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[Christoph Nestel]

THE MAGIC BOX has been restored by the BFI not only to its original colours but also to its original length of 118 minutes. The old Studio Canal+/Warner Home Video only had a running time of 103 minutes. The restoration seems to have been completed in late 2001. I wonder why this title was not published yet on DVD within the BFI collection. What are the usual policies of the BFI in releasing restoration titles in their collection ? Or is this classic in its entire version not be issued to the public at all ? Have a look at:

http://www.bfi.org.uk/collections/preservation/magicbox/

Best, Christoph

[Ken Barnes]

Dear Christoph,

I would imagine that Warners-Canal + have the rights to issue this item commercially and the ideal time would have been 2001 for the 50th Anniversary. Video companies have their own policies and, in general, the people in these companies are not film buffs. Their decisions are based on what will make the quickest turnover. However, having said that, Warners did issue the wonderful Ealing Comedy Classics boxed set which has sold so well that they recently
issued a second volume. So maybe they would respond to
a series of requests for the restored version of THE MAGIC BOX.

I have contacts in the BFI. They recently assisted us on our forthcoming special edition of CITIZEN KANE ( due for release here on July 21 ).

Thanks for getting in touch

Ken