laureatedvd.com

[V. Mallon]

Dear Mr. Barnes,

It's been more than a year since I last left a note on the Laureate Message Board, although I've visited the website regularly almost every week. I've been noting with interest the trend towards boxed sets and it's a pleasure to note that you are now working with Universal - one of the finest film catalogues in the business. When I met you at your lecture in May at Gonzaga University in Washington, you may recall that we spoke about a series of DVDs devoted to the great film directors. You agreed that this was a good idea. With all the recent talk about a boxed set devoted to Cecil B. De Mille, how about similar sets on great directors like Preston Sturges, Billy Wilder, Anthony Mann and Douglas Sirk - all of whom have works to be found under the Universal umbrella ?

Regards
Vincent Mallon ( age 23 )

[Ken Barnes]

Good to hear from you again,Vincent. I thoroughly agree that a series devoted to the great film directors is a
super idea. The general feeling may be that this is more of a niche market. Although, in the case of Cecil B. De Mille, Billy Wilder and Preston Sturges, I think we'd be on pretty safe ground commercially.

Anthony Mann could form part of a James Stewart boxed set
based on the classic Westerns they made together - and that would certainly be a winner.

If you can bear with me until we get this current set of releases out of the way, I'll try to deal further with this idea.

Gratefully
Ken Barnes

[Ken Barnes]

Dear Mark,

This will be my absolute last message before I board the plane tomorrow morning.

Thanks for the suggestion of George Stevens - one of Hollywood's great directors. Come to think of it, he also directed "Swing Time" with Fred and Ginger. This idea of a great directors package may be well worth pursuing. I'll see what I can do when I get back.

Cheers
Ken