Blu-Ray Re-Release Information/Petition

[Redstar]

By "updated", do you mean it would be a director's cut or something, or are you just talking about film quality?

While we would be happy with a simple update/re-mastering of picture quality, we do hope that Disney takes the plunge and at least releases something with an assortment of special features included. Either way, Blu-Ray is the most likely format to see such a release on.

[Sonicroc]

Hmm, you raise a good point. Conflict... of... interests... I guess I need to think this over a bit more...

But what are the chances they actually will re-release it with bonus features? I mean, I know the movie is still being sold in stores right now, but I think that's just because lots of Mario fans who have never heard of the movie just buy it as an impulse purchase. If that is truly the case, it seems unlikely that a special edition would do well. (And, as I said before, even if it DID happen, the bonus features would probably mostly be on Blu-ray. )

Btw, this is a tad embarrassing to bring up, but there is a very similar situation going on over at Sodor Island, which is a... Thomas the Tank Engine fansite... See, if any of you guys have heard of the movie Thomas and the Magic Railroad, it did horribly. It was heavily edited after a screening, and many people are blaming this for the movie's failure. Now there are a bunch of people trying to get a director's cut release. (Plus, TatMR is similar to the Mario movie in that, they are both bad movies, but I like them anyway. They also both have some really cheesy moments and bizarre plots.)

But in both cases, we really need to ask ourselves, would the movie truly be better if a director's cut were to be released? After all, the stuff was cut for a reason. Like, whenever I watch deleted scenes from Pixar films, I'm always like, "That's so stupid! Why the heck would they ever... Oh wait. It's a deleted scene."

Not that it wouldn't be interesting to see some deleted scenes, but I'm just saying, the Mario movie is probably as good as it can be without rebuilding the sets and taking some new footage.

Also, to be honest, I'm kind of scared to imagine seeing the footage from the devo chamber scene. (If it was ever rendered.) Honestly, I was quite horrified when I first looked at the story boards of Simon de-evolving into slime. I am quite glad that was cut.

P.S.: Sorry I make such long posts. I tend to get carried away when I write.

[Redstar]

But what are the chances they actually will re-release it with bonus features? I mean, I know the movie is still being sold in stores right now, but I think that's just because lots of Mario fans who have never heard of the movie just buy it as an impulse purchase. If that is truly the case, it seems unlikely that a special edition would do well. (And, as I said before, even if it DID happen, the bonus features would probably mostly be on Blu-ray. )

The chances might not be too high, but such a re-release would not be very difficult or expensive to create at all. Nearly every foreign release out there is of better quality than our own. Many are anamorphic widescreen, include the "Making of Super Mario Bros." featurette and the theatrical trailer. The Swedish release (out last year) has AMAZING picture quality.

All this has been done already by nearly every other distribution company that has handled the film. It would cost Disney almost nothing to do the same and put out a basic updated release of the film. That's all we're asking for.

Not that it wouldn't be interesting to see some deleted scenes, but I'm just saying, the Mario movie is probably as good as it can be without rebuilding the sets and taking some new footage.

You're right in that deleted scenes are cut from most films for a reason. Even in regards to Super Mario Bros., only four of the eight major deleted scenes we currently have listed on the site had some impact on the plot.

However, unlike most films that cut for continuity and pacing, Disney mandated a lot of these cuts when they bought the film to either simply to get the rating down (understandable) or to get Mario and Luigi into Dinohattan quicker (retarded). It's a lot like what they did with Atlantis: The Lost Empire.

We have no delusions that Disney would want to put the time or money into restoring these scenes and reinserting them into the film. We're not even asking that of them. Still, it'd just be nice to see them available for watching, and that wouldn't cost a dime.

P.S.: Sorry I make such long posts. I tend to get carried away when I write.

It's no problem at all. We appreciate discussion and the simple fact that you're getting involved again after so long.

[Phlibbit]

Like I said before, the issue here isn't about Blu-Rays, or DVDs, or any of that stuff. It's about getting the Super Mario Bros. movie an anamorphic release in any format.

Having said that, Blu-Ray is without a doubt the format it needs to be on. The film is so intricate in its set design, etc. that it demands a closer look.

See, I'm rather annoyed at Disney for their current shift to Blu-ray.

Current shift to Blu-Ray? Most all movie studios are doing Blu-Ray now. First and foremost, Disney is a business, and they'll put their products on whatever platforms they deem fit to make them money. Don't think for a second that you choosing not to buy a Disney Blu-Ray is going to make them think twice about ditching the format. They don't care.

For instance, the DVDs for Up and Toy Story 3 work horribly on my DVD player (chapters repeat, screen goes black indefinitely, etc.). They only work right on other players. I have been buying Pixar DVDs for years. This problem coinkadinkally arose just as they started releasing Blu-rays. This tells me that as Disney moves from DVD to Blu-ray, they are caring less about making sure that they make quality DVDs.

It's not just a Disney issue--as DVDs are the mainstream, they're the cheapest to produce and get out to consumers. Also, as technology changes, discs won't work as well on old players. Be glad that what you have works at all--a lot of early Blu-Ray people were out of luck when new discs wouldn't work on their old systems unless they could hook the system up to the internet for a firmware upgrade--and sometimes, not even then.

Also, while they used to release Pixar DVD sets loaded with bonus features, that is now only true of the Blu-ray versions.

Bonus features are things that only true fans of the films really care about enough to make it a reason to purchase the film. If you notice--the format that bonus features show up on is whatever the "premium format" of the day is. When there was VHS and Laserdisc, you'd see more/better special features on Laserdisc. When it's VHS/Laserdisc/DVD, you'd see the better features on DVD. Today is no different. You have DVD and Blu-Ray, and the better special features are on Blu-Ray. It's not a coincidence.

