New 2 disk Time Bandits coming!

[mlemmond]

from Anchor Bays website:

TIME BANDITS - Spring 2004

From director Terry Gilliam (12 MONKEYS, MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL) comes this fantasy adventure which is one of the most delighfully twisted of its kind. Featuring a brand-new DiviMax approved 16x9 widescreen transfer, this 2-Disc Set will include new interviews with Terry Gilliam and writer/star Michael Palin, trailers, screenplay, and a 60 minute Terry Gilliam career retrospective featuring interviews with the many actors from this director's eclectic years as a filmmaker. Closed Captioned For The Hearing Impaired.

Right now I have the old Anchor Bay version and was thinking of upgrading to the Criterion version, but now I may wait.

[larphillips]

So what's the word gang? Criterion or this new version. This is a wishlist movie, and I've been holding out for the dough for the Criterion.

And what's with Anchor Bay? Man, they are just spinning their wheels and having a good old 'greatest hits' party. Was the guy who left for Blue Underground their sole driving force and main aquisition guy?

[mlemmond]

Originally Posted by larphillips

Was the guy who left for Blue Underground their sole driving force and main aquisition guy?

Yes he was. He is also going to put out alot of the titles he aquired for Anchor Bay under Blue underground, he has already done a superior uncut version of Vampyres.

[PorkChopXpress]

I knew if I waited long enough this would come. I, too, was thinking of picking up the Criterion, but I heard the transfer wasn't that good and it wasn't anamorphic. I'm still a little skeptical after the whole Halloween Divimax debacle, but I have high hopes they will get this right. It appears this will be the definitive version so, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will pick this title up.

[larphillips]

I agree, his new Vampyres was really great. I didn't notice as much of a change with Daughters of Darkness, so I didn't upgrade that title.

I've become a HUGE Blue Underground fan in the past few months, and I'm just licking my chops to see what other titles they are cooking up.

[JFelix]

I'll pick up both the Criterion version (Gilliam's commentaries are among my favorites) and the 2 disc set for the 60 minute restrospective.

[larphillips]

OK, here is a question then. For those of us who haven't picked up the Criterion version, but still might... will the release of the new disc come AFTER the Criterion disc is pushed Out Of Print?

[Frank Gunn]

I'd run out and snag that Criterion *today*, if I were you. And if you don't have the cash, whore out your children.

[larphillips]

Dammit Frank... you made me panic. I just ordered it from Half.com for 22.49 with shipping. I'm an easy mark.

[asphodel5]

Originally Posted by larphillips

OK, here is a question then. For those of us who haven't picked up the Criterion version, but still might... will the release of the new disc come AFTER the Criterion disc is pushed Out Of Print?

That depends on the way the rights were negotiated. CHances are, the Criterion will go out of print before the Anchor Bay disc is released. On the other hand, It may stay in print regardless of the new version. It is a slightly different circumstance, but I believe that both the Buena Vista and Criterion versions of Rushmore are still available. As Frank Gunn indicated, if you want to play it safe and get the Gilliam commentary, you may want to purchase the Criterion now. I have to admit that the current transfer leaves something to be desired, but you may have your own priorities.

[larphillips]

Originally Posted by asphodel5

if you want to play it safe and get the Gilliam commentary, you may want to purchase the Criterion now. I have to admit that the current transfer leaves something to be desired, but you may have your own priorities.

Right now, not having seen either transfer, my priority would be that Gilliam commentary. This thread really helped me to make up my mind, and I appreciate everyone's input. After the new disc set ships, I may consider owning both versions if the new transfer is just blowing everyone away (and I find myself bothered by the Criterion transfer.)

[Frank Gunn]

Even if you're not remotely anal about the Criterion Collection, you might be someday, so yeah, it's definitely best to play it safe.

[Chaddoli]

It seems to me that the "career retrospective" might very well be The Directors: Terry Gilliam, which is a piece of shit. So if it is that, go with the Criterion. I own it, I love it, the commentary is funny and informative and the transfer problems have been blown outta proportion.

