EdSullivan.com Cease & Desist Order from Apple

As reported at Steve Marinucci's Abbeyrd.com site. Not very good news for all of us who ordered. Hopefully a few will slip out.

http://abbeyrd.best.vwh.net/fabnews.htm

Update (1/18/03)
From Steve Shorten of the 910:

Steve:

Just got word: Andrew Solt Productions has gotten the "cease-and-desist" order on releasing the uncut Sullivan shows.

Not only did Apple demand the cease, but every performer and agency involved in the original broadcasts has apparently come out of the closet demanding a piece of the pie -- I've heard specifically Davy Jones and the pharmaceutical company that manufactures "Anacin" (they were an original sponsor and their commercial appears in the uncut telecasts).

There is a *marginal* chance that some of the discs actually shipped, but most likely most of the orders will never be fulfilled and the credit cards charges will be refunded.

In addition, I'm advised that the initial run of discs did have a minor manufacturing problem involving the DVD menus.

More news: I just got off the phone with the folks who actually ship the product. According to them, my package actually shipped out this morning and I should receive it via UPS Ground on 1/28. The fulfillment house has yet to hear of the cease-and-desist from Solt Productions, so the good news is they're still shipping product as if nothing has happened.

Those who wish to contact the fulfillment house should call 1-615-449-8877 or e-mail [email protected].

Oh, and don't say I didn't warn you this was going to happen

One further note, the fulfillment folks are *not* actually giving out UPS tracking numbers. However, what I was told was my customer ID number and to call back if the package hadn't arrived by 1/28 -- the eighth business day counting the ship date as day one. Now, since I was also told that the package went out this morning via UPS Ground, and UPS says that the transit time for UPS Ground between Nashville and my location (New Jersey) is two days, then I *should* see this thing on Monday. I hope.

Oh, and just FYI, I received this info via someone who wishes to remain anonymous who heard the info directly from an insider at Sofa Entertainment... And apparently, even if Apple had left well enough alone, the complaints from Anacin and Davy Jones would have been enough to cause major (you'll pardon the joke) headaches.

All things considered, I think this is going to turn out to be the 21st Century version of the John Lennon "Roots" album.

 

This is a shame.

 

As long as a few slip out, I am sure it will be bootlegged as the originals will be going for astronomical amounts on eBay.

 

Knowing the way Apple is, this is not surprising at all.

Damn!

 

Now, what claim does Apple have over The Ed Sullivan Show?

When you appeared on ES, you signed a waiver that stipulated that the shows became the Property of Sullivans production company.

I wonder if Apple only THINKs they own those. Those arent EMI recordings.

 

Both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones own the rights to their complete performances on the Ed Sullivan show. Both organizations purchased these rights in the early 90's.

What is known is that Andrew Solt Productions does retain the rights to use edited clips on video/dvd and television specials. What is unknown, but I am sure we will find out very soon, is whether Solt has the rights to use (or market) the complete performances. My guess is that they do not have this right and thus we have the cease and desist order.

To be honest, I really did not think it would come to this owing to the good relationship Solt has with Apple and especially Yoko. However, with Apple's past track record, nothing is ever out of the question when it comes to lawsuits.

 

I also just got a mail from them saying 'there had been a problem with the DVDs but that was sorted and they would be shipping from Monday'... guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

I ordered the dvd on 1-3-03. They emailed a confirmation of my order and that was it. I haven't heard diddly since then. I hope mine can sneak through. I don't understand how these people can release a dvd of this magnitude without taking care of the legal issues first. What crap!!!!!!

 

I ordered mine on Jan 1st. And I was charged on 1/15. So... my fingers are crossed. I just checked the Ed Sullivan website and there's no changes.

 

I just ordered one of each and received email confirmations.

It's All Too Much......

GM

 

One of each?

 

1 dvd
1 vhs

Might be a collector's item someday......like next week!!!!!

GM

 

Duh! Thanks...

 

I just checked with my credit card company and the charges were posted last week. That means I should see my DVD pretty soon, don't ya think?
FYI, I ordered mine on Jan 2nd.

What do you think these will go for on Ebay if they indeed get shut down?

 

I believe this is a rumor and the DVD's will be readily available, all over eventually. Panic for nothing. I'm thinkin positive on this. All the dealers most likely bought tons in spec.

 

I ordered mine on Jan. 8th....I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

I was told mine had already shipped by UPS. I hope so.

 

I ordered my DVDs on the web site December 28th, and other than a confirmation e-mail that day but haven't heard anyting else. If I get them I'm keeping them sealed until the legalities get sorted out.

If Apple is successfull in getting them stopped I'll see if I can get a few hundred dollars for them.

 

I just picked up two copies tonight at Best Buy....one to keep and one to "share" <g>

dave

 

Dave,
Are you talking brick and mortar Best Buy? I can picture forum members all across the country waiting at the doors for the stores to open tomorrow morning.

 

Hmmmmmmm...it's not listed on their site Best Buy

GM

 

Yep, this was my local "brick and mortar" Best Buy. I bought the only two they had on the shelf.

dave