Risky Business versions

[Ven]

Hi all,

The listing for Risky Business shows the alternate “director’s cut” ending as a deleted scene in the Extras section. Is there an option to watch the movie with the alternate ending seamlessly integrated, or is that ending only available to watch separately?

Ven

 

[LoveCinema]

The listing for Risky Business shows the alternate “director’s cut” ending as a deleted scene in the Extras section. Is there an option to watch the movie with the alternate ending seamlessly integrated, or is that ending only available to watch separately?

It's simply a deleted scene that can be viewed separately. Unfortunately there's no such thing in the digital world as "seamless branching" like there is for disc players. Risky Business was released in 4K UHD Blu-ray by Criterion and includes both the Theatrical and Director's Cuts in 4K Dolby Vision/HDR. That is the best option for viewing this title. Unfortunately K is limited by what is available digitally.

 

[Ven]

Thanks. Yeah, I think the Criterion release is the route I’ll take for now.

 

[josh]

Well, now that Risky Business has come up and our "rights guru" @LoveCinema has given the answer to OP, I can mention a funny little story...

TL;DR version: That's me 45 years ago in a few of my scenes "starring" in Risky Business with Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay.

---

long boring explanation:

I grew up in Glencoe, IL (suburban Chicago) where the movie supposedly takes place. The house the filmmakers chose to be Joel's house in the movie happened to be a friend of our family's home in nearby Highland Park. They got paid handsomely to move out of their home for a few weeks of filming, but for the big party scene with the prostitutes at Joel's house, they called me and said I should come watch the filming. I did, and noticed a bunch of extras my age. I was 15.

I asked someone with a clipboard if they needed any others, and she sized me up and said "sure - go see that woman"... I signed a few things, and a few minutes later was in a scene, and then a few others. The director asked a group of us who could drive a stick shift, and I definitely could so i raised my hand even though i was still 15 and didn't have a license. They told me to drive up in this orange Fiat X1/9, park in front of Joe's house and walk down the street and turn purposely into the driveway. Sure, no problem. Did it like 9 times for various takes. All fun. Camera seemed to be RIGHT next to me on that walk, and sure enough I'm quite visible with my big 80's hair and my maroon izod shirt.

None of us there that night thought the movie would ever see the light of day... fun night of seeing hollywood magic in process, then probably nothing beyond the $65 we each got paid. Tom Cruise was a nobody... well, one movie previously... Taps, but he was by no means a big star. Rebecca De Mornay was the far bigger star, but the director wasn't well known either at the time. So... we promptly all forgot all about it for the next year.

Then of course it goes on to be an iconic film of our generation... weird feeling to see my 15-year old self in it.

And yeah, of course each of my 4 scenes are marked as Favorite Scenes on my Kaleidescape... my kids are tired of seeing them at this point! (and they really no longer find it funny when I say to random people "yeah, it's me, I see you recognized me... please, i just want to be treated like a regular person..." or "Well, back when Tom Cruise and I worked together on a few things..."

And no, I got no closing credit as a non-speaking "background artist". I've tried hard to lobby IMDB for an entry. They've run out of ways to tell me "forget it, not gonna happen!"

 

[Ven]

Very cool! Sounds like you were in the right place at the right time. (I was 13 and growing up on the opposite side of the city, in Dolton.) I’ve been an extra in a couple of films — Big Miracle and Frozen Ground — but no front-and-center screen time like yours.

 

[Oldred]

Josh, definitely think IMDB need to give you credits, that’s some fine walking going on there, stole the movie! what a great memory. Always liked the movie too.

 

[4KorBust]

Hi all,

The listing for Risky Business shows the alternate “director’s cut” ending as a deleted scene in the Extras section. Is there an option to watch the movie with the alternate ending seamlessly integrated, or is that ending only available to watch separately?

Ven

I think you just hit one of the reasons why KScape is a complimentary device to a 4k disc player, not a replacement. Certain distribution agreements may make titles exclusive to one video format or another.

Take for instance "Stranger Things." Netflix made a deal with Arrow to release the complete series on 4k Blu-ray. KScape can't get it until the deal expires unless Netflix then switches the rights to another disc label and locks them out again.

