Why is the original King Kong (1933) not released on DVD?

[jpm-boston]

The original King Kong (1933) was a favorite movie of mine when I was a kid. I went on amazon the other night to purchase the DVD and was surprised to see that it is not yet out in DVD format. Does anyone know why this is?

[John B Good]

It's been "imminent" for a few years.

I seem to recall there is some story, perhaps another version is now in production, and they want to time the original's release on DVD with the new movie?

I was just reviewing my short list of films or progams I want on DVD. There must have been about 50 on my list two years ago, now my want list is down to 15 or so. King Kong is one :)

[PaulB]

Hey Jpm and John,

It is a head scratcher that King Kong hasn't been released. But I think you are right that it will be timed with the new King Kong next December. It's like the movie Elf, that was just released for the Christmas season.

I'm still waiting for more musicals on DVD. Where's Astaire/Rodgers? Where's Easter Parade? Where's Band Wagan? I'm not into buying DVDs much, except for musicals.

Paul

[thegage]

I seem to remember reading recently that this is one of those titles that's been in restoration for a while. IIRC the original negative was lost/destroyed, so it's taken a while to put together acceptable elements.

John K.

[michael w]

It's out everywhere but the USA.

:p

http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/film.php?fid=2930

[SonicZone]

I seem to remember reading recently that this is one of those titles that's been in restoration for a while. The restoration of King Kong for a future DVD release has been going on for over two years now.

There are several threads about it over at hometheaterforum.com (http://www.hometheaterforum.com). Do a search there.

[Ron Stone]

They're going digitally add new explosions, a couple new characters, and now the ape talks; dialogue by Quentin Tarantino. I believe John Goodman provides the voice of the new, hipper King Kong.

[Drifter]

They're going digitally add new explosions, a couple new characters, and now the ape talks; dialogue by Quentin Tarantino. I believe John Goodman provides the voice of the new, hipper King Kong.
I didn't realize George Lucas was involved! :laugh:

[JohnG]

I bought the last special edition of King Kong when it came out on VHS a few years ago (the one that when you press King on the cover, he roars).

I've also been patiently waiting to have Kong on DVD.

Get cracking Hollywood!

[RDK]

It's complicated, partly due to rights/distribution issues. Warners is working on a restored release for next year, to coincide with Peter Jackson's remake from Universal.

[Mal]

I didn't realize George Lucas was involved! :laugh:I believe Richard Carpenter has been involved in re-recording various parts for the 5.1 surround mix :laugh:

I've been enjoying the UK DVD (uncut) for a couple of years - it came out here in 2001. Get yourselves a PAL/NTSC region free player and wait no longer......

[btomarra]

Originally posted by Drifter
I didn't realize George Lucas was involved!

He's going to digitalize the planes so they don't fire. Just make Kong slip off the Empire State Building.

In hindsight it made those pilots too coldblooded...and we can't have that today! I think he';; call it King Kong Special Edition

:laugh:

Brian

[guy incognito]

He's going to digitalize the planes so they don't fire. Just make Kong slip off the Empire State Building.


Via a huge, CGI banana peel.

[MikeP5877]

I didn't realize George Lucas was involved! :laugh:

George is busy directing the King Kong "Prequel". It's called Prince Kong (of course)

[Ken_McAlinden]

I believe the reason it has been discussed for so long is that WB (who owns the rights) had indeed gone through the process of identifying the best elements and creating the best possible video transfer, and was just about ready to announce a release when the Peter Jackson remake was greenlighted. Now they are hoping to get a little extra marketing juice for the DVD on Universal's tab (they will be promoting the remake) next year.

Regards,

[John B Good]

I waited for Ed Wood, looking back in Angora. My patience was rewarded, and I'm mellow now.

I'll wait for King Kong, though beauty will kill him :(