The sequels will happen, says Bill Hunt

[Seretur]

I know this was linked to in another thread, via bluray.com, but this is the full statement by Bill Hunt, editor of TheDigitalBits.com and an all-around respectable industry insider, whose opinions I have been reading for a decade and who has my full respect. Mind you, the information is buried in a bit of a rant about the Best Buy extra DVD for TGC, so I've bolded the important part:

We've learned that Best Buy is going to have an exclusive bonus disc with New Line's The Golden Compass: 2-Disc Platinum Edition on Tuesday, featuring "over 45 minutes worth of extra footage." In other words, it would seem, deleted scenes. The deleted scenes that aren't yet being restored to the movie itself... and which aren't included on the Blu-ray Disc version. Which means, there's going to be a double-dip one of these days (probably when the sequels show up in theatres, which we hear WILL happen because Compass made so much money internationally, even though it hasn't yet been officially announced). What's more, to our knowledge, the bonus disc is only available with the DVD version. In other words, if you're a Blu-ray fan... yes, you ARE getting screwed. You know, we don't mind retailer exclusives like special packaging or swag items, but when ACTUAL CONTENT is only available at a particular retailer - especially something this interesting to fans of the film - that just sucks. Period. Whoever made this decision at New Line or Warner should know better.

Okay, this is the news I've been wanting to hear all year long. I'll happily support New Line's multiple releases of TGC in the meantime, on both DVD and Blu-ray, and here's to Chris & Co. doing justice to Pullman's remaining books!

[Cheater]

I think it was inevitable to happen.
Too many people said yes.

This is great news though.

[mattouter]

Although as it turns out the extra footage is not deleted scenes - from Digital Bits:
" [Editor's Note: We've heard back from sources that this material is not actual deleted scenes, but some kind of additional behind-the-scenes material instead. So that's good. Unfortunately, it's still only available on DVD.]"
Which was also pretty clear from the blurb on best buys' website

[Seretur]

Well, so much the better. I was already thoroughly spoiled by the footage run by hdm.org that I don't want to see more of it until New Line release Weitz's cut of the film, in proper order and with most of them restored to their proper positions.

The extended version of TGC, once it materializes, ought to shut up all those (American, unfortunately) reviewers who found the theatrical release lacking. And then the sequels must carry the torch. Is it too unrealistic to hope for a Christmas '09 release of TSK? Blockbusters often take less time than that...

[JoeSchmo]

All I can say is.. yay!!
I'm glad that the sequels (probably) will be made. Aren't we all?

[whohash83]

How exciting! I wonder when we will get an official word though...

[RoryK]

Lets cross every appendage that he is correct on the sequel front. But it seems he is not correct about the Best Buy Dvd including new scenes:

From the Best Buy Website:

And now, with the Best Buy exclusive bonus disc, you'll meet the film's acclaimed cast, explore exquisite locations and get a closer look at stunt scenes. It's included with the two-disc widescreen edition DVD of this new release.


Seems it's just more making of stuff.

[latency]

Glad they're going ahead.

TGC will work much better as part of a trilogy. As a stand alone movie it's not great, but with the other films it should be half decent.

[TowerDragon]

It would be the dumbest decision to not go ahead with the sequels seeing how popular these books are overseas. The Foreign total B.O has proves this as a fact all the need to work on is the marketing in the states and they will have a franchise on their hands I truly hope that this is good new for the sequels most of the fan base are dying to get some official information.

[Seretur]

Lets cross every appendage that he is correct on the sequel front. But it seems he is not correct about the Best Buy Dvd including new scenes:

From the Best Buy Website:

And now, with the Best Buy exclusive bonus disc, you'll meet the film's acclaimed cast, explore exquisite locations and get a closer look at stunt scenes. It's included with the two-disc widescreen edition DVD of this new release.


Seems it's just more making of stuff.

No, Bill has since amended his original post, as he learned about the actual content of the bonus disc.

This has nothing to do with his insider info on the status of the sequels. He is both well-connected within the industry and a true fan at heart (as everyone who has followed, say, his involvement with the trials and tribulations of the final Blade Runner release can attest to), and he is among the very few respected US media journalists who has unabashedly supported TGC from the beginning.

Really, he's not making this up. I'm willing to bet my new 46" HDTV on it.

[Samus]

Well im allround glad to hear it. Lets just hope they dont leave too much out the next 2 films, if it is 2 and not just one scimpy throw-it-all-together bodge up of the next 2 books =\

and Btw, havnt been on here in a while as some may know, like the new skin... Looks very professional n stuff... shame about the banner adds though. LA, you should set up a paypal donation system. I know id be happy to pass on a few quid every now and then. =)

Hello all, and hope ur well ^^

Samus.x

[tgcfan]

AW YEAH! THAT'S SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GREAT! THAT MADE MY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'M SSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GLAD THEY ARE MAKING THE SEQUELS!!!

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Glad they're going ahead.

TGC will work much better as part of a trilogy. As a stand alone movie it's not great, but with the other films it should be half decent.

YUP!

Enthusiasm is great, but so is editing posts

[Neptune]

Well, we love the sound of it...

I haven't come up with money to buy both the new book and the DVD. Must get some part time now...

[Samus]

new book? what what? tbod out?

[namster]

This has nothing to do with his insider info on the status of the sequels. He is both well-connected within the industry and a true fan at heart (as everyone who has followed, say, his involvement with the trials and tribulations of the final Blade Runner release can attest to), and he is among the very few respected US media journalists who has unabashedly supported TGC from the beginning.

Really, he's not making this up. I'm willing to bet my new 46" HDTV on it.

You and Bill Hunt have put a smile to this man's face.

The crew of The Golden Compass put so much into the production, I'd never rest in peace knowing that it was all for nothing.

[TowerDragon]

I just wish that New Line and WB or any other film company for that matter, would tells us instead of dragging this out for so long. The DVD has brought me back to the point where these sequels must be filmed and Chris Weizt is the man for the job I would hate to see this go down the drain after some people have spend a decade trying to get these films off the ground.

[dixiewitch]

new book? what what? tbod out?

once upon a thime in the north.

[Dark Fantasies]

That is amazing news!!

[rkidbrooksy]

Im so glad we sort have got an unofficial nod that the sequels
will go ahead. But its exciting and I'm sure Chris Weitz will do
them justice if given the chance. The platinum edition dvd
sounds ace though, be good to see TGC as it was originally intended.

[subtle_sword]

awesome...... just hope they do a better job this time....

[Dark Fantasies]

^ I think they did a wonderful job. But they just cut too much out, of the original.

[JoeSchmo]

I agree. Bob Shaye and the other guy are retards.

[BanaLust]

I'll be stunned.... STUNNED if this really happens.

I'm all for TSK being made but I just get a feeling this could be lip service.

I really hope I'm wrong though.

[Lyrael]

I hate to tell this, but frankly I'm not so sure they really are going to make the sequels: TGC wasn't that blockbuster New Line (and we all, obviously! ) hoped, and in addiction to this NL isn't indipendent anymore, so every decision will be more difficult.I don't know, really...I feel like there isn't that true effort of the beginning, but obviously mine is just an external opinion. Anyway, the guy seems pretty sure of what he says,so...Fingers crossed!!!

[darenshan544]

Remember what happened to "Eragon" . "Yes, Eldest is going to be made" quote from 20th Century Fox. NOT*