Then you have certain catalog titles with exclusive film restorations through boutique 4k Blu-ray labels that KScape cannot get its hands on.

 

[LoveCinema]

Take for instance "Stranger Things." Netflix made a deal with Arrow to release the complete series on 4k Blu-ray. KScape can't get it until the deal expires unless Netflix then switches the rights to another disc label and locks them out again.

You're conflating physical and digital contracts which are unrelated. No "disc" contract will ever impact K as K has no connection to the physical media market, is bound by different contracts and different distribution rights, and may even be subject to different media teams and assets from the studio. Netflix can license discs for Stranger Things to a different boutique in every country but the reason K won't get it is because Netflix retains the digital rights for themselves and don't offer them to digital stores (but they could, at any time, regardless of any physical media contracts).

For other studios/distributors it's all a matter of their contracts. Paramount retains full digital rights to every title they license to a boutique. MGM retains rights but differentiates assets. Universal generally doesn't distribute boutique releases digitally but we've just seen Army of Darkness and The Frighteners so who knows what is happening? Warner is new and it appears they may retain rights on Criterion licenses but not Arrow? Disney doesn't license so that makes it easy.

Anyway, apologies if you were just throwing out a simple example.

 

[4KorBust]

You're conflating physical and digital contracts which are unrelated. No "disc" contract will ever impact K as K has no connection to the physical media market, is bound by different contracts and different distribution rights, and may even be subject to different media teams and assets from the studio. Netflix can license discs for Stranger Things to a different boutique in every country but the reason K won't get it is because Netflix retains the digital rights for themselves and don't offer them to digital stores (but they could, at any time, regardless of any physical media contracts).

For other studios/distributors it's all a matter of their contracts. Paramount retains full digital rights to every title they license to a boutique. MGM retains rights but differentiates assets. Universal generally doesn't distribute boutique releases digitally but we've just seen Army of Darkness and The Frighteners so who knows what is happening? Warner is new and it appears they may retain rights on Criterion licenses but not Arrow? Disney doesn't license so that makes it easy.

Anyway, apologies if you were just throwing out a simple example.

I was throwing out an example. It does depend on the exclusivity terms as dictated in the distribution license contract. Each studio contract and distributor agreement is different. Arrow, as far as I am aware, got exclusive home media distribution rights, as in THEY get to put out "Stranger Things" for purchase and no one else until the contract expires. So, KScape is shut out. The same with Criterion and other boutique media companies' products.

I know Kscape is receiving video mezzanines prepped for streaming (at least in terms of Dolby Vision mezzanines since they also use Profile 5 DV with ICP color space, the same as streaming DV - their system is not compatible with Profile 7 files like on a 4k Blu-ray disc). The audio licensed, however, is the lossless or uncompressed kind prepped for disc, not streaming.

The contracts may stipulate how each studio differentiates "digital" licenses vs. physical or if they do it by mezzanine file type and whether the file under contract is for consumer purchase purposes (disc and download) or streaming only purposes. Some studios separate out their licenses that way.

It would be interesting if KScape could do a sub-agreement with these studios and boutiques and have, let's say, a Criterion Shop or Arrow Shop or Shout! Shop, etc. where they had their exclusive content and extras available for download with a cost and profit sharing agreement. Another revenue stream for all parties.

 

[LoveCinema]

Arrow, as far as I am aware, got exclusive home media distribution rights, as in THEY get to put out "Stranger Things" for purchase and no one else until the contract expires. So, KScape is shut out. The same with Criterion and other boutique media companies' product... and whether the file under contract is for consumer purchase purposes (disc and download) or streaming only purposes.

Ok, I see what's happening. You're grouping things based upon how they're paid for (purchase vs. subscription). But, that's not the case. There are physical rights, digital rights, streaming rights, broadcast rights, etc. and they'll all individually managed by different contracts.

There is nothing in Netflix's licensing of physical media rights of Stranger Things to Arrow that can, could, or would in any way, shape, or form impact Kaleidescape which is a digital media company. Netflix, regardless of what is in their contract with Arrow, can continue to digitally distribute Stranger Things in any way they choose, including selling via digital channels.