Today, DVDs are a cheap sell. When a company like Disney puts out DVDs now, their main markets for them are either parents buying the films for their kids (who normally don't care about special features), or to rental companies. Basically, people that just want to watch the movie and nothing else.

So like I said earlier, the special features are mostly on Blu-Rays now, since it's the format that home theater/film aficionados prefer. They're targeted towards the market that is likely to spend the most money and theoretically be purchasing the films for special features in addition to the film itself.

Yes, that cuts people like you out of the picture that still wants to enjoy their current format like you always have. Talk to any Laserdisc fanatic and he'll be bitter as hell and tell you the same thing.

I don't want Blu-ray, as a matter of principle. The current idea in the media seems to be that we can't be happy until we have entirely recreated the movie theatre experience in our living rooms. Blu-ray is the first step in that direction, followed by 3D Blu-ray. I enjoy seeing movies in theatres because of the awesome experience, and if it was something everyday, what would be the point?

Perhaps you're right--and to each his own. But speaking for myself, I want the "movie theater experience" for the Super Mario Bros. movie. And that will never happen in the theater again. My only choice is to try to recreate that experience myself.

And this POS, non-anamorphic release does NOT do that. At all.

Another problem is the cost. Not only does it cost more to buy Blu-ray players and disks, it also costs a lot on the part of potential sellers. In order to put a movie on Blu-ray, it has to undergo an expensive restoration process that smaller companies can't afford. Therefore, this leads to fewer old movies being sold on Blu-ray. (This is something I read about in the newspaper. I don't know how accurately I'm articulating it.)

New technologies always cost more when they're first released. DVD players cost between $600-1000. That was in 1997. It took a few years for them to become the mainstream, didn't it? These home theater aficionados are the people that are early adopters for this stuff and buy the hardware early. Blu-ray will only get cheaper as the years go by. They'll only get cheaper if more people buy them. It's the same thing with video game consoles, etc.

And about the smaller companies--the more this stuff becomes the mainstream the cheaper it becomes to restore/convert movies, etc.

Basically, the more mainstream the format gets, the higher probability is that we'll see Super Mario Bros. on it--when it's not as expensive and risky to produce a high-quality release of the film. Super Mario Bros. was originally released on DVD in 2003--about 6 years after DVDs were introduced.

By the time Super Mario Bros.' 20th anniversary rolls around, it will have been about SEVEN years since Blu-Ray was introduced.

As long as DVDs are still being sold, I will resist Blu-ray wholeheartedly. While your campaign would likely result in a new DVD release, it would mainly be supporting a Blu-ray release, and you now see that that is not in accordance with my will.

DVDs will be around for a while. And yes, I am mainly supporting a Blu-Ray release. It's the format that has the best shot of getting any kind of additional special features. And like I said, there would likely be a DVD release as well--and probably on demand releases too. Blu-Ray isn't the enemy here--it's things like streaming services like Netflix, iTunes, Xbox Live, etc.

The cheaper it is for people to just see the movie, the less they'll turn to DVDs--the closest alternative in price. That's why Blu-rays have to have that extra stuff--it's a premium. It's a way for the studios to get you to purchase the film on the format that cost them more to produce it on.

Besides, while the quality of my SMB DVD isn't perfect by any means, it doesn't seem worth it to buy another one. It's the kind of thing that I would only notice for a few seconds anyway.

Have you seen a Blu-Ray with a proper setup? It's a night and day difference between DVD. And in comparison to the non-anamorphic SMB DVD, it's a ridiculous jump in quality.

As a fan of the movie, I consider it as good as it could be that it is regularly available on DVD in Target. I sincerely thank you for finding a way to contact the elusive Disney. (I've looked before, trust me.)

That's just it though--it's NOT as good as it could be. Why do you think Disney keeps producing these cheap versions of the SMB DVD? Because it's selling well, and they can sell a cheap version because it's targeted as an impulse purchase for people that are curious or may remember it from their childhood. Once these people learn of a new release with a huge difference, they may be curious to see what all the fuss is about.

However, I see no reason to push Disney further here. If I do get around to contacting them, it will be to report the problems my Up and TS3 DVDs are having on my DVD player.

We HAVE to push Disney to get them to realize that the film has fans that want a better release. That combined with the good sales of the cheap DVD could get them to think about the possibility.

By "updated", do you mean it would be a director's cut or something, or are you just talking about film quality?

I mean anything. Barebones minimum needs to be an anamorphic release of some sort--that's film quality.[/quote]

Anyway, one last thing I feel like I should mention: If Blu-ray entirely replaces DVD, as the official Blu-ray website predicts (whyever would they want us thinking that, eh? ), then of course I would support a Blu-ray release, lest the movie go extinct. (Then again, maybe it would just be transported into a parallel dimension where it would evolve into The Godfather...) However, DVDs are still everywhere. As far as I can tell, you still have the option to get any movie on DVD instead of Blu-ray, even if there are fewer special features. Therefore, it's not dead yet!

Like I said, Blu-Rays won't spell the extinction of DVDs. Streaming services will. If you want to see the future of disc-based media, you should support both DVDs AND Blu-Rays.

But what are the chances they actually will re-release it with bonus features?

There's a great chance that you'll get not a release at all unless you get the word out there and tell Disney you want one.

But in both cases, we really need to ask ourselves, would the movie truly be better if a director's cut were to be released? After all, the stuff was cut for a reason. Like, whenever I watch deleted scenes from Pixar films, I'm always like, "That's so stupid! Why the heck would they ever... Oh wait. It's a deleted scene."

