Death Wish II - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

Lex M · 10-22-2002, 09:04 PM

I know there's at least a few Bronson fans on the File, and I was just wondering if anyone else was hoping for a DVD release of Death Wish II. More specifically, I was curious if anyone knew -- or at least had an educated guess -- as to who owns the rights. It's one of the earlier Cannon Films titles from the '80s, but the rights have changed hands over the years, and I can think of several studios -- Warner, MGM, Paramount, GoodTimes -- who might have the rights.

The early VHS prints of Death Wish II were heavily edited and were from Warner Home Video, which is actually something of a rarity, since most Cannon titles went to video via either Media or MGM. Toward the end of the '80s/early '90s, Warner apparently ditched Death Wish II, and it ended up in the hands of some cheapie VHS distributor -- GoodTimes, I'm sure -- where it has remained ever since. However, the cable print that's been making on the rounds on Starz/Encore for the last year or so seems unedited, and has a Paramount Domestic TV logo after the end credits.

So, the question is -- Like most other Cannon films (including Death Wish 3), is it the property of MGM now? Does Warner Bros. retain their early '80s rights? (I hope not....something tells me DW2 is most certainly NOT a priority at WB). Does Paramount, who owns the original Death Wish and some TV rights, have a claim over it? Or will DW2 most likely come to DVD by way of some other, low-budget video company?

Anyone have any theories? If not, anyone else a Death Wish fan with a particular fondness for the masterwork that is Part 2?

Lex M · 10-28-2002, 10:59 PM

Anyone? Anyone?

( Crickets chirping )

***SeanL*** · 10-28-2002, 11:07 PM

Well, would it help if I told you somebody had the rights to it?

Skip McCoy · 10-29-2002, 12:35 AM

Not sure who owns the rights, but I have to say that I've always liked Death Wish 3 the best. It's such a silly gang movie. AND It's got Ed Lauter!!(known to many as Sarah jessica Parker's dad in GIRL'S JUST WANNA HAVE FUN). We'll see Mr. Majestyk on dvd before we see Death Wish 2 I think...

TonyClifton · 10-29-2002, 12:43 AM

OK,stupid Death Wish trivia time!!!
The soundtrack to part two was done by Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin.
Part 3 was filmed in London,Full Metal Jacket was filmed in the same location a few years later.
In Part 3 when the plank hits the guy in the face at the window,did you notice that the victims teeth which were stuck in the plank were backwards unless of course he had all his teeth growing backwards with the roots outwards.
Sorry about that,it is 12.40 here in London and I am a bit bored.
For the record though Part 4 was very good and a departure from the very formulaic series.

10-22-2002, 09:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
Lex M Actor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles	Death Wish II I know there's at least a few Bronson fans on the File, and I was just wondering if anyone else was hoping for a DVD release of Death Wish II. More specifically, I was curious if anyone knew -- or at least had an educated guess -- as to who owns the rights. It's one of the earlier Cannon Films titles from the '80s, but the rights have changed hands over the years, and I can think of several studios -- Warner, MGM, Paramount, GoodTimes -- who might have the rights. The early VHS prints of Death Wish II were heavily edited and were from Warner Home Video, which is actually something of a rarity, since most Cannon titles went to video via either Media or MGM. Toward the end of the '80s/early '90s, Warner apparently ditched Death Wish II, and it ended up in the hands of some cheapie VHS distributor -- GoodTimes, I'm sure -- where it has remained ever since. However, the cable print that's been making on the rounds on Starz/Encore for the last year or so seems unedited, and has a Paramount Domestic TV logo after the end credits. So, the question is -- Like most other Cannon films (including Death Wish 3), is it the property of MGM now? Does Warner Bros. retain their early '80s rights? (I hope not....something tells me DW2 is most certainly NOT a priority at WB). Does Paramount, who owns the original Death Wish and some TV rights, have a claim over it? Or will DW2 most likely come to DVD by way of some other, low-budget video company? Anyone have any theories? If not, anyone else a Death Wish fan with a particular fondness for the masterwork that is Part 2?

10-28-2002, 11:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
*SeanL* Producer/Admin Got BMG? Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: NW Florida	Well, would it help if I told you somebody had the rights to it? __________________ Forum Administrator "You can never go home again, Oatman... but I guess you can shop there."

10-29-2002, 12:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
Skip McCoy Actor Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Los Angeles	Not sure who owns the rights, but I have to say that I've always liked Death Wish 3 the best. It's such a silly gang movie. AND It's got Ed Lauter!!(known to many as Sarah jessica Parker's dad in GIRL'S JUST WANNA HAVE FUN). We'll see Mr. Majestyk on dvd before we see Death Wish 2 I think... __________________ "Well, I'm outta here. Dark Shadows doesn't watch itself...." My DVD things

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10-28-2002, 10:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Lex M Actor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles	Anyone? Anyone? ( Crickets chirping )

10-29-2002, 12:43 AM	#5 (permalink)
TonyClifton Actor Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: LONDON	OK,stupid Death Wish trivia time!!! The soundtrack to part two was done by Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. Part 3 was filmed in London,Full Metal Jacket was filmed in the same location a few years later. In Part 3 when the plank hits the guy in the face at the window,did you notice that the victims teeth which were stuck in the plank were backwards unless of course he had all his teeth growing backwards with the roots outwards. Sorry about that,it is 12.40 here in London and I am a bit bored. For the record though Part 4 was very good and a departure from the very formulaic series.