Disney to Deny Indie Theaters Entire Fox Back Catalog
Now that Disney owns 20th Century Fox, the House of Mouse is making moves to restrict independent theaters from licensing any of the studio’s repertory. That means no more one-nighters or anniversary screenings of films like Predator, Alien, and Die Hard–forever. Now Toronto reports:
The news doesn’t come as a surprise; Disney is notorious for holding back its own catalogue from programmers and theatre owners. When I was programming Harbourfront Centre’s summer movie series not so long ago, I quickly learned not to expect access to the Disney library, which included the studio’s Touchstone and Hollywood imprints. But the withdrawal of the Fox library – which goes back almost a century, and includes hundreds of classics and cult favourites that have been in near-constant circulation – could have a real impact on the landscape of repertory cinema.
This is certainly distressing news for fans of cult and classic cinema. What do you guys think? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
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