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

[Steve Paradis]

Netflix films headed to Criterion; no word on ‘The Other Side of the Wind’
Would it be a Welles film if it wasn't a hard get?
I still have my Brazilian Chimes At Midnight, and the Criterion laser discs of The Magnificent Ambersons--and the player I bought to watch it.

[jbrooks]

Would it be a Welles film if it wasn't a hard get?
I still have my Brazilian Chimes At Midnight, and the Criterion laser discs of The Magnificent Ambersons--and the player I bought to watch it.

Yeah, it's easy to forget how spoiled we are with how much of Welles' work is now available with the click of a button or by popping in a disc. When I became a fan of Welles' films in the late 80s, only his studio films were readily available. There was literally no way to see "Othello." "Mr. Arkadin," "The Trial," "Chimes at Midnight," "The Immortal Story" or "F for Fake." As for "Filming Othello," it was hard to confirm that it really existed -- or what it's actual title was. (Some sources referred to it as "The Making of Othello."

[RayKelly]

In an exchange today (June 17) on Twitter with myself and Peter Rinaldi about a possible Criterion release, Filip Jan Rymsza said he was "still hoping for/working toward a comprehensive release.'

[atcolomb]

That would be great if Criterion gets to release it. Have no issues with streaming but like the physical format and want to have the film on my shelf.

[jtarvainen]

In Ray's recent interview with Philip Jan Rymsza (https://www.wellesnet.com/inside-hopper-welles/), the Wind producer is quoted as saying this about a potential Criterion release of the film:

“There has to be a demand,” Rymsza said. “But I do have a basis for hope.”

Rymsza seems to be suggesting here that Netflix and Criterion haven't actually yet made an agreement for Criterion to release Wind down the line. I find this surprising, and I'm especially puzzled by Rymsza's rather pessimistic remark about "demand". Since Netflix is willing to license their most high-profile releases to Criterion, I see no reason why they wouldn't also be willing to do so with the lesser-known Welles film. As for Criterion, I'm sure for them Wind would be a no-brainer.

Ray, in talking with Rymsza, did you get the impression that he was explicitly stating that no agreement has yet been made, or could it be that he's simply not at liberty to comment on the situation and is being deliberately careful with his words?

Thanks!

[atcolomb]

The Eyes of Orson Welles is reported to be a future Criterion release but nothing yet. Maybe it will be a extra when they release Wind on disc?

[RayKelly]

Ray, in talking with Rymsza, did you get the impression that he was explicitly stating that no agreement has yet been made, or could it be that he's simply not at liberty to comment on the situation and is being deliberately careful with his words?

I have no reason to believe a Blu-ray is currently being worked on.

As for Filip, he is always careful with his words. He didn't ink those deals with the Iranians, Beatrice and Oja by shooting from the hip (or lip). There is no doubt in my mind he sincerely wants to see a deluxe box set of The Other Side of the Wind released. However, he is not in the driver's seat on this. The deal has to be cut between Netflix and the Criterion Collection.

Based on my (somewhat surface) knowledge of the parties involved, I don't believe for a minute that Criterion is uninterested in an Orson Welles title. No way. Even though key people at Netflix funded the completion of The Other Side of the Wind, I never felt the company embraced the movie the way it should have. Netflix's relationship with Criterion is still relatively new and they seem interested in first putting out more mainstream titles like The Irishman, Roma and Marriage Story.

My reading of Filip's remarks is that he is hopeful the decision-makers involved will realize there is "demand" for The Other Side of the Wind on Blu-ray and proceed with its release.

Ray

P.S. - I overlooked your post until now and apologize for taking so long to get back to you.

[jtarvainen]

Thanks Ray! Let's hope it happens eventually.

[Jay]

I backed this project on Indiegogo more than five years ago, and a blu-ray was part of the deal. While I appreciate the herculean effort it took to finally finish the film, I'm at the point with the blu-ray where I just want my money back.

[MartynH]

I too backed the project but I have never even received a download, in spite of many emails to them.

[jbrooks]

Re the crowd-funding, I am still owed a coffee table photo book and a blu ray. It's been five years since I paid the money. And two years since the film has come out. At what point do reasonable people start calling the entire crowd-sourcing effort a fraud and Filip a thief and a liar?

Those are harsh words, but I paid hundreds of dollars based on promises that have not been met. And after promoting the crowd-funding, I think the hosts of this website should be a bit more concerned about how Filip and his team have failed to live up to their promises.

[RayKelly]

Re the crowd-funding, I am still owed a coffee table photo book and a blu ray. It's been five years since I paid the money. And two years since the film has come out. At what point do reasonable people start calling the entire crowd-sourcing effort a fraud and Filip a thief and a liar?
Those are harsh words, but I paid hundreds of dollars based on promises that have not been met. And after promoting the crowd-funding, I think the hosts of this website should be a bit more concerned about how Filip and his team have failed to live up to their promises.

I donated to the crowdfunding effort too. However, I did it to see The Other Side of the Wind completed — not to get a book, Blu-ray, T-shirt or a poster. As you may recall, the Indiegogo campaign failed to come close to its stated goal, raising just $406,605.
The Other Side of the Wind was completed at a cost of approximately $6 million by Netflix, which has considerable say over some of the perks.
In an August 2019 posting on the Indiegogo site, Filip made it quite clear that the "Blu-ray/DVDs and coffee table book, those will take some time. I’d rather not speculate, but I’m guessing it’ll still be a while. There are many factors involved, but rest assured we’re working on something special."
I believe Filip.
As the owner of this website, I am thrilled the movie was completed in a professional manner and not losing a bit of sleep that I don't yet have the Blu-ray or book in hand.
I am surprised that you, as a lawyer, are so comfortable writing: "At what point do reasonable people start calling the entire crowd-sourcing effort a fraud and Filip a thief and a liar?"
To make it very clear, I hold Filip Jan Rymsza, Frank Marshall and the rest of The Other Side of the Wind team in very high regard.
— Ray Kelly

[jbrooks]

I donated to the crowdfunding effort too. However, I did it to see The Other Side of the Wind completed — not to get a book, Blu-ray, T-shirt or a poster.

I did it for both reasons, but mostly for the promised book. I'm something of a completist regarding Welles-related books, at least those in English. There is nothing dishonorable about those of us who actually wanted and expected the promised perks.

As you may recall, the Indiegogo campaign failed to come close to its stated goal, raising just $406,605.

Is it your understanding that that meant that those running the campaign could just keep the money and forget the perks?

The Other Side of the Wind was completed at a cost of approximately $6 million by Netflix, which has considerable say over some of the perks.

Complete protection of the rights of those who contributed to the campaign should have been a fundamental part of any deal with Netflix. If that were not possible, the campaign should have, at the very least, offered refunds. The producers weren't just negotiating for themselves or for the film anymore. They also had duties to those who had given money to help fund their effort.

In an August 2019 posting on the Indiegogo site, Filip made it quite clear that the "Blu-ray/DVDs and coffee table book, those will take some time. I’d rather not speculate, but I’m guessing it’ll still be a while.
There are many factors involved, but rest assured we’re working on something special."

August 2019! It's now October 2020. The stated intent was to distribute the perks in 2016 -- back when Barack Obama was still President. How long are we supposed to "rest assured." Filip says nothing whatsoever about the perks in your last interview with him. Would another 5 years be sufficient?

[RayKelly]

jbrooks, You asked if the host of this website has concerns over the producers' integrity. I have replied that I do not. I have no desire to engage in a debate with you about a man's character.

[Wellesnet]

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.