This is ONE case. If this ONE time something happened with the unions, it doesn't mean the next time won't be a next time. It means they will be more careful.
Could this lawsuit condemn any chance of future releases? Most definitely. But we don't know the facts to make a judgement of who is right and who is wrong here. We only know what was written in those two articles and what Wanda says here.
I have certainly made my judgements on the case, knowing the information I did at the time, but have included the magical "if." I certainly want future DVD releases of theatre. And I certainly want all involved in the making of that theatre to share in the "profits." And I can have both. We have had both. In this ONE case, something happened. We need more facts. We need to hear from both sides. And that is why a COURT judge will hear both sides and determine a verdict.
On a different note, Ms. Richert definitely needs to be treated with respect, but no more than anyone else. I can't believe the tone of ass-kissing I have read in the other thread. Equally, I can't believe the tone of rudeness towards Ms. Richert. And "big names" don't matter in this case. Everyone from the chorus member to the leading lady would deserve compensation. They are all under the same unions.
And finally, this case is not about bootlegs, so let's drop that, shall we? Bootlegs will exist no matter what. I want to be able to LEGALLY purchase theatre DVDs. Don't bring up the bootleg card.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle