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Amazon’s first mis-step?

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  • M_BaljeM_Balje Amsterdam, Netherlands
    edited December 9 Posts: 4,672
    Iam curious now who MGM and Amazon going to ask to release there MGM movies if released and inspecialy Bond 26. Wil there go for Universal, because MGM made and released NTTD with them. In this case only for releasing the movie as Warner was expect to do. Universal helping MGM/Sony releasing Spectre in Dutch cinema's, whyle MGM/Sony released the DVD/Bluray.

    Now Warner is out. Because i can't see Amazon and that other streaming going to make movie together. Besides that delaying the movie that it will created. Mabey there stil will be a delay because Denise the directers always feel as choose of Warner. And are there mich other chooses left then Universal or Paramount. Not sjure or Sony stil exist.

    Warner helps MGM for a long time (After Fox, Sony) and even Universal. Warner also re-releasing NTTD on disc (Whyle i don't know or new versions include earlier with Universal logo version of movie).

    MGM and Warner made The Account 2 like there did with first movie, but this time with with Amazon and Warner release movie on disc (sadley enough without extra's who i think happend because of Amazon was part of it.).
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 19,762
    Good question, I find all of that business stuff very complicated and confusing!
  • DragonpolDragonpol https://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com
    edited December 9 Posts: 18,987
    Why is this a thing with the last few Bond films? They used to never have this problem in the past with the Bond films releases. I gather it was because MGM/UA wasn't big enough to release the films on their own like they used to do?
  • thedovethedove hiding in the Greek underworld
    Posts: 6,228
    At the risk of pissing off some people on here I put @M_Balje post and asked the question @Dragonpol asked in ChatGPT. Because I was curious too. Here is the response.

    Great questions. The short answer is that the companies behind the Bond films and the companies behind Bond *home media* are often not the same, and that’s by design.

    1. Why doesn’t the studio who *makes* the Bond movie always handle the home release?

    Because those are two different businesses.

    Producing a film and distributing DVDs/Blu-rays/digital editions require totally different infrastructure:

    * Retail logistics and supply chains
    * Production facilities for discs/packaging
    * International sales teams
    * Relationships with retailers and wholesalers
    * Experience authoring discs and bonus features

    Most studios today focus on theatrical and streaming, not physical media. So even if MGM (and now Amazon) own Bond, they often contract another studio to handle the home release because that partner already has global distribution pipelines in place.

    That’s why for decades you’ve seen Bond’s home media pass through different companies:Fox → Sony → Universal → Warner, etc.

    2. Why did Universal help with *Spectre* in Dutch cinemas, but MGM/Sony released the DVD/Blu-ray?


    Because cinema distribution and home media distribution are also separate deals.
    One company might have theatrical rights in a specific country, while another handles physical and digital releases worldwide.

    This is extremely common for big franchises.

    3. With Warner now out, who will MGM/Amazon use for Bond 26’s home release?

    Right now, three companies are realistic candidates:

    1. Universal

    Very likely.

    * They co-distributed *No Time To Die*.
    * They already have global physical distribution pipelines.
    * They have a long track record with franchises.

    If Amazon wants a reliable, low-drama partner, Universal is the easiest choice.

    2. Paramount

    Possible but less likely.
    They do produce and distribute a lot of physical media, but they have fewer deep historical ties to MGM’s library than Universal or Warner.

    3. Sony

    They absolutely still exist — and are stronger than people think.
    Sony handled Bond home media during the Craig era before MGM shifted again.
    They’re a dark horse, but not out of the race.

    ---

    4. Why isn’t Amazon doing it themselves?

    Amazon owns MGM but does not have a physical media division with global reach.
    They would have to build:

    * Authoring teams
    * Packaging and design
    * Manufacturing
    * Fulfillment centres for retailers
    * International contracts
    * Entire sales departments

    For one franchise even Bond that’s simply not efficient.

    It’s cheaper and easier for Amazon to license home media rights out to an experienced partner, just like they’ve done with The Accountant 2 (Amazon produced, Warner handled discs — though sadly without extras).

    ---

    5. Why did NTTD get re-released on disc by Warner without new extras?

    Two probable reasons:

    1. Licensing window Warner likely inherited existing masters instead of commissioning new ones.
    2. Amazon’s involvement Amazon is not prioritizing physical media extras across MGM titles, and the industry is trending away from expensive special features.

    This isn’t unique to Bond. Many studios are reducing bonus content to cut costs.

    6. What’s the most likely outcome for Bond 26?

    My prediction:

    🔹 Universal handles international theatrical again
    🔹 Universal or Sony handles home media
    🔹 Amazon/MGM oversee production and marketing but outsource distribution

    Warner is unlikely to return, and Paramount is possible but not the favourite.

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