I do believe that the film would be better if an extended cut were released. Like Redstar said, most films do have scenes cut for a reason. That comes from two sides--either the director's side or the studio's side. The director cuts the film for him. It's for his vision of what his film should be.

The studio cuts the film for marketing/financial/reception reasons. It's all about money.

In the case of Super Mario Bros., it had a troubled production and there are lots (and lots) of pieces and scenes that aren't in the final cut. But overall, the tone of the film was altered from the original vision of the directors into a fast-paced summer film designed to get you in and out as quick as possible.

Not that it wouldn't be interesting to see some deleted scenes, but I'm just saying, the Mario movie is probably as good as it can be without rebuilding the sets and taking some new footage.

^No. Read the interviews. Read the scripts. The film could be SO much better with a new cut. While a lot of the deleted scenes wouldn't make the film better, some of them would--namely the "family pride" subplot. One of the chief complaints from critics is that the characters aren't developed well and you don't care about them enough. This deleted subplot would do a lot for that. From what we've seen, it really has the potential to be the entire backbone of the film and the story it's trying to tell.

[Serum]

I also sent an email to the Disney people requesting an extended Blu-Ray edition and they gave me a very kind-worded way of saying "No."

Well, not exactly, they just said they haven't put it on Blu-Ray yet, but that they'll forward the idea to the boys in marketing.

[Sonicroc]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *de-evolves* Phlibbit, you utterly demolished my argument! I feel so small. Fortunately for you, I can be convinced rather easily with a good old argument. And it's a pity that you're so good at arguing your point, because:

We have no delusions that Disney would want to put the time or money into restoring these scenes and reinserting them into the film. We're not even asking that of them.

That seems so sad now.

Read the interviews. Read the scripts. The film could be SO much better with a new cut.

So are you feeling more optimistic than Redstar, Phlibbit?

That's the whole point of this website--to provide all the reasons to make the case that this film deserves a second look and a better release.

Heh. I guess this is more than a "little issue," then, eh? Heh heh heh...

It's a lot like what they did with Atlantis: The Lost Empire.

Dude, it's really weird that you would bring that up now, since I literally just watched that movie (with commentary, but still). Maybe there really is a link here between bad movies and their being heavily edited before release...

We appreciate discussion and the simple fact that you're getting involved again after so long.

Awe shucks. Have I really been gone that long? I guess time flies when... you're not on online forums.

Anyway, back to the extended edition. I was thinking, this might actually be where you can get some leverage. See, you can get fans of the movie by talking about giving it an HD release. You can get fans of the games by convincing them that the movie of their favorite character failed because it was greatly tampered with before it was released. I don't know, I guess I'm feeling more optimistic than I was earlier...

P.S.: You're right, I probably should read those scripts at some point, but it's kinda intimidating. I mean, I've only read most of the fantasy one, and the first few pages of the first one you found. Not to say it won't be fun, but four (soon to be five?) is a lot of scripts for me.

[Redstar]

So are you feeling more optimistic than Redstar, Phlibbit?

Phlibbit and I both are very optimistic about a potential re-cut. We both understand the obstacles in getting the cut footage out there, but we also feel that if we just press hard enough and long enough that someone will realize that it's a desired product. If we have to do the remastering and re-cutting ourselves, we'll do it.

P.S.: You're right, I probably should read those scripts at some point, but it's kinda intimidating. I mean, I've only read most of the fantasy one, and the first few pages of the first one you found. Not to say it won't be fun, but four (soon to be five?) is a lot of scripts for me.

Most of the scripts are great reads. They all have something to offer, be it wit, humor or just plain action. If you don't have the time or interest to read through them all fully then you can just go ahead and read the detailed synopses that we've provided. They cover just about everything of note in the scripts in a heavily distilled format.

[Serum]

Okay, I just sent Disney another email, hopefully this one will get a more detailed response...

Hi there,

I was in Wal-Mart the other day and saw a new copy of my all-time favorite movie, "Super Mario Bros." from 1993, the one starring Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo as our favorite plumbers and I picked it up because the cover was different than the first DVD I bought of the film in 2003. However, I was sourly disappointed to find out that this 2010 release of my favorite movie was the exact same disc as the 2003 release.

I've read all over the internet that there is a "director's cut" of "Super Mario Bros." with alternate scenes and extended scenes and it runs about thirty minutes longer than the film that's currently out. I was wondering, is there a possibility you could forward the idea of getting an "Ultimate Edition" DVD/Blu-Ray of the film released? I propose it would have two discs (at least the DVD version would) one disc containing the original release of the film and the other disc containing the extended version of the movie, as well as special features (which is something that I find to be sadly missing from all DVD releases of "Super Mario Bros.). Anyway, like I said, it's my favorite movie in the whole world and I know there's an extended cut of the film and I really want to see it!

Anyway, I thank you for your time and I sincerely hope that you consider my idea for releasing an extended version of the film with special features. My whole family loves the movie and all my friends want to see this, too! Thanks again for taking the time to read my email!

All the best to you and keep up the good work!

C.

...I think everyone should take the time to write out a letter to Disney requesting this DVD/Blu-Ray. I don't usually advocate forwarding emails, but I think everyone here should forward an email to everyone in their email list and tell them to request the above to Disney in their own words and then tell them to forward that information to their friends and so on and so forth. We need to spread the word! We need to get published! We can get the extended Blu-Ray/DVD!

[Mono41]

Alright, for those of you who don't know, the Rocketeer is a comic book super hero that was adapted into a movie in the summer of 1991. Like our favorite video game to film adaption, the film was a box office flop, it received a crappy DVD release, has become a cult film, and is a Disney film.