(Things can become more complicated with licensing that will author new assets (remasters, documentaries, etc.). Those contracts will involve the ownership and distribution of the new assets (including over a period of time) which can therefore impact other channels.)

I know Kscape is getting video mezzanines prepped for streaming (at least in terms of Dolby Vision mezzanines since they also use Profile 5 DV with ICP color space, the same as streaming DV - their system is not compatible with Profile 7 files like on a 4k Blu-ray disc). The audio licensed, however, is the lossless or uncompressed kind prepped for disc, not streaming.

Most studios prep a single set of "home video" assets to distribute. In rare situations studios still have different teams for physical and digital and sometimes the digital team is only provided with a subset of assets. This has nothing to do with contracts.

 

[4KorBust]

Ok, I see what's happening. You're grouping things based upon how they're paid for (purchase vs. subscription). But, that's not the case. There are physical rights, digital rights, streaming rights, broadcast rights, etc. and they'll all individually managed by different contracts.

There is nothing in Netflix's licensing of physical media rights of Stranger Things to Arrow that can, could, or would in any way, shape, or form impact Kaleidescape which is a digital media company. Netflix, regardless of what is in their contract with Arrow, can continue to digitally distribute Stranger Things in any way they choose, including selling via digital channels.

(Things can become more complicated with licensing that will author new assets (remasters, documentaries, etc.). Those contracts will involve the ownership and distribution of the new assets (including over a period of time) which can therefore impact other channels.)


Most studios prep a single set of "home video" assets to distribute. In rare situations studios still have different teams for physical and digital and sometimes the digital team is only provided with a subset of assets. This has nothing to do with contracts.

With exclusivity riders in a contract, then YES Netflix or any other media property owner gives sole distribution rights to a particular distributor for consumer sales (either by region or globally). If they made such a contract with Arrow, then no one else gets to sell that title until the expiration of that contract. Otherwise, Netflix is in breach of said contract. The distributor can choose to renew that contract at the expiration date or let it lapse. If it is not renewed, Netflix or any other owner is free to license to KScape or whomever... or keep that title under their umbrella. Netflix could just as easily have made an exclusive deal with KScape and then no other party could sell said title.

With the way audio and video mezzanine files are given to KScape, it appears the license is more in keeping with a physical media license than strictly a digital streaming license, irrespective of it being a downloadable asset. They just swap out a Profile 7 Dolby Vision video file for a Profile 5 file and keep the disc audio tracks.

The only issue is whether KScape remembers to license the IMMERSIVE audio track or the Dolby Vision version, which may or may not be separate entities that increase the licensing fee. I've looked through their catalog and certain titles that include Dolby Atmos or DTS: X tracks on disc are not present in the KScape download. I've also noted that some titles are Dolby Vision on disc, but not available on KScape either. They must do a better job to ensure they are getting all the possible AV features on a particular title given they are supposed to be a PREMIUM service.

 

[LoveCinema]

With exclusivity riders in a contract, then YES Netflix or any other media property owner gives sole distribution rights to a particular distributor for consumer sales. If they made such a contract with Arrow, then no one else gets to sell that title until the expiration of that contract. Otherwise, Netflix is in breach of said contract.

First, usually these aren't distribution contracts they're physical media licenses. Arrow is signing for the rights to produce and sell a number of physical products in a specific region. Looking at some of their latest releases we can see examples of three use cases:
Misery: Arrow can produce physical products in the UK only. In the US, Kino Lorber has licensed the title for physical sale. Digital distribution rights are retained by MGM and unaffected by either of these physical licenses. K has licensed the digital title from MGM.
Go: Arrow can produce physical products in the US and UK. Digital distribution rights are retained by Sony but only HD is distributed. K has licensed the digital file from Sony.
Wicked Priest (Boxset): Arrow has acquired full distribution rights for these titles in the US, UK, and CA. In addition to physical products in these regions, Arrow has made the digital titles available for direct licensing. K doesn't have a contract with Arrow so cannot access these titles.

