Netflix films headed to Criterion; no word on ‘The Other Side of the Wind’

[Jay]

Netflix is giving Criterion The Irishman in November, and the January 2021 releases from Criterion include another Netflix title Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese. So it looks like the stream of Netflix titles to Criterion is continuing.

It is good news, in a general sense. But even if Criterion does eventually release this film, the backers--the people who were the first in line to put up their money--will essentially just have paid a premium to pre-order a title years in advance, and since Criterion blu-rays can be regularly bought for $20, we'll have paid more than double than a non-backer for the privilege.

And frankly, since Netflix ended up footing the bill for the completion and restoration, it's fair to ask: where did our backer money go? It hasn't gone into completing the final backer rewards, even though that money should conceivably be available, given how Netflix apparently paid for everything. The lack of transparency surrounding this issue is troubling, to say the least, since we're talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars.

[Roger Ryan]

Well, I contributed to the IndieGoGo campaign just to see the movie completed, which it was. I got a digital download and a poster (but not the Blu-ray or the coffee table book, obviously), but I only would have been disappointed if the film itself was left incomplete. As it is, the campaign didn't meet its goal so it's no surprise additional funding needed to be secured elsewhere. I'm just assuming the campaign funds were used for preliminary work, but who knows. In the end, I got what I really wanted. If the Blu-ray is eventually sent to me, great. If the coffee table book gets put together, I'll be shocked. But contributing to fund-raising campaigns is inherently risky and I think this one turned out okay so far.

[edmoney]

It is good news, in a general sense. But even if Criterion does eventually release this film, the backers--the people who were the first in line to put up their money--will essentially just have paid a premium to pre-order a title years in advance, and since Criterion blu-rays can be regularly bought for $20, we'll have paid more than double than a non-backer for the privilege.

I, too, am a bit irked by the lack of a Blu-ray to date, the lack of communication from the IndieGoGo campaign with updates, and a seeming nonchalance about it all from Filip.

BUT...

If I were to receive a Criterion Blu-ray after all is said and done, I don't feel like I could reasonably ask for any more in terms of delivering on the perk that was promised. I don't think anyone contributing $50 to the campaign should reasonably be expecting a Blu-ray that would be valued at $50 (which is a price point typically reserved for a multi-disc box set and/or deluxe packaging accompanied by a book). I have to think that most backers are contributing, at least partly, to finance the completion of the film. It's not just a straight pre-order of product. Besides, Criterion Blu-rays are considered premium product. The fact that one can purchase it for $20 during special sales does not define its value as such.

[I=Eye]

But even if Criterion does eventually release this film, the backers--the people who were the first in line to put up their money--will essentially just have paid a premium to pre-order a title years in advance, and since Criterion blu-rays can be regularly bought for $20, we'll have paid more than double than a non-backer for the privilege.

Your $50 donation did not all go to perks. Only $5 went for your three perks: Digital download, Blu-ray and poster. Another $5 went to Indiegogo and taxes; $12.50 was earmarked for scanning; $10 for color restoration and music licensing; $5 for editing; $5 for score composition; and $5 for sound. (The online chart on Indiegogo doesn't account for 5% or $2.50 of a $50 contribution).You can find that at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fini ... ast-film#/

If I get a Criterion Blu-ray -- which would be great -- I will have spent less than $5 for it.

[jbrooks]

jbrooks, You asked if the host of this website has concerns over the producers' integrity.

No, I did not ask that. Your view on that has been patently obvious for a long time.

[atcolomb]

Came across a website that is selling dvd's of The Other Side of the Wind. Pakistan based website DVD Planet Store is selling copies of the movie on dvd disc for $15 plus shipping. As to how they got the rights to sell the movie on disc is anybody's guess and how good is the picture & sound? No info on running time or aspect ratio so i will wait for a official release.

https://www.dvdplanetstore.pk/shop/come ... wind-2018/

[RayKelly]

Came across a website that is selling dvd's of The Other Side of the Wind. Pakistan based website DVD Planet Store is selling copies of the movie on dvd disc for $15 plus shipping. As to how they got the rights to sell the movie on disc is anybody's guess and how good is the picture & sound? No info on running time or aspect ratio so i will wait for a official release.

The store sells pirated titles, including The Other Side of the Wind, Fountain of Youth and Merchant of Venice. Those titles were marked "NON-STOCK INVENTORY, AVAILABILITY WOULD BE CHECKED UPON REQUEST.
Based on online reviews, some folks have been thrilled with their DVD Planet Store purchases, while others have griped of non-deliveries, lengthy delays or fair quality.
BTW, The Other Side of the Wind was priced at $15, but when you get to the checkout you will learn that shipping to the USA is $45.