Here's the difference (among releases): the Rocketeer is coming to Blu-Ray in December. After I expressed my joy for the film's Blu-Ray release, I thought "Does this give Super Mario Bros. hope of a Blu-Ray release?" Now the film was directed by Joe Johnston who also directed Captain America: The First Avenger. The film's success could have impacted the Rocketeer's re-release. What do you think?

[Redstar]

I've been following the potential (and now official) re-release of this film for the last few months. Since it was a Disney film I was honestly curious just to see what might happen.

While it's good news for Rocketeer fans that they can finally have something recent (if not remastered or bare-bones) I don't think there's much comparison to Super Mario Bros. It was a flop that, for all intents and purposes, has no visible cult following. We exist, yes, but we've made little effort in the way of making our presence known. We need to change that.

[Phlibbit]

I think the fact that Captain America--another period film directed by Johnston--is exactly the reason we're seeing The Rocketeer on Blu-Ray in December. How much do you want to bet that the blu-ray release dates for these two are extremely close?

[Mono41]

I agree that Captain America is probably the biggest reason that The Rocketeer is being re-released, but it's also the film's 20th anniversary so that could have something to do with it. Also, Captain America is being released near the end of October, so they're about a month apart in release. Although I don't know when in December the Rocketeer is being released so it could be almost 2 months.

[MrGoomba909]

Well, I'm going to write an email to Disney to support the cause. What email adress(es) should I send it to at disney?

[Redstar]

Well, I'm going to write an email to Disney to support the cause. What email adress(es) should I send it to at disney?

You can find the appropriate contact information HERE. Be sure to let us know both what you write and what they reply with!

[Roareye]

Hitting up from Europe (England to be precise). Word up to all in my young sibling country of the States!

Just to say I own the UK release of Super Mario Bros the Movie and believe it to be a very disappointing release.

It may be more likely to get a high-quality Blu-Ray conversion in Europe however, with any luck Region Free, as there are favourable reviews on the UK DVD box in itself and is anamorphic. Also lots of films not released in the UK and America are released exclusively in Germany or France. It's a strange fact, but true.

1. Why Blu-Ray? Well, good luck getting any new DVD releases that aren't copy/paste of the 2003 release. The only release likely for this film that features any upgrade is Blu-Ray, if only because the company would be forced to have to do something to upgrade it.

2. Blu-Ray upgrades for older films are NOT rare, nor are they terrible. America is actually lucky to receive some of the best cult films in full restorations (See the Masters of Cinema collection and the Criterion collection). I'm actually importing these American discs because they aren't released in this country and had to convert my laptop Blu-Ray player to an American one to play the Region-locked discs. Seventh Seal, Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, Wages of Fear, Silent Running, The General, True Grit, Das Boot... hell even Yakuza: Like A Dragon based on the Yakuza SEGA game series has seen a FRANCE-ONLY Blu-Ray release! Not even Japan has a Blu-Ray of this movie and it's a Japanese movie!). So long as you know where to look, you can find quality conversions. I know this is still a smack in the nutsack for DVD-only fans, but honest to God DVD is dying out and the chance at 4x image detail and 8x superior sound is surely a chance worth grabbing. Especially as Blu-Ray players and discs are more affordable nowadays and DVD players become hard to find (And surprisingly more expensive - but maybe this is only the trend in Europe. I dunno). With all the visual references (Such as street-signs) across the film, that 4x extra detail is really gonna help you see stuff. And the jump from 8million colours to 32million is not a minor change. Plug yourself into a Blu-Ray of Blade Runner, then watch a DVD. It's a completely different world.

3. Extras? Well if it gets a re-release it will likely not include extras. the European release sure didn't (Bar the trailer). However if it gets remastered by one of the better studios (Such as Criterion or Masters of Cinema) you will find these missing extras will be painstakingly found where possible and included, even if the extras are only Standard Definition.

4. Picture/Sound quality? Watching the DVD is hard work to some degree. The reason is not just being a fan of Blu-Ray. The colours are slightly washed out, the scenes sometimes suffer black crushing and the audio is a core issue. It sounds like the soundtrack has a lot of very detailed sound, but the 2.0 stereo mix is dreadful. All that sound is shoehorned into a very poor quality transfer, where a DTS-HD soundtrack would make voices crisp enough to hear (They aren't on the DVD release), and allow all the sound effects to breathe and sound off as well as possible. Forgetting the obvious benefits of Blu-Ray, having an even partially restored print transferred to a disc (Whether Blu-Ray or DVD) would create a far superior movie to watch, and in all honesty companies will only pay to go back to restoring the print of a movie like this for a Blu-Ray transfer. Just look at the benefits for smaller B-Movies as Last Man Standing, Demolition Man or even the reviews for your own aforementioned The Rocketeer. All these required going back to original prints, and all were transferred for higher quality on what would be a very small budget.

5. As a company, Disney tend to only release these items on Blu-Ray on an anniversary. This is seen by The Rocketeer, Lion King, Dumbo... bigger Disney movies like Robin Hood haven't seen a Blu-Ray release likely due to no Anniversary being met yet. With 2013 being the movie's anniversary, I'm sure we'll have more luck at that time.

6. The UK boxart features the following praises;
"Surefire blockbuster" - Daily Mirror
"Hilarious & Exciting - A cross between INDIANA JONES, BLADE RUNNER & STAR WARS" - Daily Mail

Since it comes with praises on the box art, I'm certain it is slightly more marketable in this country - especially if given the right press.
I will also send an e-mail to Disney for a Blu-Ray conversion. As it doesn't matter to me if it's released in the UK, Europe or America. I can buy/import just fine. I'm just trying to think of the most plausible way of getting this movie re-released in the glory it deserves. I'm as big a fan as any of you guys, and would love to see the conversion made properly.

