VHS copies are getting expensive


Amazon has few used copies available at upwards of $40 each (although one sold on ebay for only $4.95) Wonder why? Are people who already own copies becoming more aware of the value of this remarkable movie, and holding on to them for that reason? A DVD release of the original uncut version looks doubtful. The missing 5 minutes that were cut before the VHS release was likely do to some of the original participants in that portion refusing to give their consent, since their original releases probably had to be renegotiated, as home video did not exist in 1970. But this is just conjecture. This film deserves to be more widely seen, if only for its historical and sociological value. I'm surprised only a few hundred viewers have rated it so far.

"Any lie will find believers as long as you tell it with force."

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[deleted]

I do have this movie.

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Romany

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Before something even goes out of print, there's some idiot on amazon who's got a ridiculously high price tag on it. Once new copies are no longer available, people with a copy to sell look at the prices, see the high tag, assume it's worth a fortune, and the prices quickly climb. Doesn't seem to matter if there's a demand or not, if people think they can squeeze every penny out of a buyer for a used movie, they will. I've been watching that happen on amazon and eBay for over a decade.

It's unfortunate that MGM was a little behind the curve when they released it on VHS in 2000. However, contracts in those days were very different than they are today, and since participants were 'man on the street' types, I doubt there's many people getting residuals, perhaps excluding Steve Karmen, who composed the music (presumably the songs were performed by uncredited stock studio singers who received a flat fee).

Since that last video release, MGM has released a gazillion obscure movies on DVD. Unfortunately, the economy went south and they soon found their home video division in bankruptcy. In the past few years, most MGM releases have been through Fox and WB -- and they're really only releasing movies that are at least moderately well known.

It's really a shame that this isn't amongst the well known. The styles and songs are badly dated, but the content really isn't -- it's just as relevant today as it was 40 years ago. Sadly, the X rating from its initial release doubtlessly hurt its chances of ever garnering the wide exposure it deserves.

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I wonder if the idiot is the person who charges a ridiculous price for this, or the person who pays it?

I just found it on VHS for 50 cents at my local music store. Good thing I had to wait in line, because otherwise I wouldn't have seen it in the rack by the cash register.

And no, my copy is not for sale — not even for a buck.

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