With the way audio and video mezzanine files are given to KScape, it appears the license is more in keeping with a physical media license than strictly a digital streaming license, irrespective of it being a downloadable asset. They just swap out a Profile 7 Dolby Vision video file for a Profile 5 file and keep the disc audio tracks.

You keep trying to say something about K is "keeping with" or "similar" or "like" discs. Anything of the sort is happenstance. K is 100% a digital store, operates 100% as a digital store, has licenses 100% like a digital store, and is treated by studios 100% as a digital store. There should be no comparisons between K and discs outside of "This disc has something I can't get digitally so I want it."

K is exactly like the Apple TV App (iTunes), Fandango (Vudu), Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Store, etc. If you want to compare products, you should do so between these stores to see what K can and cannot get. K receives the same mezzanine files that these other stores get. How they compress/encode the files is up to every store and K is the only one to maximize quality over file size.

The only issue is whether KScape remembers to license the IMMERSIVE audio track or the Dolby Vision version, which may or may not be separate entities that increase the licensing fee. I've looked through their catalog and certain titles that include Dolby Atmos or DTS: X tracks on disc are not present in the KScape download. I've also noted that some titles are Dolby Vision on disc, but not available on KScape either. They must do a better job to ensure they are getting all the possible AV features on a particular title given they are supposed to be a PREMIUM service.

Immersive audio is not a digital licensing condition. They can select SD, HD, 4K SDR, 4K HDR, or 4K Dolby Vision (each inclusive of prior) as well as add-ons like Extras Packages or 3D licenses. Unfortunately, there are cases where K chooses to only receive a lower quality product such as HD instead of 4K or 4K SDR instead of 4K HDR. However, in general, whether or not an item has Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, or DTS:X is determined by the studio for digital distribution. Again I'll point to comparing K to other digital stores and not to discs.

 

[JonProphet]

Well, now that Risky Business has come up and our "rights guru" @LoveCinema has given the answer to OP, I can mention a funny little story...

TL;DR version: That's me 45 years ago in a few of my scenes "starring" in Risky Business with Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay.

View attachment 10586 View attachment 10587 View attachment 10588

---

long boring explanation:

I grew up in Glencoe, IL (suburban Chicago) where the movie supposedly takes place. The house the filmmakers chose to be Joel's house in the movie happened to be a friend of our family's home in nearby Highland Park. They got paid handsomely to move out of their home for a few weeks of filming, but for the big party scene with the prostitutes at Joel's house, they called me and said I should come watch the filming. I did, and noticed a bunch of extras my age. I was 15.

I asked someone with a clipboard if they needed any others, and she sized me up and said "sure - go see that woman"... I signed a few things, and a few minutes later was in a scene, and then a few others. The director asked a group of us who could drive a stick shift, and I definitely could so i raised my hand even though i was still 15 and didn't have a license. They told me to drive up in this orange Fiat X1/9, park in front of Joe's house and walk down the street and turn purposely into the driveway. Sure, no problem. Did it like 9 times for various takes. All fun. Camera seemed to be RIGHT next to me on that walk, and sure enough I'm quite visible with my big 80's hair and my maroon izod shirt.

None of us there that night thought the movie would ever see the light of day... fun night of seeing hollywood magic in process, then probably nothing beyond the $65 we each got paid. Tom Cruise was a nobody... well, one movie previously... Taps, but he was by no means a big star. Rebecca De Mornay was the far bigger star, but the director wasn't well known either at the time. So... we promptly all forgot all about it for the next year.

Then of course it goes on to be an iconic film of our generation... weird feeling to see my 15-year old self in it.

And yeah, of course each of my 4 scenes are marked as Favorite Scenes on my Kaleidescape... my kids are tired of seeing them at this point! (and they really no longer find it funny when I say to random people "yeah, it's me, I see you recognized me... please, i just want to be treated like a regular person..." or "Well, back when Tom Cruise and I worked together on a few things..."

And no, I got no closing credit as a non-speaking "background artist". I've tried hard to lobby IMDB for an entry. They've run out of ways to tell me "forget it, not gonna happen!"

Great story Josh.

A friend of mine has an IMDB entry for Live PD. Several episodes but he speaks in those episodes.

Thank you for sharing and trust me, I’ll be looking!