HVE is history

[Max M]

Sad, sad news I just came across.
This was posted on http://www.mastersofcinema.org

As of yesterday afternoon, Home Vision Entertainment — co-distributor
of the Criterion Collection — was consolidated by Image Entertainment
and no longer exists as a DVD imprint or distributor. 40 of their 45
staff are to be laid off. Given the radically different standards of
quality control between Image and HVE, we are alarmed at this
development, which is apparently the latest panic move by an industry
facing the Blu-Ray/HD-DVD transition. The Criterion Collection is an
independent company and sources say the merger formalizes a 100%
distribution deal between Image and Criterion lasting through the end
of 2010.

MoC extends our condolences to the many unemployed cinephiles formerly
working for Home Vision and we salute the company's exemplary track
record. - D.C.

Max M
http://stauffen.de.vu