RENT PETITION

I saw this on another board. I guess they're petitioning Sony to allow the release of a 10th Anniversary DVD. I don't know how much good it will do but here's the link for anyone interested.

Edit** Sorry if this has been posted previously.
Rent Petition

Updated On: 4/27/06 at 07:50 PM

That would be so awesome if they actually put it on DVD.

Somebody told me they did.

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i signed
im not too sure this will be able to happen, but still...
signed anyways
:)

I signed it. -prays-

How great would that be if they actually released it? I would die of happiness!

Wouldn't it be nice if the petition that actually tried to point out reason why this should be released rather than saying "Let's release it."

Do the people these types of petitions are intended for ever see these things anyway? Somehow I'm doubting it. I think we all should write letters. In a very professional, non-Renthead fashion.

Updated On: 4/27/06 at 09:05 PM

I think Sony owns the rights to distribute videos of Rent out. So without Sony's permission, they can't do it. I'm pretty sure that's how it works. It doesn't apply to other merchandise though.

But the video was used for all sorts of press (and used for live feed next door into a press room and room for current and former actors from the show who could not be seated inthe audience)...wouldn't that mean that the taping was not only intended for the purpose of the archives?

Updated On: 4/27/06 at 09:14 PM

BWW had those highlights clips, and there have been other press clips, so I am willing to bet it was taped by someone other than the Lincoln Center Archives. But I don't see Sony authorizing the release of the video, unfortunately

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I wasn't there, so I don't exactly know what the set up was. Typically, television cameras are allowed to record only portions of a theatrical performance for use in television reviews/stories etc. They are not allowed to tape the entire performance.

I don't know what the cast was watching - it was very possibly just a live feed. If the live feed was "recorded" it was probably done on the sly and wouldn't legally be allowed to be released.

I wouldn't sweat it too much. If the show was taped legally or otherwise it will unquestionably "turn up."

All I'm saying is that the video that was recorded for Lincoln Center was probably completely seperate and won't ever find its way to commercial release.

ETA - I wouldn't argue with the popularity of a dvd release, but the difference is, those Sondheim specials were negotiated beforehand. It was known at the time of the performance that they would be released on television/video.

You can't really release something like that as an "after thought"

Updated On: 4/27/06 at 09:23 PM

Exactly, Colleen -

And it could be more complicated than you'd initially think. It would depend completely on what the terms were of the initial sale of the film rights. Sony may or may not own the rights to something like the broadcast of the concert.

And it would still cost them millions of dollars to edit, market and pay the cast/crew/royalties to release a video of the concert. They are probably still trying to close the profit whole on the film version of RENT.

That's true. Sony definitely won't release it. What's the incentive for that? For them to lose more money? It's a nice thought, but it's not going to happen.

I signed it. We can hope, can't we?

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