Here are some links that might be of interest, I'll wait to hear your views on whether or not you think they are worthwhile as you guys know more about this than me;
The Masters of Cinema - The MoC (UK) series buys rights to remaster and distribute classic films -the first Video Game to Movie adaption that is also cult must count.
The Criterion Collection - The Criterion Collection (USA) series is like The MoC but in America. They did a film called Robinson Crusoe on Mars starring Adam West! Surely if that counts, Super Mario Bros does too.
Pathe - Wierdly not on their Catalogue online, but Pathe's logo is on the back of my DVD cover. Maybe they had (And lost) distribution rights in the UK, but they might be worth a punt?
Metrodome/In2Film - In2Film (UK) is a small part of the company Metrodome - both featured on the back cover. The In2Film brand is established to release"quality films at a low price point", making me think they may not have the original print (Though it's possible)
Slamdunk Media - A company who make their own films AND distribute offer-price DVDs in the UK. Also on the back of the box.

Surprisingly that means there were 3 distributors all involved in releasing Super Mario Bros in the UK alone! Pathe (Who seem to have removed it from their own listings), Slamdunk Media (Part of the Showbox Media Group, who have no online catalogue) and In2Film/Metrodome (Both logos in large on back of box, but actually both part of one company - Metrodome). The latter two are both British, but both establish themselves as cheap price distributors. Pathe are based mainly in France, have a UK presence and distribute lots of films - especially higher budget.
I would LOVE to see Masters of Cinema or Criterion attempt a full restoration. I'm eager to email them the idea. These guys would make it better than you could dream - they're the best of the best.

Just entering a foreign view for you guys, but also eager to see this in Full HD glory. 3D can sod off (I have a 3D TV, 3D Blu-Ray player, 3D Games Consoles and a 3D laptop - and I don't watch 3D even if it's available. Too invasive - even the movie industry is abandoning it for 4K). Any advice you can give for me to help, I'll do. This film is full of amazing detail, is great fun and even though is total garbage, it's so goddamn fun that I couldn't care less XD

- REQUESTS -

I want to request a Blu-Ray release for the Super Mario Bros Movie. As a fan of Disney (And this film) from the UK, I would find a transfer of this film to be incredible. Preferably to include a few extras, such as deleted scenes, but some form of transfer has got to be considered surely? It is the first ever movie based on a video game, and was quite high budget - Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo are both big actors in their own rights.
A lot of smaller films are being released onto Blu with cheaper but good quality transfers. Your own The Rocketeer is a good example (It also has the same high cult following as this movie).

There are also marketable reviews for this film on the UK DVD packaging;
"Surefire Blockbuster" - Daily Mirror
"Hilarious & Exciting - A cross between INDIANA JONES, BLADE RUNNER & STAR WARS" - Daily Mail

There is a grander install base for a re-release of this movie and it just needs you to take advantage of it.
Please let me know what you can, and get this film re-released on Blu with the attention it deserves. It is a true first in the film industry.

Thank you for your time.

My e-mail to Disney, on the link you guys have been providing.

I had an idea for a movie to add to your list of classic movies.

Having bought your recent Blu-Ray releases of 12 Angry Men, Yojimbo/Sanjuro, Broadcast News and Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence - I figured that your companies deals with movie classics, cult movies and even cinematic/movie firsts.
It is for that reason, and please do not take this for a joke, I thought your talents would be extremely beneficial to a Blu-Ray release of The Super Mario Bros movie.
While it may not be the sort of movie you ordinarily work on, it does in fact connect highly to other movies in your catalogue.

Firstly it is a cult movie. There are many fans of this movie, and many that would appreciate a high quality transfer.
Secondly it had very high production values despite low box-office success (However not all of your titles found success at the box-office), which would be crisp and more detailed in HD.
Thirdly, it was a movie-first. This is the first ever movie to be based on a video game. While you may question that as a genuine movie-first, the fact is that this crossed a line of separation between two now very important types of media. Movies were initially snubbed as low-rate compared to traditional theater, and video games are beginning to take a stand in their own right as their own media the same way many of your classic movies made such a stand on behalf of films.

Something that may help with giving you something more to do with it, there are lost prints of this movie with deleted scenes and inspirations behind certain plot points. These can be either re-inserted into the film or added as extras. It also had a very complicated background which would make for an interesting commentary track with the producer.

I hope you take this seriously, even if you decide it isn't a movie you feel befits your catalogue. This is truly a first, with more behind the surface (And a very interesting, detailed and well-thought out design) which I think would fit into a place of its own within your catalogue.
I am still enjoying the purchase of your movies on Blu-Ray, and look forward to more.

Rory Joscelyne.

My E-Mail to Criterion - America's very own remastering specialists (And one of the best in the entire world)

I had an idea for a movie to add to your list of classic movies.

Having bought your recent Blu-Ray release of Silent Running, I figured that your companies deals with movie classics, cult movies and even cinematic/movie firsts.
It is for that reason I thought your talents would be extremely beneficial to a Blu-Ray release of The Super Mario Bros movie.
While it may not be the sort of movie you ordinarily work on, it does in fact connect highly to other movies in your catalogue.

Firstly it is a cult movie. There are many fans of this movie, and many that would appreciate a high quality transfer.
Secondly it had very high production values despite low box-office success (However Silent Running, among other of your titles also suffered at the box-office), which would be crisp and more detailed in HD.
Thirdly, it was a movie-first. This is the first ever movie to be based on a video game. While you may question that as a genuine movie-first, the fact is that this crossed a line of separation between two now very important types of media. Movies were initially snubbed as low-rate compared to theatre, and video games are beginning to take a stand in their own right as their own media the same way many of your classic movies made such a stand on behalf of films.

