116-562: Miramax, LLC , formerly known as Miramax Films , is an American independent film and television production and distribution company founded on December 19, 1979, by Harvey and Bob Weinstein , and based in Los Angeles, California . Today, it is owned by beIN Media Group and Paramount Global . It was a leading producer and distributor of independent films until it became the first company acquired by The Walt Disney Company on June 30, 1993. In 2010, Disney sold it to Filmyard Holdings ,
232-580: A 13-year-old girl, to which Polanski pleaded guilty before fleeing the country. Weinstein, whose company distributed Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired , a film about the Polanski case, questioned whether Polanski committed any crime, prompting Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley to insist that Polanski's guilty plea indicated that his action was a crime, and that several other serious charges were pending. In October 2017, The New York Times and The New Yorker reported that more than
348-506: A Weinstein movie. Weinstein's production companies were frequently involved in fashion-themed movies, including Madonna 's W.E. , Robert Altman 's Prêt-à-Porter , and Tom Ford 's A Single Man . Stars of Weinstein's films appeared on more than a dozen Vogue covers. In July 2024, Weinstein was admitted to the prison ward of Bellevue Hospital with what his lawyers said were COVID-19 and double pneumonia . On September 9, 2024, he underwent emergency heart surgery at Bellevue and
464-399: A broader company-wide effort, Buena Vista Home Entertainment dropped the "Buena Vista" branding in 2007 and was renamed as Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. However, the division retained Buena Vista as its legal corporate name. By 2012, Disney began to distribute all of the film titles from Marvel Studios starting with The Avengers . In 2013, Disney acquired the first four movies in
580-636: A catalyst for music and decided to do a licensing agreement with Thorn EMI Video to release several of Miramax's early films. Among the company's other breakthrough films as distributors in the late 1980s and early 1990s were Pulp Fiction , Scandal , Sex, Lies, and Videotape , Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! , The Crying Game , and Clerks . The company also made films such as Flirting with Disaster , Heavenly Creatures , and Shakespeare in Love . Miramax Films acquired and/or produced many other films that did well financially. The company became one of
696-539: A deal with Harvey and Bob Weinstein's The Weinstein Company to develop and distribute select derivative works of films from the former studio. Sequels, television series, or stage productions of titles such as Rounders and Shakespeare in Love were among the projects said to be part of this agreement. On July 17, 2015, Qatar and Colony NorthStar put Miramax up for sale for an offer of $ 1 billion. Harvey and Bob Weinstein had reportedly regained interest in reacquiring
812-599: A distribution agreement with Warner Home Video where the latter would distribute over 100 Disney/Touchstone/Hollywood titles on DVD in Europe and Australia until the end of 2000. The distribution of VHS releases, however, remain under Disney's full control. In 2000, following Andy Heyward 's purchase of DIC back from Disney, DIC's rights with BVHE expired. With this, DIC later signed a new deal with Lions Gate Home Entertainment in 2001. In 2001, following Disney's acquisition of Fox Family Worldwide (including Fox Family ,
928-597: A dozen women accused Weinstein of sexually harassing , assaulting , or raping them. Many other women in the film industry subsequently reported similar experiences with Weinstein, who denied "any nonconsensual sex." As a result of these allegations, Weinstein was dismissed from his production company, suspended from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts , and expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences . Weinstein also resigned from
1044-402: A headlock while throwing him out of a party. On another occasion, Weinstein yelled at director Julie Taymor and her husband during a disagreement over a test screening of her movie Frida , saying to Taymor, "You are the most arrogant person I have ever met!" and to her husband, film composer Elliot Goldenthal , "I don't like the look on your face. Why don't you defend your wife, so I can beat
1160-717: A joint venture between Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment , via a distribution deal with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment , who released the company's content on home video briefly in 2024. Before Disney began releasing home video titles itself, it licensed some titles to MCA's DiscoVision label for their newly developed disc format, later called LaserDisc . Disney's agreement with MCA ended in December 1981. In 1980, Disney established its own video distribution operation as part of Walt Disney Telecommunications and Non-Theatrical Company (WDTNT) with Jim Jimirro as its first president. Home video
1276-523: A joint venture of Colony NorthStar , Tutor-Saliba Corporation and Qatar Investment Authority . In March 2016, the company was sold to the beIN Media Group , which later sold a 49% stake to ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global ) on April 3, 2020. Miramax Films was founded by the Weinstein brothers, Harvey and Bob, along with executive Corky Burger in Buffalo, New York , in 1979, and was named by combining
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#17327907998991392-478: A jury convicted Weinstein on February 24, 2020, of two of five criminal charges: one count of criminal sexual assault in the first degree and one count of rape in the third degree. The jury found him not guilty regarding predatory sexual assault, which could have led to a life sentence. Weinstein was remanded to jail at Rikers Island in New York City pending his sentencing hearing on March 11, when he
1508-526: A longtime supporter of and contributor to the Democratic Party , including the campaigns of President Barack Obama and presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and John Kerry . Weinstein supported Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign . In 2012, he hosted an election fundraiser for Obama at his home in Westport, Connecticut . Weinstein was active in the fashion industry. He produced
1624-524: A new film production company called The Weinstein Company (TWC) and took the Dimension Films label with them. The Miramax Films name remained with the film studio owned by Disney. Production at Miramax Films was taken over by Daniel Battsek , who had been head of Buena Vista International in the UK . Battsek refocused Miramax Films to produce films of high quality but low budget. Maple Pictures held
