Miramax

[Mark Mays]

Do we really need anymore reasons to dislike Mira-hacks now? Well, I can't
say I didn't expect this, or something like it. They continue in their
bullheaded tactics, alienating the natural fan base for the movies they have
stashed away in the catalogue. Perhaps bully tactics works on Oscar voters,
however I don't see how this move is a win for Miramax.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jonathan Crow" <jon at projectorhead.com>
To: <KineJapan at lists.acs.ohio-state.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 2:37 PM
Subject: Miramax





This might be a bit off topic but I stumbled upon this link on the tech blog
BoingBoing today. Apparently Miramax sent a cease and desist letter to this
Asian film fan site because they simply *link* to stores selling Asian DVDs.
For those of us who don't have the time or money to hop on a plane for Hong
Kong or Tokyo, these cites are one of the few ways to get Asian films.
Especially if you are interested in a un-butchered version of Shaolin Soccer
or Hero.

Jon


http://www.kfccinema.com/features/articles/letter_miramax/letter_miramax.htm
l

Miramax has already stopped North American-based DVD sellers on the
Internet, including eBay, from selling the import versions (uncut with
subtitles) of the movies they own the rights to, which is its prerogative.
However, now the only opportunity for fans of Asian cinema to buy these
movies in their original form is now being threatened.

Miramax struck a blow to fans at the beginning of this week by sending a
cease and desist notice to Asian and martial arts film site Kung Fu Cinema.
They accused the site of "selling, distributing, and/or otherwise exploiting
copies of the film 'Hero' on DVD and/or VHS" and ordered them to stop
referring readers to retailers outside of North America who sell legally
manufactured import versions of the movies that Miramax has distribution
rights to.