MovieChat Forums > Down to the Sea in Ships (1949) Discussion > Fell Into The Public Domain

Fell Into The Public Domain

posted 15 years ago by tapennock
7 replies | jump to latest

I am very surprised that this title fell into the public domain. Also I can't understand why this classic film is NOT out by Fox Home Video pre-recorded.
--Tom Pennock

[–] donofthedial 15 years ago

If this was a PD film, we would see copies available everywhere at a dog cheap price.

Why do you say it is a PD film?

[–] tapennock 14 years ago

Hello:

I do see bootleg copies on e-bay and no official studio release. I came to this conclusion after seeing a print for sale in 35mm stating public domain title. Plus the fact that there has never been an official studio release here in this country. But the member that posted below mentioned it is indeed available in Spain as an authorized copy. I just have always assumed this. That Fox let the copyright lapse.

Best, Tom Pennock

[–] scorbin2028 15 years ago

"Down to the Sea in Ships" (1949) has just been released on Region 2 DVD in Spain. (I'm from the USA, but live in Spain.) I was in a store yesterday and saw this title. If you have a multi-region DVD player (as I do) perhaps you can order this online somehow. The Spanish title for the DVD is "El Demonio Del Mar". By the way, this is an official DVD release through 20th Century Fox in Spain. I hope this helps.

[–] tapennock 14 years ago

Thank you for the good information. Nice to know this title is indeed still under copyright.
Best, Tom Pennock

[–] tapennock 13 years ago

I just located a MINT 16mm print of this title for $300.00!!! I am very happy about this.

--TP

[–] morganseer 12 years ago

Does it have English subtitles?

[–] DavidW1947 12 years ago

Not as far as I know. The version on the Spanish DVD is the original English language version (titles and all) and only the DVD cover and menu are in Spanish. You can play the English language version without subtitles, or the Spanish dubbed version, or play the English language version with Spanish subtitles. Image and sound quality on the DVD transfer are excellent.