1740-579: A number of actresses who had made allegations against Weinstein responded: Ashley Judd , who was among the first to disclose her rape, told the New York Times : "That is unfair to survivors. We still live in our truth. And we know what happened." Later at a press conference, Judd added: "This is what it’s like to be a woman in America, living with male entitlement to our bodies." Rosanna Arquette , who disclosed that Weinstein assaulted her, said in
1856-405: A result, film titles from 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures began to be distributed by Disney for home media formats. Disney also began to distribute home video titles from MGM for a short time under the then-current deal with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment until June 30, 2020, as where MGM's home video deal transferred to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment afterwards. Following
1972-694: A single film. Jackson and Saul Zaentz rejected Disney's request and looked for another studio or financier. Thus, Miramax Films sold the rights for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to New Line Cinema in August 1998 for about $ 12 million, which led The Lord of the Rings to be produced as a trilogy. Miramax Films retained a 5% stake in the films' gross and then gave 2.5% to the Weinsteins. Through Miramax Films, Harvey founded Talk magazine with Tina Brown in 1998 (it shut down in 2002), albeit without
2088-578: A statement to the Hollywood Reporter : "Harvey was rightfully convicted. It’s unfortunate that the court has overturned his conviction. As a survivor, I am beyond disappointed." Rose McGowan , who also shared her story of assault from Weinstein, said in a video statement: "No matter what they overturn, they cannot take away who we are and what we know, what we've gone through and what we can achieve in this life. We are not victims. We are people that were injured by evil." Retrial Despite
2204-539: A wave of "national reckoning" against sexual harassment and assault in the United States known as the Weinstein effect . Compounded by other sexual harassment cases earlier in the year, the Weinstein reports and subsequent #MeToo hashtag campaign , which encouraged individuals to share their suppressed stories of sexual misconduct , created a cavalcade of allegations across multiple industries that brought about
2320-490: A wrongfully convicted inmate sentenced to death row . The publicity that soon surrounded the case resulted in Adams' release and nationwide publicity for Miramax Films. In 1989, their successful launch release of Steven Soderbergh 's Sex, Lies, and Videotape propelled Miramax to become the most successful independent studio in America. In 1989, Miramax Films also released two arthouse films , Peter Greenaway 's The Cook,
2436-530: Is Jewish , and his maternal grandparents immigrated to the United States from Poland . Weinstein grew up with his younger brother, Bob , in a housing co-op named Electchester in New York City. Weinstein graduated from John Bowne High School and attended the State University of New York at Buffalo . Weinstein, his brother Bob, and Corky Burger independently produced rock concerts as Harvey & Corky Productions in Buffalo through most of
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#17327907998992552-521: Is the home entertainment distribution arm of the Walt Disney Company . The division handles the distribution of Disney's films, television series, and other audiovisual content across digital formats and platforms . For 37 years, Buena Vista Home Entertainment handled autonomous distribution of those properties in several physical home media formats, such as VHSs , DVDs , Blu-ray discs , and 4K discs under various brand labels around
2668-409: Is the television production division founded in 1987, assigned to producing television shows based on the existing Miramax film library and original concepts. Although Miramax produced its series as early as 1987, Miramax expanded its foray into game shows with an attempted version of What's My Line? in 1996, followed by a proper television division in 1998. In 2001, Mort Marcus became chairman of
2784-589: The Scream and Scary Movie film franchises. Harvey funded larger projects from up-and-coming directors, including Robert Rodriguez , Gus Van Sant , and Quentin Tarantino . Some of the films earned Oscars. In 1997, Miramax Films joined Peter Jackson as a primary financial backer in attempting to get the Lord of the Rings films produced. Disney disliked the cost of a two-parter, requesting that it be produced as
2900-571: The #MeToo social media campaign and subsequent sexual abuse allegations against many powerful men worldwide; this phenomenon is referred to as the " Weinstein effect ". In May 2018, Weinstein was arrested and charged with rape in New York ; in February 2020, he was found guilty of two of five felony counts. Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in prison, and began serving his sentence at Wende Correctional Facility . On July 20, 2021, Weinstein
3016-577: The Directors Guild of America and was denounced by leading figures in politics whom he had supported. The Los Angeles Police Department opened a criminal investigation for alleged rape, and New York and London police began investigating other sexual assault allegations. On October 10, 2017, Weinstein's wife, Georgina Chapman , announced that she was leaving him; their divorce was finalized in July 2021. The sexual abuse allegations precipitated
3132-517: The Fox Kids brand and Saban Entertainment ). A year later in 2002, Saban became BVS Entertainment and BVHE took distribution over from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment . In 2005, Roger Corman -owned production company New Concorde signed a distribution deal with Buena Vista Home Entertainment, giving BVHE home video distribution rights to 400 Corman-produced films, including the pre-1984 New World Pictures library until 2008. As part of
3248-984: The Marvel Cinematic Universe from Paramount Pictures , with notable exceptions are: The Incredible Hulk which was currently distributed at the time by Universal Pictures until ten years later in June 2023; the Spider-Man Universe , with the exception of the MCU-era Spider Man, still handled by Sony Pictures through Columbia Pictures ; and the X-Men and the Fantastic Four franchise which were held by 20th Cenury Fox (now 20th Century Studios) until transferred to Marvel Studios in March 2019 following Disney's acquisition of
3364-664: The New York Court of Appeals overturned the New York rape convictions because of "egregious errors" of procedure, ordering a retrial. Weinstein remains in prison because of the California conviction. After the 2024 New York Court of Appeals decision, Weinstein was transferred back to New York's Rikers Island prison, with plans being made for a retrial to take place in New York in September 2024. On July 19, 2024, it
