UPDATE: Owen DVD done without permission?

[Tired]

In complete contrast to yesterday's report, the new Owen Hart project does NOT have his family's backing.

The story originally broken by WrestlingDVDNews.com claimed that the WWE had been working on a 3-disc set based on the life and career of Owen Hart. They claimed that several people, including older brother Bret Hart, had already been interviewed for the DVD's documentary. The project would have needed an agreement from Martha Hart, which the report said they had. However, it has now been made clear that Owen's family were completely unaware of the project until WrestlingDVDNews.com broke the story. They have since apologised and retracted their claims.

Due to the contract that Owen had in WWE, the WWE could only use footage of him in the context of their original filming (i.e. as part of a PPV or TV show that Owen appeared on), or on the WWE Network. However, the WWE is not allowed to use Owen's image in any other way, especially not to make new material. Owen's widow Martha has already sued the WWE multiple times for including Owen in various compilation DVDs.

<blockquote class='quote\\_blockquote'><dl><dt>Statement from Martha Hart</dt><dd> </dd></dl><div>
“My children and I were unaware of this project until May 7, when it was brought to our attention by a friend who had read about it online. Contrary to your report, we do not back or support it in any way, nor has WWE requested our backing or support. From what little we know of the project, it seems to be another attempt to exploit Owen’s memory, and his tragic death, for commercial gain. We have resisted that kind of initiative for almost 16 years. If WWE really wanted to honor Owen’s legacy, it would just let him rest in peace.”
[/quote]

WWE has not commented on any aspect of this story.

 

[Deleted User]

The idea that Martha owns Owen's image is just not true. Owen hart has been featured in numerous DVDs and network videos.

The don't need her consent, they're just kinda nice about it.

Honestly though, Owen is going into the HOF if this DVD comes out, and the fans want that. His brothers want that. One person objecting shouldn't stop it.

She waasn't the only person who was close and loved Owen, and seeing Bret induct his brother is more fitting for me, anyway.

 

[Tired]

Actually, Martha DOES own the right to Owen's image.

However, Owen's WWE contract allows them to re-release any show he performed on on VHS, DVD or any other home video format as much as they want. The contract just doesn't allow them to re-use that footage to make new shows or releases. The contract also allows them to use that footage in broadcasts. As the WWE Network counts as a channel, it is legally considered to be within the terms of his contract. The WWE did discuss this with her before they put his footage on the Network.

They need her consent to do anything new with her husband's image. She sued every time they put Owen in any other DVD realise (that wasn't a straight PPV).

Eddie Guerrero has a similar arrangement, but Vickie tends to be cool with everything.

 

[Deleted User]

Nah dude, that was settled in 2013: http://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/20...ttles-with-martha-hart-over-royalties-lawsuit

WWE can do whatever the heck they want with Owen's image, now. Martha can be pissed all she wants, but I'm still getting my 3 disk set and HOF induction.

 

[Tired]

Wasn't that just in relation to stuff that had already been released without her consent? It says nothing about future uses of his image, other than she gave up on getting a legal injunction.

 

[Deleted User]

The lawsuit was from everything they had made from 199 to the present and future productions. This is why so much speculation has been buzzing lately about a possible HOF induction.

 

[Tired]

everything they had made from 199 to the present and future productions.

That's a long time.

 

[Deleted User]

*1999

Twat-waffle

 

[savage101]

Martha Hart comes off as a bitter twat IMO. She keeps saying WWE is only releasing the DVD for commercial gain. That couldn't be further from the truth as there doing it for Owens fans. The little bit of money that they would make off this DVD isn't really even a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things for them.

 

[Deleted User]

Oh, the money is an important part, however, Martha seems to think that no one should ever see Owen again.

Fuck her. Posterity rules.

 

[Tyler Black]

Possibly the most selfish woman alive. Yes what happened to Owen was a tragic, tragic accident. However it's been nearly 20 years. She can't keep Owens memory all to herself.

 

[super_joker]

2 points of view, both are valid.

If your dad was killed by the lack of safety at his work place, you would be pissed for ever....

But the need of the many will always weigh in heavier....

All of this so they can put Steen on the DVD... IMO

@Keson - down under we don't get the hardbook 3 disc dvd's anymore, all come in normal dvd case.

#RealProblems
:hank

 

[TheChef420]

As an Owen fan, I'm glad they made a documentary about him, for selfish fan reasons. And it pleases me as a fan that Owen is getting such recognition in this day & age, as it is well deserved.
While it bothers me that Martha tries to stop WWE from profiting off of his work, I certainly can see where she is coming from. But if WWE can legally get away with doing this, I don't see why she feels the need to speak out which at that stage, as it only serves to put guilt on the fans for going along with it.
However, I don't believe Martha should be verbally abused because we don't agree with her. It's disrespectfull to Owen's memory.