[larphillips]

Originally Posted by Chaddoli

It seems to me that the "career retrospective" might very well be The Directors: Terry Gilliam.

And if that is the case, I saw a whole pile of Directors discs for around $3.00 (Gilliam) included at Overstock.com.

None of them really seemed worth getting though, even for that cheap. I run into enough episodes on Encore that it seems pointless.

[ceeece]

Looks like I'll keep my Criterion and pass on the 2 disc.

[wahlers]

I'll definately keep my Criterion copy and will buy the new one too.

So, has there actually been any notice that the Criterion may go out of print, or is this entirely speculation based on a new non-Criterion copy coming out?

I mean, keep in mind that Anchor Bay already has their own non-Criterion version of Time Bandits and Life of Brian out there right now, and have for some time now.

[SidcupMartin]

I have the Criterion but will definitely be keeping a close eye on this as the release approaches.

The transfer on the Criterion certainly leaves a lot to be desired but for some reason it seems to fit the movie IMO - perhaps it was because I had a beat (and I mean *beat*) VHS copy for the longest time... anything would have been an improvement after that. I feel the same way about the Criterion "Silence Of The Lambs" - it just seems right that the transfer is a little bit grimy and inperfect.

The whole Divimax thing makes me feel a little uneasy though.

[larphillips]

Originally Posted by wahlers

So, has there actually been any notice that the Criterion may go out of print, or is this entirely speculation based on a new non-Criterion copy coming out?

Pure speculation on my part. And I based that on the fact that Anchor Bay looks to be in trouble, and if they want to make a big splash the best time would be when there is no competition.

[Frank Gunn]

Pure speculation on my part, too. But really, if you love the movie, there's no good reason *not* to own the Criterion edition.

[Icon769]

Does Criterion normally warn people in advance before one of their titles go OOP?

[larphillips]

Good question. I never paid close enough attention when their titles were dropping like flies. In fact, what was the last one to go out of print (that hasn't been reinstated?)

[BubbleGumUK]

This looks just to be the movie on disc one, with the extras found on Anchor Bay's UK reg2 release as the extras (interviews, screenplay, etc) and The Directors documentary, which only goes up to Fear And Loathing anyway.

I'll keep the Criterion. The commentary will remain the best feature out of anything they can put on a two-disc.

[PolloDiablo]

I have the Criterion and I'm pretty happy with it at the moment, if this Anchor Bay release has significantly better A/V then I might consider it.

[Oscar Antonio M]

I dont have the criterion, still unless i hear its tremendously better than the Criterion, im gonna pick the divimax up.

[asphodel5]

Originally Posted by Icon769

Does Criterion normally warn people in advance before one of their titles go OOP?

Sometimes they do. Straw Dogs has a limited edition sticker on the shrink wrap. It has been made clear that several titles (Rebecca, Notorious, Spellbound) will be going back to MGM within the near future.

Sometimes they don't. Last Summer, the three Jacques Tati discs were marked OOP on their site. There was no warning or official posting on the front page. It was later revealed that The estate is working to restore all of his work. They pulled the rights and that was that.

My best advice with any of their titles is the following. If you really want to see it or own in AND you can afford to buy it, get it as soon as possible. There is always a possibilty that it will not be available in the future. The tricky thing is, there are many alluring titles, so you have to prioritize and play the game of chance.

[mikenyc]

I will wait for the reviews.

NOTE FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION:

These companies are going to have to come up with some other gimmicks, for these reissues...or just deeeeeeeeeeep discount them, on re-release.

Interviews aren't enough, especially, if they maxed-out, the "extras", the first time around.

Problems, Problems, Problems !

[Nexus 6]

Just thought I'd chime in on the Criterion. It is a bit pricey, but I think the transfer is actually pretty good for being non-anamorphic, and the commentary is great. I may get the new one come next spring, but we'll see what happens.