3480-520: The New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department upheld the verdicts and judgment on appeal. For the court's decision, Judge Angela Mazzarelli wrote, "We perceive no basis for reducing the sentence, and we have considered defendant's remaining arguments and find them unavailing." On August 25, 2022, Weinstein was granted a further appeal before the New York Court of Appeals . On July 20, 2021, Weinstein
3596-579: The human rights organization Amnesty International . Working closely with Martin Lewis , the producer of the original films, the Weinstein brothers edited the two films into one movie tailored for the American market. The resulting film was released as The Secret Policeman's Other Ball in May 1982, and it became Miramax Films' first hit. The movie raised considerable sums of money for Amnesty International and
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3712-599: The 1970s. Harvey & Corky Productions brought top acts to Buffalo, including Frank Sinatra , The Who , Jackson Browne , and the Rolling Stones . Weinstein's longtime friend, Jonathan A. Dandes, followed him to Buffalo and has described Weinstein as "aggressive" and "consumed" in matters of business. Weinstein attended the University at Buffalo from 1969 to 1973 but ultimately did not graduate, choosing to concentrate on his business interests instead. In
3828-612: The Blu-ray 3D format, starting with A Christmas Carol and Alice in Wonderland . In 2017, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment quietly discontinued releasing new titles in the format in North America, presumably due to the declining interest in the 3D format at home in the region. Despite this, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment continues to release new 3D titles in the format in other regions, mostly in Europe such as
3944-658: The British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his contributions to the British film industry. This award was honorary because Weinstein is not a citizen of a Commonwealth country. On March 2, 2012, Weinstein was made a knight of the French Legion of Honour , in recognition of Miramax's efforts to increase the presence and popularity of foreign films in the United States. The University at Buffalo revoked Weinstein's honorary doctorate, saying his conduct "contradicts
4060-590: The Musical , and August: Osage County . After leaving Miramax, Weinstein and his brother Bob founded The Weinstein Company (TWC), a mini-major film studio . He was co-chairman , alongside Bob, from 2005 to 2017. In October 2017, following sexual abuse allegations dating back to the late 1970s, Weinstein was dismissed from his company and expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences . More than 80 women made allegations of sexual harassment or rape against him by October 31. The allegations sparked
4176-809: The Pooh was released for rental and sale at the same time. Alice in Wonderland was released on October 15, 1981, for rental only. Fun and Fancy Free was released in 1982 as ' Fun and Fancy Free' Featuring: Mickey and the Beanstalk , to capitalize on the best-known segment of the film. Their agreement with DiscoVision having ended in 1981, Disney began releasing LaserDiscs under the Walt Disney Home Video label to their own network of distributors and dealers. The first five titles were shipped in June 1982: The Black Hole , The Love Bug , Escape to Witch Mountain , The Many Adventures of Winnie
4292-587: The Pooh , and Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck Cartoons, Collection One . Five more titles shipped in July: Pete's Dragon , Dumbo , Davy Crockett and the River Pirates , The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band , and Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck Cartoons, Collection Two . Disney released more cartoon compilations (pre- Walt Disney Cartoon Classics in 1983) in late 1981, including Goofy Over Sports and A Tale of Two Critters . Dumbo
4408-903: The SPHE logo. As a result of the deal, Disney Movie Club shut down on May 20, 2024. The first Disney film to be distributed by Sony was 20th Century's The First Omen on July 30, 2024. On June 24, 2024, it was reported that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment had entered into a distribution deal with Studio Distribution Services to handle the physical distribution of titles from Sony Pictures ( Columbia Pictures , TriStar Pictures , Screen Gems , Crunchyroll, LLC , etc.) as well as Disney, Lionsgate Home Entertainment ( Lionsgate Films , Summit Entertainment , eOne Films , Roadside Attractions , etc.) and The Criterion Collection through their existing distribution deals with SPHE. The company currently distributes digital media , and formerly distributed Blu-ray discs and DVDs internally under many labels around
4524-671: The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover and director Pedro Almodóvar 's film Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! , both of which received an X-rating from the MPAA rating board , effectively stopping nationwide release for these films. Weinstein sued the MPAA over the rating system. His lawsuit was later thrown out, but the MPAA introduced the NC-17 rating two months later. Miramax Films continued to grow its library of films and directors until, in 1993, after
4640-828: The United Kingdom and Ireland (Elevation Sales ), Poland (Galapagos), Czech Republic (Magic Box), Spain (Divisa Films), Italy (Eagle Pictures), Scandinavia ( SF Studios ), France and Benelux (ESC Distribution), Germany and Austria ( Leonine Studios ), and Japan ( Happinet ). In February 2024, Disney entered into a home video distribution agreement with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment , in which Sony would handle all physical media production and distribution for Disney's home entertainment assets in North America, after 37 years as an in-house physical media distribution label. Despite this, Disney will continue as an in-house physical media production label; SPHE-distributed releases will continue using their respective labels, and will not use
4756-474: The United Kingdom since 2010. In 2023, Disney released Avatar: The Way of Water for the Blu-ray 3D through its 20th Century label. A new feature that was included in the Diamond Edition of Bambi on March 1, 2011, "Disney Second Screen" is a feature accessible via a computer or iPad app download that provides additional content as the user views the film. Disney Second Screen syncs along with
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4872-485: The United States from 1983 to 1985 under the Muppet Home Video label. This lasted until late 1997. The following year, the label moved to Sony Pictures ' Columbia TriStar Home Video division. In July 1993, Buena Vista Home Video signed a multimillion-dollar multiyear North American licensing deal with DIC Entertainment . The deal included over 1,000 half-hours worth of animated content from DIC, alongside