Something that may help with giving you something more to do with it, there are lost prints of this movie with deleted scenes and inspirations behind certain plot points. These can be either re-inserted into the film or added as extras. It also had a very complicated background which would make for an interesting commentary track with the producer.

I hope you take this seriously, even if you decide it isn't a movie you feel befits your catalogue. This is truly a first, with more behind the surface (And a very interesting, detailed and well-thought out design) which I think would fit into a place of its own within your catalogue.
I am still enjoying the purchase of your movies on Blu-Ray, and look forward to more.

My E-Mail to Masters of Cinema - UK remastering specialists (And one of the best too).

I know they're a bit pie-in-the-sky but don't ask, don't get. Hope this helps somewhere down the line.

EDIT
- RESPONSES -

Dear Rory,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding Super Mario Bros. We appreciate your interest in Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Super Mario Bros. has not been released on Blu-ray. Although we do not have a tentative release date set, we would be happy to share with the rest of our team that you would like to have this available for purchase! Your feedback helps us build a better experience for all of our guests and is truly appreciated!

To view our release calendar and see what great titles are currently available and coming soon, please visit http://disneydvd.disney.go.com/release-calendar.html.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reply to this email. You may also contact us at 1-800-723-4763 (Canada: 1-888-877-2843), Monday 9:30-7:30 and Tuesday through Friday 9:30-6:30 CST.

Sincerely,

Walt Disney Studios Distribution Consumer Relations
US and Canada

Reply from Disney to my e-mail above. It was more personalised than some of your replies, and the phrasing (Though may be carefully chosen for the replier) sounds more positive. Though this may have been due to my stating I am a foreign consumer and they felt that was an interesting grab. I dunno. I'll keep you up to date if the other companies respond.

[Wesr]

The problem is that Disney has this attitude towards all of its movies, not just this one. They just throw the movies onto dvd without much cleanup or adjustments. Only the ones they know will make them a buck like the 90s animated stuff do they bother with. I already had a low opinion of Disney and it just keeps getting worse as they put out subpar dvd releases.

[Redstar]

Excellent post, Roareye. I've no idea where you came from or what inspired such a post, but you've definitely raised many points that Phlibbit and I have discussed before as well as a few others. We have taken the time to explore the various different distributors for the film (particularly UK and Italy) though you seem to have done your own look into that area.

Now, we don't have the numbers to back it up, but from personal experience it does seem as if the European market received the film better. It seems to have a stable fanbase in the UK, Italy and Sweden. For example, Njuta Films released an excellent version of the film just last year with improved picture quality and new box art.

3. Extras? Well if it gets a re-release it will likely not include extras. the European release sure didn't (Bar the trailer). However if it gets remastered by one of the better studios (Such as Criterion or Masters of Cinema) you will find these missing extras will be painstakingly found where possible and included, even if the extras are only Standard Definition.

Some of the foreign releases include the Making of Super Mario Bros. documentary, which although old and sanitized still provides a look into the immense amount of work that went into the different areas of the film's production. Even seeing just that on a new release would be an achievement, though there's a plethora of media that they could easily incorporate, including the Movie Magic Yoshi video and Entertainment Tonight interviews. These extras exist; they just need to have the motivation to put them on a disc.

4. Picture/Sound quality? Watching the DVD is hard work to some degree. The reason is not just being a fan of Blu-Ray. The colours are slightly washed out, the scenes sometimes suffer black crushing and the audio is a core issue. It sounds like the soundtrack has a lot of very detailed sound, but the 2.0 stereo mix is dreadful. All that sound is shoehorned into a very poor quality transfer, where a DTS-HD soundtrack would make voices crisp enough to hear (They aren't on the DVD release), and allow all the sound effects to breathe and sound off as well as possible.

Check out the aforementioned Njuta Films release. It's about as perfect as one can expect without the release being Blu-Ray.

5. As a company, Disney tend to only release these items on Blu-Ray on an anniversary. This is seen by The Rocketeer, Lion King, Dumbo... bigger Disney movies like Robin Hood haven't seen a Blu-Ray release likely due to no Anniversary being met yet. With 2013 being the movie's anniversary, I'm sure we'll have more luck at that time.

We've been building up to the 2013 anniversary over the last few years. We fully expect 2012 to make big splashes... Big enough to make Disney reconsider their treatment of the film and get something done.

We really appreciate this post of yours, Roareye. Many of your points are spot-on and well worth considering. I do believe we will contact Criterion and Masters of Cinema come January. Hopefully we'll generate some interest from either of the two.

[Serum]

I recently wrote another letter to Disney... here is what it says...

Hi there,

I represent a website called "The Super Mario Bros. Movie Archive," it's located at http://www.smbmovie.com. We dedicate our time to unearthing as much about this underrated movie and putting the information we receive out there so that fellow fans of the movie can enjoy in knowing more about this great film.

What I'm emailing you today about is the possibility of a "director's cut" DVD/Blu-Ray release of the 1993 movie "Super Mario Bros." We had an interview with the movie's editor, Mark Goldblatt, and in this interview he told us that about a half hour to forty five minutes were cut from the film, which ultimately lead to the theatrical cut that is available on DVD and VHS. Goldblatt said, that if reconstruction of the film was possible (and I know that you guys at Disney have the missing footage somewhere in the Vault), the run time of the movie would go from an hour and three quarters to about two hours and one quarter, so roughly two hours and fifteen minutes.

