Sorry to hear that. However, here in Japan, Sony (owner of the Colombia library) has released many of it's classic films to free usage (Public Domain by any other name) here in Japan. I guess that isn't the case for the States. Distribution rights vary from country to country. Like I said, sorry to hear that. Here, you can buy all region DVDs from every video/dvd rental shop, dept. store, etc of many films pre dating 1958 or so. The region free 5 dollar dvds are even presented by the leading Japanese TV movie critic here. It's true, they may not be allowed to sell these DVDs overseas (outside of Japan), but they distributed as region free and no rights reserved here in japan.


Also, remember, that Sony, which bought Colombia, like all other distribution arms does not pay royalties to the Korda family, the Rozsa estate, or anyone else connected to Sahara in any way. The distribution company is exactly that.


If you like to do battle, fight for the creator, not the conglomerate, which more times than not, in cases of old films in particular, conveniently neglects anyone connected with the production. And even in the rare cases where they did pay out royalties at one time, the contracts they are bound by did not include modern transport mechanisms such as video, DVDs, and beyond.


If you don't believe me, ask another director/actor/composer, etc.. Be that as it may, fair or unfair, the rights to the films seen in this list are no rights reserved, at least in Japan. All I can say is, distribution rights vary from country to country. Your mileage may vary.