4988-472: The Weinstein Company library, inherited via their deal with Lantern) and Viacom (Paramount's parent company who re-merged with CBS Corporation on December 4, 2019, to form ViacomCBS) were seen as the leading contenders to acquire a stake in the company. By August 19, 2019, Lionsgate and Viacom were the only contenders, as Spyglass Media Group dropped out of contention. On September 11, 2019, it
5104-434: The Weinsteins announced that they would not renew their contractual relationship when their existing agreements expired at the end of September 2005. The primary source of dispute was over distribution of Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore. Disney's film studio consortium, Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group , assumed control of Miramax Films, which was projected to have a smaller annual production budget. The Weinsteins started
5220-424: The accusation could be proven, journalist Nikki Finke published an email sent by Scott Rudin on August 22 asserting that Weinstein "harassed" Anthony Minghella 's widow and a bedridden Pollack until Pollack's family asked him to stop. In September 2009, Weinstein publicly voiced opposition to efforts to extradite Roman Polanski from Switzerland to the U.S. regarding a 1977 charge that he had drugged and raped
5336-740: The approval of then-Disney chief Michael Eisner , which upset Eisner. Also that year, 30 former employees filed suit over unpaid overtime wages. By 2003, Miramax Films was less operative in the independent film market and became more of a mini-major as the company only acquired 3 films while producing Cold Mountain for $ 80 million. The Weinsteins claimed the company was profitable, but Walt Disney Company president Robert Iger indicated in June 2004 that they were not properly accounting for "account standard overhead, distribution fees, bonuses that we pay Harvey and Bob. Nor are they applying current accounting rules." After extensive negotiations and much media and industry speculation, on March 30, 2005, Disney and
5452-429: The claims of sexual abuse against Weinstein. Allen declined to help. Weinstein also reportedly used Black Cube to attempt to silence journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor reporting on the allegations against him. According to Kantor, a Black Cube agent posing as a women's rights advocate attempted to manipulate and dupe her. Weinstein approached Hillary Clinton in an attempt to help him stop Farrow from publishing
5568-544: The company would focus on their existing library, though they would continue making original content. After the sale was closed, some films already developed at Miramax, including The Tempest and Gnomeo & Juliet , were eventually released by Disney under its Touchstone Pictures banner, and theatrical distribution of Don't Be Afraid of the Dark and The Debt were shifted to FilmDistrict and Focus Features respectively. On December 16, 2013, Miramax entered into
5684-430: The company's debt, which was more than $ 40 million. The acquisition gave Disney entry to the independent film market. Harvey and Bob Weinstein continued to operate Miramax Films until they left the company on September 30, 2005. During their tenure, the Weinstein brothers ran Miramax Films independently of other Disney subsidiaries and, as a result, had more autonomy than the other Disney-owned companies. Disney, however, had
5800-827: The company, only to leave in 2002 to reestablish Debmar Studios . Harvey Weinstein Harvey Weinstein ( / ˈ w aɪ n s t iː n / ; born March 19, 1952) is an American former film producer and convicted sex offender. In 1979, Weinstein and his brother, Bob Weinstein , co-founded the entertainment company Miramax , which produced several successful independent films including Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989); The Crying Game (1992); Pulp Fiction (1994); Heavenly Creatures (1994); Flirting with Disaster (1996); and Shakespeare in Love (1998). Weinstein won an Academy Award for producing Shakespeare in Love and also won seven Tony Awards for plays and musicals including The Producers , Billy Elliot
5916-460: The couple divorced in 2004. They had three daughters. In 2007, Weinstein married English fashion designer and actress Georgina Chapman . They have a daughter and a son. On October 10, 2017, after the sexual harassment accusations became public, Chapman announced that she was leaving Weinstein. They reached a settlement in January 2018, and their divorce was finalized in July 2021. Weinstein
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#17327907998996032-523: The creation of the DIC Toon Time Video label and interactive and multimedia opportunities. In December 1993, Buena Vista Home Video's European Spanish unit signed a distribution deal with Acclaim Entertainment for the distribution of Acclaim's video game titles in Spain. In April 1996, due to ongoing realignment stemming from Disney's merger with Capital Cities/ABC , Buena Vista Home Video
6148-509: The documentary Untouchable was released with interviews from several of his accusers. The New York County District Attorney's Office charged Weinstein with "rape, criminal sex act, sex abuse and sexual misconduct for incidents involving two separate women" on May 25, 2018. He was arrested the same day after surrendering to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and released after US$ 1 million bail
6264-510: The end of 1980. The agreement specified rental fees ranging from $ 7.95 to $ 13.95. Disney was unusual among the major studios in offering a program for authorized rentals. Most of the other studios involved in the videocassette market at the time were trying to find ways to stop dealers from renting out their movie tapes. Magnetic Video (which had titles from 20th Century Fox and others) ceased doing business with Fotomat after they began renting Magnetic Video cassettes without authorization. In
6380-584: The family divisions of Miramax Films; originally founded as one singular company in 1991. The label was quietly discontinued in 2006. On March 18, 2019, Miramax revived its family and animation divisions, with both being founded as separate divisions within the company. Michael Lachance, who had previously developed projects at DreamWorks Animation and Sony Pictures Animation , was named the division's executive vice president. Highest-Grossing Films Films and TV shows distributed by Miramax Family and Miramax Animation are listed here: Miramax Television
6496-544: The fashion reality show Project Runway , making stars of designer Michael Kors , model Heidi Klum and editor Nina Garcia . Weinstein was instrumental in the revival of Halston , collaborating with Tamara Mellon , Sarah Jessica Parker , and stylist Rachel Zoe . He licensed the option to revive the Charles James brand. Celebrities were asked to wear Marchesa (the label of his then-partner and later then-wife, Georgina Chapman) at least once if they were cast in
