Legal Rights Issues have hindered the release of these two films produced by Weinstein in the highly sought-after 4K Ultra HD format. This has left many fans disappointed, as they eagerly await high-quality versions of their favorite films.
In today’s vast sea of streaming services, the most reliable means to ensure immediate access to your favorite films is through ownership. Unfortunately, as physical media departments shrink in retailers like Best Buy, collecting movies has become a niche hobby. This trend is disheartening, especially when I frequently search on JustWatch, only to find that the film I want isn?t available for streaming anywhere. Even worse is the frustration of discovering that a physical copy isn?t even an option! It?s perplexing to witness companies seemingly forfeiting opportunities to generate revenue, a trend that has become all too common in the film industry.
As an avid enthusiast of the Scream franchise, I embarked on a quest to collect all of the stunning 4K Steelbooks associated with the series. In fact, I went so far as to import the second one from Europe, and it truly is a remarkable piece for any collection. However, my excitement is tempered by the glaring absence of Scream 4 in the 4K lineup, particularly in Steelbook format. This omission seems baffling, as it would make perfect sense to release all films in a cohesive set, just like the stunning collections we see from other franchises. Despite the successful 4K releases of the first three films, along with the latest installments, Scream 5 and Scream 6, the silence surrounding Scream 4 is deafening. The issue lies in the fact that this specific title is not under the ownership of Paramount, which complicates matters significantly.
To clarify the current landscape, it’s essential to understand the structure of Lionsgate and its related entities. Many fans can easily recall their favorite logo sequences, but there have been significant changes in recent years. In 2024, Lionsgate merged its Studios division with Screaming Eagle Corp, rebranding as Lionsgate Studios. Meanwhile, Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation transitioned to Starz Entertainment to avoid confusion with its parent company. Therefore, when I mention Lionsgate, I am indeed referring to Starz Entertainment, although this distinction may not yet be widely recognized. For simplicity, I will refer to the company as Lionsgate throughout this discussion.
It’s crucial to remember that while the first three Scream films were released through Miramax, the fourth installment was produced by the Weinstein Company. Despite the two entities being led by the same individuals, the rights to these films are tangled in a complex web. The chaotic rights situation can largely be traced back to the actions of Bob and Harvey Weinstein. Following the significant fallout from the Me Too movement, which led to Harvey’s departure from Hollywood in 2017, the Weinstein Company ceased operations in 2018. Their assets were subsequently acquired by Lantern Entertainment, which also obtained the rights to a substantial film catalog. However, acquiring the rights to Scream 4 and other titles necessitated intricate negotiations with Disney, including the rights held by Dimension Films for 2006’s Black Christmas. This raises the question: how did Paramount acquire the rights to the Scream franchise?
The inception of the Weinstein Company was a direct result of the brothers’ departure from Miramax in 2005, driven by dissatisfaction with Disney?s management of the company. However, this transition left Disney with the rights to all films released under the Miramax banner, including the Scream series. Although the Weinsteins were able to secure the rights to produce sequels for the Miramax films, the original titles remained with Disney until 2010, when Disney sold Miramax. The studio operated independently until it was purchased by Paramount Global in 2019, enabling the revival of the franchise through the creative team behind Scream 5.
Consequently, we have two distinct companies affiliated with the Weinsteins, each acquired by different entities, leading to a fragmented rights situation. Presently, Lionsgate is unlikely to collaborate with Paramount on a comprehensive box set. The current strategy may be to maintain the exclusivity of their single film, thereby fostering a growing demand among fans for its eventual release.
Regarding Black Christmas (2006), I have long hoped for a company to recognize its worth and provide it with the treatment it deserves. Dimension Films, now under the Lantern Entertainment umbrella, relies on Lionsgate for the distribution of its physical media. Thankfully, Lionsgate has been proactive in releasing its catalog in 4K, showcasing a commendable commitment to physical media preservation. In an era where even Disney is outsourcing its physical media distribution, this dedication is a breath of fresh air. There?s hope that Black Christmas will be among the next titles to receive a stunning release, possibly just in time for the holiday season next year. Alternatively, it could end up on a growing list titled ?Why Aren?t These Films on Blu-ray?!?
Are there any films you are absolutely eager to see released on Blu-ray or 4K? Do you believe there is a chance these films will eventually receive proper releases? We?d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
