by KaiserGhidorah » Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:07 pm
I had called Lakeshore Entertainment and talked with their international division and the girl didn't even think they had the rights to any Godzilla films whatsoever. I asked her to double check and gave her the title and after running a search for it - confirmed that they had in fact had rights to Godzilla 1985 but chose not to renew the film to their library when their contract was up in the mid 90's. So Lakeshore had in fact had the rights to Godzilla 1985 until supposedly, those rights 'reverted back to the original company' (I basically put the words into her mouth as I asked what had happened to them and suggested this and she was like....yes, probably or something to that effect).
However, I think that's a load of bull cuz around this time - AnchorBay/Starz began releasing Godzilla films on VHS including Godzilla 1985. So when they were busy distributing those films on VHS......why didn't Toho step in since they claim Anchorbay has never had the rights to the film to begin with?
And another thing, does anybody know anything about R & G video and Starmaker Entertainment Inc? They distributed Godzilla 1985 and a couple of other films, if I'm not mistaken, on VHS back in 1992. Maybe they had some dealings with Lakeshore at the time........not sure.
Finally, I have acquired the HD version of Godzilla 1985 (and anyone can do so if they find the right site) and it is gorgeous. Too bad we have to wait for Toho to be 100% sure they can license the film to other distributors before the New World contracts expire which leads me to a final question - doesn't Toho themselves have copies of such contracts dealing with their own films? I figure any company would keep copies of contracts and what not of their international distribution dealings. So if anybody should have answers as to when it's ok for them to put it on DVD - I figure it would be them.