6612-403: The festival, and Miramax eventually released the film theatrically. However, it was alleged that Miramax did not make a major effort to promote the film for Academy Award consideration, though Caine was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor . Weinstein acquired a reputation for ruthlessness and fits of anger . According to Biskind, Weinstein once put a New York Observer reporter in
6728-572: The fifth movie Dial of Destiny in June 2023. In July 2017, GKIDS and Shout! Studios both took over the North America home video rights of the Studio Ghibli films from Disney. However, Disney still handles home video distribution of the company's films in Japan. In March 2019, Disney acquired 21st Century Fox 's film assets, and in January 2020, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment was folded into Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. As
6844-698: The film to make it more mainstream. Weinstein re-edited several Asian films and dubbed them in English. Weinstein tried to release the English-dubbed versions of Shaolin Soccer and Hero in the United States theatrically, but they scored badly in test screenings, leading Weinstein to release the films in United States cinemas in their original language. Furthermore, Weinstein re-edited 1993 Cannes Palme d'Or winner Farewell My Concubine for U.S. theatrical release; 1993 Cannes jury head Louis Malle
6960-598: The film's critical tone toward past U.S. foreign policy. After being told the film would go straight to video , Noyce planned to screen the film at the Toronto International Film Festival in order to mobilize critics to pressure Miramax to release it theatrically. Weinstein decided to screen the film at the festival only after he was lobbied by star Michael Caine , who threatened to boycott publicity for another film he had made for Miramax. The Quiet American received mostly positive reviews at
7076-414: The final say on what Miramax Films could release (for example, Disney had banned Miramax Films from releasing Kids , Dogma and Fahrenheit 9/11 ). Disney's Buena Vista Home Entertainment division released Miramax output on VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc under the name Miramax Home Entertainment in some countries, including the United States; elsewhere, the overall distribution of Miramax Films' output
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#17327907998997192-450: The first names of their parents, Miriam and Max. It was created to distribute independent films deemed commercially unfeasible by the major studios . The company's first major success came when the Weinsteins teamed up with British producer Martin Lewis and acquired the U.S. rights to two concert films Lewis had produced of benefit shows for human rights organization Amnesty International . The Weinsteins worked with Lewis to distill
7308-512: The former 21st Century Fox. In addition, after acquiring the company from former owner George Lucas in 2012, Disney start releasing titles from Lucasfilm , beginning in late-2014 with the first series of Star Wars: Rebels . However, the rights to films such as A New Hope were retained by Fox until 2019 rather than the originally planned deadline of May 2020. The first four Indiana Jones movies are currently distributed by Paramount Pictures due to grandfathered contract but Disney released
7424-494: The home video premiere of Pinocchio which became the bestselling video of that year. Later, the Making Your Dreams Come True promotion started on November 6, 1985 with repackaged live action titles. In addition, Dumbo was released on the same day. The name Buena Vista Home Video originated as a label of WDTNT in 1983, originally used to distribute tapes of Hopalong Cassidy . Soon, BVHV became
7540-543: The incident: "Actually, my producer did that. Although I did go to New York to meet this man, this Harvey Weinstein, and I was bombarded with this aggressive attack, all these demands for cuts. I defeated him." Weinstein and his brother Bob have also been criticized for altering the vision of foreign filmmakers hired to create movies for Miramax, such as on the 1997 projects Mimic (directed by Guillermo del Toro ) and Nightwatch (directed by Dane Ole Bornedal ). Weinstein has always insisted that such changes were done in
7656-477: The interest of creating the most financially viable film . "I'm not cutting for fun," he said in an interview. "I'm cutting for the shit to work. All my life I served one master: the film. I love movies." Another example cited by Biskind was Phillip Noyce 's The Quiet American (2002), the release of which Weinstein delayed following the September 11 attacks owing to audience reaction in test screenings to
7772-466: The label utilized for a variety of miscellaneous content; such content included animation not created by Disney (such as Rocky and Bullwinkle and Alvin and the Chipmunks ), concerts and other adult music titles, and various special-interest programs, including The Very Best of The Ed Sullivan Show . Buena Vista Home Video was legally incorporated on February 13, 1987. The " Buena Vista " name
7888-426: The late 1970s, using profits from their concert promotion business, Weinstein and his brother founded the independent film distribution company Miramax Films , named after their parents Miriam and Max. The company's initial releases were primarily music-oriented concert films such as Paul McCartney 's Rockshow . In the early 1980s, Miramax Films acquired the rights to two British films of benefit shows filmed for
8004-412: The late 1980s, Disney began seeking other outlets to distribute its video, and signed deals with mass-merchant retailers such as Target , Caldor , and Wal-Mart . Around this time, the studio began partnering with major retailers for advertising campaigns. The first Disney animated feature to be released on videocassette was Dumbo on June 28, 1981, for rental only. The Many Adventures of Winnie
8120-477: The launch of Disney+ in 2019 and its international expansion in the following years, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has begun to discontinue physical distribution entirely in certain regions such as Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, India, the Middle East, Portugal, Asia (except Japan), Hungary, Russia, Greece, and Romania, or to let other companies distribute in certain international markets like
8236-535: The leaders of the independent film boom of the 1990s. Miramax Films produced or distributed seven films with box office grosses totaling more than $ 100 million; its most successful title, Chicago , earned more than $ 300 million worldwide. The company was also successful in securing Academy Award nominations for its releases, many of which resulted in Oscar wins. On June 30, 1993, The Walt Disney Company purchased Miramax Films for $ 60 million and assumed all of
8352-539: The library. The deal officially closed on April 3, 2020. On June 24, 2020, Miramax and ViacomCBS announced their first co-production, The Turkish Detective , a television series based on the Cetin Ikmen novels by Barbara Nadel . On October 2, 2023, it was announced that CEO Bill Block would be leaving the company that week following the end of his contract with them, starting his own production company, BlockFilm, later that month. In January 2024, Jonathan Glickman
