#1 – A workprint of the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine is on the internet. The film, starring Hugh Jackman, opens in the US on May 1st but this high quality (but unfinished) version of the film can be downloaded via the usual sources. “Fox said the leaked version is an early rough cut and is missing some scenes. The version also features temporary sound and music and a darker appearance than the finished footage.” When I saw this available online, I thought it was an April Fool’s joke. But after viewing a sample, I downloaded the whole thing. I only had a chance to watch bits and pieces but yes, it’s Wolverine and yes, the quality is excellent. This is going to really hurt Fox.

#2 – Fox has decided to release DVDs with no bonus features for the US rental market – I suppose their thinking is you rent the film, you like it, you go out and buy it to get the director commentary or whatever. The first major release under this plan is Slumdog Millionaire. And Variety reports that they managed to screw it up, delivering barebones rental DVDs to retailers in retail packaging. “Slumdog Millionaire, for example, has special features on the retail DVD but not the rental version. On Blu-ray, it has bonus features on both the rental and retail versions, but only the retail package includes digital copy.”

“Stores also report that Fox had problems getting its program rolling for Tuesday March 31 release “Marley and Me.” The studio chose not to send out any standard DVD rental copies, which were to carry special features but no digital copy, apparently because it did not have time to manufacture the discs to meet street date deadlines. Instead, all stores got the retail version, which includes digital copy.”

Hongkie Town
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