The Last Unicorn: 25th Anniversary Edition

[Bebopgroove]

From Animated-News.Com:

According to an IMDb forum post by Connor Cochran, the business manager for Last Unicorn author Peter S. Beagle, talks are underway for a possible new Region 1 DVD release of the 1982 animated film, The Last Unicorn. Cochran asks for public feedback on extra features that The Last Unicorn fans would like to see on this possible new release. The film was previously released on DVD in the US in March 2004, but the subpar quality of the release (pan-and-scan format, poor transfer, no extras, etc) left many fans greatly disappointed. Free registration is required to view and post on the IMDb forums, but Cochran's original post can be read here.

The Last Unicorn is one of my all-time favorite animated films, and I was so disappointed in the R1 release, that I almost wrote a hate-letter to Lions Gate, but decided to get the R2 version instead. I really hope this film gets the treatment it deserves.

If you're a member of IMDB and would like to list suggetions for an improved release, visit the forum here; Cochran's post is titled, "OPEN CALL FOR SUGGESTIONS ON NEW/IMPROVED DVD" (you'll probably find my post somewhere in there; my username is bebopgroove04).

Mr. Cochran is a usual poster on the boards there, and I think it was very nice of him to be asking us (the fans) for suggestions.

[Joshrzmeup]

The Last Unicorn....why does that sound so familiar to me, like I should know it? I remember years ago having something to do with unicorns taped on beta, but don't remember what it was or really what it was about.

[totallyminnie86]

This is exciting! I hope they release it. I love this movie and I'm so glad he's asking for our input over at imdb. hopefully if enough people respond it'll be a reality!

[Karushifa]

The Last Unicorn....why does that sound so familiar to me, like I should know it? I remember years ago having something to do with unicorns taped on beta, but don't remember what it was or really what it was about.

It is an animated film from 1982 that was done by the Rankin-Bass studio, the same folks who did the Hobbit and Return of the King animated movies and also the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer stop-motion movie.

Check out this fan site about the movie: http://www.the-last-unicorn.net/story.htm

[Isidour]

excelent news!!!

I was just starting to think I would never get this movie

[Johnboy]

Cool! i can't wait, i do have the R1 Barebones release and should include the Trailer and Tv Spots with commentary by Beagle.

[PrincessJen]

I LOVE that movie. And I agree completely that the last R1 release was so shoddy, it looked like they almost did nothing to restore it. I hope we get a nice SE of it soon! a 2 disc would be even cooler!

[JamesDFarrow]

DDD has this listed for release on Feb.6/07 - $12.38

They don't show any details so I have no idea what's "special" about it.

James

[JamesDFarrow]

Before anyone asks what is DDD here is the link:

http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemID=LGE020423

James

[slave2moonlight]

I had never really sat and watched this as a kid, but an online friend who is in love with the film sent me the DVD a couple years back. So, I finally got to watch it, but I'm just kinda indifferent to it. It is watchable, but there is something so unappealing to Rankin/Bass 2D animation for me, unless it's holiday themed. They are so good at capturing holiday magic, and I love any of their holday filmed stuff, whether 2D or stop-motion "animagic," but I am uncomfortable watching their non-holiday 2D films.

However, I would like to replace that DVD with a better version, because it hardly even plays on any DVD players. It's simply a bad release.

[Siren]

This is the movie that got me OBSESSED with unicorns. I have everything from books, to artwork, to statues, to toys, to tattoos of unicorns.

[Siren]

Spread the word! February 6th, 2007 get your copy of Last Unicorn on DVD, for the first time in USA. After a battle with Lion's Gate to not only release it, but actually CONVINCE them to release it, it is coming to DVD.

Lionsgate Home Entertainment has announced The Last Unicorn for release on February 6th, 2007. Featuring the voices of Jeff Bridges, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury, and Rene Auberjonois - with songs performed by America - the classic cult-favorite animated movie celebrates its 25th anniversary with a new special edition to satisfy the demands of this film's dedicated fan base. The DVD will feature, for the first time in Region 1, a newly remastered anamorphic widescreen transfer and English Dolby Digital 5.1 track. Extras will include "The Tail of The Last Unicorn" featurette, "Schmendrick's Magical Gallery," "Escape the Red Bull" set-top game and the original theatrical trailer. Retail is $19.98.

http://davisdvd.com/news/animation.html

[JamesDFarrow]

James

[MickeyMousePal]

Siren, Lions Gate already release The Last Unicorn back in 2004 but it's a single disc and is boneless with bonus features.

Anyways it's good that The Last Unicorn will get another release.
Might just get the 25 Anniversary in February....

[Siren]

Yeah, I have that craptacular one. I meant to add SE to the topic

[Sotiris]

Will it be a 2-disc realease? I've never actually seen this movie yet but i've heard it's really good. If it's a 2-disc set i'm definately buying it.

[Siren]

No word on number of discs. I don't think they are putting enough content to be 2 discs.

[Siren]

Not truely news about the Special Edition DVD, but rather some info about purchasing it and where to get it.

On 2/6/07, it will be in stores...however, due to poor business dealings when the movie was originally made, Peter S. Beagle, the author of The Last Unicorn, has seen barely a fraction of the money he should have earned from this movie. And Lion's Gate, the distributer, isn't ponying up either. However, if you purchase the DVD from Conlan Press (Mr. Beagle's publisher/business manager), OVER HALF the profit from the DVD sales there will go to Mr. Beagle. The DVD is $24.98.
Now of course, you could just get it from your local Best Buy or Walmart...maybe even cheaper.
However, if you purchase it from Conlan Press, Mr. Beagle will personally autograph the DVD, the DVD cover, and the DVD slipcase. NO STORE offers that. And because his authentic signature is on it, it will certainly be a collector's item in the future.
You can purchase the DVD, as well as his other books (also authographed) here: http://www.conlanpress.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

I plan to buy at least 2 copies for myself, and perhaps a few more for friends.

[Beastboyravenz]

Siren, is this movie considered Japanese Animation? And thank you for linking the website, I've never seen this movie but would love to someday. If I decide on purchasing I'll do so there. It's not right that he's not getting any of the profits! I mean it's only his movie, I'm surprised he hasn't sued.

[Siren]

Technically, it is not anime. It was animated in Japan though. But so was Gargoyles and that isn't anime either.

And Mr. Beagle can't sue. He is a fantastic author, but was a poor businessman.