8468-468: The physical media market have significantly fallen due to the rise of digital media and streaming services like Disney's own Disney+ , which has led the company to either let other home video distributors (such as Elevation Sales in the UK) handle distribution for them or exit out of the market (such as Australia) depending on the region. Their releases are currently distributed by Studio Distribution Services ,
8584-649: The production department at Miramax Films for 10 years. In February 2011, filmmaker Michael Moore took legal action against the Weinstein brothers, claiming they owed him $ 2.7 million in profits for his documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), which he said were denied to him by " Hollywood accounting tricks." In February 2012, Moore dropped the lawsuit for an undisclosed settlement. An analysis of Academy Award acceptance speeches from 1966 to 2016 found that Weinstein had been thanked or praised in 34 speeches — as many times as God, and second only to Steven Spielberg (with 43 mentions). On October 8, 2017, Harvey Weinstein
8700-505: The rights to distribute Miramax films in Canada from 2008 up until August 10, 2011, when Maple Pictures was acquired by Alliance Films . At the time, the company was criticized for delaying or withholding release of Asian films to which it acquired the U.S. distribution rights. Previously, in 2003, the company was criticized for trying to bar retailers from legally exporting authentic DVDs of the films. On October 3, 2009, Disney announced that
8816-451: The sale of Miramax for US$ 663 million to Filmyard Holdings , an investment group and joint venture of Colony NorthStar , Tutor-Saliba Corporation , and Qatar Investment Authority . The sale included 700 film titles, books, development projects, and the "Miramax" name. Mike Lang , the former News Corporation business development executive who was selected as the CEO of Miramax, indicated that
8932-456: The sexual misconduct allegations against him. Clinton publicist Nick Merrill emailed Farrow and unsuccessfully attempted to convince him to not publish the story. According to Rose McGowan, Jennifer Siebel Newsom , California Governor Gavin Newsom 's wife, aided Weinstein lawyer David Boies in attempting to bribe McGowan and keep her silent about her allegations against Weinstein. In 2019,
9048-402: The shit out of you?" In a 2004 New York magazine article, Weinstein appeared somewhat repentant for his often aggressive discussions with directors and producers. However, a Newsweek story on October 13, 2008, criticized Weinstein, who was accused of "hassling Sydney Pollack on his deathbed" about the release of the film The Reader . After Weinstein offered $ 1 million to charity if
9164-589: The spirit of the honorary degree", while French President Emmanuel Macron revoked his Legion of Honour, both in late 2017. On September 18, 2020, Weinstein was stripped of his honorary CBE, following his conviction for rape and sexual assault earlier that year. The table below lists additional awards nominated to or won by Weinstein. Those not shared with others have also since been rescinded. Wins are highlighted in pink. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. ( doing business as Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment )
9280-502: The staff of Miramax Films was to be reduced by 70%, and the number of releases would be reduced by half to just three films per year. The label's marketing, distribution, and administrative functions, which had operated independently, would be folded into the parent studio in Burbank. The move became effective in January 2010. On October 30, 2009, Disney announced the resignation of Daniel Battsek as President of Miramax Films, effective when
9396-649: The start date of the retrial would depend on pretrial discoveries. Weinstein's lawyers have called for the retrial to begin as soon as possible. Additional charges in New York On September 12, 2024, a New York grand jury indicted Weinstein on new charges, as announced by prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney's office. The specific charges remain unknown, as the indictment is sealed and will be revealed during Weinstein's arraignment. On September 18, 2024, Weinstein
9512-478: The state's statute of limitations, though no indictment was immediately sent to the grand jury. On April 25, 2024, the New York Court of Appeals overturned the New York rape convictions and said that the trial judge had made "egregious errors" with the attorney stating Weinstein had been "tried on his character, not the evidence." The Court of Appeals ordered a retrial. After the New York appeal ruling,
9628-403: The studio via TWC in September. On March 2, 2016, Miramax was sold to beIN Media Group , a spinoff of Al Jazeera Media Network (which formerly owned its namesake beIN Sports ). On a July 21, 2016, interview, Harvey Weinstein stated that he was still interested in combining TWC's film library with Miramax's, after the acquisition of the latter by beIN. After Miramax's founder Harvey Weinstein
9744-498: The success of The Crying Game , Disney offered the Weinsteins $ 80 million for ownership of Miramax Films. The brothers agreed to the deal which in turn cemented their Hollywood clout and also ensured that they would remain at the head of their company. The following year, Miramax Films released its first blockbuster, Quentin Tarantino 's Pulp Fiction , and distributed the popular independent film Clerks . Miramax Films won its first Academy Award for Best Picture in 1997 with
9860-413: The successful appeal, Weinstein remains set to face a retrial for the overturned New York convictions in the fall of 2024. During a court hearing on July 19, 2024, Judge Curtis Farber ruled that Weinstein would be retried and tentatively set for the retrial to start on November 12, 2024. Despite this, Farber also ruled that previous plans to have the retrial start in September 2024 were still an option, and
9976-957: The swift ouster of many men in positions of power both in the United States and, as it spread, around the world. Ronan Farrow reported in The New Yorker in November 2017 that Weinstein had hired British-Israeli private intelligence firm Black Cube in order to stop the publication of the abuse allegations against him. Using false identities, private investigators from Black Cube reportedly tracked and met journalists and actresses, in particular Rose McGowan , who accused Weinstein of rape. Weinstein reportedly had Black Cube, Kroll and other agencies "target, or collect information on, dozens of individuals, and compile psychological profiles that sometimes focused on their personal or sexual histories." Weinstein reportedly sought help from Farrow's father Woody Allen to help stop Farrow from reporting on
