MANOS: The Restoration (Blu-Ray Release)

[Redstar]

According to Tor and NPR, MANOS: The Hands of Fate (widely considered to be one of the worst films ever made) is getting a Blu-Ray re-release. Apparently, cameraman Ben Solovey likes to collect 16mm films as a hobby. He recently came across a collection of workprints from from Emerson Films, the now-defunct distributor of the film. He immediately bought them and realized that MANOS was included.

The film is best known through degraded and poor-quality VHS copies, so a true look at its original intent has not been since for years. Because of this, Solovey has established Manos in HD and a Kickstarter page to fund a Blu-Ray restoration. He has already received pledges exceeding $17k when only $10k was needed.

Seriously.

If a film like this can get a Blu-Ray re-release through donations then why can't Super Mario Bros.? It's a superior film in ever way and certainly more enjoyable. If we could just get our hands on an early print and get the word out I'm absolutely sure people would get behind this.

[Serum]

I remember "Manos: The Hands of Fate," which is spanish for "Hands: The Hands of Fate." It was featured on "Mystery Science Theater 3000 and it became hugely popular afterwards because people were obsessed with how awful it was.

[Redstar]

Christ. The difference is unbelievable. It just makes you wonder what they could do with Super Mario Bros.

Also, the project has now raised $31,000+ of the needed $10,000 via Kickstarter.

[Roareye]

I suggest we start this. Moneyz pot. If this odd crap can get $31,000 then SMB:Movie with full restoration and additional/re-editted sequences to improve the movie for a modern audience will easily get that. The difference is that the licence holder for Manos is defunct and dead, whereas Disney are (obviously) not.

However raising a large pot like this to get the restoration work going and showing this case to Disney may kick-start them (With the help of this fund) to do a Super Mario Bros: Movie restoration. Bear in mind the key reason they won't do it is going to be business - they see no profit. If we raise some cash, that will convince them there is a notable fanbase to restore for AND help alleviate their costs in doing so.

[Redstar]

We have a couple projects coming up that should hopefully raise awareness and interest for the film and ultimately generate funds, but that's still a ways off. Right now we're just focusing on these screenings. Our Los Angeles screening is being held at The Nuart, which is one of the theaters that first screened the workprint for Blade Runner and ultimately demonstrated interest in a director's cut.

If the screening goes well we're hoping to hit a few other locations nationwide and perhaps even extend outside the country. This, if anything, should get Disney's interest.

[Roareye]

I must say, that is a cool idea. You will get attention for it, trust me. When we first did Summer of Sonic 5 years ago it was a small little thing with a couple of helpful strands coming from SEGA. This year we're working ever closer with them, getting a bigger venue and working out the details but still given the freedom to develop it the way the fans see fit. It's all free publicity at the end of the day, publicity that money actually can't buy - the dedication of a fanbase.

Companies will recognise it eventually and so I wish you so much luck in your endeavour. Unfortunately being in the UK, seeing any screening in the US is an impossibility atm, however should a London screening pop up, let me know and I'll be there =D

[Redstar]

Companies will recognise it eventually and so I wish you so much luck in your endeavour. Unfortunately being in the UK, seeing any screening in the US is an impossibility atm, however should a London screening pop up, let me know and I'll be there =D

A U.K. and Ireland screening are not entirely out of the realm of possibility. We have contacts in both countries and feel that they're good markets to demonstrate international communities for the film. To keep this discussion relevant to the topic itself, this is all towards a Blu-Ray release of our own.

If MANOS can do it with their following than surely we can with our own. The problem is that many of the film's fans don't realize that there's a dedicated community, so we just need to bring everyone together through these screenings and other exposure. Strength in numbers will help us reach our goal.

[Serum]

Wait, this gives me an idea.

Why don't we start a Kickstarter in order to buy the rights of the original master print of the Super Mario Bros. movie (unused footage included) and make a professional Blu-Ray release? It's become painfully obvious that Disney isn't going to do anything for us unless we give them money, so let's all pitch in and actually buy the movie.

[Prime Evil]

Wait, this gives me an idea.

Why don't we start a Kickstarter in order to buy the rights of the original master print of the Super Mario Bros. movie (unused footage included) and make a professional Blu-Ray release? It's become painfully obvious that Disney isn't going to do anything for us unless we give them money, so let's all pitch in and actually buy the movie.

If Disney even owns it anymore. A lot of Disney's properties--Miramax, etc.--are now being released by Mill Creek Entertainment, specifically a lot of the 90's-era live-action movies and TV movies. Still, that might be a plus...if that's the case you COULD get the rights for a very reasonable price.

[Serum]

Better yet, contact the "Shout! Factory," they put the most obscure movies (from big studios, no less) on Blu-Ray. Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie (from Universal) just got a Blu-Ray release with about 35 minutes worth of deleted scenes on it, as well as two full length documentaries and a bunch of other stuff-- that'd be an acceptable treatment for Super Mario Bros.

[Movieguy]

I wish this would go somewhere. I hope someday we get a restored and extended film.
Restored sound and quality. Along side missing scenes and deleted scenes and the documentary.