Thanks to my friend Davy Triumph
for bringing this to my attention. Davy asked me – why wasn’t this on the DVD! –
Well, it’s a valid question…. And he is right.
I tell you Davy, all this great
material is out there somewhere mate. Ultimately, I blame people like MGM/UA. All they have to do is approach the fan base;
put out an open call... it’s so bloody simple, it's not rocket science. It is
easy enough for them to locate the relevant sites (you know what I mean by
that) actually, I think I have mentioned it before in the past elsewhere on the
web, and you probably know where I am referring to. I think the problem is
twofold.
Firstly, when preparing such releases
on BluRay and DVD, these studios have their arses so puckered up and slammed
shut (in fear of what I don't know) that they ultimately miss out on the
genuine treasure - the chance to have something truly magnificent - and creating
a disc that really defines the word 'definitive'... it really gets my back up.
Secondly, so, why don't they ask?
I can’t help thinking a lot of it is down to pure ignorance. I honestly believe
that the studios think they have it all, and that what they hold in their
archives is the pinnacle – the ultimate collective… That kind of ignorance is
incredible. I consider people like you, myself and a few other people we both
know as serious collectors, and it is collectors such as us that can make a
difference – if only they approached us!! As you know Davy - I, ‘Philo’ and
others have contributed many parts of our collection to TV docs, books and
magazines. We have never asked for money, we offer our material simply because
we want to make the project as good as it possibly can be. All I have ever
asked for in return is credit – credit where credit is due right? I have always
had immense pride in simply being associated with the product in question. This
also extends to soundtracks, and I have had the great pleasure of working with
the likes of the talented Joe Sikoryak, for Eastwood related releases from both
FSM (Film Score Monthly) and Intrada labels. I also worked with Aleph (Lalo
Schifrin’s label) on their Dirty Harry soundtracks. But it was a long process
and one that I had to instigate.
So again, why don’t they ask??? Sometimes I simply think they can’t be
bothered… I know that sounds overwhelmingly shallow? But I honestly think –
that they believe - that the average ’Joe Public’, who buys these releases, doesn’t
really give a damn what is included as extras… Again, I think this is an awful
attitude, but believe it to be true nonetheless. I don’t think they (the
studios) understand that there are an awful lot of people that do take this
stuff seriously, that are interested in the film’s history, the important
footage, the photo documentation and I’ve always been an advocate for a fan’s
commentary track – god – how insightful would that be!
‘Connoisseurs’ is an old fashioned
word and one I don’t tend to use, but there are an awful lot of people who would
like to be considered and respected as ‘serious about film’ - unfortunately, I
think a lot of studios consider us, as a minority…
I don’t know if you ever read it
Davy, but I touched on the subject when I announced the High Plains Drifter
soundtrack on my site (Under October 2012 in the drop down menu). I raised
several of these key questions again, check it out…
Thankfully, some companies seem
to be producing projects in a far different manner. For instance, my friend
Nick Redman of Twilight Time seems to have a very refreshing approach. Taking the
opportunity to announce their projects far in advance, Nick also makes himself
incredibly accessible and approachable. As a result, it provides a good deal of
time - a ‘window’ in which collectors and fans can step forward and perhaps
offer that one little piece of material that could further ‘enhance’ or benefit that particular Blu Ray title. I
like the idea of that and applaud it. Ok, our timing was a little bit off when
it came to the Radio Spots for Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, but that was just
unfortunate. It would be good to hear your thoughts Nick on the producing of
Blu Rays and specifically the input and access of source material, I’m sure
people would respect and appreciate a producer’s perspective.
It is really frustrating at the
end of the day. As you correctly said Davy, where was this material on the DVD
or Blu Ray. Incredibly important footage – check out the clapperboard ‘The Magnificent
Stranger’ – Fistful’s original working title – just glorious and dripping with
the ‘Wow’ factor… Personally, I could have offered some great colour transparencies
of Clint promoting the ‘Dollars’ in Europe, as I’m sure many other people could
had offered other unseen or unappreciated material, it would of made for a
spectacular gallery… and that is from a fan’s perspective. But sadly, a lot of it remains unseen, and
that does trouble me. Thanks for bringing this to my attention Davy, I’m going
to get this up on the Archive, if anything, it makes for a fascinating area of
debate. From a personal perspective, I
still can’t believe what I'm seeing!
Amazingly, another year gone? I can't believe how quick these years are shooting by. Thankfully, Clint doesn't show any signs of slowing down - what was it he said a couple of years ago? 'I want to make films when I'm 105' - Well you wont hear any complaints from us Clint. 