Here is what I'm going to propose: A steelbook DVD/Blu-Ray release of the movie, the DVD with four discs: Disc One would contain the Theatrical Cut of the movie, Disc Two would contain the Extended Cut of the movie, Disc Three would contain all the special features and making of documentaries, trailers and promotions, artwork and original screenplays for the movie and Disc Four would be a digital copy of the Director's Cut of the film. This could probably all fit onto two discs for the Blu-Ray release of the film.

I know it's a lot to ask, but "Super Mario Bros." is my favorite movie of all time, and I really want to see it as it was intended to be seen-- longer and more character-driven, as the original 'workprint' cut is said to have been. The movie came out in May of 1993, so maybe, if you guys began work on digitally remastering the movie, putting together all the cut footage into the bigger 'director's cut' and making high-definition transfers with anamorphic widescreen (which the current DVD release does not have) enhanced for widescreen TVs and displays, then you could have this "Ultimate Edition" or better yet "Super Edition" of the movie ready for the movie's twentieth anniversary in 2013.

Please, Disney, I know it's a lot to ask, I really do, but despite the movie being a failure back in 1993, so many people have come to appreciate it over the years and see it for the truly unique and wonderful film it is. I don't want to go my whole life wondering what the extended cut of the movie might have looked like when I know that it can all be pieced together by the loving hands of the people at Disney. So, I humbly request that you take my idea into serious consideration, and please, email me back as soon as possible.

All the best, from a big fan,
C.R.M.

I suggest everyone get together and write similar letters to Disney, as well! Tell your friends to do so and tell them to tell their friends and so on and so forth in a process repeating to and originating in infinity! If we all pull together as a team, we can get this! I never back down, I'm a man of my word and I always get what I want-- and I want this! And I know you do too! So let's make it happen, people!

Also, after reviewing Roareye's post, and myself being in the USA where the Criterion Collection is more prevalent, I wrote to Criterion with the following...

Hi there,

My name is Corey, I'm a big fan of you guys at the Criterion Collection! My favorite movie of all time is 1993's "Super Mario Bros.," starring Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo and Dennis Hopper. It was the very first movie ever based on a video-game and it flopped horribly at the box office. Much of the movie was cut out in an effort to condense it for time and to please test audiences who hated the initial 130 minute cut of the film. So here's what I'm proposing: A three disc edition of the movie, the first disc containing the theatrical cut (the version available currently on DVD, which I'll go more in depth on in a bit), the second disc containing the extended, 130 minute cut with alternate scenes and longer sequences sown back into the film, and the third disc could be all the special features, like making of documentaries and trailers and TV spots and even the original screenplays they didn't use in some sort of reading format.

Here's why I think think this is a good idea and why it will make money: the "Super Mario Bros." franchise from Nintendo is one of the biggest video-game franchises in the world-- if people see that the Criterion Collection is releasing it, they'll know it's a good movie and they'll pay any price (I would pay upwards of a hundred to two hundred dollars just for a copy of what I'm proposing!) to see a movie they loved as kids restored to the way it was meant to be seen. Mario and Luigi are the most recognizable characters in the world, more kids know who Mario is than do they know who Mickey Mouse is. Also, the current DVD releases of the movie do not have any special features whatsoever, only a "play" and "scene selection" option on a very simple DVD menu. I know a lot of people who would love to see this movie extended and recut to the proper way it was meant to be seen almost twenty years ago, and since it's the first movie to be based on a video-game, that means it's an important part of cinematic history! I know that you guys at the Criterion Collection are all about preserving and restoring the world's most important films, and since video-games are so popular right now, you must see that there's a great significance to the "Super Mario Bros." movie, since it launched an entire genre of films!

Please take my idea into serious consideration and email me back, even if the answer is no. "Super Mario Bros.," is my favorite movie and I don't want to see it banished to obscurity. I know that everyone at the Criterion Collection can make this dream come true! Thanks for taking the time to read my email and please email me back with your opinions.

All the best,
C.R.M.

[Serum]

Well, I just got this email back from Disney, regarding my suggestion for an extended Blu-Ray of "Super Mario Bros.," entitled "Unsolicited Idea Submission."

C.R.M.,

This will acknowledge, with thanks, receipt of your letter to “BVHE WDHE Feedback” suggesting that we release another DVD version of Super Mario Bros.

We are always delighted to hear from our fans and appreciate the time that you have taken to write to us. Regretfully, I must explain that our company's long-established policy does not allow us to accept for review or consideration any ideas or suggestions not specifically solicited by us or our subsidiaries. I hope you will understand that our intention is to avoid misunderstandings when projects are created internally which might be similar to submissions made to us from outside the company.

We recognize that this policy is sometimes a disappointing one as when someone like yourself, with all the best intentions, would simply like us to consider his own creative suggestion. Experience has taught us, though, that if we abandon our policy for one person, we will soon have no policy at all. Accordingly, we must respectfully decline to consider your suggestion.
Although our reply must be one other than you might have hoped for, we sincerely appreciate your interest in writing to us.
Very truly yours,

Stephanie R. Williams
Paralegal

...I think this may be because I sent it to the wrong people, or because they're getting sick of me. Either way, I think the best way to solve this problem is to send more emails.

[superwesleybros]

So I was visiting my local best buy and I decided to look for the Super Mario Bros movie on DVD, (Even though I already have it.) and I was happy to see that they had 3 huge rows filled with just SMB alone. Best Buy is fully loaded with it, maybe this is a new step towards that blu-ray release.

[Serum]

So I was visiting my local best buy and I decided to look for the Super Mario Bros movie on DVD, (Even though I already have it.) and I was happy to see that they had 3 huge rows filled with just SMB alone. Best Buy is fully loaded with it, maybe this is a new step towards that blu-ray release.

