MGM/UA tried to release Popeye video in 83

[Argus Sventon]

http://www.cartoonresearch.com/comments.html

[Pilmedium]

If they didn't have the right to release those cartoons, why would the copyright holder let them? Also, why would they still want to release them? :confused:

[Mike Toole]

The impression I got from Jerry's commentary is that MGM/UA *did* have the rights to those Popeye cartoons-- but upon getting the legal threat from King Features, they panicked and decided it wasn't worth releasing... without doing the legal research to determine that they did, indeed, hold the copyright.

Correct me if I am wrong...!

I hope to see Popeye on DVD soon, in quality form. I'm DYING for a good-quality print of Popeye vs. Ali Baba.

(and incidentally, I really wish MGM would release PRINCE PLANET on DVD, as well!)

[Sogturtle]

I haven't read Beck's comments on this. But I do have video books (not catalogs) from '83-'84 which DO list the United Artists Popeye tape complete with running time and formats, but NOT the titles(I looked up the books)... The question is why is Jerry Beck dredging this up now after nearly twenty years? (I've read his post and get his point!)

Of FAR MORE INTEREST is the actual United Artists compilation film which WAS RELEASED THEATRICALLY, of the banned Warner cartoons back in the Eighties. This baby was entitled "UNCENSORED CARTOONS" and had been assembled by your pal Jerry Beck. Of great interest is the fact that when we called United Artists about it way-back-then to ask about a video release, they grew incredibly nervous and admitted that they were not going to release it on tape...ever!!