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Eight Charged in Episode III Early Release

ewhac writes "Earlier this year, an advance copy of 'Star Wars: Episode III' was released to the Internet a day before the film's official worldwide opening. Yesterday, the US Attorney handed down charges to the eight people believed responsible. Using forensic markers embedded in the advance-release "screeners," law enforcement were able to track down the leaked copy and the people who came in contact with it. As a result of the early release, Episode III only managed to earn $380 million at the box office."

15 of 573 comments (clear)

  1. Wow by KSobby · · Score: 5, Funny

    Didn't they suffer enough watching the movie?

    --
    "It's difficult to meditate on amphetamines." - Joe Walsh
  2. Oh poor Hollywood. by baronvonwalz · · Score: 5, Funny

    It ONLY managed to make $380 million dollars....still putting it in the top 10 movies of all time. Now because of those "evil pirates" George Lucas might not be able to build another gigantic animation studio.

  3. In other news... by kannibal_klown · · Score: 5, Funny

    This just in. Hollywood legend George Lucas will NOT, I repeat NOT, be able to afford his new gold-plated shark tank this year.

    1. Re:In other news... by Caraig · · Score: 4, Funny

      He'll have to do with the current batch of sharks with frickin'... aw, you know.

      --
      "I am an Adept of Tantric VAX."
    2. Re:In other news... by poot_rootbeer · · Score: 4, Funny

      George Lucas will NOT, I repeat NOT, be able to afford his new gold-plated shark tank this year.

      But then where will his gold-plated sharks live???

  4. Torrent, anyone? by Progman3K · · Score: 4, Funny

    I keed, I keed!

    --
    I don't know the meaning of the word 'don't' - J
  5. Re:None of you get it by brian0918 · · Score: 4, Funny

    "Get it now?" I think so... but $380M is a lot of money! Why are they complaining about it???

  6. Re:Who pays for this? by Rei · · Score: 4, Funny

    Dear Mr. bigtallmofo (#695287)

    I represent the firm of L. I. Tigious and Associates. This firm is counsel to Danjaq, L.L.C and United Artists Corporation, the co-owners to the exclusive rights to the use of the copyrighted James Bond movies, as well as the widely recognized federally registered trademark and service mark James Bond.

    Danjaq L.L.C. and United Artists Corporation vigorously object to the content you have posted on this web forum. This content constitute direct copyright infringement of the upcoming film "James Bond: Copyprotected", and make you subject to injunction and liable to Danjaq L.L.C. and United Artists Corporation for its damages, costs and attorneys' fees. Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. 501(a), anyone who violates any of the exclusive rights of the copyright owner as provided by sections 106 through 118, or of the author as provided in 106(a), is an infringer of the copyright or right of the author." Danjaq L.L.C. and United Artists Corporation hereby demand that you immediately cease and desist from reproducing, distributing, performing by means of digital audio transmission, displaying, discussing, or in any other way infringing upon their copyrights.

              Danjaq L.L.C. and United Artists Corporation are prepared to pursue all available remedies to protect its intellectual property rights. However, Danjaq L.L.C. and United Artists Corporation will refrain from taking immediate legal action upon condition that you provide written assurances by October 2, 2005, that you have ceased and desisted from reproducing, distributing, performing by means of digital audio transmission, or discussing the copyrighted movie "James Bond: Copyprotected". Your written assurances must also state that you have removed all forum content relating to the unlawful use of the James Bond trademarks or copyrights.

              We await an immediate response from you or your counsel.

                              Sincerely,

                              L. I. Tigious and Associates

    --
    ... in Siberia, where Putin killed a fish with a speargun. He later claimed it was killed by Ukrainian separatists.
  7. Re:Not exactly.... by dusik · · Score: 5, Funny

    >> "there very well could have been over 300 million spent in production/marketing/advertising/other overhead"

    Actually, the breakdown is:

    $379 999 999.00: production/marketing/advertising/other overhead
    $1.00: script

  8. Re:None of you get it by MexicanMenace · · Score: 5, Funny

    This must be the first time sarcasm was misinterpreted online ever.

  9. Misread by Hikaru79 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Aw, darn. When I first read the headline I thought that maybe George and the crew were finally being dealt with. Wishful thinking :(

  10. Re:Not exactly.... by kcarlin · · Score: 5, Funny

    Actually, the breakdown is:

    $379 999 999.00: production/marketing/advertising/other overhead
    $1.00: script


    They paid for that script?!?

    --
    Free Adam Smith! (Or best offer.)
  11. Re:Episode VIII by Kelson · · Score: 4, Funny

    It's 2019. After George Lucas' death two years ago, the new owners of Lusacsfilm showed less restraint in exploiting the franchise. Next week, the Star Wars channel launches. There's already enough material for 24-hour-a-day marathons for the first month, after which they plan to launch the fall season of Star Wars, including Star Wars: Miami, Star Wars Nights, Star Wars: Las Vegas, and Everybody Hates Darth.

    In other news, Microsoft's Linux distro has taken over about 60% of the desktop market, and the Sony Apple is taking living room entertainment centers by storm. This year's hot music item is the iPod Nanite (it's implanted in your ear). The fifth round of browser wars have heated up, though, with Operavigator trying to break SafariFox's stranglehold over the web.

    The big rumor, of course, is that BSD is dying.

  12. Re:Is this symbolic? by sholden · · Score: 3, Funny

    If all movies were being killed by piracy, all movies would have below average ticket sales.

    That would be a little difficult, with the definition of average and all...

  13. Re:Not exactly.... by malignant_minded · · Score: 3, Funny

    $379 999 999.00: production/marketing/advertising/other overhead

    $1.00: script

    Watching the movie on my PC before all the movie goers...priceless.