Yeah, that's probably my influence spreading. I tell people I know to go to Walmart, Best Buy and Barnes & Noble and find as many copies of "Super Mario Bros." as they can and put them all along the shelves until they're covering the entire shelf or as much of it as possible.

[Redstar]

So I was visiting my local best buy and I decided to look for the Super Mario Bros movie on DVD, (Even though I already have it.) and I was happy to see that they had 3 huge rows filled with just SMB alone. Best Buy is fully loaded with it, maybe this is a new step towards that blu-ray release.

Yeah, that's probably my influence spreading. I tell people I know to go to Walmart, Best Buy and Barnes & Noble and find as many copies of "Super Mario Bros." as they can and put them all along the shelves until they're covering the entire shelf or as much of it as possible.

Phlibbit does the same thing.

[AngeloThomas]

I've been seeing the 2010 DVD at Target the past few weeks for $5. I wonder if people buy them?

[SethRex]

Looks like our wishes are coming true. I go to a website called Blu-Ray.com, and a thread there just announced a few Disney owned titles. On the list is...ready for it? SUPER MARIO BROS. but don't hold out any hopes for a big release, it's probably gonna be very spares on any features.

april fools

[Phlibbit]

Pretty lame April Fools' joke

[SethRex]

Well, let me put some of this into perspective. It IS true that Disney is releasing some of their live-action catalogue. while Super Mario Brothers is not part of the list, when you consider the movies that are on the list, it does give some hope that eventually we might see a release for Super Mario. We just have to hold out hope.

[Redstar]

I fell for it. I even actually felt disappointed because, if true, it would have meant that our work wouldn't have been a factor.

[SethRex]

I'm sad to agree with you. It probably wouldn't have been much of a factor. Though some of the news does state cause of fan requests. But who knows just how that worked out in the long run. I'm still hopeful cause if a movie like Hocus Pocus can get a release date, then eventually Super Mario Brothers can as well.

[Roareye]

Rather than go through Disney, who clearly aren't bothered, why don't we try other distributors with a history of the movie. As much of a pain as it is to get hold of, Njutafilms do Blu-Rays and they've made the higher quality DVD. If there's a way to get them to merge those distribution arms... The search for Njutafilms' address starts now!

[Guest]

well ive seen that they have released the "awful" Earnest P Worrell movies on blu ray, so SMB shouldnt be too far away from a release.

[Phlibbit]

Since you have "awful" in quotation marks, I'm assuming that you mean that in sarcasm. I love me some Ernest movies.

[Guest]

yeah and i was refering to the people who bashed it

[Redstar]

While it may be more likely to get a decent release through a different company, we stand a better chance at having better promotion and behind the scenes features with Disney. I don't think there's any way to get around Disney's role at this point.

[moviebuffmel90]

You know, if they do release this to Blu Ray, it will deffinatly be such a momumental day for fans and those who like films that have their flaws but still enjoyable for what the are. Personally, I can see this being almost like the release of the Cable Guy where it had an audio commetnary, behind the scenes promo stuff, extra footage (like when they had the rehearsal takes in that warehouse), delete scenes and things like that. But if they can pull it off really really good, I will be surprised.

As for the extended cut possibilty, there have been accounts of films like Event Horrizon and Nightbreed where missing material was discovered on a VHS tape or in a salt mine, so there is hope for that too.

[Serum]

The footage is still somewhere in a vault. I know it, I can feel it. They wouldn't just throw away the master print of the extended cut-- that still exists and it will be put together, in time.

[IbanezJFS]

I just sent them an emial as well. And this is what I said

Hello my name is Justin Sprauer. And believe it or not...I actually LOVED The Super Mario Brother's Movie. And since a lot of time has gone by. More and more people are starting like it as a movie. Rather then it being a direct link to the Super Mario franchise. I loved the sets. The actors were GREAT! And the script was your rescue the princes story. It is starting to gain the status of a cult classic. And myself and others would love nothing more then seeing it released on Blue Ray and PACKED with special features.

I would love to here interviews from the cast and crew about making the film. Weather it be horror stories or just wacky stuff that happened on set. And even a commentary track. To just lock this movie away and pretend it never happened is a waste. People are starting to leave positive reviews on Amazon and IMDb. And I think if the directors and producers had a chance to explain their vision other people will get it. It's time to give this movie another chance.

Everyone at http://www.smbmovie.com has been convincing people that this movie is under rated and they are starting to notice. Please consider releasing this on Blue ray with special features and give it the credit it deserves.

Thank You

-Justin S.-

[Serum]

Good, don't forget to throw in stuff about an extended edition, though. Keep it up!

[IbanezJFS]

Got it....I wanna try to win this contest too

[IbanezJFS]

Ok I heard back from Disney about wanted SMB on Blue Ray. I did hear back from them. and this is what they said

Dear Justin,

Thank you for taking the time to sharing your thoughts and concerns about Super Mario Bros. We would be more than happy to share this great comment regarding the Blu-ray release with the rest of our team for future consideration! We value your interest in Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and we truly love to hear the feedback from all of our guests!

If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reply to this email. You may also contact us at 1-800-723-4763 (Canada: 1-888-877-2843), Monday 9:30-7:30 and Tuesday through Friday 9:30-6:30 CST.

Sincerely,

Walt Disney Studios Distribution Consumer Relations
US and Canada

The fact that they typed out the name of the movie and my first Name does tell me this came from an actual person. And not some auto response. Not sure if I have fully convinced them but every little bit helps.

[Serum]

The fact that they typed out the name of the movie and my first Name does tell me this came from an actual person. And not some auto response. Not sure if I have fully convinced them but every little bit helps.

I'm pretty sure that's an advanced automated response, however, it is a lot more positive in nature than any of the other emails I've gotten before.