10092-482: The techniques he applied in his business dealings. Peter Biskind 's book Down and Dirty Pictures: Miramax, Sundance and the Rise of Independent Film denounced Miramax's release history and editing of arthouse films. For example, the book states that 54 had been originally made as an arthouse film but, after Ryan Phillippe 's sudden rise to stardom, Weinstein forced director Mark Christopher to re-edit and re-shoot
10208-602: The transition from the studio in New York to Burbank was completed. The company merged its operations with The Walt Disney Studios on January 28, 2010, shutting down Miramax Films' separate New York and Los Angeles offices. Though Disney Studio Chairman Dick Cook was a staunch supporter of Miramax Films, the brand was less of a priority for CEO Bob Iger , whose strategy was to focus on Disney's branded mass entertainment that could be exploited across Disney's theme parks, television, and consumer products. Following Disney's $ 4 billion acquisition of Marvel Entertainment in 2009, Cook
10324-467: The two films into one film for the American marketplace. The resulting film, the American version of The Secret Policeman's Other Ball , was a successful release for Miramax in the summer of 1982. This release presaged a modus operandi that the company would undertake later in the 1980s of acquiring films from international filmmakers and reworking them to suit American sensibilities and audiences. In its early years, Miramax Films had to focus primarily as
10440-636: The victory of The English Patient . Pulp Fiction was nominated in 1995 but lost to Forrest Gump . This started a string of critical successes that included Good Will Hunting (1997) and Shakespeare in Love (1998), with both films receiving several awards, including numerous Academy Awards. On September 30, 2005, the Weinstein brothers left Miramax Films to form their own production company, The Weinstein Company (TWC), with several other media executives, directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez , and Colin Vaines , who had successfully run
10556-466: The world until the early-to-mid 2020s, when it struck a deal with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to handle distribution for them. Disney is notable for implementing a longtime moratorium practice on its film library, known in the industry as the " Disney Vault ". Disney has stated that this practice of moratorium is done to both control their market and to allow the studio's films to be reissued for subsequent generations of viewers. This practice
10672-513: The world. It was formed in 1987 as Buena Vista Home Video. It was renamed to its current legal name in 1997, although it is currently known in the UK as Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (UK & Ireland) since 2013. The division adopted the current Walt Disney Studios -branding in its public name in 2007, but kept the Buena Vista -branding for corporate use. In recent years, sales in
10788-625: Was Cars on February 19, 2007. Disney Blu-ray is the brand name under which Buena Vista Home Entertainment releases its Disney -branded motion pictures in high-definition . In late 2006, Disney began releasing titles, like the Pirates of the Caribbean films, the National Treasure films, and the first two Narnia films on Blu-ray . In late 2010, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment began releasing their 3D movies in
10904-500: Was extradited to Los Angeles to face further charges at a subsequent trial, where he was found guilty of three of seven charges on December 19, 2022. Weinstein was sentenced to 16 years in the Los Angeles trial, with his California prison term required to be served separately from his New York sentence. In April 2023, he was extradited from California to New York, returning to Mohawk Correctional Facility . On April 25, 2024,
11020-566: Was accused of sexual assault in October 2017, Miramax became one of 60 parties bidding on The Weinstein Company on January 16, 2018. On April 27, Miramax and Lantern Capital emerged as the strongest contenders to acquire TWC's assets. Ultimately, it was Lantern that acquired TWC's library. On June 7, 2019, beIN began the process of selling approximately 50% of Miramax in an effort to offer it for growth. Lionsgate (which distributed Miramax's titles on home video), Spyglass Media Group (owners of
11136-472: Was active on issues such as gun control , poverty , AIDS , juvenile diabetes , and multiple sclerosis research. Until October 2017, he served on the board of the Robin Hood Foundation , a New York City -based non-profit that targets poverty, and co-chaired one of its annual benefits. Weinstein was critical of the lack of universal healthcare in the United States. Weinstein has been
11252-476: Was adopted from Buena Vista Pictures Distribution , who also acted as copyright holder for video tapes released directly under the BVHE banner. In November 1992, Buena Vista Home Video entered into a worldwide joint venture with Jim Henson Productions to form Jim Henson Video , which distributed Henson-owned material, including various Muppet productions; the company had previously distributed Muppet content in
11368-668: Was announced Lionsgate had dropped their bid, making Viacom the only bidder for the stake in Miramax. On November 8, 2019, Viacom exited the negotiations to acquire them. After merging with CBS Corporation to become ViacomCBS, the combined firm resumed talks with Miramax. On December 20, 2019, ViacomCBS (now known as Paramount Global ) announced it would acquire a 49% stake in Miramax for at least $ 375 million, with Paramount Pictures gaining exclusive worldwide distribution rights to its film and television library. Paramount Pictures and Miramax will also co-produce new content based on titles from
11484-435: Was arraigned in New York for this new indictment, entering a plea of not guilty to one count of criminal sexual act in the first degree. The prosecution filed a motion to consolidate the new charges into Weinstein's retrial rather than have two separate New York trials. The presiding judge is expected to rule on the prosecution's motion on October 2. Weinstein was married twice. In 1987, he married his assistant Eve Chilton;
11600-484: Was credited by Amnesty with having helped to raise its profile in the United States. The Weinsteins slowly built upon this success throughout the 1980s with arthouse films which achieved critical attention and modest commercial success. Weinstein and Miramax Films gained wider attention in 1988 with the release of Errol Morris ' documentary The Thin Blue Line , which detailed the struggle of Randall Dale Adams ,
11716-500: Was extended to the 20th Century Fox library, after its acquisition by Disney in early 2019. Disney DVD is the brand name under which Buena Vista Home Entertainment releases its Disney-branded motion pictures. Disney began working on title releases for DVDs in 1997, although they were not released in this format in the UK until early 1998. Disney's first US DVD release was George of the Jungle in 1997. Disney's final VHS release
