The Grindhouse DVD Swindle
With the decision by The Weinstein Company to charge audiences in non-English speaking territories twice for the privilege of seeing Grindhouse, and without the faux trailers, I figured I’d skip this one at the cinema and wait for the DVD release.
Or not. According to Film Ick, the current plans are to release Planet Terror and Death Proof on DVD as separate films, probably some time in July. The Planet Terror DVD will contain the programme from the beginning to the end of that film’s credits. To see the rest of the programme, you will need to splash out for the Death Proof DVD which will start with the half time trailers and run on to the end.
Closer to the end of the of the year - or maybe in 2008 - the two films will be reissued. Not as a double feature but as a faux Criterion edition, with ‘remastered prints’ (properly colour graded and with all the scratch and flicker effects turned off) and packed with extra features.
Can anyone say quadruple dip?
Tuesday 03 Apr 2007 | Paul | New and Upcoming Films, Corporate Maneuverings
All of this uproar over whether or not Grindhouse should be released as two movies is just stupid. The length had nothing to do with anything. The fact is, the movie industry sucks in a huge way because suits are making all the decisions. There is nothing wrong with Grindhouse in its original format. The problem is, hardly anyone makes good movies anymore and people assumed that Grindhouse would be yet another example, of this. Personally, it was the best time I have ever had at the movies and tomorrow night will be my third viewing. Quentin, Robert… Don’t let the bullsh– discourage you in any way. It’s a brilliant movie and it should stay the way it is… retro film effects and all.
I would love to see Grindhouse in its original format. What is annoying me is that, living in Belgium, it doesn’t look like I shall be able to.
Death Proof is being released here in June, then I have to wait until August for Planet Terror. And then they have decided to charge twice for the DVDs as well.
Hey Paul, at least feel lucky you’re getting it in June.. it’s not released till September here in the UK! It’s no surprise people pirate movies when they do stuff like this.. I had the June 1 release in my calendar for ages now and then I find out they pulled it.
This is pure horseshit. Grindhouse needs to be seen as a double feature, with all the trailers and grit LEFT IN. Weinstein, if you are reading this, FUCK YOU. Give us Grindhouse as it was, not as YOU think it should be. Moron.
my god, why!!!! when i first heard of the idea i was so excited. this movie actually made me want to start a carrer in filming, when i went to go see it it was one of the best times at the movies ive ever had, i didnt really care if it made no money because filmmakers dont make movies for mostly profit. i loved this idea and it should come as a dvd in that way. im glad im not alone on that idea. i was going to see grindhouse a third time but they pulled it from theateres in the second month. if robert or quentin read this i assure you that it will become a cult hit on dvd because of the idea. please dont release them seperately, youre making a mistake! people should write to them!
Awful. Just awful. I hate the Weinsteins for butchering the marketing of this film event. Released on easter weekend? Why, when a friday the 13th was a week away? And now, 2 DVDs?? Weinstein idiots, we want the drive-in double feature that the directors made it to be. Whoever thinks 3 hours is too long, especially for split up stories and shorts, must hate all the LOTR and Pirates movies because of their length. Get an attention span.
I never was so angered by a film that i wanted to love so bad as Tarantino’s film. All he did in his pre-release interviews was talk about getting Russell back as a “Bad Ass” And i was really jazzed at the idea. But as his film reaches it’s embarrassing ending he has turned the Badass into a crying wimpy baby!! When Russell turns to the women in the car and cries “IM SORRY!!!” I wanted to puke. What a waste of my time.And must we constantly view Tarantino’s fetish for feet? Ok already we know you like feet. But get on to something different..geeez.
Yeah, Brian, and Hitchcock’s bird fetish was really annoying, too.
“Grindhouse” should come out as a single barebones dvd like “Sin City” did a couple of years ago.WITH trailers,missing reels and EVERYTHING that was on the original! Or if you insist on making it a 2 disc affair,put the WHOLE theatrical release on a the first disc and put the extras on the second.This splitting the movie up into two 2 disc releases is just plain stupid.
I am truly annoyed with what I have read today about the Grindhouse DVD releasing. I went to see it FINALLY after being so excited about it in the theater when it was first released in the US. And on the opening weekend which I rarely do. I was actually amazed when I saw a couple patrons walking out. I went by myself and was totally devoted to watching the screen. I laughed so hard my sides were hurting at the end. To here that those fucks want to ruin everything unique and masterful about this movie is just sad. That these suits cannot see the vision and general appreciation to such a film genre. I feel bad for everyone outside the US that will not be able to see the movie in its original and intended form, hopefully a REAL DVD will be released in the future.
As a brit i feel duped by the Miramax money making machine, I want Grindhouse in its original format, pops and scratches and fake tails, Bob & Harvy dont seem to care about anything but the bottom line.
im from the uk and i was outraged by the split when we were promised a unique grindhouse experience one i am yet to see due to me age (23).
so to my surprise to see them released sepretly on dvd i decided enough was enough and i finally brought it…..
on bootleg. £3.00 and was in its full showing inc trailers.
And why Not?
Anyone from the UK please note that Grindhouse is being shown in it’s intended form (double feature and fake trailers) in selected cinemas in the UK. I saw it in the Odeon Manchester for the first time as I refused to see it seperated - (being a big exploitation fan of double feature it was pointless seeing it as seperate films without the trailers). It was fantastic with the retro scratch feel and intermission / ad breaks an all. God knows why Criterion want to do a version without the scratch marks etc!!??? Anyway, check you local Odeon or Arthouse cinema to see if it coming up as it should be - or get to your nearest cinema and see it now before it dissapears of our screens for good.
re above post - of course I meant ‘get to your nearest big city’ and check out where you can see it - as I’m sure your local town cinema won’t be showing it as a double. Anyone in Manchester (or near to) it is showing at Cornerhouse this weekend for 4 days only 18 - 21 April