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I had a request to make this comment about Beyond Rangoon a post. It certainly would be nice to watch a nice, clean copy of the movie on DVD:
I had a job interview today and needed to watch something (the night before), to make me go through many emotions to both tire myself out (to sleep well) and to feel more motivated. So, I watched ‘Beyond Rangoon’.
Well, this great film certainly did the trick. I watched my DVD (transfered from a laserdisc), and it is very, very important to see this film in widescreen if at all possible. the VHS and television Pan and Scan versions of this film do it no justice, and you are truly missing important parts of this film.
Why, oh why isn’t this on DVD? I understand it was a commercial flop in 1995, and had poor video sales (due to Columbia Tristar only selling it for a reasonable price through Columbia House video), and video rights have traded hands to Warner Brothers and possibly MGM at this point.
There has got to be something we can do to get this film on DVD, in a proper presentation (widescreen, extras). I have boxes of legit press material for this film (US and international press kids, slides, lobby cards and photos, and the 35 mm original movie trailer) that all can be used for the film, w/o worrying about copyright, etc. All we need to find is a 35 mm canister of the film, to have remastered. the sound is already 5.1 surround, so all that needs a clean up is the picture. Easy, will not cost so much compared to remixing sound from the ground up for many films.
Who has any ideas (besides the dead end of contacting WB home video), on how to get this magnificent film on DVD?
Hopefully John Boorman can help? Anyone know a way to contact him these days???The US is semi-invested in helping Myanmar these days, if at all possible, check out Amnesty international sites.
I know the film is on IFC every month or so, and I have it taped. The point is, the film should be picture remastered and released with some extras, you know?
That would be nice. So many crappy films have made their way to DVD, why not this great film?
I think we can really work together to do something about this, and get this film on DVD.
anyone who can help please email me at spiderman_iceman_andfirestar@yahoo.com.
If you’ve never seen the movie before, here’s a clip to whet your appetite:
I love this movie, but really. How are we going to help get this film released on dvd? Does anyone really think that the movie studios will listen to a few fans when the movie was only a moderate critical success and a commercial flop? I think that in itself is a crime because it is a wonderful movie but I don’t know how a few fans can make this happen.
Call me a skeptic. I would love to see this movie on dvd with TONS of extra features, including documentaries, behind the scenes footage, deleted scenes, and maybe even commentaries by Patricia and John Boorman, but unfortunately, I don’t know how to make that happen. Good luck to anyone who wants to try.
On a side note, has anyone seen the video that Jim Carrey did on youtube about Aung San Suu Kyi, who was the leader of the campaign for democracy in Burma and a pivotal character in that movie? She is a real person who has fought, peacefully, for democracy in Burma for many years. She was awarded the Nobel Peace prize several years ago for her efforts, but because of her efforts, the militant regime that rules the country has held her under house arrest for almost twelve years. Carrey, along with several other celebrities, have joined a campaign calling for her release and for democracy in her country. It’s a sad thing, because most Americans have no idea of what goes on in that country, or many countries like it, and have no concept of what real hardship is.
I agree with you 100% as far as what a beautifully made film this is. The scenery is unbelievable and I always enjoy watching the bonus material and extras that usually accompany DVDs.
What I was thinking of though was do you think that making contact with the Arquette family may be of help? Specifically Richmond and David are certainly in the business, and they may be able to provide some direction.
This is by far one of my favorite Patricia Arquette movies, and probably one of my favorite movies of all time. I would love to see this movie on dvd, with all the extras, like commentaries, deleted scenes, and behind the scenes stuff.
Tom has an excellent idea, but here’s my thought. I recently saw a clip of Jim Carrey on youtube calling for Americans to support the campaign to free Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest in that country. (She was a pivotal character in the movie). I know that there are a couple of organizations that are focused on this, so how about seeing if any of them would be interested in joining the drive to re-release this movie and maybe spark some interest in their cause. This is, as far as I know, the only movie that has ever been made about this subject, so perhaps they could be helpful in persuading the studio to release this. Just a thought.
Dawn and Tom,
Great ideas from both of you! Contacting warner home video is a strike out in my opinion, and I would say the Aung San Su Chi media attention would only help matters. There may also be political issues with the film holding up its rekease these days.
This film is so beautiful, and not only entertainment, but politically and historially important for people to see. That is one of the most frustrating parts to me.
Then you see these random TV movies of the week hitting DVD, and it is like, “What?”, as ‘BR’ was a studio theatrical release with a lot of press, back in 1995, and was also released alla round the world, opened at the Cannes film festival, etc.
I will do some looking around later this week, but if anyone can see what they can find or what they can do, please feel free and let me know what is going on!
We can get this film on DVD people.
I started an effort over a month ago to encourage demand for “Beyond Rangoon” at amazon.com. Please go to http://www.godig.com, click through to amazon.com and put it on your wish list. At this point you can’t even find the movie on Ebay.
This is an important film that must be released on DVD. When I see some of the crap that does make it to DVD, I have to wonder what is wrong with the film industry. I have read so many reviews by critics that pan Arquette’s performance as unengaging, etc. I can only think that they just didn’t get it. Her husband was murdered and she’s just trying to get away. She’s numb, and then the bombs start going off. Arquette’s portrayal of a woman in that situation is brilliant. The socio-political problems in Myanmar persist to this day, makin this film as relevant now as when it was made.
Besides adding your name to the Amazon list, you can sign a petition at http://www.PetitionOnline.com/rangoon9/
I totally agree, Russ. This is absolutely one of Patricia Arquette’s greatest film performances ever. And it is a crime that it hasn’t been given the full dvd treatment, with all the features and packaging it deserves. I would LOVE for this movie to be released on dvd. And now, with the political and social situation in Myanmar, and the attention that the world community has been giving that region, would be the perfect time for a release. With a proper treatment and full studio backing, this could really be big on dvd. I’ll sign the petition, for sure.