11832-464: Was fired from TWC after a list of sexual abuse charges was released to the press. After months of unsuccessful attempts to sell the company or its library, TWC filed for bankruptcy, with Lantern Entertainment subsequently purchasing all assets in 2018. The company was shut down on July 16, 2018, and its website sometime thereafter. While lauded for opening up the independent film market and making it financially viable, Weinstein has been criticized for
11948-606: Was flown to Los Angeles and taken to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility . The trial in Los Angeles commenced in October 2022. Weinstein was charged with 11 counts of rape, forcible oral copulation and sexual battery, stemming from alleged acts between 2004 and 2013. He was found guilty of three of seven charges (four of the initial 11 charges were dropped) on December 19, 2022. Convictions included charges of rape, forced oral copulation and third-degree sexual misconduct. On February 23, 2023, Weinstein
12064-501: Was furious. "The film we admired so much in Cannes is not the film seen in this country, which is twenty minutes shorter — but it seems longer, because it doesn't make any sense," complained Malle. When Weinstein was charged with handling the U.S. release of Princess Mononoke , director Hayao Miyazaki was reported to have sent him a samurai sword in the mail. Attached to the blade was a stark message: "No cuts." Miyazaki commented on
12180-423: Was not considered to be a major market by Disney at the time. WDTNT Co. also handled marketing of other miscellaneous ancillary items such as short 8 mm films for home movies. Disney's first releases on videotape were 13 titles that were licensed for rental to Fotomat on March 4, 1980, initially in a four-city test (Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose), to be expanded nationwide by
12296-465: Was passed to the regional licensees of Miramax International, a distribution arm of Miramax Films that was fully autonomous from Disney's own distribution operations. With a more stable budget, Miramax Films began moving beyond acquisitions and distribution and into film production. Until September 30, 2005, the company also operated the label Dimension Films , which was solely founded by Bob to specialize in teen, horror, and other genre films, and created
12412-482: Was posted on his behalf. He surrendered his passport and was required to wear an ankle monitor, with travel being restricted to New York and Connecticut. His lawyer, Benjamin Brafman , said Weinstein would plead not guilty. A trial date was set for January 6, 2020. On that date, Weinstein was also charged in Los Angeles with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in 2013. After deliberating for five days,
12528-543: Was released for sale on tape in summer 1982, while Alice in Wonderland was released for sale in November 1982. The next major animated feature to be released (excluding the "package" anthology features) was Robin Hood on December 3, 1984, starting the Walt Disney Classics collection. By 1982, all the video releases were for sale and rental, along with newer releases, but at high prices. July 16, 1985 saw
12644-434: Was reported to be in talks to join Miramax as CEO, with his company Panoramic Media expected to be acquired by Miramax if talks were successful. On April 2, 2024, Glickman was officially named Miramax's new CEO effective immediately. As part of the deal, Miramax also acquired certain film and TV projects from Glickman's company Panoramic Media. Miramax Family & Miramax Animation (also known as Miramax Family Films ) were
12760-511: Was ruled that Weinstein would be retried for the New York sex abuse charges, with a retrial start date tentatively set for November 12, 2024. On October 23, 2024, trial was further postponed; the judge set a pretrial hearing for January 29, 2025. Weinstein was born on March 19, 1952, in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens , New York City, to diamond cutter Max Weinstein (1924–1976) and his wife, Miriam ( née Postel; 1926–2016). His family
12876-512: Was said to be in critical condition for a time afterward. In October 2024, it was reported that he had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia . Weinstein has won numerous awards. On September 26, 2000, he was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) by the University at Buffalo . On April 19, 2004, Weinstein was appointed an honorary commander of the Order of
12992-645: Was sentenced to 16 years in prison for these convictions. His sentence in California prisons must be served separately from (i.e., consecutively to rather than concurrently to) his time served in New York. Weinstein is appealing the Los Angeles conviction. On April 11, 2023, Weinstein was extradited from California and back to upstate New York's the Mohawk Correctional Facility. After the New York convictions were overturned in April 2024, and plans were made to retry him in New York City, Weinstein
13108-790: Was sentenced to 23 years in prison. Weinstein was then transferred to Wende Correctional Facility in Erie County, New York . Through his attorneys, Weinstein stated that he would appeal the verdict. Weinstein was stripped of his honorary CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) on September 18, 2020. By June 2021, Weinstein had been transferred to the Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome, New York . On June 2, 2022,
13224-402: Was succeeded by Rich Ross . As a result, Miramax Films was relegated to the status of distribution label within the Walt Disney Company. The company confirmed that it was looking into selling the Miramax label on February 9, 2010, with Bob Iger explaining "We determined that continuing to invest in new Miramax movies wasn't necessarily a core strategy of ours". On December 3, 2010, Disney closed
13340-528: Was transferred back to Riker's Island prison. On June 8, 2022, Weinstein was formally charged by the Metropolitan Police with two counts of indecent assault against a woman in London between July 31 and August 31, 1996. On July 9, 2024, New York prosecutors announced an investigation was underway for additional claims against Weinstein for sexual assault, including for claims that fall within
13456-831: Was transferred out of the Disney Television and Telecommunications group to The Walt Disney Studios . In August 1996, Disney and Tokuma Shoten Publishing entered a deal wherein Buena Vista Home Video would acquire the worldwide home media distribution rights to the Studio Ghibli animated films. Disney would go on to produce the English dubs and distribute 15 of Ghibli's films, through the Walt Disney Pictures , Buena Vista Home Video, Miramax and Touchstone Pictures banners. In July 1998, Walt Disney Home Entertainment entered into
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