World Premiere opening the 65th BFI London Film Festival. Growing up in the UK, the Festival has always been the highlight of my year and I couldn’t have imagined anything better than to have my debut film included in this year’s line-up." Tricia Tuttle, BFI London Film Festival Director said: “Jeymes Samuel has come out with both guns blazing with his lightning-paced, witty and phenomenally entertaining new western, THE HARDER THE FALL. This is brutal and funny genre filmmaking, sometimes making you chuckle and gasp in the same breath, while each of its mega stars absolutely burns up the screen, working to a cleverly written script from Samuel and Boaz Yakin that reveals the tenderness even in the darkest villainous heart. It’s rare for a debut filmmaker to pull off something this ambitious and accomplished in their first feature and Samuel knowingly tips his hat to cinematic forbearers, but also delivers a film which is inventive and uniquely his own. It’s a total joy for us to open the Festival with the work of a filmmaker from London, and we’re so grateful to Jeymes, the producers and Netflix for trusting us with their World Premiere. We can’t wait to share THE HARDER THEY FALL.”
Tolkein fans get ready, as Amazon Prime Video has announced a September 2 2022 launch for its new The Lord Of The Rings television series, which has just finished filming in New Zealand under showrunners and exec producers JD Payne and Patrick McKay with a massive ensemble cast. “The journey begins September 2, 2022 with the premiere of our original The Lord of the Rings series on Prime Video,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. “I can’t express enough just how excited we all are to take our global audience on a new and epic journey through Middle-earth! Our talented producers, cast, creative, and production teams have worked tirelessly in New Zealand to bring this untold and awe-inspiring vision to life.” Payne and McKay added: “As Bilbo says, ‘Now I think I am quite ready to go on another journey.’ Living and breathing Middle-earth these many months has been the adventure of a lifetime. We cannot wait for fans to have the chance to do so as well.”
TWEET OF THE WEEK
Follow us on www.twitter.com/theraygun
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
Another Cinderella film is on the way…
It’s carnage out there…
The Footsoldier returns…
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