MovieChat Forums > The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer (1971) Discussion > Needs to be released on DVD

Needs to be released on DVD

posted 19 years ago by adadams_1999
16 replies | jump to latest

I saw a screening of this film at the Egyptian theater a few years ago. It was hilarious. I believe it to be on par with John Cleese's greater writing. I worked for Warner Bros. at the time and I personally emailed the DVD department, but those numbskulls said they wouldn't even consider putting the title out. They are such idiots! All they put out is commercial crap and do not care about the titles the film buffs want. This film would sell a huge amount to Python fans (most of the regulars make brief appearances), Peter Cook fans, and anyone who likes British comedy.

[–] sharonlynette 19 years ago

I saw this for the first time last year and loved it, it's fantastic why oh why will they not release it?!?!? I bet alot of people that haven't seen it would love to. I at least hope it's on tv one day and I get to make myself a copy!

[–] AndrewT-2 19 years ago

I got one on eBay ... an "unofficial" copy of course. But be careful, there are good and bad ones out there.

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] jimdoyle111 18 years ago

I was lucky enough to discuss this film with David Frost in 2005 and it is a film he is still (he was the producer) very proud of it, citing it as one of Peter Cook's best works.
The film was originally shown on TV in 1979 - but on various ITV channels who usually used it to pad out their late night schedules and the version I taped then runs about 8 minutes short. It has also been shown on Channel 5 twice and they have made less cuts, but there is still some material missing which is why it needs to be issued with care and by someone who knows the film well and understands its importance to fans of John Cleese, Peter Cook, Monty Python - and 60s British comedy.
Another perspective is that Michael Rimmer is essentially Tony Blair, so this film predicts presidential style UK politics and spin and contrasts it with old fashioned Labour thud and blunder with Harold Wilson lookalike George A Cooper in his best ever role.
When I saw this film in the Cosmo Cinema in Glasgow in 1970, I fell off my seat laughing - the first time I have ever done that in a cinema - and I was not the only one. The Cosmo (now the Glasgow Film Theatre) was a specialist cinema which attracted intellectuals and serious film students, so they clearly saw the importance of this film from the word go and it is such a shame that Warner Brothers are unable to do the same and recoginze this as an important historical film document.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] Lookmatey 17 years ago

I so agree with all of you. i am not English, and even if I don't fully understand the politic system in the UK, I thought it was hilarious, brilliand and very intelligent.
And Peter Cook is absolutely terrific as Michael Rimmer, what a performance.
Let's hope some day one day the finally do their job and release it on DVD.

[–] highlandland 17 years ago

It was shown on (UK) Channel 5) in 1999, but has not been repeated since then.

I taped it then, and thankfully have transferred it on to DVDR, but I would love to get a decent copy.

Maybe a DVD edition could come free with a glass of Fors Ale?

[–] DBloodnok 17 years ago

I hear it keeps you hearty and hale......

I recorded it at the same time you did, getting a bit worn now though

"Someone has been tampering with Hank's memories."

[–] amyl_nitrate 17 years ago

I haven't seen it all and would love to see it. I'm probably going to have to keep looking on ebay for homemade copies and nab one. I can't believe there isn't even a vhs release of this, it sounds like a good film. Someone uploaded a few clips onto youtube but each and every clip loses the sound 2 or 3 minutes in. :(

[–] kh-40 17 years ago

It is to be released in the UK by Digital Classics in a few months.

[–] amyl_nitrate 17 years ago

Seriously? That's fantastic news! :D I'm glad to hear of it.

[–] kh-40 17 years ago

We're starting to work on it now. Please see www.digitalclassicsdvd.co.uk (comedy section) for updates.

It should be released this summer.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] DamianIMDB 17 years ago

I remember seeing this years ago, as a kid. Absolutely brilliant. Can't remember what made me think of it again but mistakenly bought 'Whoops Apocalypse' the other day, as I couldn't remember the name but knew Peter Cook played the Prime Minister. WA is not a patch on it of course, cut out all the bits without Cook in though and it would be ok!! 'Pixies!'

Anyway, looking forward to the release!

[–] DBloodnok 17 years ago

http://digitalclassicsdvd.co.uk/product.asp?ProductID=1031

"Someone has been tampering with Hank's memories."

[–] DamianIMDB 15 years ago

Bought it, watched it, brilliant!